Chapter 22 – Road at the Crossroads
Leon stood frozen in the middle of the courtyard, his eyes fixed on the dark figure before him. His thoughts and ambitions battled within him as if trying to determine his next move. On one hand, the offer was tempting—power enough to overthrow Eric and seize the position of heir to the Everia family. But on the other, Leon knew that such offers rarely came without grave consequences.
"Are you still hesitating?" the figure's voice broke the silence. "Your hesitation will only be a weakness. If you are not strong enough to take this chance, then I will find someone else."
"Stop trying to manipulate me," Leon finally spoke up, his voice cold but firm. "I will not give myself to someone who can't even show his face clearly."
The figure laughed lowly, a laugh that sounded like the echo of a thousand voices. "Ah, you are smarter than I thought. But your ambition exceeds your intelligence. I know what you want, Leon. You want to defeat Eric. You want to prove to your father that you are the true heir to the Everia family."
Leon stared at the figure intently, his heart torn between the urge to move forward and the desire to remain in control of his destiny. "What exactly do you want from me?" Leon asked finally.
The figure raised his hand, and a purple ancient symbol glowed in the air. "Your loyalty," he answered simply. "And I will give you power that even Eric cannot match. With this power, you will be more than just the heir to the Everia family. You will be the ruler of all."
Leon frowned, but before he could answer, Miriam, who was still standing behind him, stepped forward. "Sir Leon, don't trust him!" her voice was filled with fear. "This… this is a trap! The power that comes from the darkness will only destroy you in the end!"
The figure laughed again, louder this time. "Ah, there's always someone who tries to warn you. But that doesn't matter. The choice is yours, Leon. The choice to be great... or to remain a shadow of your brother."
Leon clenched his fists tightly. The offer was tempting, but Miriam's doubts kept ringing in his ears. Finally, he lifted his gaze, staring at the figure with determination.
"I'll consider your offer," he said flatly, trying to maintain control. "But I'm not making a decision now."
The figure smiled faintly, though his face was still hidden in the darkness. "You have time... but not much. I will return when the time comes, and when I do, I want to see that your heart is set."
The purple portal opened again, sucking the figure into it quickly. In an instant, the courtyard was silent again. Leon stood where he was, his jaw clenched, while Miriam let out a sigh of relief.
"Mr. Leon," Miriam spoke softly, "what do you plan to do?"
Leon stared at the night sky, his eyes radiating unconcealed ambition. "I will make sure I win... by any means necessary."
Miriam looked at her master with worry, realizing that this ambition could be a blessing or a curse for the Everia family.
---
The night was getting late, but Leon showed no signs of wanting to rest. His steps were quick as he entered his study, where maps and documents were spread out on a large wooden table. Miriam followed him, remaining silent but her eyes were full of worry.
Leon took his seat, his gaze fixed on a map of Everia. His fingers moved slowly, pointing to several points he believed were strategic. He knew that if he was going to face Eric, he would need to be more than just strong—he needed allies, resources, and a perfect plan.
"A letter," he said suddenly.
Miriam, who was standing in the corner of the room, raised her eyebrows. "A letter, Mr. Leon?"
"Yes," Leon nodded. "I want you to send a message to the Vassals under the Everia family's control. I will summon them to meet with me. They must know that this family does not rely solely on Eric."
Miriam bit her lip. "But, Sir Leon, isn't that too risky? If Duke Alaric finds out about this move, you could be seen as trying to shake his authority."
Leon looked up, his eyes full of determination. "Father has sided with Eric for too long. If I want to earn this family's trust, I must make a bold move. This isn't about overthrowing Father—it's about proving that I am more worthy of leading."
Miriam nodded hesitantly and began to prepare her writing utensils. Meanwhile, Leon leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes for a moment. The image of Eric holding the Everia Sword was still vivid in his mind, and it made his blood boil.
"Eric..." she whispered. "You think you've won, huh? But I'm not going to give up that easily."
---
In another room, Lady Seraphina sat gracefully in front of a large mirror, her fingers tracing the diamond necklace around her neck. Her gaze was blank, but a small smile graced her lips. She knew what was going to happen tonight.
The door to her room opened slowly, and a maid entered with a tea tray. "Madam, do you need anything else before I go?"
Lady Seraphina glanced at the maid briefly before shaking her head slowly. "No, you can go."
