Leo believed in his own strength. No matter how many soul-sucking beasts the enemy dispatched, they could never destroy Grandecy. However, whether it was to seek the truth, exact revenge, or prevent any hidden agenda that might threaten Anwar's rule, Leo knew he had to attend this meeting. He had to at least speak with these people.
Without taking "Mountbreaker," Leo quietly chose two giant swords and left. Despite his massive frame, his skill and ability to mask his presence allowed him to slip out of Grandecy undetected, using secret paths.
Though he had to detour around villages to avoid contact with other humans, it wasn't long before he found himself in Paradise. Following the directions from the vision, he reached the designated location—a wide, barren stone field. Opposite him, a small stone hill loomed, with a single figure sitting leisurely on a stone chair, flanked by another standing figure. Two more figures stood on either side, all dressed in full black robes, their faces obscured. Only the figure on the far left had two long swords at their waist; the others appeared unarmed.
Leo had never encountered the new species, Skullbreakers, but reports indicated that they wore such attire in Paradise, with one even wielding dual swords. If they weren't Skullbreakers, then what could they be?
"Welcome, welcome, Grandecy's great hero. We're grateful that you honored our invitation," the seated Skullbreaker spoke first, seeming to be their leader.
Leo stepped forward to the center of the stone field. Knowing the truth, he refrained from attacking these new Skullbreakers immediately. "Even though I knew that the new Skullbreakers could speak, it's still astonishing to see it firsthand. Who exactly are you?"
The Skullbreaker, recognizing Leo, removed his black hood to reveal a Singoat skull.
Singoats were peculiar creatures, born cursed and considered the most sinful beings. Their offspring devoured their mothers as their first meal and were raised by their fathers. Their coming-of-age ritual involved eating their fathers, after which siblings dispersed to establish their own territories. They had teeth like humans, capable of consuming both meat and plants, and were among the few species that could prey on Skullbreakers.
The Singoat Skullbreaker clapped and shouted, "We are justice! We are the truth! Thanks to our destruction of the basement, we freed the great hero. You owe us your thanks!"
Learning that they had rescued him piqued Leo's interest. "Heh... Then I thank you. But you also threatened to destroy Grandecy. Should I consider you enemies of Grandecy?"
Sensing a hint of malice from Leo, the leader Skullbreaker raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Rest assured, we love Grandecy and would never harm it. We only wish to ally with you, great hero."
"Ally?"
"Yes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. The royal family committed atrocious acts. We hope you will join us to remove King Anwar." Their implication was that Leo's capture and experiments were sanctioned by the royal family, contrary to what Anwar had said. Given that Anwar hadn't been born then, it was likely the actions of high-ranking officials acting on their own.
"I trust the young king; he knew nothing of this. Don't think you can incite me to commit treason. You four Skullbreakers seem manufactured—there must be a mastermind behind you?"
The Singoat Skullbreaker waggled a finger. "A mastermind? Perhaps yes, perhaps no. So, great hero, will you join us?"
Leo wavered momentarily. If he believed Anwar was seeking the true culprits, these Skullbreakers seemed closer to the truth. However, having regained his freedom and the people's adoration, he couldn't betray the honor of the Lion clan for personal vengeance. Eliminating these enemies was the least he could do for humanity.
"And if I say 'no'?" Leo asked, readying himself for battle without making a move.
"It's fine if you don't join us. We don't intend to fight now. We've heard that in your prime, you could defeat a hundred Skullbreakers unscathed. Well..."
A black greatsword suddenly appeared in the Singoat Skullbreaker's hand, smaller than the giant swords used by Mock and Cloude, but larger than a standard one-handed sword, with the blade glowing with red patterns. The ability to conjure a giant sword suggested this Skullbreaker had a creation-type Talent.
Plunging the sword into the ground, the red patterns dimmed, and the field around Leo was suddenly filled with ordinary Skullbreakers wielding various weapons, their eyes vacant—Fakeslaves resembling Skullbreakers.
"...What about a thousand?" The Singoat Skullbreaker looked at Leo malevolently. Although its eyes were not visible through the skull, the dark hollows emitted a chilling, unsettling gaze.
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