104 Chapter 104: Leo’s escape

"Your Highness, what did the sun order?" In a dimly lit room, three figures stood waiting for the woman who had just concluded her prayers to speak. The Oracle faced the trio, delivering a message from Their Aspect.

"Our Lady has spoken. She requested a personal inspection of Hero Historia. However, we have to prepare the Hero to withstand the Aspect's presence."

"Leave that to me," Dorn, clad in his formidable armor, asserted confidently. "I possess everything necessary to enhance the Hero's magical abilities."

"Thank you, Grandmaster. Your support is invaluable," the Oracle expressed, placing a hand over her chest.

"What about Hero Leo?" A hooded old man suddenly inquired.

The Oracle's demeanor changed noticeably. Her warm smile vanished, replaced by a cold and disdainful look.

"The Aspect has revealed that Hero Leo was corrupted during the summoning. While the Sun's teachings demand the elimination of the corrupted, Our Lady, who summoned him, has chosen a different path."

"Are you saying that we allow him to live?" Dorn asked, not liking the idea of a corrupted thing staying a single second in their holy city.

Shaking her head, "Not at all; he will die. Our Lady chose to accept him into her Heavens and has instructed us to use Holy flames to purify Hero Leo's corruption."

"I see," Dorn nodded in acceptance. "When will this take place?"

"In three days"

…

 It's been three days since those Golden-haired freaks shoved me into this room. The room is actually decent, surprised? Yes! Me too! I had anticipated being thrown into a dungeon, but that didn't happen.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still a prisoner. I can see that, from the locked door to the Paladin Guard behind it, and the zero contact with anyone. The only person I interacted with was a young woman delivering my meals.

From her, I learned that Historia was the center of attention due to possessing Holy Magic, a significant matter for them. So it was natural for them to focus on Historia and help her develop and use her magic.

And me, Your Boy with no magic Leo. Was cast aside, only to be given a strange soup and bread to eat. The first spoon I took from that soup burned my insides like hell.

Seriously, they made it from what? It was like eating the most potent hot pepper in the form of soup. Not that I tried it before, but you get the idea.

And honestly, I feared that they would poison me, especially after overhearing a conversation last night.

In the middle of the night, two paladins stopped beneath my window, apparently the summoning brought forth only one Hero. Historia. And me? Well…do I have to say it? I don't exist.

It's smart, really. I raise my hat for that Oracle; this way she can dispose of me without anyone knowing.

Yet, if she believed that I, Leonardo Morgan, the heir of the powerful Morgan family and the holder of the world record—according to me—for the fastest consumption of novels, manga, and anime, would stand idly by and allow myself to be killed, she would be Very…Very wrong.

One piece of information said by the paladins grabbed my attention—the existence of a teleporter.

Solara Sanctum was built in layers upon layers or Levels, which kind of reminded me of the tower of Babylon albeit wider. Maybe? Well, don't mind me.

Now back to the teleporter. The way they use it is with magical bracelets. When I heard this, I recalled seeing the woman who brought my meals wearing one. You can guess where I'm going, yes?

Pulling a white bracelet with the sun symbol from my pocket, I fell on the ground praying. "Love-Sensei. Your pick-up lines and moves worked."

It worked, it really fucking worked! only taking a few words complimenting her golden hair. Invading her personal space, and admiring the golden eyes. Gently kissing her hands as an appreciation for the good food—I threw the soup out the window— And the young woman fell for me. Really? Are they thirsty for love and a gentle touch?

Apparently yes; the life of devotion and worship wasn't for everyone.

Thanks to my quick hands, I was able to snatch the bracelet from her. I tell you I could be a successful thief, why? Because I stole a lot. HAHAHA.

Only candy from doctors when they visit. I wasn't allowed to eat it, but C'mon can you truly stop a young kid from eating candy?

When they found out, they stopped carrying candy in their pocket, so I switched to stealing their pens. Hehehe…I bet it was the worst feeling those doctors had when they couldn't find pens to write. Serves you right, jerks.

Knock. Knock.

"!!!" Startled by a knock on the door, I swiftly hid the bracelet in my pocket. The door opened, revealing the same young woman, but this time, she carried a white robe.

