《Chronicles of the Reborn Scholar》


 Chapter 1

    Kazuki Akihiko, a 26-year-old with a lean academic build, had short, slightly messy black hair, sharp dark brown eyes, and a pale complexion.


    He was typically seen in disheveled button-up shirts and jeans,


    often with glasses that highlighted his intellectual demeanor.


    As a renowned scholar and strategist from the modern world, Kazuki found himself dying alone in a place far from home.


    But how did this happen? To find out, let''s go back five hours before the accident.


    ¡°Kazuki,¡± a soft, joyful voice called from behind. He turned and saw Liliam.


    Liliam, Kazuki''s beautiful 20-year-old assistant, had a simple and unassuming appearance,


    with youthful charm, modest attire, and a demeanor that exuded quiet competence and dedication.


    ¡°Oh, Liliam,¡± Kazuki replied with a smile.


    ¡°So, today is the day for the big moment,¡± Liliam said excitedly.


    ¡°Yes, today I shall change this world with my new invention,¡± Kazuki declared confidently.


    Today was the world''s greatest showcase of ideas and inventions from all around the globe.


    Everything was going smoothly until Kazuki received a call.


    "Mr. Kazuki," a loud, stern voice called him to the call center.


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    "Okay, I am coming. Liliam, wait here for me," Kazuki said.


    "Okay," Liliam replied.


    Kazuki followed the man to the call center.


    "Hello, who''s speaking?" Kazuki asked.


    "So, how is life going, Mr. Loser Kazuki?" said an unknown man with a deep, intimidating voice.


    "Wh...who are you?" Kazuki asked, shocked and frightened.


    "If you don''t want your truth to be broadcast on TV and social media, come and meet me now," the unknown man demanded.


    Kazuki thought, "What should I do? If I don''t go, my life..." He was numb with fear and then, in a low, slow voice, said, "Okay, I¡¯m coming. Tell me where to meet you."


    Leaving his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity behind, Kazuki prepared to meet this unknown man.


    "Liliam, I have to go. I promise I will come back before the event starts," Kazuki said hurriedly, his voice filled with fear.


    "Wait, is everything okay? Where are you going?" Liliam asked, concerned.


    "I don''t have time. Please listen to me, I have to go," Kazuki insisted. Before Liliam could say anything, he turned and left.


    "What is going on here?" thought Liliam, worried.


    Present Time


    Kazuki was driving his car, nearing his destination on a narrow, mountainous road. He was driving at high speed. Suddenly, an overspeeding car approached from behind. Both cars were racing dangerously.


    As Kazuki saw a turn ahead, he reduced his speed, but the car behind him accelerated.


    "Hey, what are you doing?" Kazuki shouted angrily.


    There was no response. Soon, the car behind rammed into Kazuki''s car, pushing it toward the edge of the road.


    "Oh, God, this is the end. Goodbye," Kazuki prayed silently.


    Both cars tumbled off the mountain.


    ¡°Hahaha... well, this is just the beginning, my dear Kazuki,¡± the mysterious man said ominously.


    This marks the beginning of Kazuki Akihiko''s story. Who is this mysterious man? What truth does Kazuki fear? The answers will be revealed in the upcoming chapters.

 Chapter 2

    Eyes open. A soft, childlike voice whispers, "Where am I?"


    Kazuki looks down, noticing the changes in his body. "Ah, my hands, my legs... What happened to them? They¡¯re so small."


    Confused, he glances around the room. "What is this place?" He walks towards a mirror.


    "Who are you?" Kazuki says in a shocked voice, staring at his reflection.


    "Reincarnation... Did I die and become a child? The last thing I remember is driving the car and falling off the mountain."


    The house he finds himself in is a two-story relic of a bygone era, situated in a quiet, remote corner of the countryside.


    Despite showing signs of neglect, its worn facade and overgrown surroundings give it undeniable character.


    Suddenly, a maid enters the room, her face a mix of shock, disbelief, and relief. She rushes to Kazuki, hugging him tightly.


    "Thank God, Master! Thank God you are safe. I was so worried about you," she says, her voice trembling with tears.


    "Ah, who are you?" Kazuki asks, bewildered.


    "(Crying a bit louder) Master, did you forget me?" the maid asks, her voice filled with anguish.


