Leon stood frozen in place, his eyes locked onto the masked warrior before him. There was something eerily familiar about his stance, the way he held his sword—unmistakable.
"Ricardo... is that you?"
The warrior remained silent. Only the howling wind carried his low, almost whispering response.
"Turn back, Leon. Do not sink deeper into this world."
Leon shivered at the tone of his former friend. It wasn't just a warning—it was a threat.
"Ricardo, what's going on? Where have you been? Why are you wearing that mask?!"
Again, there was no answer. Instead, Ricardo raised his sword, his hidden eyes watching Leon with unreadable intent.
The rest of Twilight Claws observed cautiously from behind.
"Leon, do you know this guy?" Jinn asked, his grip tightening on his daggers.
Leon barely heard him. His focus was entirely on the person he once trusted most.
And then—
Ricardo vanished.
Not just a quick movement. He disappeared, as if the shadows themselves had swallowed him whole.
"Where did he go?!" Lisa shouted, nocking an arrow.
But Leon knew. Somehow, he could feel that Ricardo was still there.
The air turned still. A chilling sensation crept up Leon's spine.
Then—cold steel pressed lightly against his throat.
"You're still as weak as ever."
Leon's breath hitched. His eyes caught the faint reflection in the blade—Ricardo was right behind him, poised to strike in an instant.
But then, just as quickly as he had appeared, Ricardo withdrew his sword.
Leon spun around, but Ricardo had already leaped onto the ruins above, looking down at him.
"There are things you're not ready to understand yet, Leon." His voice was softer now, almost... regretful. "Stay away from this place, or you'll learn a truth you won't be able to accept."
Darkness swirled around him, thickening like living shadows.
And then—he was gone.
Leon stood in the ruins, fists clenched, his heartbeat echoing in his ears.
What had happened to Ricardo? Why had he changed so much? And most importantly—
What was the truth he wasn't ready to face?
To be continued...