The robe was similar to the kimono I saw in my old world, with no details or anything of that sort, just a simple white piece of cloth.

"Hero Leo, Her Highness requests you to prepare for the ceremony."

"A ceremony? What kind, and when?" I asked not to like the word.

Why? Because I feel like I am being prepared for an execution. I'm getting that vibe, especially with the white kimono.

"I'm sorry, Hero Leo, but I don't know the nature of the ceremony. However, it will take place in four hours. Please change your clothes and wait."

I see, so I have four hours left to live. Forcing a smile, I said "Thank you, I'll prepare and wait" Accepting the white robe, the young woman left locking the door behind her.

Shit! Shit!

I need to get out of here. No time, but how? I can't use the bracelet since I don't have magic. Hmmm… jump out the window? Suicide.

Even if I managed to survive the jump, then what? Jump again from this Level. Apparently, I am on Level Eight of this City.

Solara Sanctum has Ten Levels. The summoning happened on Level Nine, but that is where the Oracle lives and does all of her rituals, so they had to move me and only me from that level. Bastards.

Quickly scanning the room, I found nothing that could help me escape; the room was simple with a bed, desk, and a toilet behind another door.

The only thing that appeared to me like it was out of place was the curtains, with their signature white and gold style of the sun.

Approaching the window, I swiftly began to search between the thick fabric, and my guess was right, the golden details of the curtains were made from metals, and thin metal wires, and I was able to pull a nearly one-meter golden wire. Looking at the wire, an idea formed, and it wasn't a good one.

Walking to the door, I slammed it with my palm as hard as I could two times, once on the top and the other on the bottom of the door, then swiftly dashed to the left, wrapping the wire around my hands and waiting.

"C'mon take the bait"

Not a moment later, the door was unlocked, and the paladin who stood on watch outside for three days stepped in.

"Is everything alrigh–...hmm"

Instantly and with no hesitation, I jumped on his back securing the wire around his neck. His hands instinctively reached for the wire, but I held firm, muffling any potential outcry. He dashed wildly across the room trying to throw me off his back. But the paladin's struggles changed nothing of his coming demise.

After about?... I don't know, four or five minutes, the paladin's struggles ended, and his body slumped to the ground. The room was silent, except for the heavy breathing escaping me.

Immediately, I dashed to the toilet, throwing up. This was my first time killing someone, and the reality of it hit me like a tidal wave. The weight of my actions pressed heavily on my chest as I grappled with the sudden realization that I had taken a life.

I tried to steady my breathing, feeling a mix of fear, regret, and adrenaline coursing through my veins. I turned back, facing him, saying "Saying sorry would only prove I did something wrong, It was either me or you."

Gathering myself, I stripped him of his armor; the paladin was young, maybe even younger than me, however, this was not the time to have these thoughts. I have my own life to save.

Surprisingly the armor wasn't as heavy as I thought it would be, and it fit me relatively well. Shoving the paladin's body into the toilet, I positioned it so it would fall when I closed the door; this would buy me a few minutes when they come searching for me.

Hiding the magical bracelet in the only place I'm sure no one would look. Big D. I walked out of the room.

Keeping my head down, trying not to expose the color of my eyes, I bypassed a few paladins and priestesses. The stolen armor offered me a disguise, allowing me to blend in seamlessly with these fanatics.

Quickly adopting their salute, I moved unnoticed through the white and gold corridors. Seriously, did these people not know about the existence of other colors?

The first part was done, now what? How am I going to reach the base level?...Wait a second! I can use the same elevator they used to bring me to this level. Since I don't have magic, they use the cargo elevator, at least that's what Dorn said. It's worth a shot.

Remembering the path when they brought me, I made my way to the elevator room. However, on my way, I overheard two priestesses mentioning the Oracle's presence on this level, praying alone. Hearing this, a thought came to mind.

"Should I go and kill her too?"

Don't get me wrong; I'm not some crazy murderer, But I'm not foolish enough to miss the chance of taking out a higher target on my enemy list. YES, I made a list. All the Sun religion members.

