bookpub Chapter 399 399
Chapter 399 399
399 399
The air was thick with tension as Paul knelt before Leon, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest. Leon's mere presence loomed over him, a shadow of fear and authority that felt suffocating. Paul's mind raced with thoughts of survival living to tell the tale was far better than being slaughtered like a lamb.
"Leon, that was a mistake," Paul stammered, trying to keep his voice steady. "I didn't know what had transpired inside, and I acted according to the laws."
Leon's lips curled into a faint smile, the kind that sent chills down Paul's spine. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, as if pondering Paul's fate. "You see, the Shadow Zone was of great importance. All families have invested heavily in it. If I didn't do anything, I would be the one to be blamed as I was overseeing the entire situation."
"Yeah, you're correct about that," Leon replied, his voice deep and resonant. "You did what was expected of you at that moment."
Paul nodded, desperation creeping into his tone. "See... I had no choice. As someone of high status, you surely understand my limitations."
Leon tilted his head, considering Paul's words. "I understand very well, but..." he paused, letting the weight of the moment hang in the air. "But that didn't compensate for the injustice I suffered."
A wave of panic washed over Paul, his face paling as the implications settled in. "You..." he whispered, fear gripping him tightly. Gritting his teeth, he took a deep breath, summoning the courage to ask, "What do you need? Spirit stones, weapons, treasures, herbs... I can help with anything. After all, I am a Saint and have a reputation of my own."
Leon shook his head, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "No need for that."
"Then..." Paul trailed off, uncertainty gnawing at him.
"Is that all you've got?" Leon taunted, his amusement palpable.
With his heart racing, Paul closed his eyes for a fleeting moment, a surge of determination rising within him. He was not merely fighting for himself anymore; he was fighting to regain his honor, to reclaim his status as a Saint. He tapped into the depths of his training, focusing on his footing, and unleashed a powerful kick aimed at Leon's midsection.
But Leon anticipated the move, sidestepping with a grace that mocked Paul's effort. The counterattack was swift and merciless. Leon's fist shot out, connecting with Paul's side, sending him sprawling to the ground once more.
Paul gasped, the air leaving his lungs in a rush. The world blurred at the edges as pain radiated through him, yet he pushed against the ground, refusing to succumb. He had to survive; he had to endure this trial. He gritted his teeth, sweat mixing with blood as he forced himself back up.
The crowd around them was silent, enraptured by the display of raw power, but Paul was beyond their gaze. All he could feel was the burn of his muscles and the weight of fear pressing down upon him.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of struggle, Paul managed to steady himself, a flicker of defiance igniting within him. He faced Leon, breath ragged but eyes burning with determination.
"I won't go down that easily!" he shouted, his voice steady despite the pain coursing through his body.
Leon raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Paul's resilience. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that."
But Paul was aware that he had already paid a steep price. He had survived, but it had cost him more than just his pride; his body ached, bruises blooming across his skin, and he knew he would bear the marks of this encounter long after it ended.
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