Episode 34: The Weight of Love and War

  Lara sat alone in the cafeteria area of the Organization’s ship. The artificial lights above were dim and cold, reflecting softly across the metallic tables.

  Tears ran down her face.

  “I can’t take this anymore, Professor Liu…” she whispered, her voice shaking. “My mother can’t see what God is doing. She only cares about status… power… position…”

  Across from her, Liu listened calmly, his hands resting on the table.

  “Don’t judge her so harshly, Lara,” he said gently. “You’re still young. You’re only beginning your life. Your brother… he’s trying to carry everything alone so none of you have to suffer. Give it time.”

  Lara lowered her head.

  “I understand her… but she doesn’t understand me. I will never marry Dariam. She only insists because she fears Lee’s death…”

  Liu’s voice remained firm but kind.

  “Your mother loves you.”

  Leon walked into the cafeteria, wiping sweat from his face after training. He stopped when he saw Lara crying.

  “What happened? You argued with your mother again?”

  Hidden behind a nearby wall, Laura had come looking for her daughter… and froze when she heard them.

  Leon approached slowly.

  “Remember what we talked about? Self-control. Every day I fight what exists inside me… but I’m not the only one.”

  He paused.

  “Jesus said that in this world we would have tribulations — but to have courage, because He has overcome the world.”

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  Lara forced a small smile through her tears.

  Leon continued:

  “And He also said to honor father and mother, so that our days may be long. So as your guardian—” he chuckled lightly, “—I’m telling you: go hug your mother. Not only physically… but spiritually too. I have to protect you.”

  Behind the wall, Laura widened her eyes, stunned.

  Lara took a deep breath.

  Liu stood up.

  “I’ll leave you two. I’m only getting in the way.”

  Leon held his arm.

  “Professor… be ready. Lara and I will stop Lee from facing Aris. We will defeat him in the tournament.”

  Liu smiled faintly.

  “I’m with you. I don’t agree with Lee fighting… but if he falls, I’ll stand. I already spoke with him. He accepted it.”

  Behind the wall, Laura covered her mouth, emotional. A faint smile appeared before she quietly left.

  Far away, beneath a crimson sky, a fortress stood on a lonely mountain.

  Lee stood before it, his sword drawn.

  “Another base…”

  Black flames wrapped around his blade.

  Moments later, the fortress erupted into chaos.

  Lee moved like a phantom through the corridors — steel flashed, bodies fell, explosions lit the night. Blood painted the stone walls.

  Yet in the midst of destruction, prison cells opened.

  The captives stared in disbelief as he freed them.

  His face never changed.

  “I won’t leave remnants for the future…”

  On the planet Krizand, inside a dark throne hall lit by blue fire, a Krizardian warrior knelt.

  “Another base has been destroyed, my king. Lee attacked again… and left the same message: your time is coming.”

  Aris slowly rose from his throne, crimson light reflecting in his eyes.

  “Gather every Videu. Do not leave a single one behind.”

  The order echoed through the hall.

  Back on the Organization ship, Laura studied battle reports in the command room.

  The door opened.

  Lara entered silently… and embraced her mother tightly.

  “I’m sorry… I was wrong.”

  Laura froze, remembering Leon’s words.

  She closed her eyes… and hugged her daughter back.

  Later, inside the training hall, Leon sat in meditation at the center of the arena. Warriors surrounded the room, whispering among themselves.

  The door suddenly opened.

  A man from the Omega Organization walked in, accompanied by his partner. His presence alone silenced the entire room.

  “So… you’re Lara’s boyfriend?” he said with a smirk. “I heard you’re entering the tournament.”

  Leon slowly opened his eyes.

  “I intend to fight.”

  The Omega Director stepped forward.

  “Then how about now? You against me. Let’s see what you’re capable of.”

  Murmurs spread across the room.

  “That’s the Omega Director…” “They say he’s extremely powerful…”

  From the shadows, Dariam watched with narrowed eyes.

  Let’s see how far your power goes, Leon…

  Leon stood.

  The two faced each other.

  Silence filled the arena.

  To be continued…