—Atos…

“I didn’t think he’d step into the battle this quickly.”

Leon tightened his grip on the Thundercloud Blade as a crushing pressure surged from Atos’s direction.

Even for Leon, facing the ruler of another world, it was impossible to remain completely calm.

“This battle doesn’t just determine Samael’s future—it decides Aurora’s fate. If we lose… the consequences will be beyond me. I must win. I must.”

Atos’s gaze met Leon’s with equal intensity.

In those crimson pupils was the disdainful arrogance of a supreme being.