"Wait, hold on.
Neron began to protest, his brow furrowed.
"I was supposed to be partnered with Legris. Why am I not paired with him on this mission?" His voice was sharp, filled with both frustration and confusion.
The Cult Leader gave a calm, but firm, glance in his direction. "The partnership will be suspended temporarily until Legris can prove himself. The next mission is his chance to demonstrate his abilities and his commitment to the Nether Cult."
Neron didn't back down even when he heard that. He wanted to go against the Leader's words.
But then—
Legris immediately raised his hand in protest.
"Hold on, Neron. Stop," he said, his tone steady and resolute.
"I will be fine. I need this opportunity. I need to achieve something to truly solidify my place in the Cult."
His words cut through the tension, leaving Neron momentarily speechless. Legris' confidence, though not as developed as his partner's, resonated with purpose.
Neron sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"Fine," he muttered, his voice barely audible.
Karlia nudged him with a sly smile and leaned in closer, her voice low but teasing.
"Don't worry, Neron. I'm your new partner now, and I look forward to working with you." Her grin was sharp, teasing, but her voice carried no mockery.
There was confidence in her words, and it gave Neron a small measure of reassurance.
"It is that simple," Neron replied, his voice steady. "We just have to stay focused, play our roles, and see it through to the end. No distractions, no second-guessing."
Legris gave him a sidelong glance, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "That's easy for you to say. You're already Number Two in the Cult. Meanwhile, I'm stuck proving myself over and over again."
Neron's expression softened. "You'll get there, Legris. This mission is your chance to show everyone what you're capable of. I have no doubt you'll succeed."
Legris hesitated, his smirk fading as he looked away. "And what about you? Heading off with Karlia instead of me... that's new."
Neron sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't like it either. But the Cult Leader made the call, and I'm not in a position to argue. Besides," he added with a faint smile, "Karlia's... capable. Annoying, but capable."
Legris laughed, the sound easing some of the tension in the air. "You've got that right. Just don't let her talk you into anything crazy, okay?"
"Don't worry about me," Neron replied, his tone light but firm. "You focus on your mission. Show Frankfurt and Reed what you can do."
There was a brief silence as the two men stood there, the gravity of their situation sinking in. Finally, Legris spoke again, his voice quieter this time. "Do you ever think about what happens after this? When it's all over?" Read new adventures at M V L
"All the time," Neron admitted, his gaze distant. "When we've gathered all the Arcanas and made our wish, everything will go back to the way it was. No more Cult, no more fighting. Just... normal lives."
Legris nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "And magic? You really think we can get rid of it for good?"
"If we gather all the Arcanas, yes," Neron said firmly. "That's the whole point. To make sure no one ever has to suffer because of magic again."
Legris didn't respond immediately. He stared at the floor, his thoughts a whirlwind of doubts and hopes. Finally, he looked up, meeting Neron's eyes. "You really believe in this, don't you?"
"I do," Neron replied without hesitation. "And you should too. We're doing this for a reason, Legris. A reason worth fighting for."
Legris smiled faintly, a flicker of confidence returning to his eyes.
"Yeah. You're right."