    "I don''t remember much about what happened to me," Kazuki replies, his voice tinged with confusion and concern.


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    "Master, you were playing in your room, and I was doing my work when you suddenly tried to come downstairs and fell off the stairs," said the maid sadly.


    "When I heard your crying, I rushed to see you. You fainted, and I was so worried," she added, her voice trembling.


    "Doctor! Are there no doctors here?" asked Kazuki, a sense of urgency in his voice.


    The maid''s thoughts betrayed her despair. "How can I tell him that we don''t have enough money and, being in the countryside,


    there are no doctors? His father doesn¡¯t want him alive, so we can''t leave this place," she thought sadly.


    "Hello? Are there no doctors here?" Kazuki asked again, more insistently.


    "Master, we live in the countryside, so there are no doctors here. They are only available in the cities," said the maid gently.


    "Okay," Kazuki replied, suspicion creeping into his mind. "Can you tell me more about me and this place?"


    "Alright, I shall tell you everything," said the maid.


    After Some Time


    "So, now I understand. I am the second son of a duke in the nation of Eldoria, and this is my room.


    Her name is Beatrice," Kazuki recounted, piecing together his new reality. "I am 7 years old and have low magic powers, known as mana.


    In this world, there are magicians, but I have low mana, maybe because I am not from this world."


    "In this world, skills determine an individual¡¯s future. I possess Sword Master, Hard Worker, Quick Learner, and Physical Boost skills," Kazuki continued.


    "So that means, I am a noble with low mana. In this world, the level of magic determines your rank. My parents don¡¯t care about me and never visit.


    Oh, by the way, my name is Kael Aran."


    "My previous life wasn¡¯t great either. I was an orphan with no family or friends but eventually rose to a respectable position.


    I wonder what happened there. Liliam! Liliam, what happened to her and me?" Kazuki pondered.


    "I will not give up on my life this time. I will live and make it through this life," Kael declared loudly and confidently.


    So what turns will Kael''s life take, let us see in the upcoming chapters.

 Chapter 3:Victor P Aran

    "It''s been three days since I arrived in this world. I''ve been learning about it from my maid, Beatrice. I''ve also discovered that, in the eyes of the world, the second son of the duke is dead. Yes," Kael thought, frustrated, "they don''t consider me dead, but they act like I am."


    "But does it bother me?" Kael continued, his thoughts turning cheerful. "No, it doesn''t matter at all."


    Suddenly, Kael heard running footsteps approaching.


    "Master Kael, your grandfather has come to visit you, and he wants to see you now. Please come down as soon as you are ready," Beatrice said urgently, her voice deep with concern.


    "Grandfather? Now that''s a surprise. How does he know about me? As far as I remember, no one was told that I am alive. Well, whatever," Kael thought. "Okay, I''m coming," he called out loudly.


    In the hall, an old man, aged 60, was waiting. He was a towering 6''5" figure with a muscular build, sporting a full silver-gray beard and short hair. His piercing blue eyes were partially obscured by a jagged scar running diagonally across his right eye.


    "Hi," Kael said softly. It was the first time he was seeing a family member. His heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the old man.


    "So, you are my grandson, the second son of my son," said the old man in a high-pitched voice.


    "Yes," Kael replied, still staring in surprise.


    "I am Victor P. Aran, former Duke of this nation," said Victor.


    "I know his name. He was one of the supreme-level swordsmen in his prime, hailed as one of the strongest swordsmen of his time, and even today," Kael thought.


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    "That stupid brat, doing this to his own son. I guess I''ll have to teach him a lesson soon. Pack your bag and come with me," Victor said, his voice filled with anger and frustration.


    "Wait a second, I don''t think I understand any of your words. Pack my bag and go with you? What''s all this? Go where? How can I go? My parents will never allow it," said Kael, confused and loud.


    "Permission? Parents? Who are your parents, boy? Have you ever met them? Don''t argue with me. Just come with me. I can still take care of my grandson on my own," said Victor sternly.


    "Sorry to interrupt, Master, but what should I do?" asked Beatrice.


    "You, you''re not needed anymore..." Victor began but was interrupted by Kael.


    "No, you can''t. Beatrice has been with me since my childhood. I won''t go without her," said Kael firmly.


    "Fine, she can come with us," said Victor, conceding.


