"Wait, hold on.


    Neron began to protest, his brow furrowed.


    "I was supposed to be partnered with Legris. Why am I not paired with him on this mission?" His voice was sharp, filled with both frustration and confusion.


    The Cult Leader gave a calm, but firm, nce in his direction. "The partnership will be suspended temporarily until Legris can prove himself. The next mission is his chance to demonstrate his abilities and hismitment to the Nether Cult."


    Neron didn''t back down even when he heard that. He wanted to go against the Leader''s words.


    But then—


    Legris immediately raised his hand in protest.


    "Hold on, Neron. Stop," he said, his tone steady and resolute.


    "I will be fine. I need this opportunity. I need to achieve something to truly solidify my ce in the Cult."


    His words cut through the tension, leaving Neron momentarily speechless. Legris'' confidence, though not as developed as his partner''s, resonated with purpose.


    Neron sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.


    "Fine," he muttered, his voice barely audible.


    Karlia nudged him with a sly smile and leaned in closer, her voice low but teasing.


    "Don''t worry, Neron. I''m your new partner now, and I look forward to working with you." Her grin was sharp, teasing, but her voice carried no mockery.


    There was confidence in her words, and it gave Neron a small measure of reassurance.


    The Cult Leader rose from his seat, signaling the meeting wasing to an end. His voice was calm, steady as stone as he addressed them one final time.


    "I will provide all the mission details to each of youter. Prepare your teams, gather supplies, and ensure that you''re ready for the assignments ahead. The goal is clear—find the Arcana, secure it, and ensure that none of our enemies have the opportunity to interfere."


    He paused, letting his words sink into the air.


    "Dismissed."


    With that, the meeting came to an end, and the members began to leave the room, each stepping into their own thoughts. Neron, Karlia, and Legris exchanged looks as they made their way out, the weight of the uing mission hanging heavy in the air.


    But within their group, there was resolve.


    This was the path they had chosen.


    Whether through strength, cunning, or strategy, the next mission would determine not only their survival but the future of the Nether Cult itself.


    **********


    The hallways of the Nether Cult''s headquarters were eerily silent, the only sound being the faint hum of magical energy coursing through the walls.


    Neron and Legris walked side by side, the tension between them evident but unspoken.


    Both were acutely aware of the looming missions that awaited them, each fraught with challenges and dangers that could very well be theirst.


    The two men stopped in a dimly lit alcove, far from prying eyes and ears. Neron leaned against the cold, smooth wall, arms crossed over his chest. His usually calm demeanor was marred by a slight furrow in his brow, an indication of his internal conflict.


    Legris, standing a few steps away, broke the silence first. "So, this is it, huh?" he said, his voice carrying a mix of nervousness and determination. "Our first real test since joining the Cult."


    Neron exhaled, his gaze shifting to his friend. "Yeah. And if we pull this off, it''ll be one step closer to the end of all this madness."


    Legris chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You always make it sound so simple. Gather all the Arcanas, fulfill the Cult''s ultimate n, and then we get our wish. Just like that." He snapped his fingers for emphasis, but there was no bitterness in his tone—only a quiet eptance of the reality they faced.


    "It is that simple," Neron replied, his voice steady. "We just have to stay focused, y our roles, and see it through to the end. No distractions, no second-guessing."


    Legris gave him a sidelong nce, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "That''s easy for you to say. You''re already Number Two in the Cult. Meanwhile, I''m stuck proving myself over and over again."


    Neron''s expression softened. "You''ll get there, Legris. This mission is your chance to show everyone what you''re capable of. I have no doubt you''ll seed."


    Legris hesitated, his smirk fading as he looked away. "And what about you? Heading off with Karlia instead of me... that''s new."


    Neron sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don''t like it either. But the Cult Leader made the call, and I''m not in a position to argue. Besides," he added with a faint smile, "Karlia''s... capable. Annoying, but capable."


    Legrisughed, the sound easing some of the tension in the air. "You''ve got that right. Just don''t let her talk you into anything crazy, okay?"


    "Don''t worry about me," Neron replied, his tone light but firm. "You focus on your mission. Show Frankfurt and Reed what you can do."


    There was a brief silence as the two men stood there, the gravity of their situation sinking in. Finally, Legris spoke again, his voice quieter this time. "Do you ever think about what happens after this? When it''s all over?" Chapter Read:


    "All the time," Neron admitted, his gaze distant. "When we''ve gathered all the Arcanas and made our wish, everything will go back to the way it was. No more Cult, no more fighting. Just... normal lives."


    Legris nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "And magic? You really think we can get rid of it for good?"


    "If we gather all the Arcanas, yes," Neron said firmly. "That''s the whole point. To make sure no one ever has to suffer because of magic again."


    Legris didn''t respond immediately. He stared at the floor, his thoughts a whirlwind of doubts and hopes. Finally, he looked up, meeting Neron''s eyes. "You really believe in this, don''t you?"


    "I do," Neron replied without hesitation. "And you should too. We''re doing this for a reason, Legris. A reason worth fighting for."


    Legris smiled faintly, a flicker of confidence returning to his eyes.


    "Yeah. You''re right."