The night breeze gently brushed against Leon's face as Nix lowered them into the courtyard of the Varavium headquarters. Blades of grass swayed and leaves rustled in the wind. In the distance, dim crystal lights illuminated the massive stone structure standing proudly amidst the hidden forest.
Nix landed softly—the giant Phoenix gradually shrinking back into his human form. His wings of fire and gold vanished, replaced by a flowing red cloak.
Leon leaped down. His legs felt heavy. His body was still battered and his wounds burned, yet he stood firm.
Kazan followed, clutching his bruised abdomen. Zephyr stood tall behind him, his injuries already mending nicely without the need for bandages. Xuánhú was the last to dismount, his nine tails dimmed and his face pale. He suppressed a cough, though no blood spilled this time.
Arthur was already waiting before the main entrance.
He stood calmly—a cloth covering both his eyes, his white cloak fluttering in the night air. Behind him, several Varavium members stood on guard.
"Welcome back!" Arthur greeted them.
Leon nodded. "We're back."
Arthur stepped closer, his unseen gaze sweeping over them one by one. The wounds. The exhaustion. Yet they were alive.
His gaze settled on Xuánhú.
Xuánhú stared back. For several seconds, silence hung between them.
"Arthur Eint," Xuánhú finally spoke, his voice hoarse, yet carrying a tone of recognition. "You're still alive."
Arthur offered a subtle smile. "As are you, Xuánhú. It has been a long time."
"How long? A thousand years? Two thousand?" Xuánhú scoffed softly. "You haven't changed."
"Neither have you," Arthur replied. "Still nine-tailed."
Xuánhú let out a faint chuckle—a laugh that shuddered into a brief cough. He clutched his chest. "Curse it... seems I overexerted myself."
Arthur nodded. "We shall talk later. For now, all of you need rest."
They stepped into the grand hall of the Varavium base.
The hall was expansive—gray stone walls, towering ceilings, and hanging crystal lamps. In the center sat a long wooden table littered with maps and scattered documents.
Standing beside the table was a familiar figure.
Sylphine.
Her dark blue hair fell loosely. Her face remained slightly pale beneath her mask—a lingering remnant of the battle at the Nexus—yet her eyes sparkled with relief.
Behind her, Veylin stood quietly. Raina sat on a chair, holding a bowl of warm soup, while Elliot stood beside her with his hands on his hips and his usual stern expression.
Leon stepped inside first.
Sylphine turned. Her eyes met Leon's, and a relieved smile broke across her face.
"You... survived," she said.
Leon nodded. "You too."
Behind Leon, Zephyr walked in. His eyes swept the room and landed on Sylphine. He blinked. There was something strangely familiar about the masked girl with dark blue hair, yet he couldn't quite place it.
Sylphine quickly lowered her head.
Zephyr didn't ask. He simply walked toward a chair and sat down.
Raina trotted over from her seat, wrapping her arms around Leon's leg, her eyes glistening.
"Big Brother Zero! You're okay!"
Leon patted her head softly. "I'm fine, Raina."
Elliot grunted from the side. "You gave us a scare, kid. Don't pull a stunt like that again."
Leon offered a faint smile. "Sorry."
Veylin stepped forward, her sharp green eyes examining Leon carefully. "You look stronger."
Leon blinked. "Maybe."
Veylin nodded, asking no further questions.
An hour later, everyone gathered in the grand hall. Arthur stood at the head of the long table, every eye fixed on him.
"Before we begin," Arthur announced, "I would like to introduce our newest member."
He gestured toward Xuánhú. "This is Xuánhú. He is the ancestor of all fox races in the world."
Xuánhú stood up. His nine tails unfurled slightly—though still dim—and he offered a polite nod. "Pleasure to meet you all."
The introductions continued.
Nix introduced himself as the last living Phoenix—though everyone already knew.
Leon and Zephyr introduced themselves as demons from the Kingdom of Belphegor, with Zephyr named as their King.
Mysterious X—Sylphine—introduced herself simply as a rogue fighter. Nothing more.
Then came Veylin's turn. "I am Veylin. Former member of the Hrafnagildr assassin unit serving the giants of the Gigantora Kingdom."
Xuánhú, who was mid-sip, instantly spat out his drink.
"WHAT?!" He stared at Veylin with wide, disbelieving eyes. "You... were part of the Hrafnagildr assassins?!"
Veylin merely gave a calm nod.
Xuánhú pressed a palm to his forehead. "Unbelievable... it seems this organization is composed entirely of monsters." He exhaled a weary sigh. "And surely it must be led by someone who is more than a monster, isn't that right, Arthur? You must be the leader."
