Timeless Assassin

(Planet Juxta, The Holding Cell, Leo's POV)

When Leo and Veyr walked back into the room, the first thing they noticed was the dejected expression etched on Su Yang's face that carried both the weight of his pride and the helplessness of his position.

He did not need to say a word at first; the silence itself was enough to announce the outcome, but he still forced the words through clenched teeth as though he owed them the formality.

"The terms you have set forth are unacceptable to the Su Clan," Su Yang declared, his tone grave, his golden eyes dimmed by resignation. "There will be no deal made today."

Leo gave a faint sigh, pretending at disappointment though in truth the answer was no surprise to him.

His lips curved into a thin, understanding smile as he reached into his utility belt and drew forth the small iron keys to Veyr's binds.

"I understand," he said softly, as if he meant it, though his mind was already three steps ahead.

"Let me unlock you then…" he offered, as he leaned forward, the chains clinking as he unlocked them one by one.

*Rack* *Tack*

*Clink*

"You know, Yang," Leo continued, his voice lower now, almost carrying warmth, "even though I cannot do much for you as the Cult's Shadow Dragon, as your friend, I will never fail you.

If the Su Clan falls and your home planet crumbles... and if you or your immediate family are ever in need of shelter or protection, then you may always turn to the Cult.

I promise that I will see you housed and cared for, with lodging and expenses befitting a ruler, should you come to us in your hour of need."

He said, as he looked into Su Yang's eyes with a genuine smile.

Su Yang's wrists were free now, the shackles falling away, as he rubbed at the marks they had left on his skin before rising slowly to his feet.

His expression softened, and for a moment the political mask slipped, leaving only the trace of the boy who once fought beside Leo on the Sky God Arena Grounds.

"If we survive this mess," Su Yang said, extending his hand with quiet sincerity, "and tomorrow the Cult does not, then I offer you the same protection as well. You and your family will never be turned away from the Su Clan's door."

Leo clasped the hand firmly, the gesture lingering as though sealing a pact deeper than any signed treaty.

Then, with a sudden flick of his wrist, Leo summoned a small object from his storage ring, the crystal shimmering faintly as it rested in his palm before he pressed it into Su Yang's hand.

"Also," Leo said, his eyes hardening once more, "just in case the Su Clan reconsiders our deal today and wishes to accept the Cult's terms to become our vassals, you need only to place an emergency call through this crystal once.

I will be on the other side of it, and if I discover that you require our help, I will promptly come with the Cult's army to save you."

Leo offered, as Su Yang nodded faintly, his fingers closing around the crystal, as he stored it in his ring.

"Thank-you," he said absentmindedly, as though believing that such an outcome was unlikely to pass, but since rejecting it would be rude, he accepted the kindness.

Leo too did not press the matter further.

Instead, he gestured toward the door, his tone light but commanding. "I'll walk you to your craft. The men have already been informed to clear you for departure."

He said, as at his cue, Su Yang began walking towards the door, when Veyr stopped him one last time.

"Let's spar and settle our beef the next time we meet," Veyr said with easy confidence.

"Hopefully you'll be a Transcendent by then."

He added, as Su Yang gave him a half-spirited glance, but still extended his hand for a firm shake.

"Until next time, then," he murmured, though the words lacked the fire they once might have carried.

As with that, he turned, his steps heavy yet resolute as he moved toward the exit.

Leo followed quietly at his side, neither speaking for the moment, the silence between them saying far more than words ever could.

The deal had failed for now, but the idea had been planted.

The idea that could potentially one day bloom into a strong tree when desperation stripped away the last vestiges of pride.

—----------

(Meanwhile Su Tang)

With the Cult deal falling through, Su Tang realized that him risking it all and forcing a promotion to Demi-God might be the Su Clan's only hope at survival, as he began mentally preparing for the breakthrough at once.

He knew, deep down, that he had not yet reached the absolute physical and mental limits required to attempt such a feat.

His body still carried flaws, his circuits had not been pushed to their fullest width, and his mind had not been tempered through enough trials.

By every conventional measure, he was unprepared, still years away from the natural threshold where a breakthrough would have felt inevitable.

But time was a luxury he no longer possessed.

If he waited for the perfect moment, the Su Clan would not exist by then.

The Five Great Clans were already circling, sharpening their knives, and hesitation now would spell the Su Clan's destruction.

Pride, caution, even reason itself had to be set aside, for the survival of his bloodline demanded that he gambled with his future.

Fortunately, his father had already secured the most important catalyst for his breakthrough before he died in the form of the Demi-God breakthrough potion, as without his help, just gathering the ingredients for the potion alone would take a century worth of effort.

Su Ren had saved that potion in his private vault for the day Su Tang was ready to take it, however, with him still a few years away from the peak of the tier, Su Ren hadn't expected that the day would come so soon.

Unfortunately for Tang though, it seemed like fate had forced his hand.

"In two days' time," Su Tang whispered to himself, his fists tightening, "ready or not, I will attempt the breakthrough."

He resolved, as he decided to attempt a wild gamble.