As Leo followed the bird, he eventually stopped in front of an old cottage nestled among the bushes, yet still within reach of Nyxoria's bustling streets. He knocked on the door, noticing a human figure approaching the window. The person slightly opened the curtains, peeked outside, and then moved towards the door. The creaking sound of the door unlocking seemed to echo through the air. Leo's gaze lingered on the window, where he spotted several figures inside, including Kofi.
A woman in her late twenties with blonde hair welcomed Leo into the cottage, wearing a pink gown that resembled nightwear. "Come on in, Leo," she said, her voice warm. However, the atmosphere inside was tense, with everyone looking moody. Leo, still basking in the excitement of his recent encounter, felt a pang of guilt. He had been having a great time with a stranger just hours ago, while others were preoccupied with finding a way to rescue their only hope for freedom.
"Come to think of it...I'm on a good chance of joining the N.V.P," Leo muttered to himself proudly.
Sophia broke the silence, her voice laced with a mix of caution and urgency. "I went back to the rear of Nyxoria today after almost being apprehended by an N.V.P member." Everyone except Leo seemed unsurprised, suggesting that Sophia had already shared the information with them.
Sophia's eyes locked onto the group as she continued. "I decided to conceal my movements and headed back to the abandoned shipment at the rear of Nyxoria. Upon arriving, I saw an open shipment container with blood stains at the entrance. Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to investigate." Her voice trailed off, and the room fell silent.
"What I found inside the container was shocking," Sophia continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "There were dead N.V.P members – at least 30 of them. It was clear that they had engaged in a fierce battle with someone, but the other party seemed to have had the upper hand." The room remained silent, with everyone lost in thought.
Leo's eyes widened in astonishment. "Dead soldiers?" he exclaimed. The implications were clear: apart from the Rebellion, another entity, either internal or external, harbored a deep grudge against Nyxoria.
Meanwhile, at the Melanthos Mansion, Melaina entered her room with an unmistakable spring in her step. She hadn't felt this carefree in years. As she lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, she couldn't shake off the feeling that her encounter with the stranger had awakened something within her.
Back at the cottage, Sophia's eyes narrowed as she turned to Leo. "What do you mean you saw Melaina today? How do you know it's her?" Sophia's tone was laced with a mix of concern and curiosity.
Leo's response was measured. "We met at a coffee shop. She's the Vice-Captain of the N.V.P, and I got to know her name from there." Sophia's expression changed from apprehension to relief.
As the conversation unfolded, Leo mentioned his application to join the N.V.P. Sophia's reaction was immediate. "You won't be joining the N.V.P, Leo. We can't risk your identity being exposed, especially not to the Chosen."
Kofi spoke up, his voice laced with disagreement. "I think this is a great opportunity, Sophia. We shouldn't let it go just like that."
Leo chimed in, his tone laced with frustration. "I really don't know why you treat me like I'm still 12. Hello, I'm 18."
Sophia's voice softened, her words barely above a whisper. "Just don't get into trouble, okay? You mean a lot to me." The room fell silent, with only Sophia and Leo remaining.
As the others left, Sophia's emotions seemed to rally through her mind. Her feelings for Leo were complex, and she knew that Nyxoria was no longer a safe haven for him. The stakes had never been higher.
The next morning.....
"So, you understand the plan, Leo," Sophia explained, her eyes stern. "Go there, gather information, and avoid acting impulsively or trying to be a hero. Gain their trust, find out the N.V.P's plans against Ascension Island, and locate Zoë's cell."
"Understood, General," Leo replied with respect.
Sophia's cheeks flushed, and her eyes softened with affection. "If you get injured, I'll be hurt. If you die, I'll follow," she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she stroked his cheek.
"If I die, kill me again and join me...I wouldn't want to walk into heaven without you," Leo replied, repeating their long-standing phrase.
This exchange was a ritual they'd shared for eight years, born from a deep bond that had grown between them. Over time, Sophia's feelings had evolved from a sisterly affection to something more romantic. However, Leo didn't perceive her in the same way, viewing her more like a sister he'd never had – someone he felt completely at ease with, much like he did with Kofi and Elara.
"Ooh..No powers display.. just a soldier-like fighting skills" she added.
Leo nodded in agreement and headed to N.V.P headquarters to meet his new friend Melaina.
Sophia decided to head back to the shipment to check for any clues about the mystery killer.
At Headquarters.....
"I have a new recruit, Captain," Melaina relayed to Kael.
"Name, where he lives, fighting skills or experience?" Kael asked, scribbling on a paper on his desk.
"Leo Atlantis, Boulevard, fighting skills or experience not yet known," Melaina replied.
Kael's eyes narrowed as he looked up. "So, he's a total stranger?" His tone was laced with skepticism.
"Don't tell me you met someone with the same name as your long-lost brother and think they should join an organization that controls the world?" Kael's eyebrow arched, his expression disdainful.
Melaina struggled to respond, taken aback by Kael's words.
"This is what happens when you're given too much power too soon, Melaina. Don't let your position fool you – you're still a teenager," Kael said firmly.
"I've heard about the soldier deaths at the rear of Nyxoria. Go there with the autopsy team and gather clues and information," he added, dismissing Melaina with a wave of his hand.
"Leo Atlantis..huh?" Kael muttered to himself trying to figure out who this stranger was.
Not long Melaina exited the headquarters, Leo strolled in, exuding confidence. He approached the reception desk, where a man in N.V.P uniform sat, and engaged him in casual conversation. "Sorry, Captain Melaina just stepped out," the man replied, attempting to wrap up the prolonged discussion.
Leo's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Yeah, okay. Did she mention anything about a new recruit?" Before the man could respond, Kael emerged from an office behind the reception, his stern gaze fixed on Leo.
"Who are you?" Kael demanded.
Leo stood tall, pride evident in his voice. "I'm Leo Atlantis, the new recruit."
Kael's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Leo. "You're the Leo." His tone was measured, his eyes piercing. "Are you prepared to bear the weight of protecting the Chosens?"
Leo's response was unguarded, his emotions raw. "I'm not interested in saving self-proclaimed gods just because of some arbitrary mark. I want to protect the world I live in. Infighting will only lead to ruin."
Kael's expression shifted, surprise flickering across his face. He saw something in Leo that resonated with his own perspective.
"Hmm," Kael murmured, a hint of intrigue in his voice. "Prove you're ready to be a soldier."
Leo's eyes widened in confusion. "Huh?"
Without warning, Kael drew his sword and charged at Leo, leaving him stunned and frozen in place.
Kael's leg shot out, unleashing a powerful kick that sent Leo crashing across the room. He slammed into the wall, leaving a visible impact mark. The sudden assault left Leo reeling, but he quickly grasped the situation – he was being tested.
It seemed his words had ignited a spark within Captain Kael. To prove his worth, Leo would need to hold his own in this impromptu brawl. The stakes were clear: impress Kael, or fall short. With a fierce determination, Leo prepared to face the captain's wrath.