Saturday came and the skies were clear and blue. A perfect time to go out. Leon’s wishes came true as his injuries were completely healed. It seemed like he can recover after at least twenty four hours of rest no matter how bad he was beaten.

‘I don’t like that it seemed like I’m setting myself up for another beating…’ Shrugging off his ominous thoughts, he proceeded to prepare for their rendezvous.

‘My objective is as clear as this blue sky. Mother. Keep us safe. I’ll be going now.’ Leon prayed at his mother’s altar before proceeding downstairs.

Leon wore a dual-toned black and white long-sleeved shirt with casual black khaki pants which showcases his 6’1 height. He also wore black rubber shoes to complete his look.

While Stellar fashioned a sky-blue sundress, matched with a white cardigan that covers her slim arms. She wore a white rubber shoes for her footwear. It was Lean’s old clothes.

“Sis, we’re going out.” Leon called for his sister who was eating groggily at the dining table, possibly just woke up from her all-nighter activity.

Upon hearing this, Lean almost spilled the drink she was holding, making Leon confused and surprised. “What!?” Lean exclaimed.

“I said we are going…” Leon stopped mid-sentence when he realized how his sister misunderstood his other statement. And restarted his sentence from the beginning, “I’m gonna tour Stellar around the city.” Leon lied. ‘Well, half a lie.’ Leon thought.

Lean cleared her throat and said, “Okay, have fun~” Lean said in a sing-song manner. ‘Fufu, my brother’s going on a date! How cute.’ Lean thought.

Leon went to the city with Stellar in tow. It was crowded as expected since it was a weekend. The streets were busy and overflowing with people going on and about their own business.

Leon and Stellar wandered around aimlessly as he explained where the necessary places are located like the train, bus and police stations. He also taught her how to read the map and how to go somewhere when the need arises.

After walking around for awhile, they decided to stop by a local family restaurant to eat lunch and discuss what exactly they are going to do today.

Leon ordered a balanced meal, a braised pork with pickled radish and mustard. He ordered the same for Stellar as she has no real preference for food.

“Is it really possible to find Meisters here in the city?”

“Yes. Not all Meisters live and belong to SORA, some are considered renegades. Those humans which unexpectedly turned into a Meister just like you.”

“So all we need to do is defeat them and get their sacred rune, right?”

Stellar paused before answering a brief, “Yes…”

Though Leon sensed that it was not as simple as ‘defeating’ them to get their sacred runes, he refused to ask further. It’s possible for it to be a fight to death. But he steeled his determination. ‘If I manage to defeat a renegade, everything will be back to normal. That’s all there is to it.’ Leon concluded.

After a hearty meal, they resumed their search. Even though Stellar has been converted completely to a human, she still remained some of her basic capabilities. Some abilities that does not stem from the sacred rune, but their innate power (as what Stellar called it).

She was confident she can detect the renegades as long as they are within the vicinity. After few more hours of walking to and fro, she suddenly stopped in the middle of the town plaza, which was at the center of the shopping center.

Leon noticed and asked, “Are you sure they’re here? There’s so many people. I don’t think we’ll see them.”

“Divine Enchantment! Seal of Place!” Stellar said as she opened her palms in air. From it, a white oracle appeared as it enveloped the whole surroundings and froze everyone. Time halted completely for every civilian in the district.

Leon observed for a while and tested if the people really stopped. He waved his hands in front of the people’s faces but received no reaction.

“What did you do?” Leon queried.

“It’s a spell so that if an establishment or people is damaged because of a battle between Meisters and Knights, we could revert it. Like what happened to your house back then.” Stellar explained.

More questions popped up in Leon’s mind but decided to ask it on a later date. He decided to focus with the task at hand.

“Only Meisters, Knights and renegades can move within the Seal of Place… If you see anyone moving, it will be them.” Stellar explained in a serious tone while she looked around trying to spot a movement within the crowd.

Leon focused his energy and closed his eyes, trying to detect a presence or even a breathing that is different from theirs, sure enough he felt a slight change in his surroundings. ‘This is…’

“Something’s wrong…” Stellar said in a quiet voice.

“What the-” Leon looked at his side and saw the tip of a blade coming for his neck. He dodged by a hair’s breadth.

“Leon!” Stellar screamed in worry.

Leon looked at her and gave her a reassuring look. “I’m okay…”

“Looks like we have company! Disidias! Come back here.” A man, around 5’6 in height appeared from the crowd.

He was wearing casual shirt and pants, like they were just wandering around the city like Leon and Stellar. He has brown hair which was styled messily. His arms were tattooed with musical chords. He had a child-like youthful disposition.

Disidias, the girl who almost killed Leon answered, “Why? Master Rion?” Despite her complaints, she still followed suit and returned to her Master’s side.

Disidias was around 5’5 with long brown wavy hair. She had a small frame and innocent face. ‘She doesn't look like she is capable of murder at all.’ Leon observed.

Rion spoke as if remembering something, “Is that you Stellar? Stellar Claire?” He chuckled before continuing, “So, you lost it too? How pitiable.”

Stellar ignored Rion’s insult and replied, “Is that girl your vessel?”

“Why don’t you figure it out yourself?” Rion said as he stuck out his tongue in a playful manner.

As if signaling the start of their battle, Leon felt a difference in her aura, bending her back forward as if ready to lounge any moment.

‘Once I defeat them, all this strangeness will be over…’ Leon repeated this on his head like a mantra. Steeling his resolve he dived in the crevice of his mind, remembering how to activate his powers.

After a short while, Leon got in touch with his inner energy and released it. As he did, he felt a strange aura coming from himself as his outfit changed into an armor, similar to Jade’s appearance from back then.

Rion applauded, “That boy is your vessel, huh? Very well, Disidias, teach that brat a lesson.”

“Yes, Master!” Disidias answered enthusiastically as she drew the blade which magically appeared on her waist.

Leon readied and drew his from the back compartment, he did it on impulse, like he knew it long ago despite only doing it today. ‘Bring it on!’ Leon thought as he paced his breathing and readied himself for their impeding battle.