Leader

The elevator descended at a leisurely pace, gradually making its way below.

"By the way, when we arrive, you will meet the leader first."

In a carefree way, "Unexpected," sarcasm lacing his tone.

"Why?"

"Sigh…"

"What is it this time?"

"Nothing, nothing," once again learning that his jokes weren't working on her, "So, what kind of person is your leader?"

"I don't know."

"Huh?" This time Leon genuinely puzzled, "What do you mean? Haven't you met them already?"

"I really can't understand him that much, you know?" She elaborated, "He is sometimes like a vengeful spirit from those movies. And sometimes a kind person who reluctantly sends others on missions."

"Now that's interesting."

"Right?"

'Also not good.'

Leon, drawing from his unending novel knowledge, believed that people like them weren't suited to be leaders. A leader, in his eyes, must be unyielding, strong, smart, cultured, and possess a resolute mind, knowing what they want and working toward their goals.

Meeting Triss was probably the best thing he got after losing his mother. She was the saving light that flashed. However, as a member of Rebellious, she showed some questionable acts to him and continued to do so, like right now.

"You are quite honest, but you shouldn't talk about your leader like that in front of new members."

Raised her eyebrow for a second, "I've said it because it was you," turned her face to the elevator door to avoid Leon's eyes.

"Thank you for trusting me. However, I hope you don't trust others that much."

"I know that much!"

Her sudden mood change caught Leon off guard. The only thing he could do was blankly looking at her for a second. She hadn't shown this novelty personality of hers so far.

Thankfully, it didn't even take more than a few seconds:

"Sorry about that."

"It's okay."

"I understand that your leader's personality is quite conflicting. But what about his power?"

"He is strong," spoke with such determination, such certainty that Leon did not doubt her words even in the slightest bit.

"As he should be since he is the leader of Rebellious," nodded Leon, amplifying his agreement.

"Leader of the Stone City Branch."

"How many branches are there?"

"I don't know all of them. But I heard that there are a lot more than others think."

"I see. Back to the leader's power…"

Ding!

A slow stop followed the ding sound.

"Is he a Level 6? He must be, right?"

"I heard that he was a Level 5. I'm not sure if he became a Level 6, though."

'I thought the mighty leaders of Rebellious were all Level 6. Seems like it's no wonder that they couldn't harm the Goddess in any way. So, they don't have the b*lls to attack the statue. Well, maybe that's the wiser thing to do right no—'

"How long will you wait?"

Seeing her in a position between the elevator door, trying to hold it open, was more than enough to tell what was going on.

A bit of redness of shame on his face, "Let's go."

"You were looking blankly like an idiot. Hahaha."

"Sure, sure."

The corridor was completely empty. Only the stairway ahead of them was visible.

Triss quickened her steps to get to the side of the stairway, a brighter than ever smile on her face, waiting for Leon's lazy steps.

Leon's step didn't carry excitement, but it spread excitement into the eyes of the girl who was about to tremble with joy.

Then, the sound she wanted to hear for a long time resonated from the source.

"Wow!"

"Right? Hehehe."

A truly magnificent sight unfolded before Leon's eyes. The familiar stairway loomed on the horizon, flanked by two additional staircases on each side of the colossal hole.

A perfect circle, crafted from a blend of metal, earth, and greenery—mostly trees—was revealed. The staircase below comprised around 50 steps connected to the same structure, extending in both left and right directions.

Far below, where metal met the ground, formed another complete circle with a towering rostrum at its center. Despite the limited number of trees and grass, they collaborated to enhance the beauty of the chilly atmosphere.

The evident coldness allowed even the slightest sound to resonate through the cave-like doors encompassing the underground base.

Yet, the expressions on people's faces were diverse. Leon, who once viewed them as terrorists, now received looks akin to those from his gentle and kind mother. Pity also lingered in some gazes.

Some of them, but of course, kept their cautiousness.

"Triss, can you explain what's going on here?"

The question came from a Yuorian.

His blue skin and pure white eyes were the same as the ones he met before. However, his right eye bore a vertical scar, neatly dividing it in two, while a horizontal cut on his throat hinted at past battles.

Unfazed by his somewhat irate words, "Old man Casta, he is Leon! He is also one of us from now on!"

