Chapter -23

  The twin suns rose at the birth of Twilight.At the shield's rest.

  Ryan, Reed, Stark and Tom were gathered for morning breakfast. Stark brought out the prepared breakfast to the round table. Its aroma filled the air. Ryan's mouth opened, saliva almost gushed out of his mouth, which he swallowed — a close call.As the breakfast was almost set, Leo entered the hall.

  "Good morning, guys," greeted Leo.The gang greeted Leo.

  He came and sat down, continued to talk, "Guys, I have something to say.""What is it, saviour?" asked Tom sarcastically.Leo's mouth showed a grin, he continued, "Guys, I am going to head to the Mage Tower. I plan to head out today evening. I just found out there is someone there who can help me find my past."

  Stark spoke, "Have a safe journey, dear boy. May you find what you seek," with a clear concern for Leo.Ryan spoke, "Are you going alone?"Leo said, "I have to, for it may be dangerous."Ryan replied, "My dumb brother, don't think you're leaving me alone here — not with these old men. They may run off their old manliness to me."Leo said with a strong voice, "Ryan, my path is dangerous. Even death may occur."Ryan spoke, "Brother, don't worry. Death is something I combat before dinner time as an exercise."Leo laughed, "Hahahahahaaa, I can't win against my brother after all."Reed spoke up, "Don't think of leaving me behind. The princess will kill me if I leave you alone."The whole gang laughed.

  Ryan said, "The more the merrier! Let's head out and make our history," with a cheerful tone.Leo grinned, "Then it's decided. Get everything ready, brother. We are leaving this evening.""Sure," said Ryan and Reed.Tom said, "Leo, meet me in the mansion of the lord after this."Leo replied, "Sure, sir. I will meet you there."

  Later that day in: the Chancellor's Mansion – In Tom's Room

  Leo stood before the Chief Mage's room."May I enter?" asked Leo."Come in," said Tom.

  Leo entered the room. The room was filled with papers stuck on the wall, all resembling the core. The floor, the table — everything was a mess. The air carried the scent of paper like a library. Wind blew via the opened door, making the papers fly in the air.Tom welcomed Leo, "Leo, take a seat. Don't mind the mess," he said.Leo sat down in the chair.Tom waved his hands and the doors closed.

  Tom said, "Leo, I have something for you."Saying this, Tom took out a crystal ball similar in size to a mana stone, but unlike the blue haze of the mana stone, this crystal had a crimson hue. He gave it to Leo.

  Leo took it in his hands. The crystal on closer look had a black core with crimson stars revolving around it.Leo asked, "What is this, sir?"Tom replied, "A small gift for our saviour. I saw how you struggled to use your flaming sword with ordinary mana crystals that run out after a short use, so I re-modeled the secondary core for you to use. This can be used for a longer time, a greater output of mana, lesser recoil and most importantly — it recharges on its own using the mana in the air.

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  With this, you can even compete with a full-fledged knight."Leo smiled, his eyes showed his excitement. He spoke, "Sir, thank you so much."Tom said, "Hurry now, try it out."

  Leo took out the flaming sword from the spatial bag. He took out the old mana stone on the hilt and replaced it with the core.He inserted the core and waited. Nothing happened. A brief silence.

  Then the stars in the core began to spin. The hilt began to glow. Mana began to flow, wrapping the whole blade. Slowly, fire arose — a crimson flame was born today. The very flame that would lead the demons to their liberation.

  Tom stared at this phenomenon, his eyes wide, mouth awestruck, dropping the papers he had in his hand.Leo's eyes shone brightly, reflecting the crimson flame.The crimson flame grew fiercely, started to wrap around Leo's arms as if they had life of their own — but the flame didn't harm Leo. He felt no heat.Then the flame settled. The core stopped spinning."It's great, sir! At least 24 times increased output," said Leo, satisfied.Tom said, "Good, then. Leo, you will need it where you are going."

  Leo, startled, "What do you mean, sir?"Tom replied, "I heard from the Chancellor you are going to meet the old Tower Master.Be cautious, Leo. He is not the man he once was."Leo asked, "What do you mean, sir?"

  Tom replied, "He was a great lord, but when the tyrant ascended the throne, he removed him from the Tower Lord position. Still then, the old Tower Master was kind. He took care of his people. But it all changed four years ago — he lost his mind, fully immersed himself searching for something. Nobody knows why or how he became like this. But all knew the man they once knew and respected was gone."Tom let out a sigh.

  Leo said, "I shall take caution, sir. I have to meet him."

  Tom said, "All the best for your journey, my young friend. I will not see you here again. Take care."Leo replied, "Thank you, sir. I shall take leave."

  Leo left ,the room regained it's silence Tom back within his realm of solitude filled with his research .

  That Evening – Gates of the Western Kingdom

  The gang arrived at the gate — except Tom.Reed, Ryan and Leo were ready to leave.Stark and Bane were there. They bid their goodbyes.

  The trio left the Western Kingdom started their journey, the old demon star waiting for his master to return home safe, stark smiled till the end not letting the pain of separation stop him ,for his heart held a hope for their reunion.

  Leo looked back once ,before fate let's them meet again.

  . The trio started to move towards the next chapter of their life closing the previous one. — one filled with pain and challenges they never were ready for.

  Where will the journey take them? Will Leo reach his destination? Will he find the old Tower Master? Will he find the truth?

  Stay tuned to find out.

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