My Love Debts Are Everywhere!-Chapter 548: Miranda’s Advice and Altering the Punishment (Flashback)

A year ago...

"Alright, let's end this grudge," Leon said coldly.

He raised his sword high, aiming it directly at Jim.

Seeing that, Jim realized his end was near, but he said nothing.

Natasya and Rain bit their lower lips and closed their eyes.

Even though they had known this day would come, there was still a reluctance within them that was hard to shake.

After all, there were still many things left unresolved—especially for Rain, who was still searching for the childhood friend she had promised to meet.

Just as the blade was about to strike Jim's neck, a loud shout from Miranda suddenly echoed in Leon's mind.

"Master, wait! Don't kill him!"

Leon's movement froze, the blade stopping just a centimeter from Jim's neck.

His brows furrowed slightly as he asked in astonishment, "What do you mean by stopping me, Miranda?"

"Master, if you kill Jim, Natasya, and Rain, it will be a great loss for you," Miranda replied seriously.

"A loss? What do you mean?"

Miranda took a deep breath and explained carefully, "Think about it, Master. Jim, Natasya, and Rain are all valuable figures in their own right."

"Jim is the prime minister of the Holy Empire of Elysium, and his abilities are beyond question. I believe you, more than anyone, are most aware of his capabilities."

Leon fell silent at her words. He had to admit—no one knew Jim better than he did.

This man was cunning, manipulative, and calculating.

However, everything he did was for the welfare of the Empire, and he would never use his abilities against those he considered friends.

Before Leon could react, Miranda continued, "On the other side is Rain. She is one of the two Great Mages of Mankind. At such a young age, she has reached a level that many talented mages throughout history could not attain. Even among those who did, most only achieved it after the age of forty, or even later."

"That alone proves she is the most talented mage in the history of mankind. I remember during the war seven thousand years ago, there were only four Great Mages of Humanity, and each of them were middle-aged men and women over the age of eighty."

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"And finally, there's Natasya. Although her abilities aren't as exceptional as Jim's and Rain's, she is still a remarkable general. I remember you once praised her leadership, saying it far surpassed any general you had ever met."

Leon took a deep breath, narrowing his eyes slightly. "So, what's your point? Are you asking me to forgive them?"

What Miranda said was completely true. The three of them were great figures with extraordinary abilities.

Leon was certain that if they had been born in an earlier era, they would have still stood at the top, just as they did now.

However, one question remained: what did this have to do with him?

While he acknowledged their prowess, that didn't mean he would simply forgive them.

Velix's cunning scheme with them to kill him was enough to prove they had chosen to be his enemies.

For him, forgiveness was not something given easily. He firmly upheld his principle: "An eye for an eye, a life for a life."

As long as no one disturbed him or intended to become his enemy, he would not take a life without reason.

However, if anyone dared to harm him or those he loved, then sorry—their heads would feel the chill of his blade.

"No, I'm not asking you to forgive them, Master," Miranda replied firmly. "But if you kill them, it would be a pity. I have a better idea."

"Idea? What is it?" Leon raised an eyebrow, showing a hint of curiosity.

"My idea is simple—use them to your advantage," she explained lightly. "As you know, your future opponents will be the Evil God and his subordinates. To face them, you'll need competent and trustworthy people."

"And it just so happens, these three are the best candidates. Wouldn't that actually work in your favor?"

Listening to her suggestion, Leon lowered his gaze, deep in thought.

As much as he hated to admit it, Miranda's words made sense and were worth considering.

Compared to personal grudges, the threat of the Evil God was a far more pressing concern.

After all, grudges were his burden alone, while the Evil God's threat endangered all life—including the people he loved.

Even so, there remained a knot in his heart, one that would not loosen unless this grudge was properly settled.

Sensing his anxiety, Miranda quickly tried to calm him. "Don't worry, Master. If you simply kill them, it would be too easy on them. After all, you've suffered for so long, while they would only feel a moment's pain before dying. Isn't that unfair to you?"

"Instead, if you use them to your advantage, it would be a hundred times more satisfying than killing them outright. Besides, I can help you place a curse on them—one that ensures they will never betray you and will remain loyal forever."

Her words quickly soothed his nerves. Leon took a deep breath and slowly pulled his sword away from Jim's neck.

Seeing this, Jim, Natasya, and Rain were visibly shocked, staring at him with doubtful eyes.

"Sword Hero Leon, you..." Jim began, but Leon quickly cut him off.

"I won't kill you," Leon said coldly, his gaze sweeping over them one by one. "But I want you to work for me."

Their eyes widened in disbelief. They had prepared themselves for death—not for this unexpected turn.

"Don't get too excited just yet," Leon added, his voice still cold as he drove his sword into the ground. "Even if I spare your lives, Jim, I'll still cut off your left hand... just so I can sleep peacefully."

Natasya and Rain stiffened, about to protest, but Jim quickly raised a hand, stopping them.

"Very well, Sword Hero Leon," Jim replied, his expression stern.

Leon raised his sword and, with a precise movement, slashed at Jim's left hand.

*Slash!*

His hand was severed, and fresh blood gushed out like a fountain.

Jim's face instantly paled, but he didn't groan. He merely gritted his teeth, enduring the pain.

Rain hurriedly activated low-level healing magic to stop the bleeding. Due to the chains restricting the flow of mana in her body, only basic spells could be used.

Though slow, the magic was strong enough to prevent Jim from bleeding to death.

Leon's expression remained indifferent, as if he couldn't care less. "Alright, I'll explain my plan to you. This world isn't as peaceful as you think. In fact..."

He began to tell them about the Evil God and the terrible threat looming over the world.

As they listened, their faces grew grim. It had never crossed their minds that such a disaster was lurking.

After a while, Leon finished and said, "I want the three of you to build a force that will stand against the Evil God in the future."

Jim gritted his teeth, his expression resolute. "Don't worry, Sword Hero Leon. We'll do it."

After hearing everything, Jim felt like a complete fool.

He had committed a grave sin by trying to kill the very person who would save the world.

If only he had known earlier, he would never have agreed to Velix's request.

The feeling of guilt didn't only consume Jim—it enveloped Rain and Natasya as well. Both clenched their fists, filled with the urge to punish themselves.

Leon ignored their guilt-ridden expressions and said, "Miranda, I'll leave the rest to you."

"Understood, Master!"

*Whoosh!*

A purplish-black streak of light emerged from Leon's forehead, split into three, and shot toward them.

They had no time to react before the light pierced into their bodies.

"That's the slave mark. I can't trust you without it," Leon explained indifferently. "Don't worry, it won't affect you... unless you harbor evil intentions toward me."

Jim, Rain, and Natasya exchanged glances, their smiles wry and bitter.

"Well... thank you for your forgiveness, Sword Hero Leon," Jim said in a stammering voice.

The pain from losing his hand lingered sharply, despite Rain's efforts to stop the bleeding.

Leon merely gave a small nod. He broke the chains binding them, then, without another word, turned and left the underground prison.