    "Thank you, sir. I will go with Master Kael as you wish," said Beatrice.


    "One hour, and both of you should be ready. Now go," Victor commanded loudly.


    "Okay," they both replied.


    One Hour Later


    "A large horse carriage with a noble emblem was waiting for us, along with a handful of soldiers. This was my first time leaving the small house in the countryside. I still remember the first time I wanted to go out," thought Kael.


    Flashback


    "Beatrice, I want to go out for a walk. Can I go?" Kael asked in a soft, childish voice.


    "No, Master, you can''t go outside. It''s not safe for someone your age," said Beatrice, trying to convince Kael.


    "Unsafe? In this lonely countryside?" Kael thought skeptically.


    "Oh, how can I tell him that people appointed by his father are out to kill him if the news spreads that the second son of the Duke of Valorhaven is still alive?" Beatrice thought, her mind disturbed.


    "Something''s not right here," Kael thought.


    Present Time


    "I still remember it. I was an orphan in my previous life, but at least I was free. In this life, it''s even worse. I''ve never seen either of my parents in this life or the previous one. Why? Why am I even here if I don''t have parents, even when I do? No, I will never forgive them," Kael thought, frustrated.


    "Let''s go," Victor announced.


    "Okay," replied the group of soldiers and the horse carriage driver.

 Chapter 4: The attack

    It''s been 30 minutes since Kael and the others left their home in the countryside. They were heading to the nearest city, a journey that would take more than three hours. The rhythmic clatter of the horse''s hooves and the creaking of the carriage filled the air as they moved steadily along the path.


    "Alright, straight to the city," shouted Victor, his voice cutting through the stillness of the countryside.


    Kael, sitting next to Beatrice, couldn''t contain his curiosity. "So, where are we going, Grandfather?"


    "We''re going to my daughter''s place, to your aunt''s place," Victor replied, his tone firm.


    "Aunt? I have an aunt? I didn''t know that," said Kael, surprised.


    Victor sighed deeply. "That''s because of your father. He''s a strong man but an arrogant and overbearing person at heart. Your aunt and your father don''t have a good relationship, nor do I with him," Victor said, his voice tinged with anger.


    Kael pondered this new information. "Oh, well, one more question: how did you find out about me?"


    Victor started to answer, "Oh, that''s actually..." but was abruptly interrupted by the shouting of a soldier.


    "Sir, we are in danger! We''ve been attacked by some unknown men," the soldier panted, breathing fast.


    Victor''s face hardened. "What!" he shouted, angrily getting off the carriage. "Who dares to attack us in broad daylight?" he muttered under his breath.


    Kael, confusion and fear mixing in his mind, thought, "Attacked? But why now? How do they know about this?" He quickly followed Victor out of the carriage.


    Beatrice, her face pale with fear, thought, "No, no, no. They have started their attack. This is bad. This is seriously bad news. Please, God, save us." She started to get off the carriage but was stopped by Kael, who gave her a reassuring nod.


    Victor, now outside the carriage, demanded, "What happened? Who dares to attack me, Victor P. Aran?"


    A gruff voice responded, "Look here, old man."


    Victor turned to see a group of men approaching. His eyes narrowed as he recognized their emblem. "That emblem... So, you have already made arrangements for this situation, my son," Victor thought, his mind racing.


    The leader of the attackers smirked, "We''ve been waiting for this moment, Victor. Hand over the boy and no one gets hurt."


    Victor''s eyes blazed with fury. "Over my dead body," he growled, drawing his sword.


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    The soldiers surrounding the carriage readied their weapons, tension crackling in the air. The stage was set for a confrontation, the peaceful countryside now a battleground.


    Victor glanced at Kael. "Stay close and be ready to run if I give the word," he instructed them.


    "Yes, Grandfather," Kael replied, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him.


    Victor stepped forward, facing the attackers. "If it''s a fight you want, it''s a fight you''ll get," he declared, his voice unwavering.


    The leader of the attackers laughed. "Very well, old man. Let''s see if you still have the skills that made you a legend."


    As the two sides prepared to clash, Kael couldn''t help but think, "This is just the beginning."


    The clash of swords and the crackle of magic filled the air as the battle raged on.


    "Watch your steps, old man," sneered the leader, charging straight at Victor with his sword raised.


