That morning, the sun had not fully risen when Leon stood before the Blue Flame Tavern.
The small bottle containing Nix's blood was tucked in his pocket. Lokantaka at his waist. The pendant on his chest.
Behind him, Sylphine stood in the doorway, her hand still on her stomach. Veylin beside her. Kazan had disappeared since dawn.
"You're sure you don't want company?" Sylphine asked.
Leon shook his head. "You're still injured."
"I can—"
"I know." Leon cut her off. "But it's not necessary."
Sylphine fell silent. She gripped the edge of Leon's cloak tightly, then let go.
"Come back," she said.
Leon nodded. Turned. Walked.
---
The road to the Nexus was not crowded.
Leon passed the first gate without hindrance. The soldiers in black uniforms only nodded respectfully.
At the second gate, Garran stood before the door. Kaelen leaned against the wall. Mira sat on a stone bench, concocting potions. Grom, Sera, and Kal were nowhere to be seen.
"Alone?" Garran asked.
Leon nodded.
Garran didn't ask further. He opened the door.
"Be careful," Mira whispered as Leon passed.
Leon didn't answer.
---
Leon stood in the great hall with the four thrones. Black marble walls, clear glass floors, crystal chandeliers on the ceiling.
Zenless sat on his throne, golden fan open, a faint smile on his face.
"You've returned," he said. "And alone."
Celestia rose from her throne, curved dagger in her hand. "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
Raven didn't move. But the arrow on her thigh had shifted slightly.
"You know the rules," she said.
Marcus sat with his hands on his knees, not speaking. But his presence—like a mountain ready to collapse.
---
Zenless snapped his fan shut. "You saw the prisoner yesterday. You didn't touch her. You didn't speak to her. You didn't free her."
Leon nodded.
"Today, the rules are the same."
Leon didn't answer.
Zenless observed him for a moment. "You may enter."
Leon was about to step toward the door to Xuánhú's chamber when Zenless stood.
"Before that," Zenless said, his voice no longer casual. "May we see what you're carrying?"
Leon stopped. His hand unconsciously touched his pocket—where the small bottle of Nix's blood was.
"Nothing special," he said.
Zenless smiled. "Then there's no harm in us seeing."
Leon didn't move. His eyes swept the room. Celestia was already standing. Raven had already taken her bow. Marcus rose from his throne.
"Seems the plan has been discovered," Leon whispered internally.
"But not entirely," Satan replied.
Leon sighed. "Whatever you suspect, do as you please."
Zenless chuckled softly. Not a happy laugh. But a satisfied laugh—like someone who had been waiting and finally got what he was waiting for.
"You know, Zero," he said, "I never believed you came to the Nexus just to see a prisoner."
He raised his fan. Behind Leon, the door opened.
Garran entered, shield in hand. Kaelen beside him, blue fire at his fingertips. Mira behind, wooden staff in hand. Grom with his massive shield. Sera with ice crystals in her palms. Kal from the shadows, dagger in hand.
Six guardians of the second gate. Four Core Guardians. Ten against one.
Zenless stepped down from his throne. His golden robes fluttered despite the absence of wind.
"It seems your life will end here, Zero."
Leon didn't answer. His hand rested on Lokantaka's hilt.
"I'm giving you a chance," Zenless continued. "You can hand over what you're carrying. Or..." he looked at the guardians surrounding them. "...we'll take it by force."
Leon smiled. Not a fearful smile. Not a resigned smile. But the smile of someone who still had an ace up his sleeve.
"It seems not that easy."
He raised his right hand. Then clenched it.
CRACK!
A spatial rift opened beside him.
From within the rift, two figures stepped out.
The first, a red cloak, blazing red hair, sharp gaze. Nix. Red fire already gathered in his palms.
The second, two swords on his back, cold eyes, firm posture. Kazan. His hand was already on his sword's hilt.
"We've been waiting inside there long enough," Nix said.
Leon looked at them in turn. "You—"
"Let's finish this," Kazan cut in. One of his white-hilted swords was already drawn.
Zenless blinked. For the first time, his smile disappeared.
"Three people? You think three people are enough to fight ten?"
Leon drew Lokantaka from his waist. The bluish-black blade glowed faintly.
"We'll see."
=== CHAPTER 31 END ===