While sitting in the canteen, Luna stared motionlessly at her plate, losing herself in her thoughts. The sound of conversations around her grew quieter until she heard Leo’s clear voice from across the table.


    "Luna, are you okay?" he asked, watching her with concern.


    Her eyes lifted to meet his, and then she remembered—the training ground for new cadets. It was yet another day when she had to show up and demonstrate what a true soldier should be like. Her heart quickened at the thought of the duties awaiting her, but she didn’t let it show.


    "I have to go to the training ground," she replied coldly, trying to mask any sign of discomfort. "The new cadets are waiting."


    Leo nodded, understanding her demeanor. It wasn’t unusual for Luna to retreat into her thoughts, often burdened by the weight of her decisions and past experiences.


    "I know," Leo said, "but don’t push yourself too hard. They need to learn to face their fears on their own. And you’re the best person to show them how."


    Luna sighed and stood up from the table. She glanced at Leo for a moment and, despite the cold mask she wore, she saw genuine trust in his eyes.


    "Thank you, Leo," she whispered, but she didn''t linger. Turning away, she left the canteen.


    The training ground was already filled with new cadets. Some exchanged nervous glances, while others stood confidently in perfect formations. Luna stood before them, her posture sharp and unwavering.


    "Welcome," she began, her voice calm but firm. "Today, you will learn something far more important than combat. You will learn what it truly means to be a warrior. It’s not just about physical strength. It’s about willpower, discipline, and the ability to recognize your limits… and then surpass them."


    Her moments with the cadets were never just routine; for Luna, every time she stood before new recruits, it was a reminder of her past, of everything she had to overcome to become who she was today. But deep down, she believed in them.


    Many saw her as nothing more than a ruthless warrior with magic, but she knew that their true challenge was just beginning.


    A few cadets looked familiar—some had likely already begun to suspect that she was no ordinary captain.


    Luna stood in the center of the training ground, her sharp eyes scanning the cadets, her body poised for action. The tall walls surrounding them created an arena-like atmosphere, reinforcing the intensity of the moment. Her stance was the embodiment of discipline and controlled power. The cadets stood off to the side, watching her with a mix of awe and uncertainty. She knew this would be a test—not just for them, but for her as well.


    "Attack me with everything you’ve got," she commanded, her voice cold yet edged with a challenge. "Up until now, you’ve only trained. But out there, when you face magical creatures, training won’t be enough. Now, let’s see what you’re really made of."


    The cadets’ hearts pounded as they prepared to attack. Despite their efforts, their skills were still too underdeveloped to pose a real threat to her.


    Luna moved like the wind, effortlessly evading their strikes. Every movement was precise, almost like a dance. Her counterattacks were not brutal, but they struck with perfect accuracy. It was as if every reaction was an instinctive, flawless response to their attacks.


    "I’m a little disappointed," she said quietly, yet loud enough for all to hear. The cadets hesitated, some exchanging uncertain glances, trying to decipher her words.


    "Step off the field and let me show you what a real fight looks like."


    The cadets felt a heavy weight in their chests but obediently stepped aside, clearing the field for what was about to unfold. Luna turned her gaze toward Leo, who stood on the opposite side in silence. The air around them thickened with tension.


    Luna took her position at the center once more, while Leo stepped onto the field, his stance calm yet challenging. The cadets watched in hushed anticipation as the atmosphere shifted.


    The moment Luna and Leo faced each other, the training ground became charged with their power. Luna was like untamed magic—her aura glowed with a deep purple hue, swirling in waves, almost dangerous. There was something wild within her, something unrestrained, and even some of the cadets could feel it in the air.


    Leo stood still, his aura glowing in a brilliant shade of red. It was a steady, unwavering force—like a storm waiting to strike, yet held together by perfect control. His presence radiated stability, the foundation upon which his power was built.