After the maid left, Seraphina's smile turned more sly. She had heard about Leon's encounter with the mysterious figure in the courtyard earlier. She also knew about the offer of power that was given to her stepson.
"Leon..." he murmured. "You are my son. However, you still need a little guidance."
He stood up, his eyes shining with ambition. If Leon truly accepted the power, then he would be the perfect tool to achieve Seraphina's own goals. And if not? Then he would just be an easily sacrificed pawn.
"It's okay," he said, staring at his reflection in the mirror. "I always have a backup plan."
---
Back in his study, Leon finally finished writing the letters to the Vassals. Miriam stared at the letters anxiously.
"Is this necessary, Lord Leon?" he asked. "They might not side with you, especially if Duke Alaric finds out about this."
Leon stood up, took one letter and handed it to Miriam. "That's why I have to do it now before things get any harder. The Vassals will understand that I'm no longer Eric's shadow."
Miriam received the letter, but there was still hesitation on her face. She knew that this move could strengthen Leon's position, but it could also destroy him if it failed.
"Okay, Mr. Leon," he said finally. "I will make sure this letter reaches them."
Leon nodded, then looked out the window that overlooked the empty courtyard. "Time is not on my side, Miriam. But I swear I will change my fate."
Outside, the night wind blew hard, as if signaling an impending storm.
---
The night grew deeper, but there was no silence in Leon's mind. After Miriam left to deliver her letters, Leon stood in front of the window, gazing at the dim moon in the night sky. Something was spinning in his mind—power, ambition, and the shadow of Eric that continued to haunt him.
A soft knock on the door broke his reverie. Leon turned his head, a little surprised that no one was supposed to be here tonight.
"Come in," he said in a firm tone.
The door opened slowly, and an old man in a black robe stepped in. His face was hidden by the shadow of the hood he was wearing. The figure exuded a mysterious aura, even more oppressive than the person Leon had met in the ruins.
"Who are you?" Leon asked, trying to hide his nervousness.
The man didn't answer right away. He stepped closer, then stopped a few feet from Leon. From under his robe, he pulled out a small, red glowing object—a crystal that looked like it was full of energy.
"I hear your ambition, Leon Everia," the man said finally, his voice hoarse and deep. "And I have come to offer you a quicker path."
Leon furrowed his brows. "Walk faster? I don't need anyone's help to reach my destination."
The man chuckled, a sound that sent chills down Leon's spine. "Oh, young man... even the greatest kings need allies. Without help, ambition is but a pipe dream."
The red crystal floated from the man's hand, circling in the air in front of Leon. Its red light radiated as if beckoning Leon to come closer.
"This crystal is the key to transcending your limitations," the man said. "With it, you will not only rival Eric, but you will become something far greater."
Leon was silent, his eyes glued to the crystal. He could feel an incredibly powerful energy coming from it, almost as if it was calling his name. But beneath that power, he also felt something dark, something dangerous.
"What price must I pay?" Leon asked, his tone full of suspicion.
The man smiled, though his face was still hidden. "Price? Nothing is free in this world, young man. But the price is not something you should worry about right now. All you need to think about is whether you are ready to take this step."
Leon clasped his hands together, weighing his options. He knew that taking the crystal would mean walking a darker path, but he also knew that without more power, he would never be able to defeat Eric and take his place in the Everia family.
Finally, he reached out his hand, taking the crystal. As soon as his hand touched the object, an incredibly powerful energy spread throughout his body, leaving him breathless. The red light from the crystal enveloped the room, making the shadows around it seem to move like living creatures.
The man laughed again, louder this time. "A wise choice, Leon Everia. But remember—every power has its consequences."
Leon gritted his teeth, trying to endure the pain of the energy that was entering his body. "I don't care about the consequences. I will defeat Eric, no matter what."
The man turned towards the door, leaving Leon still struggling to control his new powers. Before leaving, he paused and looked back.
"From now on, your fate is tied to this power. Don't waste your chance, Leon."
The door closed by itself, leaving Leon collapsed on the floor, his breath ragged. However, despite his weak body, his eyes shone with determination.
"I will defeat you, Eric," he muttered, gripping the crystal tightly. "And I will show the world who the true heir to the Everia family is."
Outside, the moon was covered by dark clouds, as if hiding the last light of the night.
End of chapter