Chapter 18 – Atonement of Sins

Leon continued to fight Ordo, but as Seraphine had warned earlier, his mana and magic were almost depleted from using the ORB Calibur Sword Magnificent.

Leon: “Damn it… why now?!”

Behind him, Natalia sent a glowing orb of light toward Leon—a spell capable of absorbing an enemy’s power.

Natalia: “Leon… take this power. Consider it… a penance for my sins…”

Leon absorbed it, and an overwhelming surge of power coursed through him. His golden eyes shone brilliantly, radiating energy stronger than ever before.

Ordo: “W-what… what is this power?!”
Leon: “This is the Power of the Light Bond! A power none of you demons possess!”

A fierce wind erupted, almost knocking Shion off her feet. She stared at Leon in disbelief—how could someone she despised wield such angelic might?

Leon struck at lightning speed, Light of Speed, slashing Ordo before he could react. Every swing of his sword sent sparks of light across the dungeon walls and floors, making the ruins quake violently.

Ordo: “Aaaarggh! Impossible! Lowly demon and human… can wound me?! I am eternal!”
Shion: “Eternal, huh? Then you’re a problem for me too.”

Leon fused his magic with the sword, illuminating the area with blinding energy.

Leon: “Elemental Fusion Slash… Orbcalibur Slash!”

Waves of elemental symbols exploded from his blade—fire, ice, lightning, and pure light—blasting Ordo back with a massive impact. He slammed against the wall, the floor cracking under the force.

Leon: “Shion… now, use the Immortal Cutting Sword!”
Shion: “Understood!”

From her wrist, a lightning sword appeared, swirling with blue energy.

Shion: “Spark Sword Flash!”
Shion: “Spark Sword Slash!”

Lightning tore through the air as she severed Ordo’s head. Explosions of energy reverberated throughout the dungeon, scattering debris and light sparks.

Ordo: “N-no… how can an immortal like me… die by the hands of a human from another world?!”

Leon concentrated his remaining energy. Sword and magic fused into a massive wave of destruction.

Leon: “Orbcalibur Hurricane Slash!”

The blast tore through everything, shaking the ruins, almost collapsing the dungeon. Shion, Seraphine, and Layla were slightly thrown back as dust and magical sparks filled the air.

Leon: “We have to leave here, Seraphine, Layla!”
Shion: “I’ll regroup with them.”
Leon: “I’ll activate the teleportation magic!”

A swirl of radiant light formed at their feet, spinning the air and rubble before transporting them instantly out of the dungeon.

At the gates of Elyzaria, Natalia lay in Layla’s arms, motionless. Layla gently set her down, dust from teleportation still sparkling in the air.

Layla: “Leon… she’s dead. Will you give her a proper burial?”
Seraphine: “Leon… I’m sorry… I tried to heal her several times, but it didn’t work…”
Leon: “It’s fine… what matters is you tried your hardest.”

Leon raised his hand, holy light from his sword and magic enveloping Natalia.

Leon: “Wake Up!”

Natalia’s body shivered, then sprang to life. Her wounds vanished, and her skin was flawless. She stared at Leon in astonishment.

Natalia: “Leon… why? Why did you do this for me? I… I tried to hurt your friends…”
Leon: “That’s in the past. From now on, you are Natalia. Live your new life… and forgive my father’s actions from before.”

Natalia stood and bowed deeply, tears streaming down her face.

Natalia: “I sincerely apologize… for trying to kill you all… I didn’t know Ordo hated me so much.”

Seraphine: “It’s okay. We forgive you… right, Layla?”
Layla: “Yes… we both forgive you.”

Leon: “I have no choice but to forgive you. Shion… what about you?”

Shion’s gaze was sharp, yet a small smile appeared.

Shion: “I forgive you… but I also won’t forgive you for trying to take the one I wanted to kill in my life.”

Natalia smiled, relieved. Now all four were at peace.

Layla: “Wow… could this be a love triangle between Leon, Shion, and Natalia?” she teased.
Shion: “No way… I don’t like her. Besides, we’re destined to keep fighting,” she replied awkwardly, making everyone laugh.

In the distance, a silver-haired figure observed the dungeon ruins, then spread black wings and soared into the sky—a new threat casting its shadow across the horizon.