    Then, their duel began. The cadets instinctively stepped back even further, realizing they could not interfere in this merciless test. They watched, both bewildered and captivated, as these two warriors—embodying opposing aspects of power—prepared to clash.


    Luna was the first to move, her step so light it seemed she was already in motion. Her sword gleamed under the light, and her aura flared with an even greater intensity. Leo remained still, yet there was something in his eyes—an unshakable certainty that left no room for hesitation.


    "Show them what it means to be a true warrior, Leo," Miyamura whispered from the sidelines, watching in silence.


    Luna struck first, but Leo blocked her attacks with ease, as if he had predicted every move before she made it. The training ground had become a battlefield of power, the sounds of clashing weapons echoing through the air. Yet neither of them showed any sign of retreat.


    It was a test of discipline, strength, and unwavering belief in oneself.


    For the cadets, this was a moment they would never forget.


    Luna stood on the training ground, realizing that, in this instant, she was facing an opponent whose strength was not easily measured. Leo remained calm, his stability unwavering, but Luna knew she had to get serious if she wanted to show him her true power.


    Her eyes sparkled—not with fear, but with excitement. Battle was in her blood, and nothing could hold her back.


    Without a word, Luna reached for the ribbon around her arm and tied her long blonde hair into a high ponytail, letting her bangs fall over her eyes. When she looked up, her green eyes burned with the thrill of combat.


    Now, she was ready to unleash her full strength.


    "We have to give it our all," Luna said with a smile, but her expression was filled with determination and fighting spirit.


    Leo returned her smile, his red aura still steady, but there was now a flicker of challenge in his eyes. "Of course. Are you ready?" he replied, the spark of excitement unmistakable.


    Luna didn’t wait a second longer. She drew one of her swords—the name Kalisi echoing through the air as if the blade itself carried a presence. It gleamed brilliantly, and in that instant, Luna launched forward.


    She moved toward Leo with lightning speed, swinging her sword with perfect focus. Then, with unwavering confidence, she commanded, "Advance, Kalisi!"


    At that moment, Kalisi came to life. The sword extended and curved through the air, leaving behind a trail of purple aura that pulsed with raw magic. It felt as if the blade had become an extension of Luna herself—her strength, her will, all converging into a single, unstoppable strike.


    But Leo was ready.


    Though Luna''s attack was executed with astonishing precision, he managed to evade it, leaping back at the perfect moment. His movements were just as precise as hers, each step and reaction flowing like instinct.


    The air between them crackled with energy. This was no ordinary sparring match—this was a battle of equals.


    Luna didn’t stop. She wasn’t surprised that Leo had dodged her attack—she knew the battle had only just begun.


    A smile spread across her face, her heartbeat quickening with the thrill of combat. Now, they both stood on the training ground at full power, their auras clashing like twin storms—hers, wild and untamed in a surge of purple energy, and his, steady and unshakable, glowing with a fierce red light.


    Their duel wasn’t just a display of skill; it was a test of will, a battle between two forces that refused to yield.


    "Good dodge," Luna smiled, ready for the next move. "But let''s see if you can withstand more."


    Leo met her gaze with calm determination. "That remains to be seen," he replied, preparing for the next attack.


    Luna and Leo exchanged blows on the training ground, their movements perfectly synchronized, each clash resembling a dance between two powerful forces. Luna was fully focused, but something in the atmosphere—in Leo’s movements—told her that things were not as they seemed.


    In a swift motion, Luna managed to throw Leo off balance, using a masterful kick. He fell to the ground, and she seized the moment to pin him down, pressing the edge of her sword against his neck.


    "It was enough, wasn’t it?" Luna smiled, thinking she had just won. Her heart was racing with excitement, satisfied with her attack. Yet, Leo didn’t seem troubled. His eyes weren’t filled with fear—on the contrary, they were calm and steady.


    At that moment, Luna felt something she recognized—a fighter’s intuition telling her that she hadn’t completely won just yet.


