A few minutes after the Bernabeu walls were breached, Leo finally decided to make a move.
Signaling to Luke and PinkLotus to follow him, he entered Bernabeu City, having already sensed the presence of the powerful enemy who awaited him within.
The three figures moved through the shattered walls and into the ruined city streets, where small fights surrounded them everywhere.
Anywhere one turned, they could see a group of WhiteSaber players fighting against the DarkSky guild members or the Duke's forces, however, none of them dared interrupt the path of 'TheBoss'.
As Leo walked, allies and enemies alike parted to make way for him, as he simply moved past the city walls, towards the network of streets connecting every corner of Bernabeu City.
His destination was clear, moving towards the point where the concentration of mana felt the thickest, signalling the presence of an extremely strong opponent, who probably awaited his entry.
Leo walked at an unhurried pace, his posture relaxed but his sharp gaze scanning their surroundings.
Meanwhile, perched on his shoulder, Dumpy, in his miniature form, croaked softly, his golden eyes darting to every flicker of movement.
"The smell of fear lingers here, Lord Father," Dumpy said, his voice cutting through the stillness. "It reeks of weaklings and mongrels."
Leo smirked but said nothing. Behind him, PinkLotus walked with effortless grace, her sharp eyes betraying her readiness for conflict. Luke followed at her side, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword, his face impassive as he studied the smoke and fire that now covered much of Bernabeu City.
Soon, as they rounded a corner into a large cathedral courtyard, their path was blocked by a towering figure clad in silver armor.
Standing tall amidst the rubble and ash, West Duke James awaited them. His ornate greatsword, etched with ancient runes, rested heavily against his shoulder, glowing faintly with embedded mana crystals.
"So, the infamous 'TheBoss' finally arrives," James said, his voice a deep rumble, carrying an authority that made the air feel heavier. "You walk these streets without shame, even after plunging an empire into chaos."
Leo tilted his head slightly, his smirk widening. "Chaos? Please. I prefer to call it… progress."
James' jaw tightened as his gauntleted fingers curled around the hilt of his sword.
"You butchered a child of an Emperor in cold blood. You stand here drenched in the blood of my dear colleagues and master warriors who were the pillars of this Empire. Do you feel nothing, 'TheBoss'?" James asked, but before Leo could respond, Dumpy puffed up slightly on his shoulder, croaking loudly.
"Mind your tongue, mongrel!" Dumpy snapped, his voice sharp and full of disdain. "You dare speak to Lord Father in such a tone? Look at you—clad in polished metal, pretending to be noble while trembling in your boots!"
James' eyes flickered towards the tiny frog, his expression momentarily faltering before returning to one of steely determination.
Leo chuckled, raising a hand to silence Dumpy. "Calm yourself, Dumpy. Let the good Duke speak. After all, this is his last chance to sound dignified before I put him in the dirt."
James lifted his sword, pointing it directly at Leo. "Enough. No more words, no more games. Today I shall make you pay for what you have done to this Empire"
Leo's smirk faded slightly, his eyes sharpening as he reached for the hilt of his dagger.
"Very well, Duke. Let's dance." He said, as he cracked his neck, while Dumpy jumped off and turned into an average 10 feet sized frog.
"SkyLion…. PinkLotus, you guys can go explore the beautiful city on your own, I've got him" Leo assured, as upon getting his approval, Luke and PinkLotus continued to walk ahead, leaving Dumpy and Leo alone to face off against the West Duke.
***********
(Luke and PinkLotus's POV)
The duo's movements were fluid and cautious as they navigated through the smoke-choked streets of Bernabeu.
But waiting for them in an abandoned plaza, standing amidst the wreckage of a once-grand fountain, was Cervantez—the Guildmaster of DarkSky.
His blue and golden guild robe billowed slightly in the warm updraft of nearby fires, and his sword hung loosely at his side, its polished edges reflecting the flickering orange glow of the flames.
"Skylion," Cervantez said, his voice low but carrying across the broken stones.
"We meet again…. friend" Cervantez said, disdain evident in his voice.
"Guildmaster," Luke replied evenly, his tone lacking emotion.
Cervantez took a step closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied Skylion.
"You know, there was a time I trusted you with my life. You stood by me, fought beside me. And now…" He gestured around them, at the burning ruins of Bernabeu. "…you stand with him. With 'TheBoss'. You bite the hand that fed you, and you kill the very people you swore to protect."
"You're a snake SkyLion. A despicable snake, and nurturing you has been the biggest mistake I've made in this life" Cervantez said, as his words made Luke inhale deeply.
"Really? Even after all this time, even after betraying me so hard, you still think you have the moral high ground here?" Luke asked, sounding hurt, as his eyes turned into two fireballs of fury.
"It wasn't me who decided to stand against 'TheBoss', it wasn't me who voted to make the West the last bastion of righteous faction hope. I sensed the downfall of the righteous faction before I ever happened, it was you and your vain pride that has now placed the DarkSky guild on the backfoot" Luke said, as he refused to give Cervantez an inch of moral superiority.
"Ha…haha….Hahahaha–" Cervantez chuckled, as he pointed towards Luke and covered his eyes like a maniac.
"You predicted the fall of the righteous faction? You think we have already lost bernabeu? Why? Cause 'TheBoss' is here?
Well alright, remove him and what are you on your own?
He's out there busy fighting the West Duke, can the loyal dog defend himself without help from 'TheBoss' and PinkLotus?" Cervantez questioned, as Luke simply drew his sword in response.
This was a fight long due.