Maya kept looking at Leo, as if her entire life was now tied to a single fragile hope. Her eyes didn't move away from him, almost like she was afraid that if she looked away, that hope might disappear.
After a few seconds, she slowly asked, her voice slightly trembling,"Can… we really be saved?"
Leo didn't hesitate. He looked straight into her eyes and nodded calmly,"Yes."
There was no doubt in his voice.
Then he said, "Let's go… we should tell Nyra and the others."
They started walking together. The path was quiet, but something had changed. There was a soft glow on Maya's face — a glow of hope, something that hadn't been there before.
Leo noticed it clearly. He saw how her steps had become a little lighter… how her eyes carried a small spark now.
But he didn't say anything.
He just kept walking beside her in silence.
After a short while, they reached Nyra and the others. Everyone was already awake. Some of them looked tired, some restless… but all of them turned their attention toward Leo the moment they saw him.
Nyra immediately asked, "Where did you go?"
Leo stepped forward and said,"I have an idea… to save this village."
As soon as those words left his mouth, the atmosphere changed.
Everyone's expressions turned serious.
Alex leaned forward slightly, "What's the idea?"
Leo raised his hand a little, signaling them to calm down,"First… everyone sit down."
They all quietly sat, forming a small circle around him. Their faces were tense, their eyes fixed on Leo.
Maya didn't look anywhere else. She was still watching him.
Leo took a breath and said,"We're going to take all of them away from here."
Kio quickly asked, "But where?"
Before Leo could answer, Nyra punched Kio lightly on the head,"Let him finish."
Leo continued,"We'll take them to Zark. He will definitely listen to me."
Nyra nodded, "Yes… that could actually work."
Maya frowned slightly, "Who is Zark?"
Leo turned toward her and explained,"Zark is my master's friend. He's a very good person… and he helps people. He once told me that he would always help me whenever I needed it."
Maya hesitated for a moment, "Will this really work?"
Leo's voice became firm,"It will."
There was a confidence in his tone that made it hard to doubt him.
Maya didn't waste even a second. She stood up immediately,"Then we should tell this to the chief right now."
Leo nodded, "Yeah… let's go."
He quickly put on his upper clothes and stepped outside with everyone.
As they walked toward the chief's house, the villagers silently watched them.
Their eyes followed every step Leo took.
There was fear in their expressions… but also anger, like they didn't fully trust what was happening.
Leo noticed all of it… but he kept walking without reacting.
Soon, they reached the chief's house.
Maya stepped forward and knocked on the door.
For a brief moment, everything went silent.
Then the door slowly opened…
But the moment it did, two guards hidden behind it suddenly lunged forward — aiming straight at Leo, trying to grab him because of the katana he carried.
The others had already stepped inside…
Leo was just about to enter when the attack came.
But his reflexes were faster.
He instantly bent down, dodging their attack smoothly, and stepped forward inside before they could react again.
The guards stumbled slightly, surprised.
Leo turned back calmly and said,"I'm not here to harm anyone… or cause trouble."
Inside, the chief was already there.
He was staring directly at Leo… without blinking, without moving.
Maya quickly stepped in and said,"Chief, they're here to help us!"
But the chief didn't respond.
His gaze remained locked on Leo.
And now… Leo stared back at him as well.
For a few seconds, no one spoke.
The air felt heavy.
Maya noticed the tension building between them, and a small wave of worry passed through her.
What if the chief gets angry again…
She quickly spoke again, trying to break the silence,"They want to help all of us… they have a place where we can live peacefully. We won't have to suffer like this anymore."
She explained the entire plan in detail.
By the time she finished, more villagers had gathered outside and inside the house.
All of them were watching… waiting.
Waiting for the chief's decision.
Silence filled the room once again.
The chief slowly looked away from Leo and turned his gaze toward his people.
Dozens of eyes stared back at him — full of fear, hope, and desperation.
After a long pause, he finally spoke,"I want to speak with this boy… Leo… alone."
The moment he said that, everyone quietly stepped outside.
Now, only Leo and the chief remained in the room.
Leo stood still, his face calm… but inside, his thoughts were restless.
What is he going to say…
The chief slowly stood up from his place.
Step by step, he walked toward Leo.
Then suddenly…
He bowed.
He lowered his head in front of him.
Leo froze for a second.
Shock flashed across his face.
He quickly moved forward and held the chief, lifting him up,"Please don't do this… you're older than me… and a respected person."
The chief's voice trembled as he spoke,"Save my village…"
His words felt heavy… like they carried years of pain.
"I couldn't save my people…" he continued, his voice breaking slightly,"But you… you can."
Leo looked at him quietly.
Something inside him shifted.
His expression slowly turned serious… more determined than before.
He spoke in a calm but firm voice,"Yes… I will save them."
He gently helped the chief sit back down.
For a brief moment, his eyes fell on the chief's cut arm…
And anger flickered in his gaze.
His fists tightened slightly.
In a low, controlled voice, he said,"I will help."