    Before she could react, Leo suddenly pulled a small dagger from his pocket, almost imperceptibly, and pressed it against her left side.


    "It’s not quite as you thought," Leo said calmly, with a hint of amusement in his voice.


    Luna realized at that moment—she had underestimated Leo. Even though she was on top, it didn’t mean he was defeated. His strength wasn’t just in physical combat but in his ability to adapt, to find a way out of any situation.


    Smirking, Luna withdrew her blade from his neck and leaned in slightly, wanting to see if his reaction had truly been part of his plan.


    "You surprised me," she whispered almost teasingly, locking eyes with him. There was both acknowledgment and satisfaction in her gaze. "And I get excited by surprises."


    Leo raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly. “That was the goal,” he replied quietly, his eyes filled with challenge and laughter.


    In that moment, Luna realized that this fight was more than just a physical battle—it was a lesson that neither she nor Leo were simply what they appeared to be at first glance. And they both knew it.


    After the fight ended, silence settled over the training ground. The cadets had withdrawn, and Leo had gone to recover from the last exchange. Luna, on the other hand, had wandered to a nearby field, gazing up at the sky. The surrounding meadow was peaceful, the grass swaying gently under the light of the setting sun. She lacked the strength to move, her body exhausted, but the internal struggle within her was far more overwhelming.


    She sat on the grass, leaning on her hands. She watched as the world changed before her, as the conflict between humans and magical beings grew more intense with each passing day.


    "How can I end this war? Do I even want it to end?" she thought quietly.


    Are humans and magical beings truly so different? How could she reconcile these worlds that had already been torn so far apart?


    Her thoughts were clouded.


    Damien… His name was like something ever-present yet so distant. Had she ever been truly loyal to him? Was his love real, or just part of their pact?


    And Leo… His face, that smile, his dedication. He had always been there—but how much of it was real? How much was she truly capable of trusting anyone?


    Slowly, she closed her eyes and listened to the silence. The wind passed through the trees, carrying the scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers.


    She imagined a world without battles, without fear of magical beings, without bitterness and hatred.


    Could such a world really exist? Could she—someone with a past that was anything but peaceful—achieve something so selfless and brave?


    "I have to find a way to end this war," she thought, as if the answer was already there, just beyond her reach. "But how?"


    She sat there for a long time, surrendering to the silence, lost in her thoughts. She pondered her role in the organization—how she had gained power, how they wielded it, and whether this was truly the right path.


    Everyone was fighting to survive, yet for her, it had become more of a battle for her own identity.


    Could she really become the saint they believed her to be, or was it just another way to keep power in her hands?


    And what would that mean for her future with Damien and Leo?


    A few minutes passed, and the silence remained. Luna stood up, took her sword, and placed it beside her. She smiled, though there was sorrow in her eyes. Maybe she would never fully understand her true purpose in this world, but one thing was certain—she was not like the others. And maybe, that wasn’t such a bad thing.


    After spending a few moments lost in thought, Luna rose from the grass and headed back to the base. Though her mind was clouded, she knew there was no time for hesitation.


    The war wasn’t waiting, and her responsibilities were clear. She walked toward the organization''s main building, tired but determined.


    Upon arriving at the base, she came across Miyamura, who was busy with his planning. He was the coordinator of their group, meaning he was responsible for monitoring the situation on the field and organizing missions.


    Miyamura looked up as soon as he noticed Luna, his expression serious.


    "Luna," he said coldly, though there was a hint of concern in his voice. "We have a situation. We''ve encountered a group of magical beings nearby, and this is no coincidence. We need to move out immediately."


    Luna stood still, her expression equally serious. "What kind of beings? What''s the situation?" she asked, ready to respond. It was clear that this was just another challenge awaiting her, but she felt the need to be prepared for anything.