Arthur chuckled. "I am not the leader of this organization."
Xuánhú frowned, bewildered. "Then who is?"
Arthur smiled, pointing directly at Leon.
Xuánhú stared at Leon in disbelief. "Nonsense! I know he is strong, but he is nowhere near your level, Arthur."
Arthur nodded. "The leader of this organization is not Leon himself, but a soul residing within his body. Sealed. Existing purely as a spirit."
A frozen silence gripped the hall. Xuánhú's nine tails flared sharply—his aura flaring up in reflex as he held his breath.
"Have you ever heard of one of the Seven Ancestors of the demon race," Arthur said softly, "their supreme commander during the Apex War a million years ago?"
Xuánhú's eyes widened in sheer horror. "Don't tell me... Satan?!"
Arthur nodded calmly. "Yes. His soul is bound within Leon's body."
Xuánhú swallowed hard. His frame trembled—not out of fear, but from something far deeper, something understood only by beings who had lived for millennia.
"Satan..." he whispered. "Ruler of the Seven Demon Kingdoms. The one who waged war against the gods and the Four Sacred Races during the Apex War." He stared at Leon—or rather, looked straight through him. "Wasn't he slain by the gods?"
Arthur nodded. "I do not know the exact details of how he survived, but in the end, he endured as a fragment of a soul, now residing within Leon."
Xuánhú let out a long breath, slowly sinking back into his seat as if bearing a monumental weight. "Very well... let us move on to the critical matters you wished to discuss."
Arthur turned to Nix. "Very well, Nix. What is this crucial information you wish to share?"
Nix spoke in a firm, serious tone. "It appears a certain individual or faction is assembling an organization made up of extremely dangerous individuals with terrifying power. We encountered two of them in Nocturne's End."
"Who were they?" Arthur asked.
"Kaze and Morvana."
Arthur's brows furrowed. "If someone is capable of gathering figures like them... they must possess immense power and influence." His expression turned grave. "It seems we must accelerate our plans to fully resurrect Satan before they make their move."
Leon asked, "What items do we still require?"
"Five crucial artifacts, along with one key component necessary to utilize them all," Arthur explained.
"The five artifacts are the Core of the World's Will, The Forbidden Tome of Laws, The Soulforge Crucible, The Seed of the World Tree, and Soulforged Severance. And the singular key to it all is... Satan's original body."
"Don't we already possess one of them?" Leon inquired.
Arthur nodded, drawing a sword that radiated a terrifying aura. "Yes. Soulforged Severance."
Xuánhú nodded along. "I knew it. That legendary blade had to be one of the five."
"Where are the remaining four artifacts and Satan's body located?" Leon pressed further.
"The Core of the World's Will is the most elusive," Arthur detailed. "It surfaces only once every two hundred years. Countless factions will wage war over it."
Veylin looked surprised. "Once every two hundred years? When will it appear next?"
"By my calculations, roughly two years from now," Arthur replied.
He then moved to the next item. "The Forbidden Tome of Laws was a scripture once guarded by the Phoenix race, but it currently rests in the hands of the Dragons."
Nix clenched his fists tightly upon hearing this, a look of irritation washing over his face.
"As for the Soulforge Crucible, it is a grand forge held by the Giants. The Seed of the World Tree, which resembles a glowing orb, is also in their possession."
Recalling something upon hearing the description of the seed, Veylin spoke up. "Is that seed a bright, luminous blue?"
Arthur looked at her. "How do you know?"
"I once saw it at the apex of the city's spire. They claimed it was a gift from the gods to protect the city. Many worshiped it, but... strangely, anyone who entered that sanctum always emerged deathly pale."
Arthur sighed. "It seems you were lied to all along. They appeared pale because their vital souls were being drained bit by bit by the seed. All so it could bloom into a tree. The fruit of that tree grants instantaneous power to whoever consumes it."
SLAM! Veylin struck the table in fury. "Bastards! All this time we were deceived and used as sacrifices!"
Sylphine quickly placed a comforting hand over Veylin's. "Calm yourself, Veylin. We will help liberate them, won't we, Arthur?"
Arthur smiled gently. "Precisely, Mysterious X."
Leon marked a spot on the map laid across the table. He circled a single destination—the City of Dragons. Their first target.
He then looked toward Mysterious X and Veylin. "There is one more thing. Starting now, I will personally train the two of you, along with the young fox girl who accompanies you."