    Victor smirked, "Me?" In a blur of motion, he used his incredible speed to close the distance instantly. With a swift and precise strike, his sword connected with the leader''s head. The man didn''t have time to react; he crumpled to the ground, unconscious.


    A stunned silence fell over the battlefield. Everyone froze, eyes wide in disbelief at Victor''s display of skill.


    Victor stood tall, his presence commanding respect. "Anyone else want to challenge me?" he asked, his voice cutting through the quiet like a blade.


    Kael, standing behind Victor and watching in awe, thought, "What was that? He teleported... no, his speed is just that incredible. Amazing."


    Victor turned to the remaining attackers, his eyes cold and focused. "Are you ready, brats? One Sword Style: Aran''s Water Form, Rain Dance."


    Without warning, Victor launched himself forward at full speed. He moved in a zigzag pattern, a blur of motion that seemed impossible to track. One by one, he struck each man with precise, lightning-fast blows. In the blink of an eye, all the men were down, sprawled on the ground, unconscious.


    Victor stood amidst the fallen attackers, his sword gleaming in the sunlight. He barely seemed to have broken a sweat. "Anyone else?" he called out, his voice echoing in the stunned silence that followed his remarkable display of skill.


    "Now I understand why he was one of the best swordsmen of his time," thought Kael, awe-struck.


    "Let''s move on. Leave them here," said Victor, his voice commanding and calm.


    Everything slowly returned to normal as the group resumed their journey to the next city. The rhythmic clatter of the horse''s hooves filled the air once again.


    After a few minutes of silence, Kael couldn''t contain his curiosity any longer. "Grandfather, what technique was that?" he asked.


    Victor glanced at him, his expression softening momentarily. "Oh, that technique has been passed down in the Aran family from ancient times. But your foolish father thinks it''s powerless and never bothered to learn it," he said, his tone shifting from soft to angry.


    "Can I... can I learn this? Please, I promise I''ll do my best. Teach me. I want to become strong," Kael pleaded, his eyes and voice filled with determination.


    Victor studied Kael for a moment, then spoke gravely, "It will be hard, boy. It''s not child''s play, you know what I mean. Are you prepared for this?" he asked in a loud, challenging voice.


    "Yes, sir. I am ready. I will do my best," Kael replied, his voice steady and resolute.


    Victor nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Very well. We will start your training soon. But remember, strength comes with great responsibility. You must be ready to face whatever challenges come your way."


    "I understand, Grandfather. Thank you," Kael said, feeling a surge of excitement and purpose.


    As they continued their journey, the bond between them grew stronger, with Kael looking forward to the challenges ahead and the promise of becoming a skilled swordsman like his grandfather.

 The Training

    "So, currently we are in a town called ''Ardreon''. We arrived yesterday and are staying here until the necessary preparations are done. While we''re in this town, my grandfather is giving me sword training," thought Kael, trying to dodge Victor''s attack during their training session.


    "Hold your sword up, boy! Correct your stance!" shouted Victor, his voice firm with authority.


    "He¡¯s killing me! For real, what the hell is this training?" Kael thought, almost on the verge of tears. "I¡¯ve been training for the last eight hours without a single break. I said I was ready for hard work, but look at me. I¡¯m just a 7-year-old child. No, I¡¯m actually 26 years old, but that doesn¡¯t matter¡ªthis body is 7 years old. I¡¯m okay... I¡¯m okay," he thought, breathing slowly to calm himself.


    "Snap out of your thoughts, boy! Lift your sword a little higher. Feel your sword and your body becoming one. The sword is a wonderful weapon¡ªmake it a part of your body," said Victor, showing his care and passion for wielding a sword.


    "Okay," Kael thought, remembering the sword fights he had watched in his previous life. "Well, it¡¯s not like I was a huge fan of sword fights, but I used to watch them sometimes in my free time."


    Kael adjusted his stance, holding the sword with both hands. His right leg was in front, his left leg back, leaning his body forward. He struck the sword up and down, focusing on the rhythm and control.


    "No, no... no. This stance is full of openings. Remember, this sword is not just a weapon; it is an extension of your hand. Make it yours," said Victor.


    "Yes, sir," replied Kael, determination in his voice.


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    "That''s enough for now. Come here and rest. Lunch is almost ready. Get yourselves filled, then continue the training," called Beatrice from a distance.