    "We''re not entirely sure what they are, but they''re aggressive and too organized to be just wild magical beings. There''s a possibility they''re connected to someone with plans to manipulate the situation, as similar groups have appeared in the past few days," Miyamura responded quickly, clearly prepared to relay all necessary information.


    Luna gave a brief nod, fully focusing on the situation. "Alright, assemble the team. I''m going in immediately," she said without hesitation.


    Before she left, Miyamura added something else. “And… be careful. This mission might be bigger than what we know. We should probably call in more forces, but you know how it is—everything conflicts too much with our interests. Don’t let them catch you off guard…”


    Luna didn’t let him continue. “Don’t worry, Miyamura. I know what I’m doing.” Her words were firm, but deep inside, something flickered. She could feel this wasn’t going to be an ordinary mission. There was something in the air, something she couldn’t quite place, but she felt it.


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    She closed the door behind her and headed toward the armory, ready to embark on a mission that could once again change everything.


    As Luna quickly prepared her gear, Leo, Bella, John, Nora, and Isagi waited for her in the hallway outside the command center. Each of them had their own mission, but they were all aware of the weight of what lay ahead. Sometimes, the quiet moments before battle were heavier than the fight itself—no one dared to say too much, knowing that not everyone was ready to open up about their feelings and fears.


    Leo stood leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets, his usual cold expression in place, but there was a flicker of nervousness in his eyes. On the last mission, he had a feeling that something was off, and he couldn''t shake the thought that this would be yet another battle against unknown opponents. Yet, beneath it all, there was also excitement—the inevitability of the fight, the opportunity to prove himself once more.


    Bella stood to the side, nervously spinning the blade of her sword. Her composure had always been her trademark, but even she couldn''t hide the unease settling in her chest. This mission felt more serious than any before, and though she tried to remain calm, she couldn''t shake the feeling that this would be the battle that led them to a greater, possibly terrifying revelation.


    John, as usual, was the loudest among them. "Don''t worry, just another day, another mission. This is what we do best, right?" But even his words lacked their usual confidence. He couldn’t hide the fact that, deep down, he was afraid—for all of them—though he refused to admit it.


    Nora, on the other hand, stood to the side, lost in her own thoughts. Her eyes were fixed on the empty surface of the floor, as if she was trying to push away her worries. It was hard for her to relax in moments like this. She never liked it when missions became this complicated. Even though they were a team, it was difficult to ignore how all their lives depended on split-second decisions.


    Isagi idly kicked a small stone as he waited. He always seemed unshaken, but deep inside, he knew this mission wouldn’t be like the others. Magical beings were not simple opponents, and none of them knew exactly what to expect. He was always prepared, but this time, he felt that the battle ahead would be something far greater than any before.


    When everyone noticed that Luna had stepped out of the room, the lingering tension dissipated. With a cold and determined expression, she approached her team. There wasn’t a trace of exhaustion on her face—her presence alone made it seem as if she was fully prepared for what lay ahead.


    Beside her, her sword, Kalisi, felt like an extension of her body, and her aura was entirely focused on the mission.


    “We’re leaving now,” she said without hesitation, her gaze sweeping over each member of the team. “There’s no time to waste. If these opponents are truly connected to something bigger, we need to stop them before they become a real threat.”


    Leo looked at Luna, then at the rest of the team. "We''re ready," he replied coldly but with determination.


    The mission was set, and the battle ahead was inevitable. The team moved toward the unknown, ready to face the new challenges awaiting them—each carrying their own fears and hopes, but together—as a team.


    Bella, Isagi, John, Luna, Leo, and Nora set out on their mission, passing through the ruins left behind by battles between humans and magical creatures. Eventually, they arrived at the place where a large group of magical beings was gathering.


    Luna stared at the scene before her—the magical beings moved slowly, cautiously, trying to hide among the ruins. There were women clutching their children tightly, elders with weary gazes, and the wounded leaning on others for support. There were no aggressive movements, no desire for battle, only fear and an attempt to survive.


