The sun had not yet fully risen when Leon opened his eyes.
Orange light began to seep through the gaps in the wooden planks of his wall. Outside, the sound of Raina's soft laughter drifted in—probably playing with her wooden spoon again. The smell of toasted bread from Elliot's kitchen began to permeate the entire room.
A day had passed since the meeting in the warehouse. A day since Veylin had removed her mask. A day since everything had begun to feel... real.
Leon sat on the edge of the bed. Lokantaka on the side table still pulsed softly—as if the sword could also feel what was about to happen today. He touched the pendant on his chest. Still warm. Still glowing.
"You can't just brood over breakfast," Satan whispered.
Leon sighed. He stood, straightened his clothes, and stepped out of the room.
---
In the front room of the Blue Flame Tavern, the atmosphere was different than usual.
Elliot was busy behind the counter, cutting bread with a large knife. Raina sat in the corner, holding a bowl of warm soup, her eyes occasionally stealing glances at Leon.
Sylphine was already seated at a wooden chair. Her body was still bandaged in several places, but her eyes were no longer dull. Her face was still pale, but her smile had returned—a little crooked, a little teasing, classic Sylphine.
"You overslept," she said.
Leon sat across from her. "You should be resting."
"I've rested enough." Sylphine leaned back in her chair. "I don't want to be left behind."
Beside Sylphine, Veylin sat quietly. Her white hair was neatly arranged, her sharp green eyes observing every corner of the room. An old habit that wouldn't disappear.
Kazan stood near the window, two swords on his back, his eyes watching the street outside.
Leon took a piece of bread from the table. "We'll talk after breakfast."
---
Breakfast passed in an unusual silence.
Raina occasionally stole glances at Veylin and Sylphine—two new faces in this tavern. Veylin didn't notice. Her eyes still moved quickly, observing, calculating, assessing.
Elliot placed a glass of tea in front of Leon. "You look tense."
Leon took the glass. "I'm not tense."
"Your face says otherwise." Elliot snorted. "Suit yourself. But remember, don't die in there. I haven't been paid yet."
Leon smiled faintly. "I won't die."
---
After breakfast, they gathered around the wooden table. The same map from yesterday was spread out—but this time, there were new markings. Veylin had added them.
"I'll begin," Veylin said. Her finger pointed to a spot on the map. "The Nexus is not like ordinary places. It's not just an underground prison."
Leon's ears perked up.
"There are three layers of gates," Veylin continued. "The first gate is guarded by ordinary soldiers—not too difficult. But after that..."
She pointed to the second mark.
"The second gate is guarded by previous tournament winners. Those who chose to stay and become guards. They are strong—each with different abilities."
Sylphine leaned back. "How many?"
"Not sure exactly. Could be five, could be ten. But one thing is certain..." Veylin looked at Leon. "Zenless won't reveal who is guarding there."
Leon nodded. "And the third gate?"
Veylin sighed. "The third gate is guarded by the Core Guardians. Only three people. But they..." she paused. "...are on a different level."
"Celestia, Raven, Marcus," Kazan said from near the window. "We already know that."
Veylin nodded. "But what we don't know is how they fight. I've never seen them in actual combat."
Leon gripped Lokantaka at his waist. The sword pulsed harder.
"Where is Xuánhú?"
"Inside the third gate." Veylin pointed to the center point of the map. "She's heavily guarded. Zenless won't let anyone near her without a clear reason."
"But I'm the tournament champion," Leon said. "I have a reason."
"A reason to see her," Veylin corrected. "Not to free her. That's different."
Kazan turned from the window. "Then we need to find a way to free her without being caught."
Sylphine smiled faintly. "Smells like trouble."
Leon sighed. "Fine. I'll go in with Veylin and Sylphine. Kazan will be backup when we're cornered."
Kazan nodded. "I don't like this. But we have no other choice."
---
They parted to prepare.
Leon returned to his room. Lokantaka lay on the bed—its bluish-black blade glowing faintly in the morning sunlight. He sat beside it, staring at the sword that had chosen him.
His hand touched the ebony wood hilt. Cold. But not as cold as before.
"You'll use it today," Satan whispered.
Leon nodded. "I know."
"Are you scared?"
Leon didn't answer. His hand moved to the pendant on his chest. Still warm. Still glowing.
"A little," he finally said.
"Good. Nerves keep you alive."
Leon smiled faintly. He stood, hung Lokantaka at his waist, and stepped out.
---
As he left his room, the sound of footsteps outside the tavern made him stop.
Elliot opened the door. A soldier in arena uniform stood at the threshold, his face flat, his eyes expressionless.
"Zero," he said. "Lord Zenless sent me."
Leon approached. "What's his message?"
The soldier extended a small scroll. "Lord Zenless says don't cause chaos inside. I'll be watching."
Leon received the scroll. He didn't open it. He didn't need to.
"Your response?"
"Tell Lord Zenless I understand."
The soldier nodded, turned, and left.
Elliot snorted from behind the counter. "Arrogant man."
Leon didn't answer. He tucked the scroll into his pocket.
---
The sun had risen higher when they stood before the Blue Flame Tavern.
Elliot stood at the door, hands on his hips, his sharp eyes looking at them one by one. "Don't die in there."
Raina ran over, hugging Leon's leg. Her eyes were wet.
"Brother Zero... promise you'll come back?"
Leon ruffled her hair. "Promise."
Raina released her hug, running back behind Elliot.
Leon turned. Veylin on his left. Sylphine on his right, still limping but her eyes sharp.
Kazan stood by the door, two swords on his back. "I'll be outside the gate. If something happens..."
"We know."
Leon stepped forward. Veylin followed. Sylphine behind.
They walked away from the Blue Flame Tavern. In the distance, the lights of the Nexus began to glow—bright, white, cold.
On his chest, the pendant glowed. At his waist, Lokantaka pulsed.
Behind him, two shadows followed.
The journey to the heart of mystery began.
=== CHAPTER 27 END ===