    "Okay, coming," said both Kael and Victor.


    (Scene changes)


    Somewhere on the planet of Elarion...


    "So, it''s finally time, isn''t it?" said a man, half of his face shrouded in darkness, only his mouth visible with an evil smile.


    "Go to Eldoria and do your job. No need for any fight, just do your work secretly," instructed the mysterious man to one of his subordinates.


    "Yes, sir," replied the subordinate before walking away.


    "So, how will you entertain me, my friend Victor?" the mysterious man said, laughing menacingly.


    (Scene shifts back to Kael)


    "Here you go, young man. This is it. Maintain this position," said Victor in a happy, calm voice, appreciating Kael''s progress.


    "So, it''s been four days since we left that house in the countryside, and in another 2-3 days, we will reach our destination. Whenever we get time, I practice. Thanks to my ''Learner'' skill, I learn anything 1.5 times faster than anyone else at this stage. For now, I''ve got a pretty good grip on holding and swinging the sword, but I still can''t defend against this man. His presence sends chills down my spine whenever I go straight at him with the intent to attack," thought Kael.


    "So, now that you can use your sword, even if just a little bit, let me tell you: just holding and swinging the sword is not enough. Next, you need to improve your breathing," said Victor.


    "Eh? Breathing? Why?" asked Kael.


    "That''s the problem, boy. You never listen and just question me. Listen to me. Breathing is more powerful than you think. Controlling it can be difficult, but it can improve your strength. How? That''s your question, isn''t it? What is the most important thing a body needs? Oxygen. More breathing means more oxygen, but more oxygen is wasted if not stored and used by the body. Proper breathing can enhance your overall strength, or you can use advanced breathing techniques to focus more oxygen in a particular part of your body," explained Victor, his eyes filled with passion.


    "So basically, I''m dead," thought Kael with a pale face. "I am... a... a... (shouting in mind) dead!"

 The Dukedom of Ivan

    Finally, after three days of travel, Kael and his companions reached their destination: the dukedom of Ivan. The duke of this dukedom is the husband of Kael''s aunt. Eldoria is a kingdom composed of multiple dukedoms, each ruled by different dukes, with one king at the center. The king is chosen from the group of the strongest warriors in the dukedom.


    The palace was enormous.


    "Welcome, Kael. I am your aunt, Serene Vian," she said, welcoming Kael into the palace.


    "I am Kael Aran, your nephew. Nice to meet you," Kael responded politely and maturely.


    "Oh my, you are a good boy, Kael, not like your father. Now, come with me. Well, is she your maid?" asked Serene, looking at Beatrice.


    "Nice to meet you, ma''am. I am Master Kael''s personal maid," said Beatrice.


    "Okay, come with us. Father, you should go visit him; he was calling for an important meeting," said Serene.


    Kael and Beatrice followed Serene towards their rooms.


    "Aunt, I have a question. How do you know about me?" asked Kael.


    "Father didn''t tell you?" asked Serene.


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    "No, I guess we were attacked while we were discussing it," replied Kael.


    "Attacked! You were? Who were they?" Serene asked, panicking.


    "Don''t worry, Grandfather took care of them. Now, if you could answer my question," said Kael.


    "Well, actually, one week ago we received a letter claiming you were alive and had been left in the countryside alone with a maid for many years. We still don''t know who sent the letter, but we verified the information. Our spies collected data about you, and it matched the letter," said Serene while walking.


    "Oh, so that''s what happened," said Kael. "Who is this mysterious man?" he thought suspiciously.


    As they walked through the hallway, a voice stopped them. They turned around to see Elena, Serene''s daughter, roughly the same age as Kael.


    "Stop! I don''t accept this. Mom, you always used to tell me about your brother''s behavior and what kind of man he is. How can you welcome his son into our home?" Elena said angrily, glaring at Kael.


    "Elena, don''t talk like that. He is your cousin," Serene began, but Elena interrupted her.


    "Cousin? He''s not accepted by his father, and you are still accepting him? He will be like his father. Like father, like son," Elena said, frustration and anger clear in her voice.


    "Father, what have you done to them? No, what have you done to everyone?" thought Kael, a sad smile full of shame crossing his mind.


    "Elena, go to your room. We will talk about this later," Serene told Elena firmly.


