Except for Belle, everyone present remained extremely wary of Wiene. Naming her hadn't even crossed their minds. After all, it was hard to say when she might be deemed too dangerous to keep around and disposed of without hesitation.

"In that case, let's call her Wiene." Leon declared calmly.

"Let the child stay here for the time being."

He nodded slightly after speaking, giving her a name taken from the original story he remembered, naming her after the famous Xenos girl.

Everyone exchanged glances upon hearing Leon's words.

"Is that really okay?" Hestia asked, frowning with worry. "If Wiene is seen by others, it'll definitely cause a huge commotion."

Even though they trusted Leon and believed his explanation of the Xenos, others in Orario wouldn't be so open-minded. Wiene's appearance alone would be enough to stir panic or worse.

Everyone, aside from Belle, nodded in agreement. They too feared what consequences might come if word got out.

"I didn't say she'll live here permanently," Leon replied with a small smile. "I plan to speak with the Guild's god Ouranos and discuss Wiene's return to the Xenos group."

"Eh? There's a group of them?" Everyone exclaimed in shock.

Leon chuckled. "Of course. It's been fifteen years since their first appearance. There's no way only one or two of them exist."

Realization dawned on the group as they listened. Of course, it made perfect sense.

"Then I'll leave the matter of the child to you." Hestia said, visibly relieved.

Wiene was so much like a normal human girl. Aside from her blue skin, facial scales, and clawed hands, it was hard to imagine her as a threat. Knowing there was a plan put her heart at ease.

"Yeah." Leon nodded firmly.

"Leon, this child seems really attached to you." Lili commented with a slight pout, eyeing Wiene's delighted expression as Leon patted her head.

Everyone turned their attention to Wiene.

Lili was right. Wiene clung to Leon with an almost instinctive sense of trust. She smiled cheerfully under his touch, showing none of the guarded tension she had displayed toward the others.

Leon raised a brow and joked, "I don't know. Maybe it's because I'm a kind soul and she sensed it?"

He meant it as a tease, but Lili and the others nodded in agreement, completely sincere.

Leon: "r…"

Without wasting time, Leon handed Wiene over to Hestia and the others for temporary care, then turned and departed the library.

His destination: the Pantheon—the guild headquarters.

There was a reason Leon had taken over Wiene's matter himself. Hermes might be unreliable at times, but his followers were elite information gatherers. Yet, even after days of effort, they had failed to locate any trace of the Ikelos Familia.

Leon suspected that they had caught wind of something and gone into hiding—most likely within the artificial maze. If that were the case, finding them now would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

So, Leon decided to lure them out instead.

Dix, the captain of the Ikelos Familia, had a twisted obsession with the Xenos. Leon planned to use this, seeking help from the Xenos group to bait Dix into the open. Once exposed, Leon would strike and retrieve the key to the artificial maze.

When Leon arrived at the Guild building, it was after work hours. Only a few staff remained on duty.

Leon was now one of Orario's most renowned figures. The guild employees didn't dare neglect him. As soon as he mentioned wanting to meet the Guild President, one staff member immediately led him to Royman's office.

After escorting him there, the staff member left quietly.

Leon didn't bother knocking. He pushed open the door and stepped in.

"What's the matter?" Royman grumbled from behind his desk, not even looking up from the mountain of documents he was processing.

"Take me to see Ouranos and Fels. I've got something important to discuss." Leon said calmly.

Royman's pen froze mid-stroke. He finally looked up and nearly shouted.

"Leon!"

...

Outside the underground altar beneath the Guild, Royman panted slightly from exertion.

"Ouranos is inside. I can only take you this far. You'll have to go the rest of the way alone."

With that, he turned and left in a hurry.

Leon didn't mind. He pushed open the hidden stone door and walked into the dimly lit space.

"Leon?"

Ouranos, sitting high atop the stone altar, recognized him at once. His deep, gravelly voice echoed through the cavern. He didn't sound particularly surprised.

"What brings you here?"

"I have a matter to discuss." Leon said, stepping forward.

"Go ahead."

"Belle and the others rescued a Xenos. I'd like to return her to the Xenos group. In return, I want their help to lure out the Ikelos Familia."

Ouranos narrowed his eyes slightly. "You're aware of the Xenos group?"

"I am. And I also know that Dix of the Ikelos Familia is a descendant of Daedalus. He holds the key to the artificial maze. Hermes probably already informed you."

Leon continued, "That man's probably realized someone's onto him. He's gone into hiding. If we wait too long, it'll be too late. I'll have to deal with him myself. And I know Dix is obsessed with the Xenos. I want to use that."

Ouranos leaned back slightly, stroking his beard in thought.

"Very well." He finally said. "I'll make arrangements. I'll have someone guide you to the Xenos when the time is right."

Leon smiled. "Talking to smart people really makes things smoother. I'll be waiting."

Just as he was about to turn and leave, Ouranos called out.

"Wait!"

Leon paused and looked back, puzzled. "What is it?"

Ouranos met his gaze solemnly. "Leon… may I entrust the third and final great quest to you?"

Leon raised an eyebrow. "You mean… the Black Dragon?"

Ouranos nodded.

Leon exhaled and gave a small smile. "Don't worry. When the time comes, I'll handle it."

"Then… I entrust it to you!"

***

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