Disappearing again, I reappeared in front of Azrael and drove my foot straight into his gut, sending him hurtling into the sky.


    Before he could even register what had happened, I followed up with a relentless barrage of punches. Blow after blow landed, each one sending shockwaves through the air. Finally, with a powerful kick, I sent him crashing back down, forming yet another crater.


    Azrael’s condition was even worse than Kaltain’s. His body was a bloody mess—his limbs bent at unnatural angles, flesh torn in places, and not a single spot left unscathed.


    Vesna, anticipating my next attack, dodged swiftly and trapped me within her temporal dome again.


    Before she could retreat to a safe distance, I grabbed her wrist, yanking her toward me. My fist smashed into her face, and I didn’t stop. Punch after punch, her skull caved under the force. To finish it off, I drove my foot into her side, sending her flying—straight into the castle wall.


    My attacks were laced with my dark energy, ensuring their wounds wouldn’t heal completely—just enough to keep them alive.


    I surveyed the aftermath of our battle.


    An entire 600-meter radius had been reduced to ruins. The sector had been thoroughly planted, but now? Trees were uprooted, small ridges destroyed.


    And to think, I was holding back.


    Vesna’s impact against the castle wall had drawn attention. Several officers had gathered, observing the sorry state of the three kids. They waited for my signal before rushing in to assist them.


    Only after I motioned did they move, carefully carrying the trio off for treatment.


    ……


    Medical Ward.


    I arrived to check on them.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    They were resting in their respective beds, their injuries partially healed.


    Vesna, surprisingly, was in the best shape. The boys, however, looked like they had barely survived a massacre.


    Maybe I went a little too hard on them. At the end of the day, they were still kids.


    Vesna sat up when she saw me. “Sir Arceid, we learned our lesson. But we’re still not backing down.”


    I raised a brow, amused. “Straight to the point. I like that.” I crossed my arms. “You guys are good at some things, but terrible at most. A bunch of misfits, really. Stay away from Azrael—he’s a bad influence.”


    Azrael groaned from his bed. Without even moving, he muttered in an exhausted, sullen voice, “Yeah, yeah, stay away from me—but not the guy who mutilated us.”


    Aww, look at him being sarcastic.


    I smirked. “By the way, how did you like your life-or-death experience? If you want to keep growing stronger, I’d be more than happy to help.”


    Kaltain, despite his half-broken face, grinned. “Sir, we would greatly appreciate more training.”


    I raised an eyebrow. “And you two?”


    I pointed at Vesna and Azrael. They nodded without hesitation—completely unfazed.


    I exhaled. “You guys are definitely masochists.”


    No sane person would willingly ask for another session of getting mutilated. At least, none that I knew of.


    For some reason, Junia’s face flashed in my mind.


    Oh yeah.


    What happened to her?


    I decided to go find out.


    ……


    I checked the meeting room first, but she wasn’t there. So, I started roaming the castle until I finally found her—sitting beside Larrisa near the water fountain.


    Junia was grooming Larrisa’s hair while the latter rested in her lap.


    …Should I even disturb them?


    They looked like a scene straight out of a painting—two beautiful women in a moment of peace.


    …Yeah, I had to ruin it.


    I gave in to my urges and pushed them into the fountain.


    Unfortunately, Junia teleported both of them before they could get wet.


    Larrisa’s veins popped.


    I just dug my own grave, didn’t I?


    She grabbed my collar, attempting to throw me. Keyword: attempted.


    She couldn''t even budge me.


    After struggling for a few seconds, her anger started to fade. Right then—


    Click.


    Of course.


    Junia again.


    Somehow, Larrisa didn’t even care anymore. She just let out a deep sigh before turning to me.


    “Why are you so happy? Did you beat up a bunch of kids?”


    I grinned. “Funnily enough, yes. Exactly that.”


    Both of them tilted their heads in sync.


    Junia squinted at me, looking uncharacteristically serious. “Please tell me you beat Azrael.” She raised her camera. “If you did, I’ll stop taking pictures for two weeks.”


    Holy hell. That was a huge sacrifice coming from her.


    Just what did my gremlin of a brother do to make her this mad?


    Larrisa, on the other hand, suddenly brightened. “Wait, seriously? You actually beat that cocky bastard?” Her eyes practically sparkled. “I’m gonna give you the biggest hug if you did.”


    …Why do you look like a psychopath right now?


    Larrisa was normally way more physically affectionate, so her reaction wasn’t too surprising. But our fellow colleagues?


    They dropped their equipment. Some stood frozen, mouths hanging open in shock.


    I cleared my throat. “You’re absolutely right. I did beat Azrael. And his misfit gang.”


    Instead of clapping in gratitude—


    A fist slammed into my face.


    The officers who had been in disbelief suddenly found their voices. “How could you beat up a girl!?”


    Oh, so NOW you care?


    They didn’t give a single damn about the boys. But Vesna? Suddenly, I was the villain.


    This is discrimination.


    After checking on Vesna, they returned, their faces screaming that they wanted to beat the hell out of me.


    So, naturally, I took my punishment like a man.


    …Yeah, no. I ran for my damn life.