21. THE CHARGE 2

The man dressed in golden armour, Neo’s father, stood tall, his metallic visage glinting in the dim light of the dungeon. His eyes scanned the group of adventurers before him, a mix of fear and confusion etched on their faces.

"You all seem to misunderstand me," he said with a deep, resonating voice.

"I am Neo's father, not a killer." The adventurers were knocked out cold except Juliet and Brody. They found themselves in a hall-like cave with a towering caked statue of a lion with wings.

Brody and Juliet exchanged glances, uncertain of how to react.

“So if you're truly Neo's father," said Juliet cautiously, "then why did you bring us here? Why did you attack us, and what is this place?"

Neo's father sighed heavily, his voice tinged with concern. "I brought you here to keep you safe," he replied.

“That female creature that turns to Phoenix was sent by a familiar enemy to bring Neo to a certain woman you can't possibly defeat. I had come back because she had come to this world. She wi