OVA
Description
Leon Magnus, born Emilio Katrea (also known as Emilio Gilchrist), is the second child of Hugo Gilchrist, president of the Oberon Corporation, and Chris Katrea. He has an older sister, Rutee Katrea. In childhood, he formed a strong attachment to Marian Fustel, who resembled his mother. The family owned two Swordians: Atwight (Water) and Chaltier (Earth), with Emilio becoming Chaltier's master.

A pivotal tragedy unfolded when Hugo discovered the Swordian Berselius, inhabited by the Aetherian leader Kronos (Miktran in Japanese media). Hugo's possession led to Chris's death. Before fully succumbing to insanity, Hugo sent Rutee away with Atwight for protection but failed to save Emilio. Hugo then subjected Emilio to harsh training, forcing him to adopt the name "Leon Magnus" and molding him into a cold-hearted warrior. Hugo maintained control over Leon by exploiting his attachment to Marian, whom he employed as a maid and threatened to harm if Leon disobeyed.

Leon demonstrated exceptional swordsmanship, rising to become Seinegald's youngest Knight Captain at age 16. His cold, brooding exterior masked vulnerability, which surfaced only around Marian. During a mission to recover the stolen "Eye of Atamoni," he arrested Rutee and her companions—Stahn Aileron and Mary Argent—though he recognized Rutee as his sister. Forced to collaborate with them under Hugo's orders, Leon monitored the group using electric tiaras. His leadership involved ruthless tactics, like using a tiara to track the fugitive Batista, leading to Batista's suicide. He also killed King Tiberius for insulting Seinegald, later apologizing to Karyl Sheeden for usurping his revenge.

Hugo's manipulation culminated in Leon's betrayal of Stahn's group. Hugo threatened Marian's life to coerce Leon into stealing the Eye of Atamoni for a plot to resurrect the Aethersphere continent. In the original PlayStation version, Leon confronted Stahn in a flooding mine, sustained fatal injuries, and remained behind on a collapsing ledge, bidding farewell to Marian before dying. The PlayStation 2 remake reimagined this: Leon sacrificed himself to operate an elevator, ensuring Stahn's group escaped while he drowned, apologizing to Chaltier.

After death, Kronos resurrected Leon as a zombie in the original game's finale, compelling Stahn to fight him. The remake omitted this, instead depicting his spirit revived by Elraine in later media. He was later reborn as Judas, retaining his swordsmanship and cynical demeanor but showing increased compassion, particularly toward his nephew Kyle Dunamis. As Judas, he sought redemption for his past betrayals while concealing his true identity.

Leon employs a distinct fighting style centered on Chaltier. Early appearances featured swords and shields, but the PlayStation 2 remake established his signature stance: wielding Chaltier in his left hand and a reverse-gripped dagger in his right. This style incorporates Earth and Dark elemental spells and features extended arte animations with slashing and thrusting techniques. His physical appearance includes short black hair, indigo eyes, and an androgynous build, often leading to mistaken identity. He wears a blue shirt, white pants, blue boots, and a pink cape.

Personality-wise, Leon exhibits pessimism, irritability, and distrust stemming from Hugo's abuse. He harbors a secret fondness for sweets, fearing it reveals weakness. His affection for Marian remains his primary motivator, driving his actions even during betrayal. In alternate continuities like Tales of Destiny 2, his rebirth as Judas adds layers of guilt and a quest for atonement.