Exactly one hour later, a storm split the skies as Shubh descended from the heavens like a falling star. Her armor was singed, smoke rising from her shoulders, and in her hand… she carried not only the Crown of the Human Continent, but also—
The severed head of Emperor Emeric.
She tossed it unceremoniously at Leon's feet.
Leon blinked once and then asked with a faint smile, "Did he piss you off?"
Shubh let out a low huff, brushing dust from her armor. "He said he wanted to make me his concubine," she replied flatly, disgust simmering under her voice.
Leon chuckled softly. "He had no idea what kind of monster he invited into his bed."
Without another word, he extended his hand. As he touched the blood-soaked head, it ignited in silent blue flames. The skull burned cleanly, collapsing into a glowing crown and then into a gem—the Human Gem—pure white, swirling with soft blue fire as if containing the last breath of a dead god.
