Leo looked back to the elf girl, her tone steady and cold. "You made a mistake targeting him."
The elf girl's glare hardened, her grip on her katana tightening. "What!? Didn't you called him Leo!? He's the monster who created this Dark Age!"
Both Leo and Leo[Pride] froze, their eyes widening in shock.
"What… Leo?" Leo's voice trembled.
"I'm not the Leo you're talking about," Leo[Pride] replied sharply, his gaze piercing hers.
"Huh!? You liar! Your face… it's almost the same as the last time I saw it—but older…" The elf girl's voice cracked with rage and suspicion.
"But your hair… and eyes… they're different." Her tone was uncertain now, curiosity breaking through her anger.
"Yes. We are different. But we are both Leo Julius Eros," Leo said firmly, pointing to Leo[Pride]. "We come from different universes."
"You… you also Leo? What…" the elf girl muttered, confusion and disbelief battling in her voice.
"How do I even believe you—!" she began, but before she could finish, Leo[Pride] interrupted, pointing to the injured boy.
"We don't have time for this argument. That boy is dying. If you're able, heal him." His voice was cold, sharp, edged with impatience.
"Huh?"
The elf girl blinked, following the direction Leo[Pride] pointed with his thumb. Her eyes widened.
The injured boy's leg was nearly consumed by writhing darkness, black veins crawling up like living chains.
"Oh no! I need to hurry!" she gasped.
Without hesitation, the elf girl sprinted forward, her boots scraping against the stone floor, and dropped to her knees beside the boy.
"Lady Emira!" The boy's face brightened with desperate relief, his trembling lips curling into a faint smile.
Emira knelt, her expression softening. She cradled the boy's leg gently, then closed her eyes.
"Don't worry… you'll be alright now."
Her voice was calm, reassuring. A soft golden radiance bloomed from her palms, spilling over the boy's mangled limb.
"Is she… healing him?" Leo whispered, stepping closer, hope flickering in her golden eyes.
Leo[Pride] didn't move. His sharp gaze remained fixed on Emira, the glow reflecting in his golden pupils.
"So the holy presence I sensed… it was coming from her," Leo[Pride] thought grimly.
The darkness recoiled beneath the warmth of the golden light. Slowly, the shadows peeled away like smoke, leaving clean flesh behind.
Leo's eyes widened, her heart racing. "It's working!"
Moments stretched like eternity until, at last, the corruption vanished completely. The wound sealed itself, leaving only unblemished skin.
"Phew~" Emira exhaled heavily, beads of sweat rolling down her temple as she wiped her brow. "I'm glad I wasn't too late."
"Thank you, Lady Emira. You saved me." The boy's voice shook with gratitude as he rose shakily to his feet.
Emira stood as well, forcing a smile. "It's nothing. Helping people is my duty."
But her smile faded the instant her eyes fell back on Leo[Pride]. Her hand unconsciously tightened around the hilt of her katana.
"…Who exactly are you?" she demanded, her voice sharp, betraying a nervous edge.
"Lady Emira, wait!" The boy stepped in quickly, panic in his voice. "They're good people! They saved me from the giant goblin!"
"Saved you? But… but he looks—!" Emira's voice cracked, the words choking in her throat.
Leo stepped forward, her brows furrowing. "Didn't I already explain the situation!?"
Leo[Pride] crossed his arms, his tone flat and mocking. "We just came into this world recently, big-brain elf."
"I… I still don't understand." Emira's emerald eyes trembled. "You said… you're Leo from where?"
Leo took a careful step closer, her voice gentle but firm. "Listen. I want to know about this world too. You said someone named Leo turned it into a nightmare. That's why we need to stop fighting and actually talk."
Emira lowered her head, teeth grinding audibly. "…Tch. Fine."
She lifted her gaze again, this time her green eyes narrowed, sharp as a blade. "Since you two saved people… I'll trust you—for now."
"Glad to hear that." Leo smirked faintly, relief tugging at her lips.
Emira turned back to the boy. "You should go home. This place isn't safe."
"Yes, Lady Emira," the boy answered quickly, bowing before hurrying down the path until he vanished from sight.
Leo[Pride] stepped closer to Leo, his sharp eyes flicking toward Emira.
Seeing them, Emira gave a short nod and turned on her heel. "Follow me. We'll continue this at my base. This place is dangerous… and night is coming."
Her voice carried authority, leaving little room for argument.
Leo's heart pounded, her thoughts swirling. Maybe… this time, we'll finally learn about this world's Leo.
Leo[Pride] glanced at her, his tone clipped. "We better hurry. Let's go."
"Uh—yes!" Leo snapped from her thoughts, quickly following as both she and Leo[Pride] trailed behind Emira into the darkening path.