    She called Leo, keeping her voice low enough for only him to hear. "Look... they act almost like humans. They don’t seem like a threat. They''re just trying to hide from their enemy."


    Leo remained silent for a few seconds, observing the situation. His crimson eyes narrowed slightly as he analyzed the scene before him. He couldn''t deny what Luna had said—the sight before them wasn’t an army, but refugees. But then he sighed and responded,


    "If we don''t complete this mission, someone else will. You know how things work in the organization. There''s not much room for discussion with them."


    Luna clenched her fists. She knew he was right. The organization didn’t ask questions—they received orders and had to carry them out. If they refused, they could become suspects. And if they reported finding this group and left them alone, someone else would come and finish what they weren’t willing to do.


    "Do you really think these are our enemies?" she asked quietly, almost pleading with her gaze. "Look at them. These aren''t warriors."


    Leo averted his gaze for a moment but quickly regained his serious expression. "It''s not up to us to decide, Luna. We have to be smart about this."


    At that moment, the rest of the team approached, waiting for orders. Bella spoke for the first time, her voice filled with uncertainty. "This... doesn''t feel like a usual mission. What are we going to do?"


    John crossed his arms. "If we report that they''re here, you know what will happen. The organization will see them as a threat, no matter what we think."


    Nora sighed and added, "And if we hide them, that''s treason."


    The tension among them grew. Everyone was waiting for Luna to make a decision. She felt the pressure in her chest. This wasn’t just an ordinary battle—this was something much bigger.


    Would she follow orders, or would she try to find a way to save the innocent?


    The tension in the air was almost palpable. A goblin’s cry echoed through the ruins, and the other magical beings stirred, ready to fight. Isagi, John, Bella, Nora, and Leo instinctively drew their weapons, but before they could make a move, Luna’s voice cut through the chaos.


    "STOP! EVERYONE, STAND DOWN!"


    Her dark purple aura suddenly expanded, vibrating through the air like an invisible wave of force. The ground beneath them seemed to tremble for a brief moment. A wind rose out of nowhere, carrying the weight of her power.


    Everyone froze in place. The magical beings took a step back, sensing the pressure radiating from her. Even the goblin, who had just been raging and urging an attack, now appeared uncertain, gripping his weapon tightly.


    Luna spoke again, her voice cold but laced with something that commanded both fear and respect.


    "Do you want to die, or do you want to survive?"


    Her green eyes gleamed in the darkness of the ruins, scanning each of those present.


    She turned to her team, her gaze leaving no room for argument. “I am the leader here. No one draws their weapon unless I say so. Understood?!”


    A heavy silence followed. Even Leo, who often provoked and challenged her, simply watched without a word.


    Leo, Bella, John, Nora, and Isagi stood in silence, observing as Luna took complete control of the situation.


    Isagi was the first to regain his composure. He swallowed hard and nodded. "Understood."


    Quickly, he began opening a portal, channeling his magic. Pale blue sparks gathered in the air, swirling into a rift in space. The wind picked up as the portal expanded.


    Luna continued, her voice firm and unwavering. "You have a choice—survive and leave, or stay here and perish. I do not wish to kill the innocent, but if I must, I will. Now, move!"


    The magical beings exchanged glances before some hesitantly began moving toward the portal. First, the women and children, then the elderly. The goblin still stood in place, furious, but now uncertain.


    Leo stepped closer to Luna, lowering his voice. "You know this will get you into trouble. The organization doesn’t take kindly to decisions like this."


    Luna didn’t hesitate. "Better I take the consequences than watch another senseless slaughter."


    Soon, the last magical being stepped through the portal, and Isagi closed it the moment they were all through.


    Silence remained.


    Luna let out a breath and turned to her team. "The mission is over. We''re heading back."


    No one said a word. They all knew this would bring trouble, but none of them could deny that Luna had just prevented a massacre.