Her voice conveyed not just joy and excitement but also an anticipation distinct from their earlier encounter on the stairways.

"And who decided that?"

"I did."

"Triss…"

"Just trust me, alright?"

"It isn't like I don't trust you," patted her head gently, "Take him to the leader immediately, understood?"

"That's what I was planning."

"Alright," shot a careful glance at Leon, Casta, before proceeding on his way.

"Let's go."

"Sure."

Despite numerous doors, only around thirty people were present. Representing various races, excluding Aqrabians and Tayirians, this showcased the inclusive nature of the Rebellious—a place welcoming all who shared their cause.

Descending shorter stairways than before, they walked for about ten minutes. Their destination was parallel to the rostrum below on the ground, facing the speaker's position.

Knock! Knock!

"Come in," a man's voice, neither old nor young, beckoned them inside.

Bright blue emanating from a black table caught Leon's eye as he entered. It was a computer, nothing impressive, the same as the other parts of the room. Two cactuses, vines in the back corners, two piles of papers, ordinary decorations slept there to serve eyes.

This was the room of the Stone City Branch's leader. Nothing impressive, nothing unexpected in Leon's eyes.

Upon entering, the tall, strong-looking man raised a brow. His untidy facial hair contrasted sharply with his well-groomed, black hair adorned with streaks of white.

"And who might he be?" Asked while slowly dropping his right hand beneath the table.

"He is Leon! A new comrade!"

While Triss expressed excitement, her eyes betrayed an additional emotion: expectation. She believed bringing Leon here was the right move, aware of the need for every possible recruit.

The potential to reach Level 6 and contribute to vital operations made him valuable. She seized the opportunity to bring him, seeking recognition for contributing to Rebellious while also returning her previous favor to Rebellious via the same kind of actions to another one in need.

Unlike Casta, the leader's tone lacked emotion, a smile on his face, "How can we be sure of it?"

"I heard his story, and," turned her head to Leon, "Show your arms."

Sighing, Leon complied, knowing he had no choice. He had already crossed the point of no return.

'I've seen their base. So, at this point, either I join them or I'd die.'

"Look! He doesn't have a watch! He is a fugitive, too!"

"You are right, Triss. However—"

"Leon, tell him your story! Tell him what happened!"

'Obviously I will. Do I have another choice?'

Before he could open his mouth, "Leader, you are also curious about his story, right!?"

"Yes, but calm down already. Aren't you too excited?"

"Because I feel like I have found someone really important to us!"

"And I feel like you are hiding your true objective. But, you did a good job," slowly made his way to give her a head pat.

"Hehehe, thank you."

"But don't do this again without informing your superiors, understood?"

"Yes, yes! Understood!"

"Sigh…"

"May I?"

"Sorry for sharing all this in front of you."

"I was expecting something like this."

Leon's demeanor and eyes resembled that of a child beyond his age, perhaps served as the reason behind his next question, "How old are you?"

"14, sir."

"You are quite something for your age," shot a brief gaze at cheerful Triss, "Seems like you've learned a few things. Who was your teacher?"

"My mother."

"I see," nodded, "Can you tell me your story?"

Without further ado, Leon began recounting his tale, the events from just yesterday. Surprisingly, as he finished speaking, the leader mirrored Triss's actions and embraced Leon.

Embraced Leon, "You also have been through a lot. Don't worry, we are a big family here."

These weren't the end of his words, as he gave Leon a few seconds to gather his thoughts.

"All the God's Guards are the same. They are cruel b*stards who harm normal people, view them as slaves. They are no different from their Demigods, Gods, and Goddesses. All of them want us to be their slaves."

Slowed his mouth to put more weight into his next words.

"So, don't show any mercy to them. Kill every single one of them. If you don't kill them, they will keep on killing good people like your mother. They will die just like your mother. Never show them mercy. When you are fighting with a guard, think about the b*stard who killed your mother, understood?"

Despite knowing his mother wasn't dead, the fire of vengeance still burned in Leon's heart.

"Understood."

Pat!

"Great," looked deep into Leon's eyes, "Triss will help you with anything you need. So, get some rest and get stronger, alright?"

"Alright."

"My hopes are high for you. See you later."