(Leo's POV, The Mysterious Floating Island)
After speaking with Motherak a while longer and uncovering the floating island's secret, that an ancient spell guarded it and allowed only those of Motherak's bloodline to set foot upon its surface, Leo finally turned to leave, his mind weighed down by thoughts that refused to settle.
Motherak had informed him that it would take him at least one or two years to master the technique of space tunneling, a feat so difficult that even among the dragon race, it had been reserved for only the most gifted.
And as if learning the technique in itself was not daunting enough, what truly burdened Leo's mind was not the difficulty of the task, but the unforgiving timeline that came with it.
If he truly wished to attempt Veyr's rescue, then he had at most seven years before having to leave the Time Stilled World, as he needed to spend at least a month in the outside world to contact Soron and finalize the rescue plan, with all the facts at hand.
'Right now, my priority should be completing my mastery over the Emperor Suppression Manual and breaking into the Monarch tier. I need to do it as soon as possible, but I also can't risk starting over from nothing. If I lose my streak now, it would be akin to losing my chance to save Veyr.'
Leo thought, as he felt immense pressure about the coming future.
He could not afford any mistakes now.
For making one would not only set his own progress back by years, but would also be a death sentence for Veyr.
‘Apart from that, I also need to find a way to regulate my emotions. For if regulating them is the root cause behind my aura leaking, then I must learn how to fix it so that I can be with my kids and family.’
Leo concluded as he crushed the teleportation token in his hands and returned back to the flagship.
---
(The Timeless Ocean, The Cult Fleet)
Leonardo stood aboard the flagship, his shoulders sunken and his gaze lowered, as he twiddled with his thumbs like a toddler.
Beside him were Commander Anderson and Commander Mickey James, both men standing tall and silent, their stern expressions betraying the quiet disapproval they held for his earlier recklessness.
Neither of them said a word, yet their stillness alone was enough to make Leonardo shrink further into himself.
*Waves crashing*
The faint sound of the waves lapping against the hull filled the air, mingling with the sharp scent of salt carried by the wind, as the flagship shifted slightly from side to side amidst the Timeless Ocean.
'Will Uncle be alright?'
Leonardo thought, guilt tightening his chest.
"That insane pressure.... What if uncle can't handle it?
He wondered, as his stomach folded inwards in fear.
Although Leo had assured him that he would be fine, Leonardo couldn't help but wonder about the off chance that he was not.
'But what can I even do? It's not like the Commanders will listen to what I have to say....'
He thought helplessly, as he looked to his right where Commander Anderson stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his face unreadable, while Commander James leaned slightly against the railing behind him, his sharp eyes fixed on the horizon.
Both seemed far too calm for Leonardo's liking, as though they had long grown used to waiting for Leo to come back from dangerous situations that nobody else could interfere in.
Leonardo's nerves, however, frayed with each passing second. His fingers tapped anxiously against his palm as his lips parted hesitantly. "Commander Anderson... maybe we should—"
He began, but before he could finish, the air around them rippled violently.
A low hum filled the deck as the space at its center twisted and bent like heated glass, glowing faintly with white light before collapsing inward with a soft crack.
And from that distortion stepped Leo.
He appeared perfectly composed, his robe flowing lightly in the sea breeze, his expression calm and unreadable, as though the crushing divine pressure of Motherak's realm had never even touched him.
"Uncle... you're back," Leonardo said at once, his relief evident as his eyes brightened and his voice trembled slightly.
Leo glanced toward him briefly before his gaze swept across the deck, where every crew member had already straightened and saluted in unison.
"My Lord," Commander Anderson spoke, his voice even yet edged with curiosity, "I hope you found what you were seeking...."
Anderson said respectfully, as Leo gave him a faint nod, his joy evident by how faint his aura had become now as compared to when he first arrived here.
"Yes. This expedition has been a resounding success."
Leo replied as for a heartbeat, silence reigned. Then, one by one, the crew let out sighs of relief. Some smiled faintly, while others whispered prayers of gratitude under their breath.
Across the deck, the tension dissolved like mist in the morning sun, as the air filled once more with the faint sound of the ocean waves.
"Resounding success..." Commander James repeated softly, a big smile plastered on his face, as he gave Anderson a playful shoulder tap.
"Good work, everyone. You've all done well," Leo complimented, his tone steady but sincere, as he gave the crew members and the Commanders a rare smile and a thumbs up of approval.
"Hahaha!"
"This is the greatest day of my life!"
"We love you Lord Shadow Dragon!"
The crew shouted in response, their hearts lighter now, as they took pride in knowing that they had been of help to the Shadow Dragon.
"Have a safe journey back. I will take my troublemaking nephew back with me in the jet, so that he doesn't bother you anymore...."
Leo instructed Anderson, who gave a curt nod in response.
"Safe journey to you as well, My Lord, I will see you back in Skyshard City."
He said, as in the next second, Leo wrapped his hand around Leonardo's waist and jumped off the deck and into the waiting jet above.
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