Serval sighed helplessly.
"This is getting a bit too conspiratorial. You're more cautious than I imagined, though I admit you've got a point."
Leon's expression didn't change.
"As the senior, I need to ensure the safety of my juniors, giving them enough security."
"Everyone has things they can't tolerate happening twice. I hope you understand."
Serval met Leon's gaze, holding it for a moment.
In those eyes, she could only find unfathomable depth.
A man with a story.
March 7th and Stelle both looked at Leon, deeply moved.
Players weren't just moved—they were touched.
He didn't overlook any chance, no matter how slim, that could put his companions at risk.
The subtext was clear:
For the sake of his team's safety, he'd embrace any conspiracy theory.
"Plan ahead to stay calm in a crisis."
"Not only do you need to play the conspiracy game, you've got to win it!"
"The weight of Leon's character profile just keeps growing!"
[If Leon gets stabbed later, who's gonna fill the security gap for us?]
[You, shut that crow's mouth!]
[Right now, Leon doesn't seem like a Joy follower—so reliable.]
[Stelle's pretty sharp too, thinking on the same level as Leon.]
[Her head's not pointy for once—I'm almost not used to it…]
[Pointy or not, who'd choose to be a big dummy if they had options?]
Serval was equally touched.
After all, she was a senior figure herself now and worried about her juniors.
Agreeing to help Pela wasn't about breaking protocol—she didn't care about that.
More than that, she worried about her brother Gepard and didn't want to see more deaths or broken families.
The moment Pela spoke, Serval knew she had to go, and she would.
"Your caution makes sense. Then we'll move separately and rendezvous discreetly in the restricted zone."
Leon: "What was your original plan?"
Serval: "Pass you off as my assistants, following Pela to the restricted zone to help me repair some energy facilities."
Stelle: "If Cocolia's really using Pela and you to bait us, going with you would be like walking into a trap."
Serval didn't deny the possibility, countering with a question.
"You've managed to roam the city this long, so you've got some stealth skills. Not going with me would indeed be safer."
"You could avoid any potential spies Cocolia might have sent."
March 7th's head drooped, her expression glum.
"…I'm starting to miss the underground. At least there weren't so many schemes to watch out for."
Stelle: "Be grateful. If it was just us two, we'd probably have been nabbed by Cocolia before reaching the underground's entrance."
"…" March 7th stayed quiet.
She had to admit, having a veteran Trailblazer like Leon was a blessing.
Sigh, when would she become as reliable as him?
Serval: "Still, while you can hide in the city, the heavily guarded restricted zone is another story. Sneaking in is extremely tough."
Leon gave a cryptic smile. "As for that, I've got my ways."
He pulled out a special device and handed it to Serval.
"A tracking device. Keep it on you, and I can find you."
"A gun magazine as a tracking device? Interesting. Is this a gift or a loan?"
"Call it a gift. Study it as you like."
"Haha, thanks for the generosity! But I've got something for you too—hold on."
Serval stepped away for a few minutes, returning with a map in hand.
"Here, a map of the restricted zone. I only go there a few times a year to maintain energy equipment, but I know the routes well."
"Sharing military zone secrets with outsiders is a capital offense, so keep it hush."
Leon glanced at it, then passed it to Stelle.
"Memorize the routes."
Stelle scanned it for a few seconds, then nodded.
"Got it."
"Done." Leon took the map back, setting it alight and burning it to ash.
Stelle: "Now there's no evidence."
Serval scratched the back of her head, wanting to say something but ended up giving a thumbs-up.
"Come to the back door. Leaving that way won't draw attention."
After settling a few details, Serval left first, leaving the four in the Machine Shop.
Seele finally couldn't hold back, voicing a worry she'd carried for a while.
"What about Bronya?"
Earlier, Leon had said they might get intel on Qlipoth Fort's defenses from Serval.
But he hadn't even asked.
Leon glanced at her, explaining unhurriedly.
"I know what you're worried about, and I haven't forgotten my earlier words. The reason I didn't ask—"
"Is because Bronya's no longer in Qlipoth Fort."
The Machine Shop was right next to Qlipoth Fort—so close it was within his sensory range.
From the essence of all things, he spoke of wind.
In simple terms, wind is the horizontal movement of air from high to low pressure, a natural phenomenon.
But beyond its essence, conceptualized as a force, it transcends its inherent nature.
Wind becomes tangible.
His manipulation of wind wasn't just controlling air—it was a genuine, distinct power.
Even in a vacuum, it worked unaffected.
Thus, the chance of his perception being wrong was near zero.
At least, no person or thing in Belobog could fool him.
Bronya was missing, but her rifle remained.
Cocolia was also nowhere to be found, likely heading with Bronya to where the Stellaron was.
"Aha, fetch Bronya's rifle for me."
He could get it himself, but there was no need.
"Sure thing, why?"
Aha was always at Leon's beck and call, popping up eagerly before his eyes.
Only his eyes.
"About swapping the wanted poster photos—I did half, so shouldn't you honor half your promise?"
"The reward I want is what I just said. For you, it's a mere thought."
Aha's masked smile widened instantly.
"Teasing you, Darling! You actually believed me? Hahaha!"
"I'm counting to three."
"Three hundred won't do, unless…"
"Keep yapping, and I'll use the Power of Mercy. Then we'll see which Aeon—"
Before he could finish, Aha's mask flashed from orange-red to deep red, and a rifle appeared in Leon's ticket space.
Bronya's rifle, to be exact.
"No, no, no, absolutely not!"
"Until Darling's power is back at its peak, you can only look at Aha. No one can steal my dear Mr. Leon!"
"Wahhh, Aha's been played by Darling. You better entertain Aha, or I'll get mad!"
"Scram first."
"Using me and tossing me aside? Hmph, scumbag!"
Leon: "Three."
The mask vanished as if it had never been there.
Leon gripped the air, pulling out Bronya's weapon and handing it to Seele.
"Here, her rifle."
Seele froze, stammering, "Why's it with you?"
When did he get it? He'd been in their sight the whole time since arriving on the surface.