Leon was paralyzed with fear at what he had just witnessed. He knew very well that Ricardo was far stronger than him—dozens of times stronger. Yet, despite that overwhelming power, he had lost to Jack. If Ricardo couldn't stand against him, what chance did Leon have?
Hiding among the dense trees of the forest, Leon's breath was ragged, his mind racing. But then, suddenly—Jack spotted him.
In an instant, Jack lunged toward him like a bolt of lightning.
"No way… How did he see me?!"
Panic surged through Leon as he bolted, weaving between trees, leaping over fallen trunks, desperate to escape. He ran until he stumbled into a dark cave deep within the forest, pressing himself against the damp stone walls, trying to quiet his breath.
But then—footsteps echoed in the cave.
Jack had followed him inside.
Leon could hear the slow, deliberate movements. He was sniffing the air, tracking his scent like a predator hunting its prey.
The tension was unbearable. Closer… closer… Leon clenched his fists, knowing there was nowhere left to run. Just as Jack was about to strike—
"Didn't I tell you to run?"
Ricardo appeared out of nowhere, his body covered in wounds, blood trickling down his arms. Despite his injuries, his eyes still burned with determination.
Without hesitation, Ricardo grabbed Leon and leaped out of the cave. Leon quickly reacted, summoning a massive fireball and launching it toward the cave entrance, sealing Jack inside.
As soon as they landed outside, Ricardo collapsed. He had pushed himself too far.
Leon didn't waste a second. He carried Ricardo with all his strength and rushed toward the healers of the kingdom.
Hours later, Ricardo finally opened his eyes, his voice weak but steady.
"Thank you… for saving me."
Leon stared at him in disbelief before chuckling.
"Are you kidding? You're the one who saved me from that monster!"