Kazan and Leon were surprised. "What do you mean?" they asked almost in unison.
"It would be a tragedy to waste someone with the Tactigaze ocular ability like Veylin, or someone bearing ten percent Angel blood like Mysterious X."
"WHAT?!" Zephyr and Leon exclaimed. "Mysterious X possesses Angel blood as well? I thought only Sylvaine had it?"
Leon was shocked—if Mysterious X shared that lineage, she would undoubtedly become a prime target for the Angel race.
Arthur nodded. "Mysterious X appears similar to Sylvaine, born from parents of two distinct lineages. The only difference is that Sylvaine possesses ninety percent Angel blood, while Mysterious X carries only ten percent. Because of this, neither can invoke the absolute power of the Angel race, Sacra—unless Sylvaine..." Arthur looked at Sylphine with a tinge of sadness. "...unless Sylvaine uses it under the condition that her twin sister, Sylphine, were still alive and sacrificed herself for Sylvaine. Only then would the Angelic blood reach absolute perfection."
He looked at Sylphine. "Starting today, we must protect Sylphine while training her to become strong enough to defend herself—before the Angel race realizes this and attempts to capture her."
Zephyr stood up abruptly, his face filled with unwavering resolve. "That will never happen! I will find her before they do, and they will have to step over my dead body before laying a finger on her!"
"Count me in as well!" Leon added with equal fervor.
In her heart, Sylphine wept tears of overwhelming emotion. Her brother... swearing to protect her. Without knowing she was standing right before him. Without knowing she was Sylphine.
Arthur clapped his hands, drawing everyone's focus back. "Very well! Now, let us decide. Who shall venture forth to retrieve The Forbidden Tome of Laws from the City of Dragons?"
Silence descended upon the hall after Arthur's question hung in the air. Every gaze turned toward him.
"Alright," Arthur broke the silence.
"The team heading to the City of Dragons to retrieve The Forbidden Tome of Laws will consist of Leon, Kazan, Nix, and Xuánhú."
Xuánhú immediately's brow furrowed. "Objection. Swap me out."
Arthur shook his head, a faint smirk indicating he had anticipated this. "The team composition remains unchanged, Xuánhú. I have calculated everything thoroughly. Furthermore, I require Zephyr and Mysterious X on my team for the mission to retrieve Satan's body. There are specific reasons for that."
Xuánhú persisted, his nine tails swishing in frustration. "I am utterly, terribly reluctant to pass through that city."
Curious, Leon asked, "Which city are you referring to?"
Xuánhú let out a long sigh. "To reach the arrogant City of Dragons, we must first traverse through two other cities." His eyes drifted as if recalling unpleasant memories. "The first is the City of Cloţca."
His voice dropped, taking on a grim, eerie tone. "A city notorious for its ruthless cruelty. Ruled by a sadistic, bloodthirsty King, it borders a monstrous domain where violent skirmishes break out constantly."
He began describing it in vivid detail. "Before reaching it, we must cross a Deep Chasm splitting the western side of the city. The wind howling through the ravine mimics wails and ghostly whispers. The surrounding water is rust-red, like dried blood, caused by mountain minerals. On nights of a full moon, the reflection makes it look like an actual river of blood."
Listening with wide eyes, Sylphine unconsciously swallowed hard.
"Then," Xuánhú continued, "there are the gloomy low-lying villages, where the inhabitants live in the shadow of constant fear, yet are strangely guarded by something unknown."
He paused briefly. "Beyond that lies a dense forest at the foot of the mountain—cluttered with fallen trees, horrifying beasts, and giant briars that seem alive."
"And finally," he murmured, "we reach the gates of a mesa, a sheer plateau surrounded by wild peaks. Only a single, treacherous winding path leads to the main gate, shrouded in perpetual fog that makes flying utterly impossible."
He looked at Leon. "Yet the strangest aspect of that city is its atmosphere. By day, it is silent as a grand graveyard, filled only with falling rain and the caws of ravens. But when night falls and the moon hangs between the twin spires of the castle... music begins to flow, purple lights illuminate the dark, and the seemingly dead city breathes to life."
A chill passed through the room. Leon nodded, beginning to understand Xuánhú's hesitation.
"And the second city?" Leon asked.
Xuánhú's expression shifted dramatically, brightening up instantly. "Oh, that one is a delight! The City of Venturia! A haven where the greatest shipwrights and mariners from across the world gather."