"Stop it Leo don't take risks, remember they got magic." The voice of reason came to save me from doing something I could regret for the rest of my life.

Shaking my head, I quickly made my way to the elevator room. Stepping inside, I saw the man responsible for the elevator on this level.

Walking up to him, I spoke, trying to deepen my voice, "Greetings Brother, may I use the elevator?"

He turned around facing me with raised eyebrows. "What for? can't you use your bracelet? Brother."

Damn, this is what I was fearing, quick Leo!, think of something.

"Aaa!...Ahem, brother, my bracelet was taken as part of a trial given by Master Dorn. Can you help me get down to the base level?"

C'mon work! Please work!

"I see…You got that trial too," he said walking to the elevator.

Did it work?

Opening the elevator door he said with a smile, "Don't worry Brother, you're not the first one to come asking for my help."

IT WORKED!

Quickly entering the elevator, I bowed slightly thanking him.

"May the sun be with you," He said, performing a hand gesture like a prayer.

Eat my ass.

…

It took exactly two hours for the elevator to reach the base level, during that time I was on my nerves. By now, I'm pretty sure they discovered my escape. I was expecting the elevator to stop at any second, however that didn't happen. Right now, I'm standing in the alley between two buildings staring at the wide-open gate.

From what I saw, the base level was not specifically reserved for the sun worshipers, and not even for humans; I saw DWARVES! With their big old beards. I can guarantee they would make for excellent drinking buddies. I saw Elves too, but only men and no demi-humans at all.

Tsk, too bad I was hoping to see Elf-San and Neko-Chan.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the alley heading to the gate; people began to avoid cutting my path. And I can understand where this attitude comes from.

Fear.

No time to worry about them, I accelerated my walk, without drawing too much attention. Almost just a few more steps. And I am out of this crazy religious city.

BOOM!

Suddenly out of nowhere, something heavy crashed on the ground behind me. I froze in my place, hesitating to look back.

"Found you" a voice declared.

Shit!...I instantly recognized it; slowly turning around I saw Dorn with his massive armor stepping out of the crater he just made.

"I must say I underestimated you, Leo," He admitted with visible anger. "I never thought you could kill a trained paladin."

Hearing the loud landing, people began to gather in the area, shocked to see Dorn, the grandmaster, here.

"Glad I proved you wrong, Old man," I said with a smirk. Fear? Nahh, I don't have fear.

I could see Dorn's eyebrows twitching, "Come with me peacefully or…" He drew a massive long sword, threatening "…or face the consequences of your actions."

"HAHAHAHAH" I burst into laughter, momentarily stunning him.

The crowd, now forming a semi-circle around us, murmured with a mix of fear and curiosity.

"Come with you? Where? To my end? I'm not stupid, old man. I can see that your Oracle was planning my death."

"Leo, there's no escaping this. Surrender now. Our divine lady has accepted you in her heavens despite being corrupt," Dorn insisted, frustration evident in his voice.

"Oh, your lady?. I do want to meet the one who brought me here."

"That's good. So come with me—"

"So I can spread her LEGS AND FUCK HER BRAIN OUT!" I shouted for all to hear.

"!!!" Dorn's face turned crimson with anger, and the crowd gasped in shock. The tension in the air skyrocketed as everyone registered my vulgar words.

"You insolent fool!" Dorn roared, swords gleaming menacingly. "You shall face the divine punishment for your blasphemy."

With a swift motion, a beam of golden light erupted from Dorn's sword aiming directly at me, no time to react. The beam struck my chest.

"Is this the end?" I said to myself,

However, something unexpected happened. The golden beam didn't harm me; instead, the energy moved through my body, concentrating between my legs.

Oh, the bracelet! I had forgotten. For some reason, the magical attack was absorbed, making the area between my legs shine.

Hehehe, this gives me an idea.

Raising my hand to the sky, I declared for all to hear, "Behold the power of my Golden Big D!"

Facing Dorn, I gave him the middle finger. "Farewell, fucker!"

BOOF!

…

On that day, a new legend was born among the common folk of Solara Sanctum—the legend of the Unholy Paladin. His defiant words against the Aspect of the Sun would inspire many tales for years to come.