Ben remained silent for a long time. He knew Emima's words weren't wrong. If Leo were to lose his life, he could indeed be easily replaced by another puppet. As long as Emima cultivated him with the same methods and invested the same resources, she could recreate another obedient chess piece without any personal feelings or disobedience. But Ben didn't want Leo to die. Not because of some grand reason—just a pure and inexplicable resistance deep in his heart. After a moment, he looked up, his gaze cold and firm. "I want to go to the Moon Palace."
Emima raised an eyebrow. "What for?"
"To protect Leo," Ben replied.
Emima sneered slightly. "You want to protect him? Do you even have the strength? If you go now, you'll die too."
Ben's gaze didn't waver. "Then let me go. If he dies, I'll die with him."
Emima frowned slightly and looked at Ben carefully, as if trying to read something from his expression. After a long pause, she finally said, "You really are an odd child." She chuckled lightly. "Fine. Since you're so insistent, I won't stop you. But whether you can make it in time is your own problem. I won't send anyone to escort you. If you encounter trouble on the way and die, don't blame me."
Ben bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master Emima."
After Emima left, Ben immediately began his preparations. He knew he didn't have much time. Leo was facing danger at this very moment, and every second counted. He summoned Stephan and Jack, the two fastest and most discreet members of the sect, and ordered them to help him prepare a flying boat and necessary supplies.
The flying boat soared into the sky, heading straight for the Moon Palace. Ben stood at the bow, his eyes filled with determination. He had made up his mind—no matter what, he had to save Leo. Not just because Leo was his only friend, but because he couldn't stand the thought of losing someone who truly treated him with warmth.
Meanwhile, at the Moon Palace, the atmosphere was tense. Mark Wood's sword had already been drawn, its blade emitting a chilling light. Clara was trembling as she stood behind Leo, her eyes wide with fear.
Robert sneered. "Leo, you're really stubborn. If you had just handed over the Moon Palace token earlier, none of this would have happened."
Leo's expression was calm, even with Mark Wood's blade pointing at him. "Even if I die, I won't give it to you."
"You think your death means anything to us?" Robert laughed coldly. "We'll find the token eventually. You're just making things hard for yourself."
Leo didn't respond. His body was already covered in injuries, blood seeping from the corners of his mouth. But his eyes remained bright, unwavering.
"Kill him," Trump ordered indifferently.
Smith and Elisa stepped forward, surrounding Leo and Clara. Clara cried out, "Don't hurt him! I'll give you whatever you want!"
Robert's gaze sharpened. "Then hand over the token!"
Clara hesitated for a moment, but Leo stopped her. "No. Don't give it to them."
"But—" Clara choked.
"Trust me," Leo whispered. "They won't get it. Even if I die."
Just as the group prepared to strike, a piercing sound came from the sky. A stream of light streaked through the clouds, crashing into the ground with a powerful force. The shockwave knocked everyone back. As the dust settled, a figure emerged from the crater—Ben.
"Ben?" Leo's eyes widened.
Ben stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over Robert, Trump, and the others. "If you want to hurt Leo, you'll have to go through me first."
Robert laughed. "You? A disciple of Emima? Do you think you can stop all of us?"
Ben didn't speak. Instead, he drew his sword, the blade humming with energy. He knew he wasn't strong enough, but he couldn't back down. Not now.
The battle began.
Ben fought fiercely, every move driven by sheer willpower. He blocked Smith's deadly strike, countered Trump's brutal attack, and parried Robert's cunning blows. But he was outnumbered, and his strength quickly waned. Clara tried to shield Leo, using her own body to protect him. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, "Please... don't die..."
Mark Wood hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward. "Enough! We're not here to slaughter people. Take the token and leave."
But Trump was furious. "No! Kill them all!"
Robert hesitated, then raised his blade again. Just as he was about to strike, a powerful aura descended from the sky. The clouds parted, revealing Emima herself.
Everyone froze.
"Master Emima," Robert said, his voice trembling.
Emima landed gracefully, her eyes sweeping over the scene. "You disappoint me, Robert. Acting without my permission?"
Robert fell to his knees. "Forgive me, Master."
Emima ignored him and walked to Ben. She gently lifted him from the ground. "You really are a fool."
Ben coughed, blood trickling from his lips. "I... had to protect him."
Emima sighed. "Rest. I'll handle the rest."
She turned to Trump and the others. "Leave. Now."
Without a word, they retreated, not daring to oppose her.
After they left, Emima looked at Leo. "You must be something special for Ben to risk his life for you."
Leo didn't respond. He just looked at Ben, tears in his eyes.
That night, as the Moon Palace calmed down, the sky was filled with stars. Ben lay in bed, his body bandaged, and Leo sat beside him, holding his hand.
"Thank you," Leo whispered.
Ben smiled weakly. "I'm just glad you're okay."
From that moment on, their bond grew stronger than ever.
Meanwhile, back at Chicago University, news of the incident spread quickly. Aryan was furious. "How dare Robert act without our consent!"
Eowyn, the newly appointed vice dean, nodded. "We need to rein him in before he causes more damage."
Mark, who had returned to the university, remained silent. He couldn't stop thinking about the look in Ben's eyes—so resolute, so brave.
Even in America, word spread of the failed attempt to seize the Moon Palace token. Aurora, a high-ranking agent, reported to Starc. "It seems the situation in Chicago is getting out of hand."
Starc frowned. "Keep an eye on them. I want updates on any movements."
At the same time, Lyra, Jack, Stephan, and the rest of the supporting team began making preparations for what could be a major shift in power. Leo's survival meant the Henry family's legacy continued, and many forces were either relieved or troubled by it.
In another part of Chicago, Arwan reported to William. "Ben's actions have stirred quite the wave."
William looked thoughtful. "He's changed. Perhaps he's no longer the tool Emima created."
Rozen, too, heard the news through Hales and Joe Root. "Ben may become a threat—or an ally," Joe Root mused.
"Either way, we watch him," Rozen replied.
Philips and Cummins, who had taken an interest in the Moon Palace incident, met with Mathew and Duckett. "We underestimated that kid," Mathew said.
Melody Song nodded. "Let's not make that mistake again."
As time passed, the tensions between factions grew. The Autumn winds carried whispers of change. Southee and Styen knew something big was coming.
At Sanford University, Rickleton received a mysterious letter. Inside was a single sentence: "The token remains with Leo."
Rickleton crushed the note. "So, we wait."
Althea and Duplessis stood behind him, ready for whatever came next.
Duminy, observing everything from afar, chuckled. "The real game is about to begin."
And somewhere under the stars, Ben and Leo looked toward the horizon, ready for whatever came next—together.
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