The Conquerors Path

"Calm down, for now our priority must be dealing with this."

Saying so, I forwarded him another file, which Leonardo quickly took and started to skim over. Within a few minutes, he digested the information, his face once again lighting up in righteous fury as he spoke.

"These people should suffer for life."

"I know, and that's what we are doing."

I said, taking a sip of my coffee as I continued.

"It has come to my knowledge that Bale is asking for your recruitment, right?"

"Indeed, he kept being close to me, and I thought he was a good guy just like that demon Austin, but it seems I am wrong again."

Saying that with a sad sigh, Leonardo took a sip of his coffee, a frown filling his face. Seeing this, I asked.

"Is something wrong?"

My question unsettled him, a sense of hesitation filling his face as he spoke.

"It's about my friend Shira. I can't get in contact with her. All information I can receive is that she awakened her other half and is undergoing special training under Princess Nyla."

Leonardo spoke, to which I asked.

"You are worried about her?"

"Yes, she has cut off all contact with me, and I worry that Austin might have done something to her."

Hearing this, a contemplative look took my face, a moment of silence falling between us as I spoke again.

"Don't worry, let me see what I can do. I will ask some of my contacts to look into this."

My reply made Leonardo's face light up.

"Really?"

He asked, to which I responded.

"Of course, what are friends for? Plus, you are now a member of the Illuminati. Once you get in deeper, you will be able to access more resources and power."

As I said this, another hesitation filled Leonardo's face, making a difficult expression he asked.

"Perhaps can I come and see one of the holdings and meet some other members?"

As he asked this, the table turned silent, my eyes boring into his as he started to wiggle uncomfortably in his seat.

'Looks like his sword Durandal wants more proof and information.'

The one keeping the naive and hot-blooded Leonardo alive and well is the cold-blooded sword that has an eye for keener detail and planning than Leonardo. Seeing that the silence was making him sweat, I replied with a faint smile.

"Sure, no problem. We can make our way towards it now."

"Now?"

Leonardo asked back, surprised.

"Of course, now."

I said, standing up from where I sat. Hence, the two of us started to head out of the coffee shop. Soon, we kept moving through the bright surroundings, students as we walked into a common-looking dress shop within the shopping district. Just as I entered the shop, a pretty-looking saleswoman walked up to me. Seeing her, I replied with a specific set of words.

"I'm seeking a gown that captures the essence of midnight intrigue." The saleswoman's gaze locked onto mine after I said so, a subtle nod confirming my choice of words. With that, a hidden door creaked open in the corner, revealing a dimly lit passage that beckoned her into the clandestine world that awaited beyond the shimmering facade.

"Let's go."

I said to the stunned Leonardo as I walked into the portal at the wall, Leonardo following behind me.

The air changed as we stepped through the portal, a sensation of magical energy enveloping us, swirling and shimmering like an unseen current. The dimly lit passage led us deeper into a subterranean world, away from the bustling streets and bright city lights above. The walls of the tunnel were adorned with intricate tapestries that seemed to tell stories of battles fought, secrets kept, and triumphs achieved. Leonardo's eyes widened with every step, his excitement palpable as he took in the ethereal surroundings.

As we walked, I began to explain the significance of this place, the heart of the organization that safeguarded the realms of fantasy from the encroaching darkness. "Welcome to the Nexus Sanctum," I said, my voice carrying a mix of reverence and pride. "This is one of the main holdings of the Illuminati. It's a place where powerful artifacts from different pasts are stored, ancient tomes of knowledge are preserved, and meetings of the most influential members take place."

Leonardo's eyes flickered with awe, his curiosity driving him to absorb every detail. Torches lining the walls cast a warm, golden glow, illuminating the path ahead as we walked deeper into the heart of the sanctum. We passed chambers filled with mystical crystals that emitted soft, radiant light, each crystal representing a different realm that depended on the Illuminati's protection.

"Within these walls lie countless treasures," I continued, "from enchanted swords that can cut through the very fabric of warriors to amulets that can bend magic itself. Each artifact holds a story, a connection to a past beyond our own."

As we approached the central chamber, the grandeur of the place intensified. Massive pillars rose from the floor, their surfaces carved with intricate runes and symbols that pulsed with energy. In the center of the chamber stood a colossal statue, an embodiment of a mythical creature with wings outstretched and eyes that seemed to pierce through one's very soul.

"Meet the Guardians' Ascendant," I explained, gesturing to the statue. "It symbolizes the unity of our cause, the protection of the fantastical realms from the forces that seek to consume them in darkness."

Leonardo's breath caught, his gaze locked on the statue. "It's... magnificent," he breathed, his voice filled with wonder.

As we continued our journey through the sanctum, I introduced Leonardo to some of the key members of the Illuminati. We met a stoic elf with centuries of wisdom etched in her eyes, a charming rogue who held a knack for gathering information from the shadows, and a powerful mage whose mere presence crackled with arcane energy. Each encounter left Leonardo both awestruck and slightly overwhelmed, his inquisitiveness firing off questions like rapid arrows.

"Who are these people?" he asked in hushed tones as we walked past a group engaged in a heated debate over a map of interconnected evil.

"They are the pillars of our organization," I answered. "Each member brings their unique strengths to the table, and together, we ensure that the our world remain safe from the clutches of darkness."

As we concluded our tour of the Nexus Sanctum, Leonardo's eyes sparkled with newfound determination. "I can't believe all of this exists," he said, his voice tinged with amazement. "I want to be a part of it, to protect these realms."

I smiled, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Your passion and determination are exactly what we need. But remember, this path isn't easy. It requires dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty."

Leonardo's gaze met mine, his resolve unyielding. "I'm ready for whatever challenges come my way."

"Good, you have the badge I gave you, right?"

I asked, as both of us took a seat in a well-decorated place, the majesty around still bringing awe to Leonardo.

"I do."

He said, to this I replied.

"Good, keep it. Once you earn more points, you will be able to gain entry here at free will."

My words started to make Leonardo's eyes shine, I could tell just by looking at him that he right now would be thinking about what the main holding of the Illuminati would be like.

"But first, before we get there, we need to deal with Bale."

My words made Leonardo serious as he nodded his head. Seeing so, I continued.

"First, I need you to enter Bale's faction, befriend him, and try to understand how everything works to be the inside man. It will be very dangerous, but will you be able to do it?"

My words brought on a heavy atmosphere, but Leonardo was not put off by it as he seriously nodded his head.

"Of course, I will do everything in my power for it. I can never let the world suffer."

"Good, that's why you will be a key component of the world's future heroes."

My words brought a proud smirk to Leonardo's face. After this, we spent some time ironing out the details. Soon after, I took him around for some more tours, blowing his mind. With that, I started to lead him back to the portal we came from, when suddenly Leonardo asked.

"Um... I want to recommend someone. Is that possible?"

Seeing his timid behavior, I asked.

"Is it a girl?"

My question brought a blush to his face, one I don't like looking at.

"It's... it's..."

He started to stutter a bit, but before he could complete his words, I spoke.

"If it's someone you recommended, I am sure she will be trustworthy. But first, I would need to do my own research before which I can provide any further posting. You understand me, right?"

"Of course."

Leonardo replied, as a light smile took his face, one of a very budding crush.

'007 is doing good work.'

Though I wonder how Leonardo will react when he learns the truth? Now that will be a sight to see.

And with final words, we walked back through the hidden passage and emerged into the dress shop once more, bidding Leonardo farewell, I left.