Leon struggled against his restraints, the cold iron biting into his skin. Ricardo sat beside him, his expression dark with frustration. Across the dimly lit chamber, Jack stood silently, arms crossed, his gaze unreadable. But Leon's attention was on the mysterious master.
The man exuded an aura of power, his piercing eyes locking onto Leon as if studying him. The words he had spoken earlier echoed in Leon's mind.
"I've been expecting you."
Leon forced a smirk despite the situation. "Oh? You know me? Sorry, but I don't recall having any dramatic meetings with creepy villains before."
The master let out a low chuckle. "Arrogant. Just as I expected." He took a slow step forward. "But you will come to understand soon enough."
Ricardo clenched his fists, his voice sharp. "What do you want from us?"
The master's gaze flicked to Ricardo briefly before returning to Leon. "You, Ricardo, are merely a loose end. But Leon…" He paused, as if savoring the moment. "You are the key."
Leon's smirk faltered. "The key to what, exactly?"
The master's expression remained unreadable. "Power beyond your understanding. But for now, you are unrefined, unworthy of wielding it."
Leon rolled his eyes. "Great. Another cryptic old man who thinks he knows my destiny. You guys need a new hobby."
Jack finally spoke, his voice low. "Enough talking. What are your orders, Master?"
The master turned slightly, his cloak shifting as he moved. "Test him."
Before Leon could process the words, Jack was already moving.
A crushing force slammed into Leon's gut, knocking the air from his lungs as he crashed into the wall behind him. The shackles broke from the sheer force, sending dust and debris flying.
Ricardo's eyes widened. "Leon!"
Leon groaned, pushing himself up. "Okay… Not gonna lie. That really hurt." He coughed, glaring up at Jack. "Mind giving me a warm-up first?"
Jack didn't respond. He was already on him again.
Leon barely dodged the next strike, rolling to the side as Jack's blade carved into the stone where he had been. His mind raced. He couldn't win this—not directly. But he had to buy time.
"Ricardo! Get out of here!" Leon shouted, summoning his magic. Sparks of electricity crackled around his hands.
Ricardo, still shackled, growled in frustration. "I'm not leaving you!"
Jack didn't give them time to argue. He was relentless, his movements precise and overwhelming. Leon could feel himself being pushed further into a corner.
Then, the master raised a hand. "Enough."
Jack stopped instantly, lowering his weapon. Leon staggered, breathing heavily, his fists still crackling with lightning.
The master looked at Leon with a hint of amusement. "You truly are interesting. But not yet ready." He turned to Jack. "Take them to the lower chamber. Their real trial begins now."
Leon exchanged a glance with Ricardo. Whatever was coming next… it wasn't going to be easy.