Episode 24 – The Weight of a Promise

  Many things had changed since Leon first stepped into the Organization.

  And yet… destiny was far from finished with them.

  Lee sat alone inside the command room of the Alpha Organization’s ship, holographic screens glowing faintly across the table. The blue light reflected across his face, revealing a serious, distant expression.

  The metallic door slid open behind him.

  Liu entered.

  Lee didn’t turn immediately.

  “I called you here,” Lee said calmly, “because you need to know the real reason for the tournament.”

  Liu crossed his arms, sensing the heaviness in his voice.

  “Vharon wants to test me,” Lee continued. “He wants to see if I’m strong enough to face my father.”

  Liu’s expression tightened.

  “Already? Lee… it’s too soon. Not because you’re weak… but defeating áris isn’t just about power. There are the Spilrians, the Five Element Council… politics everywhere.”

  Lee clenched his fists.

  “I know. But I already have a plan. Only you will know it. Not even Leon — not yet.”

  Liu frowned.

  “And if it fails?”

  Lee looked at him directly.

  “If everything goes wrong… tell my mother, Lara, and Leon everything. My entire legacy will be entrusted to you.”

  Liu’s eyes widened.

  “Don’t say that! The Xprians are using you!”

  Lee smiled faintly, but his eyes were heavy.

  “If I can’t defeat my father… Leon will carry on what I started. He’s special.”

  Then his expression softened slightly.

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  “And Lara made a bet with me. If she defeats me in the tournament… I won’t face my father.”

  Liu stared for a second — then laughed quietly.

  “So that’s why she stormed off earlier… Fine. I’ll train them to defeat you.”

  He smirked.

  “But I’ll still be the one standing in the end to secure our victory.”

  Lee extended his hand.

  “If they both beat me… I’ll give up.”

  They shook hands.

  For the first time, neither of them felt relief.

  Training

  The training room echoed with impacts.

  A massive construct of yellow energy slammed Leon across the floor again.

  Lara attacked relentlessly, forming giant glowing fists and weapons made of light. Her movements were fast — but unstable, emotional.

  Leon blocked with his claws.

  “Lara! What’s going on?!”

  She didn’t answer.

  Another strike came.

  Leon disappeared with speed and reappeared directly in front of her. His Krizardian eyes ignited in golden light.

  “Enough.”

  Her body froze under the paralyzing aura.

  In slow motion, he caught her as the energy faded.

  “Tell me what happened.”

  She broke down, clutching his clothes.

  “It’s Lee… After the tournament, he’s going to face my father. I’ve dreamed about it… I saw him dying. I tried to stop him, but he won’t listen…”

  Leon stayed silent for a moment.

  Then he nodded.

  “So… he’ll only stop if we defeat him in the tournament?”

  She nodded weakly.

  “Yes.”

  Leon placed his hands on her shoulders and looked straight into her eyes.

  “Then I’m with you. We’ll defeat him. I promise you — I won’t lose.”

  Her voice trembled.

  “You won’t judge me? You won’t say I’m wrong?”

  Leon shook his head gently.

  “I know the burden Lee carries. I know what it means to fight something bigger than yourself. Vharon is behind this… but you can’t let your emotions control you.”

  He closed his eyes briefly.

  “Be angry, but do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger.”

  He embraced her again.

  “I need your focus.”

  Lara wiped her tears.

  “…Thank you, Leon.”

  Outside the glass wall, Darian watched.

  His fists tightened.

  “I’ll destroy you, Leon.”

  A Mother’s Fear

  Later, inside the mission control room, Laura faced Lee.

  “You’re leaving for a month?” she asked, her voice shaking.

  “You already know I must face my father,” Lee replied. “If I can’t win… I’ll prove I’m not ready.”

  “Then don’t go!” she said. “That doesn’t make you dishonorable!”

  Lee activated a recording.

  The hologram showed Leon standing in front of Lara, protecting her during the council confrontation.

  “Look at him,” Lee said softly. “If I fail… he’ll carry my legacy.”

  Tears filled Laura’s eyes.

  “Don’t say that. You will win.”

  Lee smiled.

  But his eyes betrayed the weight of goodbye.

  The Final Preparation

  Lee gathered Leon, Lara, and Liu.

  “I have a mission and will be gone for one month. Liu will train you. Listen to him.”

  Liu crossed his arms seriously.

  “You heard him.”

  Lara nudged Leon.

  “We’re going to defeat him.”

  Leon grinned.

  “Definitely.”

  Liu raised an eyebrow.

  “What did you two say?”

  They laughed.

  Lee watched them.

  For a brief moment… he looked peaceful.

  And for a brief moment… he looked like someone saying farewell.

  Ending

  That night, Lee walked alone through the ship’s corridors.

  No one stopped him.

  No one knew what he was preparing himself for.

  His silhouette slowly disappeared into darkness.

  The war had not begun yet.

  But sacrifices already had.