Reap what you sow

-Dazai walked beside Maleficent, his senses sharpened, every breath measured and steady. The forest around them whispered with ancient life, the faint rustling of leaves blending with the distant calls of hidden creatures. He could feel the pulse of mana beneath his feet, the ground itself humming with a subtle energy. Each step carried them deeper into the forest's heart—toward the temple-

Dazai: "Things are moving fast these days… way too fast. So, this is the place?"

-He paused, eyes narrowing as he scanned the structure before him. The temple was worn by centuries of neglect, its once-grand stone pillars cracked and overtaken by moss and vines. Nature had reclaimed much of it, leaving an eerie beauty in its decay. Yet, Dazai could sense the power within—faint, but undeniably present-

Dazai: "Looks run-down, to be honest… Kinda sad, in a way."

-Maleficent stopped beside him, her dark dress swaying gently as a breeze passed through the trees. Her green eyes softened with a tinge of sorrow-

Maleficent: "This was once the home of the previous guardian. He sacrificed himself—for love. His betrothed… and this forest. He was a kind soul."

-Her voice carried a blend of reverence and pain, the weight of history pressing down on each word. Dazai glanced at her, noting the rare vulnerability in her gaze. His usual smirk faltered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of understanding-

Dazai: "A poetic ending, I suppose… Sacrifice, huh? Even those who aren't human… willing to give everything for what they hold dear."

-He let out a quiet sigh before cracking his neck-

Dazai: "Alright, enough sentiment. Let's get this over with."

-His eyes shifted back to the temple, glowing faintly as he activated his mana perception. Multiple signatures flared to life—pulsating within the structure like scattered embers. Some were weaker, likely mere grunts. But others… deeper within… felt far more dangerous-

-Dazai stretched his limbs, a grin slowly forming-

Dazai: "Here's my order. Anyone-anyone-other than me who comes out of that temple… kill them. No hesitation. No mercy."

-Maleficent blinked, then gave a firm nod. Her wings fluttered slightly, casting a dark silhouette under the forest canopy-

Dazai: "I'll clear the path. You follow in exactly thirty minutes."

-Before she could respond, Dazai vanished—his body blurring into a streak of motion. He darted through the temple's entrance, his dagger flashing as he danced through the shadows. Throats were slit before the victims realized he was there. Blood splattered against the ancient stone walls as his laughter echoed softly in the dim corridor-

Dazai: "Hahaha… That's that. Now, onto the rest—"

-He froze mid-sentence-

-A blur shot past him—silent as death—cutting down several men in black before Dazai could finish the job. He narrowed his eyes, excitement replacing his brief annoyance. Without hesitation, he lunged forward, dagger drawn. The figure reacted instantly, parrying his strike with a swift counter.Sparks danced between their blades-

???: "You'll reap what you sow if you keep walking this path."

-Dazai's lips curled into a dark grin. His crimson hair glimmered faintly under the dim light, his sea-blue eyes glowing with exhilaration-

Dazai: "Oh? When someone tries to steal my fun, I have to stop them. Don't take it personally…"

-He leaned in closer, his voice dropping into a low, dangerous tone-

Dazai: "It's just business."

-The figure's eyes widened briefly before he flipped backward, landing gracefully. He pulled back his hood, revealing a man with sharp features–youthful, yet battle-hardened. His golden-blonde hair cascaded down to his shoulders, framing his chiseled face. His eyes were a striking shade of violet, holding a mixture of shock and recognition-

???: "There's only one soul I've ever heard speak like that…"

-He stepped forward cautiously, his grip on the dagger loosening slightly-

???: "I'll ask this once… Leon… is that you?"

-Dazai's smirk lingered, but his eyes narrowed–calculating. The name stirred something deep within him–an old wound, perhaps. He tilted his head, measuring the man before him‐

Dazai: "Well… things just got a lot more interesting"

-The forest outside seemed to hold its breath as the two warriors faced each other. Somewhere beyond, Maleficent waited, unaware of the reunion–or confrontation–unfolding within the depths of the temple-