    As they walked back through the ruins, Leo murmured, "You''re strange, Luna. And I think I like that."


    Luna only smiled, but deep inside, she felt the weight of the decision she had made. The real question was—how long could she keep balancing between her beliefs and the organization’s rules?


    She stopped for a moment, observing her team members. She could feel the gravity of the situation, but she didn’t want to drag them into the consequences of her choices.


    "When we return to base, you can tell the truth. I’ll take full responsibility."


    Leo smirked, a hint of amusement in his expression, but there was no judgment in his eyes.


    "Didn''t you just say you were in charge? Of course, you should take responsibility for your decisions, but we won’t be the ones to judge you."


    Isagi waved his hand dismissively as he tightened the strap of his cloak.


    "Honestly, writing a detailed report would be too much of a hassle… We’ll just say the mission went like any other."


    John, Nora, and Bella exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.


    "We agree," Bella said calmly. "None of us want to make a big deal out of this."


    Luna watched them for a moment longer, feeling warmth in her chest. She hadn’t expected them to stand by her, but now that they did, she knew they trusted her.


    She took a deep breath and smiled, relieved, even if just for a moment.


    "Thank you."


    Without further words, they continued their way back through the ruins, aware that the truth would come out one day—but today was not that day.


    The next morning, Luna woke up in her room at the base. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow across the room. She stretched and sighed, feeling the exhaustion from yesterday’s mission, but her mind refused to rest.


    As she tied her hair into a ponytail, she thought of Damien. His words echoed in her mind:


    "Knowledge is never enough. Magic is not just power – it is understanding the world around you."


    She put on her standard uniform and left her room, determined to visit the organization''s library.


    As she walked through the hallways, she could already sense the scent of old paper and the faint mustiness in the air before even reaching the library. When she entered, she was met with towering rows of shelves filled with books, scrolls, and documents.


    "The perfect place for a little peace," she muttered under her breath.


    As she ran her fingers over the book spines, searching for something useful, she noticed that the library was almost empty—except for one person.


    Leo was sitting at one of the tables, resting his head on his hand while reading an old book. When he noticed her, he raised an eyebrow and closed the book with a soft thud.


    "You? In a library?"


    Luna smiled and sat across from him, leaning her elbows on the table.


    "Surprised?"


    "A little. I''m used to seeing you with a sword in your hand, not a book."


    Luna smiled and picked up the first book from the table without even looking at the title.


    "It would be a mistake to underestimate the power of knowledge."


    Leo nodded, and a silence settled between them—the kind that wasn’t awkward but rather calming.


    Both of them continued flipping through their books, lost in the world of knowledge, as time in the library passed unnoticed.


    Leo watched Luna as she spoke, noticing how her expression shifted—from a smile that carried traces of the past to a soft, thoughtful gaze.


    "So, were you looking for a prince in books?" he said with a half-smile, resting his chin on his hand.


    Luna shrugged, keeping her eyes on the book she was holding.


    "Isn''t that what we all want? Someone who understands us, who will be there no matter what?"


    Leo was silent for a moment before leaning back in his chair.


    "Sounds nice, but real life isn''t a fairy tale."


    Luna laughed, but there was no joy in her eyes.


    "I know. That''s why I stopped dreaming about it."


    Leo watched her for a few more moments, as if trying to read between her words.


    "And freedom?" he asked quietly. "Do you think power is something that holds you back or something that can help you gain it?"


    Luna fell silent for a moment, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers.


    "Sometimes I wonder... did I choose power, or did power choose me?"


    Leo smiled, but this time, there was no humor in his expression.


    "I think the real question is—what are you going to do with it?"


    Luna looked at him, and for the first time, she felt that he truly saw her—not as a warrior, not as a leader, but as a person still searching for her place in this world.


    She studied Leo, her green eyes calm but guarded. She had never allowed herself to lower her defenses around others—experience had taught her that relaxation was a luxury she couldn''t afford.


