Just as the knight was about to be devoured by the worms, a crossbow bolt shot from the far end of the room, piercing through the worms in the air and saving Alfonso's life.

Walton drew back the crossbow string, loaded another bolt, and pinned another insect to the wall.

Leslie, engulfed in flames, slowly entered the room. The flames beneath his feet scorched the 'blood carpet,' and the intense heat from his hands burned swarms of insects to charcoal.

Alfonso looked at Walton, opened his mouth as if to say something, but didn't know what to say.

"Don't thank me, Leslie dragged me here." Walton raised his head, his nostrils flaring.

After eliminating the worms, Leslie dissipated the flames covering his body and, panting heavily, said to Alfonso, "My lord, I know where His Majesty has gone."

The latter strode up to Leslie and shouted, "Where are you?!"

Leslie pointed to an entrance in the room, her face expressionless: "Here."

"Go and inform the Royal Guard to have the 'Elemental Heirs' join the battle!" Alfonso ordered his subordinates. "The rest of you, follow me!"

Leslie and Alfonso led the way, followed by Walton and the guards. The group walked out of the central platform of the sewers and followed a passageway forward.

Leslie walked at the front of the group and said softly, "Sir, sometimes I wonder, when is the happiest day of a person's life?"

Alfonso, walking briskly, said impatiently, "Leslie, we can talk about these things later. Finding His Majesty is the most important thing!"

The squire ignored the knight's words and continued, "Lately, I keep dreaming about my days in the Inquisition. Although the pay was meager, we were exposed to the elements, and there were several times when I was on the verge of death, Adelina would mend my clothes when they were torn; I would argue with Walton when I was in a bad mood; and when I was lost, there was always a bright soul to dispel the gloom in my heart."

Leslie stopped and turned to face Alfonso: "My lord, don't you miss the old days?"

Alfonso stopped abruptly, as if suddenly realizing something. He gripped his sword tightly and asked coldly, "Why were you in the sewers just now? As if you knew about this assassination attempt all along?!"

Leslie's hands clenched tightly together, her lips pale: "My lord, don't you miss those days at all? If we give up the present..."

Alfonso suddenly placed his sword against Leslie's neck and roared, "Answer my question!"

Walton rushed in front of Alfonso, deflected the sword with his crossbow, and roared, "We just saved you!"

Leslie looked at Alfonso, his face drained of color. He turned away and continued walking forward, saying softly, "My lord, I understand."