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The air was thick with tension as Paul knelt before Leon, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest. Leon's mere presence loomed over him, a shadow of fear and authority that felt suffocating. Paul's mind raced with thoughts of survival living to tell the tale was far better than being slaughtered like a lamb.

"Leon, that was a mistake," Paul stammered, trying to keep his voice steady. "I didn't know what had transpired inside, and I acted according to the laws."

Leon's lips curled into a faint smile, the kind that sent chills down Paul's spine. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, as if pondering Paul's fate. "You see, the Shadow Zone was of great importance. All families have invested heavily in it. If I didn't do anything, I would be the one to be blamed as I was overseeing the entire situation."

"Yeah, you're correct about that," Leon replied, his voice deep and resonant. "You did what was expected of you at that moment."