    "I''m not exactly who you think I am," she said quietly but firmly. "You shouldn''t let your guard down around me."


    Leo watched her for a few moments before chuckling—that same easy, confident smile he always carried.


    "You think you know what kind of person I am?" he asked, leaning back in his chair. "You probably think my life was easy, don''t you?"


    Luna didn''t respond, but she didn''t interrupt him either.


    "The truth is," he continued, "I grew up in a prestigious family, but that doesn’t mean it was easy for me. People always looked at me through that status, but no one ever asked me what I wanted. I was always distant from others, as if I belonged to a different world."


    He paused for a moment, then leaned slightly toward her.


    "But now, it''s different."


    Luna raised an eyebrow but said nothing. His words reminded her of herself—of how life had shaped her, of how they had both learned to cope with their pasts. Their paths may have been different, but the feeling of not belonging was something they shared.


    And for the first time, instead of responding with words, Luna simply continued to watch him, as if trying to understand whether Leo was truly someone who could grasp what she carried within her.


    Luna observed Leo, her fingers unconsciously gripping the edge of his shirt, as if she wanted to feel something tangible, something that would confirm her own thoughts.


    "Do you trust me?" she whispered, her green eyes revealing something rare—a moment of uncertainty.


    Leo watched her for a few seconds before simply smiling—that easygoing yet warm smile of his. He raised a hand and ran his fingers through his wavy white hair, as if trying to think before answering.


    “What matters more,” he said calmly, “is whether you trust yourself.”


    His words hung between them, heavier than any answer she had expected. Luna lowered her gaze to his chest, still not letting go of his shirt, but now it seemed more like she was trying to find strength in her own grip rather than in him.


    Leo didn’t say anything more. He knew that some truths were the kind a person had to find on their own.


    Luna sighed, crossed her arms, and looked at Leo with a slight smirk.


    "I''m going to my room," she said simply, turning toward the library doors.


    Leo grinned, leaning in slightly, his voice quiet but playful.


    "Is that an invitation?"


    Luna rolled her eyes but couldn''t hide the small smile that tugged at her lips. She paused for a moment, then threw over her shoulder:


    "Who knows... If you''re coming, don’t come empty-handed."


    Leo raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her response.


    "Oh? And what does the lady desire?"


    Luna lazily leaned against the door, gazed at him thoughtfully, and said briefly:


    "Something strong."


    Leo chuckled. "So, an evening with good company and even better liquor. I like the way you think."


    He didn’t press for an answer, merely watching as Luna disappeared down the hallway, leaving behind an air of mystery—just as always.


    Luna sat on her bed, dressed in a green kimono that gently draped over her shoulders. Her long blonde hair was loose, shifting slightly in the night breeze that drifted in through the open balcony window. The moon illuminated the room, casting silvery reflections on the wooden floor, while the silence of the night made her thoughts echo even louder.


    She was thinking about Damien. About his disappearance. About how, in the midst of the chaos that had consumed the world, he had simply vanished. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t find a single trace of him. The people he had contracts with didn’t want him back—for them, life had become easier without him. No one was willing to help.


    But Luna refused to give up.


    Luna pressed her fingers against her purple ring, feeling the faint pulse of magic within it. She was certain he was out there somewhere, that there had to be a way to find him. Even though she was now part of the organization, she still felt his shadow lingering in her life.


    "Where are you, Damien?" she whispered, staring into the moonlight.


    There were no tears in her eyes—only determination. She knew she wouldn’t find peace until she found him.


    Leo stepped into the room silently, moving like a shadow. In his hand, he held a bottle of whiskey, and the moonlight streaming through the window cast a glow over his figure. His white hair shimmered in the pale light, while his crimson eyes, like embers, carried a quiet sense of hope.


    Luna hadn’t even noticed when he entered. She was deep in her thoughts, her fingers still clutching the purple ring. Her expression was serious, perhaps even tired, but when their eyes met, she quickly raised her guard.