His face beamed. "Imagine a city echoing with the crashing waves, the rhythmic shanties of laborers, and the ringing of bells marking the tides. It is bright and open, adorned with vibrant colorful buildings designed to pierce the sea fog. Sunlight and moonlight reflect off the waters, bathing the entire city in a breathtaking glow. At night, they light the streets with luminescent algae lanterns!"
His eyes sparkled. "The people there are bustling, communal, practical, yet possess fascinating customs. They revere the ocean as both a giver of life and a taker of souls. Before setting sail, every crew offers sacrifices to pray for safe passage. It is truly one of the most magnificent cities I have ever visited."
Both Veylin and Sylphine listened in awe, their eyes sparkling with fascination.
"Lady Xuánhú speaks the truth!" Veylin exclaimed enthusiastically. "I've heard tales of Venturia! It sounds wonderful! I wouldn't mind swapping teams just to see that city with my own eyes!"
Xuánhú smirked slyly. "Ah, what a pity, my dear~ Teams cannot be swapped, right, Arthur?" she teased, casting a side glance.
Veylin lowered her head instantly, her face crestfallen.
Arthur chuckled at their exchange. "Rest easy, Veylin. Do not be discouraged. Though you won't be heading to Venturia, your role in our upcoming mission is immensely crucial—perhaps even more vital than taking in a scenic view."
Veylin looked up, hope glinting in her eyes. "Is that true, Sir Arthur?"
Arthur blinked, caught off guard. "Sir?" He then offered a broad smile, throwing a teasing glance toward Xuánhú. "Yes, Veylin. It is true."
Seeing her scheme thwarted, Xuánhú could only groan in defeat.
Kazan, who had remained quiet for most of the discussion, finally spoke up. "So, when do we depart?"
"Good question," Arthur replied. "You will set out two weeks from now. You have all just survived a monumental ordeal and require time to recover fully, both physically and mentally."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Very well," Arthur said, clapping his hands together.
"Today's meeting is adjourned. Please, go get some rest."
After the meeting disbanded, Xuánhú, Nix, and Kazan headed toward the infirmary. Xuánhú still coughed occasionally, but his condition remained stable. Nix accompanied him, while Kazan went to have his severe bruises treated.
Leon stepped outside the hall, taking a deep breath of the crisp night air.
Walking down the quiet corridor, he suddenly paused.
At the far end of the hallway stood Zephyr. Standing directly before him was Sylphine—still wearing her mask.
Leon blinked. He knew what was unfolding, yet he knew better than to intervene.
Stepping back, Leon concealed himself behind a stone pillar. Not to eavesdrop—simply to avoid intruding.
"Zephyr."
Zephyr stopped in his tracks and turned.
Sylphine stood at the end of the corridor, her dark blue hair falling gently over her shoulders.
Zephyr blinked. "Mysterious X?"
Sylphine offered a bitter, gentle smile. "My name isn't Mysterious X."
She stepped closer, slowly reaching up to unfasten her mask.
"My name is... Sylphine. Sylphine Belphegor."
Zephyr froze dead in his tracks.
"Your sister."
Silence gripped the corridor. Zephyr stared at her—the same eyes, the same hair, the same smile. A tidal wave of memories rushed through his mind: his little sister running through the castle halls, his little sister challenging him to duels, his little sister always smiling.
"Sylphine..."
Sylphine nodded, tears trickling down her cheeks.
"How foolish of me... not to recognize you," Zephyr whispered softly. "I didn't recognize you because of your disguise."
Sylphine lowered her head. "Forgive me, Brother, for not revealing myself sooner. I... was forced to hide. After the invasion, I fled. I didn't know who to trust. I didn't even know if you were still alive. So I hid... as Mysterious X. I waited until I was certain I could reveal my identity without putting anyone in danger. Especially you and Sylvaine."
Zephyr stepped forward. He raised his hand and gently placed his palm atop Sylphine's head.
"You have nothing to apologize for," he said softly. "You did what you had to do."
Sylphine looked up. "You're... not angry?"
Zephyr shook his head. "I am just glad you are safe."
Zephyr pulled her into a tight, warm embrace.
"Don't ever disappear like that again."
Sylphine hugged him back tightly. "I promise."
Behind the pillar, Leon watched quietly, a faint smile gracing his lips. So... Zephyr finally knew.
As he turned to leave, he bumped right into Arthur.
"You saw it too?" Arthur asked softly.
Leon nodded.
"Good. Because there is something I must discuss with you. Something I couldn't bring up in front of the others."
Leon blinked. "What is it?"
Arthur offered a mysterious, faint smile. "Follow me."
=== CHAPTER 55 END ===