After the battle, Leon returned to the kingdom, stepping through the gates of Belphegor Palace with a body that felt heavy. His body was covered in wounds from the previous battle.
The soldiers on guard at the gate stared at him with a mixture of awe and fear. Some whispered among themselves, then quickly looked away when Leon turned his head.
"You're becoming famous," Satan whispered, a joking tone in his voice.
Leon ignored him. He just wanted to lie down.
But before reaching his room, a figure was already waiting at his door.
Sylvaine.
Her face was pale, her eyes swollen. Seeing Leon, she immediately stood and without a word, hugged him tightly.
Leon was surprised. His hands lifted hesitantly, not knowing where to place them.
"I-I heard... you almost died out there," Sylvaine whispered, her voice trembling.
"The soldiers who went with you... they all perished, leaving you alone to face that giant monster..."
Leon was silent. He didn't know what to say.
"She's worried," Satan commented. "Answer her."
"Sorry... for making you worry, Princess," Leon finally said awkwardly. "But I'm fine."
Sylvaine released her embrace, her eyes still wet. "You... you're really okay?"
Leon nodded, though his body screamed with exhaustion.
"Thank goodness..."
---
The door opened. Sylphine shot in with sparkling eyes.
"LEON! I heard you defeated the wolf pack and the giant wolf all by yourself—"
She stopped upon seeing Sylvaine hurriedly wiping her tears. Sylphine blinked, then smiled widely—but her eyes sparkled mischievously.
"Ooh... am I interrupting something?"
"SYLPHINE!" Sylvaine shrieked, her face turning red.
Leon could only sigh.
---
One hour later, Leon stood in a small meeting room of Belphegor Palace. Before him, Zephyr sat with a serious face. Sylphine and Sylvaine were beside him—Sylphine still with her curious smile, Sylvaine with a worried expression.
Zephyr broke the silence. "Congratulations, Leon, you successfully completed the mission. Although, none of the seventy soldiers survived due to an enemy beyond our expectations." He paused. "But there's one thing I need to ask."
Leon was silent. Waiting.
"What did you summon on the battlefield?"
The question hung in the air. Leon could feel Zephyr's gaze piercing through him, searching for honesty.
"Be careful," Satan whispered. "He's suspicious, but not hostile."
Leon took a breath. "I... don't know exactly, Your Majesty. What I know is, when I was about to die, something inside me awakened. And I could... summon those who had died."
Zephyr stared at him for a long time. "Necromancy."
Sylphine jolted. "What? That's—"
"A terrifying forbidden ability," Zephyr finished. His eyes still on Leon. "Do you know what this means?"
Leon shook his head.
"It means you possess an ability that could destroy a kingdom single-handedly, Leon." Zephyr leaned back. "And that means you'll become a target for many—both those who want to use you, and those who want to destroy you."
Sylvaine gripped her hands tightly. Sylphine, for the first time, looked serious.
"He's right," Satan whispered. "But don't be afraid. I'm here."
Leon lifted his face. "I understand, Your Majesty. But I won't run."
Zephyr smiled faintly. "Good. That's a commendable spirit and resolve."
---
That night after the meeting, Leon couldn't sleep.
He lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. His mind spun—about the battle, about Valker, about Zephyr's words.
"Lord Satan," he called silently.
"What is it, boy?"
"I... want to ask something."
"Ask."
"Who killed you?"
Silence.
Leon waited. One minute. Two minutes. He almost thought Satan wouldn't answer.
Then the voice returned. Softer. Heavier.
"Gods, boy. The gods."
Leon jolted. "Gods?"
"The Peak War, millions of years ago. I led the demons against them. Almost won. But..." Satan paused. "There was a traitor."
Leon wanted to ask more, but Satan cut him off.
"Enough for tonight. You need rest, and I need time."
Leon complied. But before falling asleep, he whispered, "I'll help you resurrect, Lord Satan. I promise."
There was no answer. But Leon felt... something warm in his chest. Like—approval.
=== CHAPTER 4 END ===