Chương 62: The Man I Once Knew

Felicity was tied to a chair inside a large tent made of coarse canvas. When she slowly opened her eyes, the first thing she heard was the relentless sound of rain pounding outside. Then she saw him. Father Leandro stood before her. The moment he realized she was awake, he smiled gently. He picked up a glass of water and held it to her lips.

"Drink, Feli. You must be thirsty". She took a few sips, then spat the water straight into his face. Father Leandro did not react. Remaining perfectly calm, he picked up a cloth and slowly wiped his face dry.

"You tied me up? Seriously?" Felicity said with undisguised contempt.

"You left me no other choice".

"And since when does a swordsman strike with the hilt of his sword? That's a dirty move". Leandro gave a faint smile.

"You sound just like your father. The two of you are so alike". Felicity's eyes turned cold.

"My father would hate you if he saw what you've become".

"And what have I become, Feli? Tell me".

"A religious fanatic who burns innocent little girls alive. That's what. Your wife and children would be terrified of you". The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Leandro's smile disappeared. He slowly stepped closer.

"My wife and children are dead. Dead!" His voice trembled for a brief moment before hardening again.

"They were blown apart by filthy witches and sorcerers. After they died, I thought about ending my own life more times than I can count. Then…God spoke to me". Felicity stared at him in silence.

"He spoke through a sword. It was embedded in a rock. He told me that if I could pull it free, He would grant me unrivaled power to wipe every witch and sorcerer from this world". He paused.

"I tried day and night for months. Until, at last, I succeeded. That sword is the very one hanging from my belt. And it still speaks to me. It still tells me what I must do". Felicity looked at him coldly.

"Could it be…a legendary sword?"

"No. It is a divine sword".

"Or maybe it's just an ordinary sword and you're hearing voices like a madman". Father Leandro smiled. He rested a hand on her shoulder with an almost fatherly gesture.

"I care about you, Feli. Just as I cared about your father. I won't hurt you. I only want to bring you back to the right side of history. I want you fighting beside me, so together we can bring justice to this world. Isn't that a wonderful idea?" Felicity's eyes filled with both anger and sorrow.

"No. It's the idea of a madman. A man I no longer recognize. You're not the man who saved my life. You're not the one who treated me like a daughter. You're not the one who comforted me whenever I argued with my father. You're not that kind and gentle family man anymore. That sword turned you into a monster. That's the truth". Father Leandro gazed at her for a long moment. Then he gently placed a hand on her head.

"There's still much work to be done with you, Feli. But I won't give up. You'll become one of my finest followers. And perhaps, one day, you'll lead the sect yourself". He turned around and walked out of the tent, leaving her alone. Meanwhile, Leah and Xia had left the village to avoid trouble with the sect. They were now in a nearby forest.

"I hope Felicity is okay", Leah said anxiously.

"She'll be fine".

"Why do you want to leave her to deal with all this by herself? We're a team. We should face this together". Xia remained expressionless.

"Not this time. Felicity has to confront her past alone. She has to break free from it without outside influence. Only then will she truly grow. Don't worry, she'll come back safe and sound. And with the legendary sword". Leah looked at her in surprise.

"A legendary sword?"

"Yes. That man possesses one. And Felicity will take it from him". Leah fell silent, while Xia calmly gazed up at the sky, her expression as cold and unwavering as ever.