"This ancient relic is really interesting. Are you the one studying it?"
Leon asked, spinning the small red sphere in his hand with curiosity.
[A/N: Gyro moments]
Sherry nodded, showing him her notes.
"Yes. It was an assignment given to me by Princess Iris. She expects me to analyze this relic... but I'm having a hard time. I spent an entire day and night studying just one part of it and still haven't been able to decipher it."
"Ahem!"
A light cough interrupted their conversation. It was Vice-Director Lutheran. Sherry froze for a moment, realizing her slip, and quickly covered her mouth.
"Ah! I... I shouldn't have said that."
"Well, let me take a look at this..." Leon said, leaning in for a closer examination.
"Ah, I see. The issue is with the magic power conversion part. That's easy to fix. Just need to adjust this here... and rework this line... There!"
Leon skillfully manipulated the relic, repositioning tiny components and magical symbols with precision.
Sherry and Lutheran watched in silence as the relic's appearance changed before their eyes. The once dull, ancient piece now looked a bit brighter, and magical energy began to flow through it naturally.
They were both stunned.
Sherry quickly took the relic in her hands and examined it carefully. Her pink eyes reflected her surprise.
"It's really... working! It's actually fixed!"
"Haha! I know my stuff," Leon said, crossing his arms with a satisfied grin.
"That's impressive," Lutheran commented, adjusting his glasses. "I didn't imagine the rumors about Your Highness were true. Not just a hero capable of slaying dragons, but also a young sage who can repair magical artifacts with ease. Remarkable."
Sherry looked at Leon with sincere admiration. Despite his messy appearance and sometimes clumsy behavior, she was the top researcher of ancient relics in the Kingdom of Midgar — and she could recognize true talent.
She knew how rare it was for someone to handle a high-level magical relic so naturally.
Leon looked at the relic again and said:
"I'm quite interested in this relic. Let me join your research. You mentioned Princess Iris, right? Don't worry, I'll talk to her myself."
"Really? You mean it?!" Sherry asked, visibly excited, wiping her hands quickly on a nearby cloth.
"If it's with Your Highness's help, I'm sure we can solve this! Please, help me uncover the mystery of this ancient relic, no matter what it takes!"
"Of course. Let's work on it together."
"Yes!"
Lutheran also looked at Leon, a slight smile on his face, though there was something else hidden behind his calm gaze — something quiet and dangerous he didn't voice.
He stepped forward and gently placed a hand on Sherry's head.
"Very well, Sherry. With His Highness's help, I'm sure you'll be able to complete the analysis. Do it... for your mother."
"Yes!"
Sherry clutched the relic to her chest with both hands. Her gaze was now full of seriousness and determination.
Leon watched her for a moment, curious.
"Your mother?"
Sherry hesitated before answering in a softer tone:
"...My mother was murdered ten years ago. I don't know who did it. I only know she devoted herself entirely to a certain research... and this ancient relic is incredibly similar to what she described in her notes."
Leon fell silent for a few seconds.
"I see... I'm sorry for asking something so personal."
But inside, suspicion was already growing.
[If Sherry's mother was studying this relic... then maybe she was murdered because of it. Maybe it was the work of the cult.]
[The same group that took her life ten years ago... And now her daughter stands before the same relic. Fate really likes to toy with people, doesn't it?]
"It's okay. Nothing will happen this time," Leon said, gently touching Sherry's head.
"Just finish what your mother couldn't."
His gesture was a mix of comfort... and silent commitment.
[Yes. This time, there will be no tragedy. Because I'm here. And as long as I am... I won't allow a sad ending.]
"Prince Leon..."
Sherry's face suddenly turned red. Her pink ahoge curled slightly inward, forming something like a shy little heart.
"Haha! Then I'll leave my lovely daughter in your care, Your Highness. Do a good job," said Lutheran, stroking his beard with a playful expression.
"Yes!" Sherry replied enthusiastically.
"I heard Sherry trusts Vice-Director Lutheran a lot... almost like they were truly father and daughter."
"Yes. After my mother died, he took me in. I was just a helpless child... and he was the only one who offered a hand. Plus, he was my mother's research partner for many years."
Sherry cast a grateful look at Lutheran. He not only adopted her, but also gave her the best possible environment to study and follow in her mother's footsteps as a researcher. Without him, she would never have made it this far.
"That's remarkable. From my point of view, Vice-Director Lutheran seems like a... powerful figure," Leon commented, analyzing him from head to toe.
"Your Highness is exaggerating," Lutheran replied with a light laugh. "I won the War God Festival in my youth, yes, but now I'm just a sick, tired old man. Nothing impressive about that."
"Heh... I see."
Leon narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. Even with his frail appearance, there was something about him — a latent strength. Maybe one as powerful as Iris's.
After a brief conversation, Leon said goodbye to Sherry.
"Nyu. Shino."
Leon's voice came out firm, almost emotionless.
"Yes, Master." (x2)
The two figures appeared instantly, both in school uniforms. Two beautiful cat-women from Night Raid.
Euphilia and Noelle, who were nearby, sighed at the sight of them. They couldn't help but think:
[Every single member of Night Raid is absurdly irregular...]
Leon put his hands in his pockets, already turning his back.
"Uncover the full truth about the death of Sherry Barnett's mother... and about Vice-Director Lutheran."
"Yes, Master!" (x2)
A second later, both vanished like shadows in the mist.
Somewhere in the underground of the Kingdom of Midgar...
A man clad in heavy armor looked at the few remaining subordinates. His expression was grim — a mix of frustration and grief.
In the past, the Cult of Diablos was a force to be feared. Able to rally hundreds of members with a single call. But now...
All that remained before him were a handful of weary faces.
"When will the cult be able to send reinforcements?"
"I'm afraid it'll take at least a week, sir," one of the soldiers replied.
"The Kingdom of Midgar has completely changed... Ever since that Night Raid appeared, we've barely been able to act."
"Curse those Night Raid bitches!" the knight growled.
"Years of investment, resources, lives... everything we built in Midgar was destroyed overnight!" He roared as he punched the wall, causing a crack to form.
His eyes burned with murderous fury.
"Before we completely retreat from Midgar, we'll leave them with scars they'll never forget!"
It was a bold declaration, but the soldiers around him exchanged nervous glances. Morale was dangerously low.
"S-Sir... the power of the Dark Night Raid is terrifying. And we've confirmed that all those women have awakened through Demonic Possession. We can't fight them directly..."
"IDIOT! Don't you dare bow your head now!"
"Y-Yes, sir..."
Ignoring the murmurs of hesitation, the heavily-armored knight pulled an ancient artifact from beneath his cloak — a sinister object shaped like an eyeball.
"Don't worry. As long as I hold this relic... not even Night Raid will be a challenge for us."
(End of Chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."