Neron's breath caught, his usually composed demeanor cracking as his eyes widened.
"What?"
The Cult Leader's voice remained steady. "Legris Damien, Reed Sterling, and Frankfurt Lawcroft... they were all killed during the mission. The barrier concealed more than we anticipated. What they encountered was beyond their capacity to handle."
The words hit Neron like a physical blow. He closed his eyes, his hands clenching into fists at his sides.
"Legris..." His voice was barely above a whisper.
Karlia placed a hand on his shoulder, her grip firm but not unkind.
"I'm sorry, Neron."
The Cult Leader rose from his seat, his presence commanding. "Their sacrifice will not be in vain. We are closer than ever to realizing our goal, but we must remain vigilant. The path ahead will only grow more treacherous."
Neron didn't respond.
His mind was elsewhere, replaying memories of his last conversation with Legris. The confidence in his friend's voice, the determination in his eyes—it was hard to believe he was truly gone.
"I'll need time," Neron finally said, his voice steady but cold.
The Cult Leader nodded. "Of course. Take what you need."
Neron turned on his heel, his cloak billowing as he exited the chamber. Karlia followed silently, her usual chatter absent as they walked down the dark corridors.
For the first time in a long while, Neron felt the weight of their mission press heavily on his shoulders.
And for the first time, he wondered if the price they were paying was too high.
*********
The days after learning of Legris' death passed in a blur.
Time had little meaning in the wake of such a loss. The Nether Cult's stronghold felt like an endless abyss, every hallway a reminder of the life Neron once knew before he had become part of this dark and unforgiving world.
His every thought was consumed by the image of Legris—his partner, his best friend—lost in the void, never to return.
Neron walked aimlessly through the darkened corridors, his boots echoing off the stone walls. His hands were clenched into fists so tightly his knuckles ached.
"I don't care." Neron's voice was low, menacing. "I will finish this for Legris. And if you stand in my way, I will leave the Cult. I'll find another way to do it, but I will make them pay."
The words hung in the air between them, thick with defiance and unspoken consequences. The Cult Leader's gaze hardened, his lips pulling into a thin line. He leaned forward in his chair, folding his hands together.
"You would leave?" The Cult Leader's voice was almost a whisper, a quiet menace beneath the calm exterior. "You do realize the gravity of your words, don't you? If you leave, I will have no choice but to have you killed... to preserve our secrets."
Neron's eyes flashed, but his resolve did not waver.
"I would rather die on my own terms than live under the shadow of this place. You don't get it, do you?" He stepped closer, his voice rising. "Legris gave everything for this. And you just let him die for a cause none of us fully understand. So if you truly want me to stay... you'll send me to finish what he started."
The Cult Leader's eyes narrowed, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of his chair. For a moment, silence reigned.
Then, the leader's lips parted, his words laced with dark finality.
"You think you can challenge me?" he asked, his voice sharp. "You think that by making threats you can bend the world to your will?"
Neron didn't flinch. He stared the Cult Leader down, his entire being radiating an undeniable confidence.
"I don't care what happens. I'm going. If you stop me, you'll regret it. If you want me to stay, you'll send me. And I'll get it done, no matter what."
The Cult Leader's eyes gleamed with something cold, something dangerous.
"You speak as if your life is yours to throw away. Very well." He stood, his presence filling the room like a storm cloud. "Go. But understand this: if you fail, you will not come back. You will be lost, just like your friend. I will not be responsible for your actions if you proceed."
"I don't need your protection." Neron's voice was a promise, a vow. "I'll finish it. I will complete the mission and bring the one responsible for Legris' death to justice."
The Cult Leader stared at him, his gaze piercing.
Then, slowly, he nodded. "You may go. But do not expect us to intervene. This is your choice, Neron. And the consequences are yours alone."
Neron's eyes burned with unshakable determination. "I'll get what I want... no matter what."
With those final words, he turned and left the room, his steps resolute. The door slammed behind him, echoing through the halls. The Cult Leader watched him go, his face unreadable. The veiled woman's gaze lingered on the door for a moment longer before she spoke, her voice barely a whisper.
"Do you think he can truly survive this?"
The Cult Leader's eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a faint smile.
"I don't know, Mother. But only time will tell."