In the shadows of the arena's basement corridor, Leon moved with agile stealth. His eyes never left the healing team carrying the Archer's body. They entered a room marked with a symbol of a misty flame.
"Hurry! We must process this corpse before its energy completely fades," shouted one of the healers.
They placed the Archer's body on a stone altar, preparing for a cremation ritual. But before the fire could be lit—
WHOOSH!
Leon shot out from the darkness, his hands striking the pressure points on each healer's neck. In an instant, they lay on the ground unconscious.
He stood before the Archer's pale body. His hand rose, a thick, dark aura enveloping the room.
"Arise, become my soldier. Your death is merely a door to a new form of servitude."
The Archer's vacant eyes suddenly glowed red. His body shuddered, then slowly rose. His wounds closed, replaced by glowing crack-like patterns across his body. He knelt before Leon.
"I hear your call, my Lord."
〈System: Resurrection successful! Please assign a name.〉
Leon smiled. "Sylvaris. Your name is now Sylvaris, the arrow of death who serves me."
"Thank you, Master. Sylvaris is ready to serve."
"You may return. I will summon you when needed."
Sylvaris bowed, then his body vanished into a spatial rift.
Leon quickly left the room and headed for the main infirmary. There, his wounds were treated swiftly. Once finished, he hurried to the arena's exit.
"Wait! Combatants are forbidden from leaving until tomorrow. Direct order from the arena owner, Lord Marcus Thorne!" an armed guard blocked his way.
"I just want to rest and eat at my inn," Leon argued impatiently.
"Sorry, it's the rule."
Suddenly, a deep voice echoed. "Is there a problem?"
Marcus Thorne appeared, his face stern behind his luxurious robe.
"Lord Thorne! This combatant wishes to break the rules," reported the guard.
Marcus looked at Leon. "Why are you so insistent on leaving, Zero?"
"I'm tired and hungry. That's all," Leon answered curtly.
"This isn't just my rule. But Lord Zenless who has requested all combatants remain in the arena until tomorrow's announcement. He has something important to say."
Leon sighed. "Fine. I understand."
"Smart. Now return to your room."
Leon turned around, and from within the shadows, he summoned one of his demon soldiers—a black silhouette with red eyes.
"Go to the Blue Flame Tavern. Inform Kazan that tonight's meeting is canceled."
The soldier nodded and disappeared into a spatial rift.
On his way to his room, Leon passed Misterious X, who looked weak, her body wrapped in bandages.
"Zero... can we talk?" Misterious X's voice was soft yet urgent.
Leon nodded. "Let's go to my room."
Once inside, Leon raised his hand. "Sound Barrier." A layer of energy enveloped the room.
"What did you want to talk about?" asked Leon.
Misterious X took a deep breath. "Are you... Leon Astaroth?"
Leon jolted. "I am Zero. Wasn't Leon Astaroth killed?"
"Don't lie. I recognized your aura and your fighting style. You are Leon."
In an instant, Leon was behind Misterious X, his sword pressed against her neck. "How do you know? Who are you really?"
"Leon... don't you recognize me?" Misterious X removed her head covering.
Short, bluish-black hair tumbled down. Her face—strikingly similar to Sylvaine's, but sharper and filled with heartache.
"Princess Sylphine?!" Leon gasped, his sword dropping.
"Princess... how is this possible... weren't you..." Leon was stunned, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Tears streamed down Sylphine's cheeks, her face a mask of grief and loss. "I survived the ambush on the border to the Lucifer Kingdom by assassins sent by the Leviathan Kingdom," she said, her voice choked. "But my guards sacrificed themselves to save me."
Sylphine took a deep breath, trying to control her emotions. "But when I returned... the kingdom was in ruins. My siblings... and you... were reported dead. And Sylvaine...." Her voice broke, her tears flowing more heavily.
Leon held her tightly, trying to offer comfort and security. "It's alright, you're not alone now. I'm still here, Brother Zephyr, and Brother Raiden are also alive."
Sylphine sobbed with relief, her tears flowing even more freely. She hugged Leon tightly, trying to dispel her sorrow and loss. "Where are they?" she asked in a choked voice, hoping to see her surviving siblings.
"Brother Zephyr is currently at the headquarters of the Veravium organization. As for Brother Raiden, he is training on an island renowned for its extreme lightning," Leon explained.
Sylphine nodded, her eyes still glistening with tears. "Veravium? So what is your purpose here?" she asked curiously.
"I'm here with my comrades to rescue a prospective member of ours who is being held captive in this city," Leon answered seriously.
He looked at Sylphine with a steady gaze. "Join us, Sylphine. We need your help."
Sylphine nodded quickly, a smile returning to her face. "Of course! I want to help. But... where is the prisoner being held?" she asked curiously.
Leon shook his head. "We don't know the location yet. To find out where it is, we must become Zenless's troops."
"Because of that, for now you must continue to disguise yourself as Misterious X for a while longer," Leon said seriously.
Sylphine nodded, putting her head covering back on. "Be careful, Leon. Zenless and Marcus Thorne are no ordinary enemies."
"I know. But we are no longer easy prey either."
Sylphine stepped out, leaving Leon filled with a new resolve. This meeting was no coincidence.
=== CHAPTER 28 END ===