Leo understood the gist of the situation based on Mu Fan's explanation.
Although she couldn't explain the whole picture clearly, she still told him enough for Leo to draw his own conclusions.
And the key takeaways Leo had from her speech were:
1. Faye belonged to the Evil Cult. She was a member of that universally hated group, which most likely meant that his own backer was the Evil Cult as well.
2. Faye was actually a part of the Mu Clan, and the Mu Clan seemed to have no idea that she had defected.
And although Leo had no clue as to why the Mu Clan planted her in the Rodova Military Academy or what her official role within the clan was, if he had to guess why, Leo assumed that one of his classmates this year, who seemed to be from a commoner background, was actually a Mu Clan descendant. And after thinking back on the very first day of the academy, where Su Yang beat up a poor, innocent kid who claimed to have memory loss, Leo became even more sure that perhaps that kid was none other than Mu Wudan.
3. Somehow, there seemed to be a misunderstanding amongst the higher powers in the universe that he was perhaps from the Mu Clan. This misunderstanding may have stemmed from his memory loss and bloodline prowess, and it was exactly this rumor that the Mu Family Patriarch wanted to capitalize on.
4. Since Mu Wudan was such a disappointment to the family, the Patriarch wanted to replace Wudan with him in the clan to save face and show the universe that his bloodline had not run cold. The Su family had Su Yang, and the Yu family had Yu Shen, which made their social appearance look strong. Hence, if it were to be revealed that Leo Skyshard was actually Mu Wudan, the social image of the Mu Clan would be elevated several times, and the Patriarch would be able to lift his head with pride at having Leo as a son versus the actual Wudan.
5. However, while it was the Patriarch's wish for him to take the place of Mu Wudan, it seemed like Muiyan Faye did not want the same for him. Although she offered him a choice, her putting the caveat that he would have to let go of his previous identity if he accepted it was indicative of her true thoughts.
In conclusion, Leo understood that Faye had only offered him this choice today because she expected the Mu Clan to approach him separately as well and try to entice him with the same offer, which was why she decided it would be better if it came from her rather than someone else. However, in her heart, she did not want Leo to take the offer.
And thankfully for her, Leo had no intentions of living his life as the Mu Clan young master either.
He truly cared for the well-being of his family, and their safety and security were his first priority.
Hence, although he understood that rejecting the Mu Clan's offer meant gambling with his future—where his real past may be exposed at any moment—Leo still chose to take that risky path, as it was the only path whereby he could help his family.
Smiling, he looked straight into Faye's eyes as he said, "I choose option two. Fuck the Mu Clan, I'm only interested in joining the Black Serpents and getting my memories back—"
As listening to his words, Faye immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
*HUFF—*
Faye exhaled sharply, her lips curling into a small smile.
"Good choice…. I know it wasn't an easy one, but you choosing it regardless shows character, Skyshard. Many people can only dream of being a prince of the main clan. But you don't care for it. You're truly a unique one," Faye complimented, as Leo simply shrugged his shoulders in nonchalance.
"I know in my core I'm not a prince…. However, did you see how many princes I wiped clean in the finals? My talent is no weaker than them either—" Leo replied with pride, as Faye nodded in agreement.
"It for sure isn't, and trust me, I'll do everything I can in my power to keep you safe. As long as I'm alive… I'll try my best that no harm befalls you. Even if it means adopting you as my son," Faye said, her voice cracking slightly when she said 'son'.
It was a big deal for her to take Leo in as her son, even if it was only for the sake of creating an alibi.
As declaring him as her child would significantly lower her standing within the Mu Clan, as no longer would she be seen as a virgin who could be shipped off to another clan in times of political crisis which would anger many elders within the Clan.
However, despite the consequences, Faye was ready to face it all.
As if Leo was ready to reject the life of a prince for the sake of the mission, then she too was ready to make sacrifices on her part, to give him as legitimate of an identity as she could.
"It will take me some time to get your background created… and I'm sure it will be very difficult to curry favors within the universal government to manipulate the record books after this terrorist attack.
However, I'll still get it done. Rest assured, Skyshard. I'll do my best to protect you—" Faye assured again, as she began to put her makeup back on, signaling that the conversation was nearing its conclusion.
"What about the current active investigation about the terrorist attack? You think they'll call me to take my testimony?" Leo asked, as Faye shook her head.
"Unlikely. If they wanted to call you, they would have the moment you were medically cleared. The fact that you're here means they don't suspect your involvement," Faye assured, her confidence allowing Leo to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Alright then, I guess I'll take my leave—" Leo said, walking toward the door, as Faye nodded and gave him permission to walk out.
—-----------
*Clink*
As Leo closed the door after exiting, Faye immediately pulled out the communication crystal she had been hiding.
On the other side, the Evil Cult elder had been listening to their entire exchange live, and only after Leo left did he speak the first words.
"The boy is grounded, Faye. He doesn't seem to have his ego inflated after the Circuit win, nor does he seem to be the type that actively chases glory or fame. He… possesses the qualities to be made the next dragon," the man said, his voice deep, calm, and calculated— as he seemed very cautious in his optimism regarding Leo having the qualities to become the next dragon.
"I told you! I told you he's perfect to become the next Dragon Candidate. If only you introduced him to the Cult, he wouldn't have been targeted so rashly—" Faye complained, as the man on the other side rebuked her instantly.
"If I had introduced him, your cover alongside his would already be blown. It is only because of the genuine threat to his life in the attack that nobody is suspecting the boy of foul play. I'd say it all played out pretty well in the end," the man replied, his tone razor-sharp and mercilessly logical.
"He's not ready to be crowned Dragon just yet… but I'll speak about him to a couple more elders I trust and do my best to have his past records cleaned. The Cult will start investing in Leo Skyshard from now on… that much I promise," he said before terminating the connection, as Faye felt a slow, confident surge built within her—not from relief, but readiness, as the game seemed to be moving into its next phase.
The cult was finally ready to support Leo from the shadows, and that was the first big step in his journey to officially becoming a Dragon.