The sun was slowly setting on the horizon, casting long shadows across the trees. General Leon faced Helios and Elyon together, a hint of concern flickering in his eyes.
Confronting both of them wouldn’t be easy, especially not Elyon—the true Hero of Light and the Head of the Cathedral of Gods in the Hero Empire.
Aengus stood vigilant. Despite his tough body and formidable skills, he doubted he could stand against these transcendentals just yet. Their earlier display of power had made it clear. The speed of Elyon’s attack—like a flash of light—had genuinely made him feel his life was at risk.
But this didn’t break his confidence. Instead, it intensified his resolve to grow even stronger.
“Leon,” Elyon began speaking steadily, “the Cathedral of Gods has always stood by its word. We were, are, and will always be on humanity’s side. I know Beelzebub’s attack right under our nose must have disappointed you, but at the time, there was nothing we could do. I was too far away to help.”
Elyon’s tone shifted, becoming colder. “I don’t wish to fight you Leon, but Valen sensed darkness in this boy’s body. Somehow, this ‘evil’ boy has stripped away Valen’s Holy Light Element. We need to examine him thoroughly to see if he’s a demonic child.”
Leon remained silent, pondering the situation. Elyon continued, voice laced with threat, “Think carefully, Leon. You don’t want your country to become an enemy of humanity, right. Refusing us could make us label you and your allies heretics.”
“Heretics of humanity?” Drake and Yona swallowed hard, sensing the gravity of the situation.
Princess Delilah’s face paled with concern for her kingdom. This could escalate into something catastrophic. She glanced anxiously between Aria and Aengus, wondering what decision he would make.
Prince Mikail sneered, “I knew something was off about him. There’s no way he could be that strong unless he was a demon all along.”
He turned to General Leon. “General, We shouldn’t risk our kingdom for him. Just leave him be.”
Aria’s eyes blazed with fury as she glared at Mikail, her gaze sharp enough to kill. Mikail, already burning with jealousy, grew even more enraged.
General Leon, however, did not immediately respond to the third prince’s words. He stood in silence, weighing his options. He knew the risk to the kingdom was real, and his loyalty to his homeland ran deep.
But Ethan’s potential, the possibility that he could become a Transcendental, made him hesitate. He couldn’t ignore the chance that Aengus might be the key to something greater.
Aengus noticed the conflict in Leon’s eyes and felt a twinge of disappointment. He had expected more, but it was hardly surprising. They had only known each other for a few days, not nearly enough time to forge unshakable trust.
“Princess Delilah, you shouldn’t be here. You know that,” a voice suddenly interrupted, pulling everyone from their thoughts.
General Felix appeared before Delilah, speaking gently but firmly. “If you would be so kind, please return to the castle. You too, Prince Mikail. It’s His Majesty’s order.”
“Y-Yes, General Felix,” Mikail stuttered, feeling the weight of Felix’s commanding presence.
“We’re leaving, General Felix,” Princess Delilah responded with a small smile, though concern lingered in her eyes as she looked at Aria. “But please, take care of Aria and the others. I’m sure they’re all innocent.”
As the duo headed out, they glanced back occasionally, still keeping an eye on the situation from afar. Their departure, however, eased the tense atmosphere, especially with the presence of another Transcendental like Felix.
But just as things began to calm, a new figure approached from the opposite side; Zillion, the True Hero of Lightning, another Transcendental.
“Felix, I still don’t understand why you’re stuck in this small kingdom,” Zillion remarked, his voice sharp. “You could have a much brighter future in the broader world.”
Felix chuckled softly. “Maybe… But the last memories of my family are here. That’s reason enough. I don’t wish for anything else.”
Zillion raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Elyon, sensing the shift in the air, spoke with a casual tone, though his words carried weight. “Are you going to stop us too, Felix?”
Before General Felix could respond, Aengus cut in, having had enough of the accusations swirling around him. Though, they were all true, he could not admit it.
“General Leon, it was Valen who attacked me first,” Aengus said coldly, his voice chilling the air. “I merely taught him a lesson with my secret skill. He should consider himself fortunate to still be alive.”
Elyon’s brows furrowed in anger. “Boy, you should be grateful to Leon. If not for him, you would be dead by now. I’ve yet to deliver your punishment.”
Aengus scoffed, turning back to Leon. “General Leon, I want you to be the one to inspect me for any traces of demonic energy. I don’t trust anyone else here.”
General Leon’s expression was conflicted. He could sense Aengus’s frustration with how things had turned out, but he also knew the situation was complicated.
“Forgive me, Ethan, for not being able to stand by you as I should,” Leon said solemnly.
Aengus shook his head. “You’ve done more than enough, General. I appreciate it. Now, let’s get this over with.”
He stood confidently, prepared for the inspection. Aengus was fearless, knowing full well that he now had no connection to demons.
There was no way they could detect something that didn’t exist, unless they could somehow inspect his abilities and skills, which should not be possible.
General Leon sighed and turned to Helios, Elyon, and Zillion.
“Well then, what do you have to say about his proposal? Do you have any objections?” he asked coldly.
Helios roared, “Absolutely! We need one of us to inspect him as well. You two seem pretty close. You alone won’t suffice, General.”
“You dare doubt my integrity, Helios? Do you have any respect for your Superiors, or should I teach you a lesson?” Leon harrumphed, quickly conjuring a massive, breathtaking Ice Sword behind him to intimidate them into not overstepping.
“Now, now, if things are getting this heated, let me be an impartial judge for the boy,” a sudden melodic voice echoed, catching everyone’s attention as they turned toward the figure.
