chapter 5

Inside the medical ward, Simon lay motionless, his breathing shallow, his skin unnaturally pale. Around him, doctors and medics whispered in hushed tones, their faces filled with confusion.

One of them turned to Leon, shaking his head. "Vice Admiral… we've checked everything. No fractures, no internal bleeding, no poison… nothing."

Leon's brows furrowed. "Then why is he still unconscious?"

The medic hesitated. "We believe… it's not a physical injury."

Leon's jaw tightened. "Call Master Wei. Now."

Minutes later, the door swung open, and in stepped Master Wei—a tall, broad-shouldered man with a scarred face. He was a martial arts master, known for his Superhuman fighting style—and his ability to heal even the strangest afflictions.

Wei studied Simon for a long moment, then placed a hand on his chest. The room went silent.

Then, his fingers twitched. His eyes narrowed.

"There's something inside him," Wei muttered.

Leon crossed his arms. "What is it?"

Wei pressed his palm harder. A faint blue glow pulsed beneath Simon's skin.

"…An orb," he said darkly.

Leon's eyes widened. "An orb?"

Wei nodded grimly. "It's draining his energy. It's charging itself… possibly forever."

Without another word, he moved quickly, pressing pressure points across Simon's body. Suddenly—

"HAAAHH!!"

Simon gasped, his body convulsing as the orb shot out of his mouth, floating midair, glowing ominously.

Wei snatched it out of the air, his grip firm. He studied it for a moment, then crushed a few herbs into a vial, shaking it until a shimmering blue liquid formed.

He tilted Simon's head and poured the potion down his throat.

Slowly… Simon's breathing steadied. His color returned.

Wei sighed. "He'll live. Let him rest."

Leon gave a sharp nod. "Thank you."

But as he left the room, his thoughts were dark.

Leon sat in his quarters, fingers drumming against the wooden desk. His eyes were locked onto the snail phone in front of him, but no matter how many times he tried, the calls never went through.

A sigh escaped him as he leaned back in his chair. "Damn it, Steve. Pick up for once..." he muttered.

He had managed to reach Max's home, but his wife had informed him that the swordsman was out. As for Steve, his island was too far for any quick correspondence. Leon wasn't the kind of man to sit and wait, but at this moment, he had little choice.

A sudden knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. Heavy footsteps echoed before a familiar voice spoke.

"Enter," Leon called.

The door swung open, revealing a tall figure dressed in pristine white. His uniform was immaculate, matching the polished black boots that struck the floor with authority.

Admiral Logan Wells.

"Such a long time passed since we last met, Leon," Logan said with a smirk.

Leon raised an eyebrow, sitting up straighter. "It sure has, last time i saw you, you were getting beaten up by a group of girls. But what brings you here even before my call?"

Logan chuckled then stepped in, closing the door behind him. "Kitsunes. I'm sure you encountered one, Leon?"

Leon's eyes narrowed. "So you too... I guessed it right. Every Admiral was attacked, huh?"

Logan folded his arms. "Did you contact the others?"

"I tried," Leon replied. "Max is out. His wife said he left for dark arena island, and Steve—" he sighed, "—he isn't answering. I can't send letters either, not when his island is so damn far away."

Logan exhaled, rubbing his chin. "I have a feeling Max will be back by the time I reach his home. I'll pay him a visit myself."

Leon nodded. "Alright then. Just dont tease his wife, and be careful. The seas are on fire right now."

Logan let out a short chuckle. "Since when did i start teasing girls?"

He turned to leave but paused at the doorway, his tone dropping to something more serious. "By the way, Leon... if Rip Indra is really behind this, then he's assumptions were right."

For a moment, the room was silent.

Logan's words lingered, striking a nerve. Leon's jaw tightened, his fingers subtly clenching at his sides. The faint hum of the office's lamps seemed deafening in the sudden stillness.

Then, something shifted.

Leon's eyes gleamed, a piercing glow illuminating the dim room. He didn't speak, but the flicker of light in his gaze said everything — acknowledgment, resolve, and a growing sense of anticipation.

"You're right," Leon murmured, his voice low yet firm. "Steve's plan… it's working."

Logan offered a knowing nod, the corners of his lips curling into a faint smile before stepping out of the room, leaving Leon alone with his thoughts.

The glow in Leon's eyes slowly faded, but the determination it reflected did not.