    Leo set the bottle down on the bedside table and sat on the edge of the bed, keeping his gaze on her. He didn’t ask anything, didn’t push her, even though it was clear she was hiding something.


    “You’re worried,” he observed quietly, rolling the glass in his hand.


    Luna shook her head, trying to pull herself out of the thoughts that were suffocating her. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m just tired, that’s all.”


    Leo smiled slightly, not responding right away.


    Although he wanted to know what was troubling her, he knew that some secrets couldn''t be forced.


    "When you''re ready to talk," he finally said, pouring a drink into a glass, "I''ll listen."


    Luna glanced at him briefly, then took the glass from his hand, taking a sip without a word. For now, that was enough.


    The night was quiet, and the only sounds in the room were the soft clinking of glasses and the faint crackling of a candle on the table. Luna set down her glass and leaned on her arm, watching Leo slowly lose control of himself. His face was flushed from the alcohol, and his red eyes shimmered in the dim light.


    "You shouldn''t overdo it," she said with a smile, teasing him lightly.


    Leo brushed a strand of white hair from his face and looked at her, this time seriously. "I don''t think I can hold back anymore," he said quietly, leaning in closer.


    Luna didn''t look away. "You don''t have to hold back with me," she replied just as softly.


    Leo leaned in even closer, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her toward him. Their eyes met in a moment of tension before he pulled her onto the bed. Her hands found their way to his shoulders as they lost themselves in the moment, surrendering to their impulses.


    That night, Luna didn’t think about the past, nor about Damien. She didn’t dwell on the war, the organization, or her responsibilities. It was a rare evening where she allowed herself to feel— even if she knew that by morning, everything might look different.


    While Luna, Leo, John, Bella, Isagi, and Nora were out in the field, far from the base, Miyamura sat in his office, staring at the confidential documents he had received. The words on the paper were clear—the organization had decided to get rid of Luna. Her rebellious behavior, disagreements with orders, and her ability to create chaos among the soldiers had become a threat.


    In addition to that, a new saint had emerged—Alexia. A girl with the powers of light and fire, capable of healing with a simple touch, she was the perfect symbol for the organization. Her ideals aligned with the leaders'' vision, and her presence quickly captivated many. The organization no longer had any need for Luna.


    Miyamura clenched his fist. He knew this wouldn''t stop with Luna. If she fell, her team would be targeted next. Leo, John, Bella, Isagi, and Nora might not have openly defied the organization, but they were loyal to her. If he didn''t protect them, they could all disappear.


    He lifted his gaze, making a decision. He would have to get them out before it was too late.


    He opened the communication channel and sent an encrypted message to the team in the field: "Mission aborted. Return immediately. We have a problem."


    Luna clenched the edge of her sleeve, her gaze fixed on Miyamura’s face as she listened to his words. Even though she had already sensed that something like this was coming, hearing the confirmation now filled her with rage and disgust.


    Leo stood beside her, arms crossed over his chest, his expression serious. "So, in two days at the ball, they plan to remove her and present Alexia as the new saint?" he repeated, as if he needed to hear just how absurd this was one more time.


    "Not only do they want to remove her," Miyamura added, "but they plan to eliminate you completely, Luna. Officially, it will be announced that you lost your life on a mission."


    Silence fell over the room.


    Bella clenched her fists. "We can''t let this happen," she said firmly. "We won’t let them discard you like disposable trash."


    John nodded. "If we''re going to run, we need a plan. The organization has eyes and ears everywhere."


    Isagi sighed. "Sounds like a lot of work, but if we do nothing, we’ll all end up dead or in prison."


    Luna lowered her gaze to the floor, thinking about everything. She had already been prepared to escape, but now that the others were involved, she felt an even greater responsibility.


    She lifted her head, looked at her comrades, and finally spoke: "Then we''ll give them a real spectacle at the ball."