The sun was already high when they left the Blue Flame Tavern.
Leon walked in front, Lokantaka at his waist, the pendant on his chest. Veylin on his left, her green eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. Sylphine behind, still limping but not complaining.
Kazan stood at the tavern door, two swords on his back, watching their backs until they disappeared around the corner.
The road to the Nexus was not crowded. Only occasionally did they pass lower-city residents walking quickly with heads bowed. No one looked at them. No one cared.
In the distance, the lights of the Nexus began to come into view—bright, white, cold.
---
After walking for quite some time, they arrived before an unremarkable old building. Black stone walls, weathered wooden door, no guards.
"This is it?" Sylphine blinked.
"The back entrance," said Veylin. "Access for tournament champions."
Leon pushed the door open. Inside, a stone corridor stretched far wider than it had appeared from outside, and dark. Oil lamps on the walls flickered.
They walked in silence. Only the sound of footsteps echoed.
Along the corridor, hundreds—perhaps thousands—of soldiers in black uniforms stood guard silently. Two of them looked at Leon, then nodded respectfully.
"Lord Zero. Lord Zenless has informed us. Please enter."
No obstacles. The first gate had been passed.
---
The corridor ended before a giant iron door. No guards stood before it—only the tightly shut door.
"The second gate," Veylin whispered beside Leon.
Leon nodded. His hand pushed the door.
The door opened on its own, without a sound.
Inside, the room was vast—like a great hall. White marble walls, black glass floors. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting dim light.
And in the center of the room, six figures stood.
---
Leon observed them one by one.
The first was a large man with half-body armor, his left shoulder broader than his right. A sheepskin mantle over his shoulders. Warm brown eyes that looked tired. Garran Ironhold.
The second was a gaunt man with dark elf ears and blazing orange-red hair, his face covered in burn scars. Dark glasses even indoors. His fingers were blackened as if burned. Kaelen Ashford.
The third was an elf-eared woman with golden-brown hair, a long cream and green cloak with many pouches full of potions. Her feet were bare. Mira Solara.
The fourth was a giant of a man, grey stone-like skin, a shield as tall as his body. A thick black beard. Grom Stoneback.
The fifth was a beautiful woman with white-blue hair, a light blue robe adorned with ice crystals. She smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling. Sera Agares.
The sixth was a small, cat-eared man with a half-face mask, yellow cat-like eyes. He stood in a corner, nearly invisible. Kal.
---
Garran stepped forward. His voice was heavy, slow.
"Zero. The new tournament champion."
Leon nodded.
"We knew you would come. Lord Zenless informed us." Garran looked at Veylin and Sylphine behind Leon. "But he said you would come alone."
"They are with me by agreement with Lord Zenless," Leon said.
Garran paused for a moment. His gaze shifted to Veylin, then to Sylphine.
"Nexus rules don't permit champions to bring others. But it doesn't matter."
Garran looked at the sword at Leon's waist. His expression changed—not fear, but wariness.
"That sword..."
"Zenless gave it to me after I won." Leon touched its hilt.
Kaelen snorted from behind. "An arrogant sword for a rookie."
Sera smiled. "Quiet, Kaelen. You were just as arrogant back then."
Kaelen removed his glasses. His bright green eyes looked at Leon with cynicism.
"You think being tournament champion makes you special?"
Leon didn't answer.
"I've seen hundreds of contestants like you. Come, win, then... leave." Kaelen smiled faintly. "But you're different. You came back."
Small blue flames began to ignite at Kaelen's fingertips.
"Kaelen," Mira warned.
"I just want to see."
Leon didn't move. His hand rested on Lokantaka's hilt.
"You won't see anything if you strike first."
Kaelen laughed. His flames died out.
"Bold. I like it."
---
Mira stepped forward. Her bare feet made no sound on the marble floor.
"Enough, Kaelen. Zero didn't come here to fight."
She looked at Leon. Her eyes were soft blue, but there was something there—wisdom beyond her years.
"We won't stop you, Zero. But I want to ask you one thing."
Leon blinked. "What?"
"What are you searching for inside the Nexus?"
Leon didn't answer immediately. Veylin beside him tensed. Sylphine behind remained silent.
"I'm here because I'm the champion. That's all you need to know."
His voice was flat. Not angry. Not arrogant. Just... a statement of fact.
Mira was not surprised. Not angry.
She smiled faintly. "You're right. It's none of my business."
She turned to the other guards. One by one, they nodded.
"You may pass, Zero. But remember..." Mira looked at Leon. "Whatever you're searching for in there... make sure you're ready for the consequences."
---
Veylin moved to the side, her green eyes observing every movement of the guards. Her right hand was already at her back—ready to draw her weapon at any moment.
Sylphine stood behind Leon, her hand on her stomach—her wound still hurt, but her eyes were sharp.
"I can fight," she whispered.
"Don't," Leon said without turning.
Mira saw Sylphine. Her expression changed—there was sympathy there.
"You're badly injured, Miss."
"I can—"
"I don't doubt your courage." Mira took out a small bottle from her cloak pocket. "This is for your wound. Not magic—just a potion."
---
Behind Mira, the white marble wall shifted. A door opened—leading to the third gate.
Leon stepped forward. Veylin beside him. Sylphine behind.
As they passed the line of guards, Kaelen whispered.
"You're interesting, Zero. I hope you don't die in there."
Leon didn't answer. He kept walking toward the door.
Behind him, the six guards stood still, watching their backs.
The second gate had been passed.
But the third gate... awaited.
=== CHAPTER 28 END ===