Episode 22 – Vharon’s Challenge

  The Alpha Organization had never been so crowded.

  Agents moved through the courtyard, whispering among themselves while unfamiliar uniforms crossed their paths. Directors and council members from other organizations had arrived, each accompanied by their own guards. The atmosphere was heavy — even the wind felt tense.

  From above, the massive structure of Alpha looked calm…

  Inside, it was anything but.

  After Lara’s accusations against the Xprians, Vander — father of Lord Vharon — personally decided to visit. His presence alone was enough to unsettle everyone.

  And everyone knew it.

  Something was about to happen.

  The Meeting

  Inside the main conference hall, the leaders gathered around a large oval table.

  Eyes avoided each other. Some stared openly in hostility.

  Then Lord Vharon stepped forward.

  “It is a pleasure to see you all here,” he said calmly. “I was traveling, but I learned something quite interesting… Nearly five thousand agents transferred simply because Lee was appointed Director-General.”

  Several directors shifted uncomfortably.

  Vharon placed a stack of reports on the table.

  “Lee was left with one hundred agents. In only a few weeks, he now commands one thousand two hundred… and yet our payroll still funds only one hundred. Explain to me — how is that possible?”

  Murmurs spread across the room.

  Lee slowly stood.

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  “I almost gave up,” he admitted. “Until Leon motivated me. He comes from a distant planet where they believe in a savior called Jesus. I prayed… and I was answered. He gave me strength. Lara and Leon completed a mission that brought us a contract — one that now sustains Alpha.”

  Director Dario slammed his fist on the table.

  “That’s impossible! You’re diverting resources! No organization is allowed to operate missions independently!”

  Before Lee could respond, Laura stood.

  “The mission was not completed,” she said firmly. “Leon refused to kill a man. He listened to him and understood his reasons. The hatred you all carry will not corrupt us. I am not only a director… I am a mother… and the wife of a tyrant king. We will not bow to your cowardice.”

  The room fell silent.

  Vander finally spoke.

  “So… you helped the man, and he donated resources in return. Then tell me — what will you do with the seven hundred women you rescued?”

  “They joined us,” Lee answered. “They don’t ask for payment. They want a home… and a cause to fight for.”

  Lord Vharon smiled faintly.

  “Then we will resolve this matter properly,” he said. “I propose a tournament… in pairs. It will take place here. Inside Alpha.”

  Shock spread across the hall.

  “The winner,” Vharon continued, “will face me. Whoever defeats me will become my right hand.”

  The Reactions

  Director Giu stood nervously.

  “My organization has no strong representatives. What am I supposed to do?”

  Lee crossed his arms.

  “I can give you one. Leon.”

  The room erupted into whispers.

  Vharon looked directly at Leon.

  “I assumed you would partner with him.”

  Lee smiled slightly.

  “No. Because he is the one I most want to fight.”

  Several directors scoffed.

  Dario laughed.

  “That weak boy? Yesterday he tried to protect Lara. Pathetic.”

  Vander narrowed his eyes.

  “Yet he has eyes like Lee’s… A Krizardian in the tournament… This will be interesting.”

  Leon said nothing.

  But his fists tightened.

  The Courtyard

  Later that evening, the sun painted the courtyard in red light.

  Leon sat alone on a bench, lost in thought.

  Lara approached and sat beside him.

  “Why so quiet?” she teased. “Thinking about yesterday’s embarrassment? It was cute — you trying to protect me from Vander. Only the most important man on XP…”

  Leon looked away, embarrassed.

  He didn’t answer.

  For the first time, doubt weighed visibly on him.

  Then footsteps approached.

  Darian entered the courtyard with three companions.

  “Well, well… the lovebirds,” he mocked.

  Lara immediately stood.

  “Leave, Darian. I don’t want trouble.”

  Silence filled the air.

  The tension rose like a storm waiting to break.

  Leon slowly stood beside her.

  And for the first time since the meeting…

  the fire in his eyes returned.

  Ending

  The tournament had been announced.

  The fate of the organizations would now be decided through battle — blood and honor intertwined.

  But beyond rivalry and politics… something else had begun.

  A new flame had ignited in Leon’s heart.

  And soon, everyone would see it.