Deep in Voiceless's glimmering forests, where trees reached peak pigmentation near the coast, stood the woodland settlement. Fallen trees meant to deter Sinners encircled a citadel that appeared anachronistic, displaced from its proper era.

The land featured well-maintained roads, specialized training centers, excellent food, and clothing.

But the real attraction was the cityscape, towering buildings, and architectural masterpieces that never failed to awe tourists.

This land was undoubtedly one of the prides of the Voiceless Region. Beneath the scorching sun, its beauty shone magnificently.

After eight hours, they reached Wood Fringe. The settlement couldn't compare to the world's technology and science he'd known, but after so long in primitive conditions, it impressed him. It had Bristol's art scene and Liverpool's music and vibrant atmosphere.

"This land has what you might call a king. A powerful individual oversees it all, maintaining order. It's not the guards or protectors who hold the true authority, this person owns and governs the land. The same applies to most lands here. Naturally, none of them surpasses me in strength."

Kysa remarked as they took in their surroundings, standing in the middle of the street as workers and traders hurried past.

"I've only seen Beach Bath, which was more laid-back and less lively, but no less beautiful. I assume scholars live there, so it acts like a vacation spot. This land, in contrast, is designed for merchants."

Saint added.

Kysa nodded positively, she turned to Halo.

"Do you recall the red and blue potions? Blue's made here, red a few miles away. I guess they hate each other… or something like that."

Halo narrowed his eyes. That sounded ominous. Politics and diplomacy, perhaps?

However, before he could voice out his concerns, Light asked:

"Does that mean they're engaged in political warfare? Honestly, do they even have time for it?"

"Yes, but not as you might imagine. It's more a matter of strength: if I'm stronger, I take your land; if weaker, I avoid you. Except for those serving the God of Greed, most powerful people lose interest in Sin Fragments quickly. Local conflicts may occur, but the rulers rarely intervene."

Kysa added.

Halo sighed in relief. The last thing he needed was that "nobles and commoners" nonsense. So annoying. Going from being worshipped in his past life to being a lowly commoner here just because he hadn't killed enough, what a joke.

"Okay, we need to find Leto before midnight strikes."

He'd reached Wood Fringe, and the problem hit him. The settlement was massive, big enough to get lost in. How was he going to locate the bastard?

Still, they searched the streets and alleys, moving from corner to corner. After several failed attempts, they'd found nothing.

They stood in a town square now, watching as people hauled cargo past, daytime shops closing while nighttime vendors eagerly set up.

Asking around for NeverLight's location was risky. Their strict policy meant only Leto could escort him in, but Halo had been too excited by the news to ask for clearer directions.

However, while he stood there pulling his own legs, Light spoke.

"Hey, he's there!"

Light gestured in the distance.

There was a young man with green hair in a black suit, red tie, and black gloves, posing confidently while flirting with ladies down the street. Still, he didn't quite seem like himself.

Leto's comments seemed to repel the women. He laughed at his own jokes, his movements sluggish. Something was off.

Halo slapped his forehead in disbelief.

"He never changes, does he?"

He sighed. The weight of seeing Jihriel was weighing on him. It felt as though meeting his idol for the first time.

Before Halo could get close, Kysa, Light, and Saint dissolved into shadow form. Kysa worried about being recognized by the cohort, while Saint just didn't want to face Jihriel, NeverLight's leader.

"Hey, Halo! You made it. I've been waiting forever."

Leto said with a sarcastic tone and twisted smile.

He didn't need to say much, Halo knew he had just arrived.

"I'd see you around, ladies."

Leto waved at the girls and watched them dismiss.

"How long has it been? I really missed having you around. Oh, and guess what? I'm an Assassin now. Crazy, right?"

Halo exhaled deeply.

"Haven't had enough rest, can we get this over with?"

"Oh, right?" Lego replied and leaned onto Halo slightly.

'This bastard is drunk.'

"Can you take me home? It will go away soon… my body is used to it."

The words left him lazily as though he could sleep at any moment.

"Is this the 'personal matters' you always attend to?"

Leto nodded like a child.

"The world is brutal, I can't stay sane all the time, you know? This is my escape."

Halo forced a smile. He couldn't blame the boy.

Following the intoxicated youth's directions, they reached a location Halo had passed several times while searching. Yet now, standing directly before the building, he felt something inside that froze him in place.

It was said that cohort leaders needed a certain amount of strength and had to own a castle before they could declare themselves leaders, but what Halo stood before didn't look like a castle.

The estate grounds were vast enough to rival any castle, and the building boasted Gothic architecture with countless windows, balconies, and decorative elements.

However, it sat in the middle of town, not somewhere castles were usually built. Besides, judging by how expansive the building was, it looked more like an academy than a castle.

Yet that wasn't what froze Halo in place. Rather, it was the presence emanating from within. His instincts screamed that he didn't want to cross whoever lived there.

"Haa… thank you, Halo. I couldn't allow those people to see me in this condition."

Leto seemed to have regained his confidence now that the alcohol had worn off.

"Are you sure this is the place?"

Leto gave him a lazy look.

"Don't be ridiculous. Do I look like someone who can't find their own way home? Come on, Jihriel's dying to see you."

Halo swallowed bile.

That pressure… what people had Jihriel assembled?

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