The spatial boundary shattered like frosted glass under the divine authority of Kenji's Holy Sword. A blinding tear opened in the fabric of reality, exposing the hidden abyssal altar hidden within the subterranean fold. Hegemon, his broken leg bound tight and his crutch digging into his armpit, forged ahead through the gap alongside the Hero, stepping straight into the chilling vacuum of the sanctum.
There, suspended above the jagged black-stone dais, was Lily.
Hegemon's breath hitched, a sudden, burning fury searing through his cold logic. Lily hung limp in mid-air, bound by dark spatial chains. Thrust directly into the center of her abdomen was a grotesque, living magic tools—a parasite-like mana-draining artifact pulsing with a sickening dark crimson light. The device squirmed continuously, violently siphoning her silver informational mana and funneling it into the glowing black orb floating near Leo's pale fingers.
Leo stood beneath her, his snow-white coat floating weightlessly in the stagnant air. He turned his crimson, pupil-less eyes toward the intruders, his expression shifting from calm boredom to cold disgust.
"How crude," Leo murmured, his voice echoing off the abyssal walls. "Interrupting a delicate process... I had intended to thoroughly break her spirit and tame her into a loyal pet. But her absurd, foolish stubbornness left me with no alternative. Siphoning her dry is far simpler than training an unruly beast."
Hegemon's knuckles turned bone-white as he gripped his crutch, his jaw clenching so hard his teeth threatened to shatter. Seeing the parasite squirming against Lily's flesh tore at what little remained of his sanity. Every instinct screamed at him to rush forward, but his shattered body and lack of a functioning offensive skill bound him to absolute tactical discipline.
Before Hegemon could give a command, Kenji stepped out in front of him, drawing the Holy Sword completely from its scabbard. The blade erupted into a soaring pillar of pristine golden light, illuminating the dark void and pushing back the oppressive aura of the altar.
"Step away from the girl, cultist," Kenji declared, his voice ringing out like a war horn, echoing with righteous fury. He raised the shining blade, pointing the tip directly at Leo's chest. "I am Kenji, Hero of the Royal Order. Face me in a one-on-one duel, or die where you stand!"
Leo stared at the shining blade, a small, mocking smile slowly spreading across his pale face. "A hero? How deliciously nostalgic. Very well, mortal insect... let us see if your little toy can scratch an immortal."