    "Talk later? My foot," Elena said, tears in her eyes.


    Elena ran towards her room. Kael tried to go after her, but Serene stopped him.


    "Kael, no. Leave her alone for a while. I believe in you, just as your grandfather does," said Serene.


    (Scene changes to Kael''s bedroom as he lies on his bed)


    "This is all pretty messed up. Father, what in the world were you thinking?" thought Kael.


    While pondering all the things that happened that day, Kael fell asleep.


    Next Time: The Start of "The Great Ivan Arc"

 Liliam/kaels birthday

    On Earth


    Finally, after years of investigation, the place where Kazuki''s car crashed was found deep in the mountains, nearly 20 km from the site of the science showcase. Though his body was never recovered, the condition of the car led to the conclusion that he had died. Kazuki, a brilliant scholar researching the existence of parallel universes, had just completed his research before the showcase.


    The scene changes to Liliam''s house


    Liliam was sitting on her sofa when the news of Kazuki''s presumed death flashed briefly on the screen. There was nothing mentioned about his life, just a fleeting headline.


    "No... no, it can''t be," she sobbed, her voice breaking. "Sir, you can''t leave me here alone." Tears streamed down her face, making her words hard to understand.


    The government already knew about Kazuki''s research and tried its best to hide his papers. For many years after the news of Kazuki''s death, Liliam tried to publicize the documents or give Kazuki credit for his work, but she was repeatedly rejected. She knew they were hiding the truth. The government had other plans for his research.


    At present on Earth


    Liliam sat at her desk, her face devoid of emotion. She had done everything she could. She had been alone initially, but Kazuki had changed her life. She had been happy since he entered her life, even if it wasn''t the best life. Looking at Kazuki''s photo on her phone, she whispered, "I lost, sir. This is all wrong. They''re acting like you never existed. They closed your case, blaming you for rash driving. I know you... you are..."


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    She took a deep, shaky breath, trying to compose herself, but the tears kept coming. "I still remember that day when I first met you. You were the first person to see me as a human. I promise I will do my best to make sure the whole world knows about you and your research and to punish whoever is responsible for your death."


    Elarion


    The scene changes to Kael''s bedroom


    Kael suddenly woke up from his sleep, breathing heavily. "What? A dream! But it was like I saw everything that happened since my death on Earth. Liliam... Why? Why are you still doing all this for me, going against the government? No way that dream is real, is it? I hope not. I Want her to be happy. Please please don''t waste your life for me Liliam"


    The scene changes to a dark place on some other planet


    In the pitch-black room, a faint, eerie glow revealed only a sinister smile, sharp and unnervingly confident. The man sat on a grand throne, shrouded in darkness, his presence imposing and formidable. His right leg was casually draped over his left, exuding a sense of dominance and ease. Resting his head on his right hand, his posture was one of casual authority, as if the shadows themselves bowed to his will.


    "Well, well, Kazuki... no, Kael, my favorite loser. You never know what is real and what is not," he said with a deep smile. "I guess so."


    Elarion


    The next morning


    "I guess Kael is coming downstairs," Serene whispered.


    "Turn off the lights," a voice ordered.


    Kael descended the stairs, still preoccupied with the dream he had earlier.


    "Why is it so dark here? Where is everyone?" he wondered aloud.


    As he reached the main hall, the sound of a crowd erupted.


    "Surprise!" everyone shouted as the lights turned on.


    The palace was decorated for Kael''s birthday party. Everyone was there, except Elena.


    Kael stood stunned, happiness spreading across his face. This was the first time anyone besides Liliam had celebrated his birthday.


    "What are you standing there for, boy? Come here and enjoy it!" Victor said happily.


    Kael thought to himself, "This is my best day. The only one I miss is Liliam. Liliam, I want you to be happy. Don''t waste your life for me."


    "Happy birthday, Kael!" the crowd cheered.

 Victors Past

    "Victor! Victor!" a faint, soft voice called out, waking Victor from his sleep.


    "Who''s there?" Victor''s eyes opened, revealing a faint vision of a boy around 9-10 years old. "Jake!" Victor said in a childish voice.


    "What are you doing here alone?" asked Jake, his voice full of concern.


    Victor''s past: Victor as his 10-year-old self.


    "Ah, I guess resting. This wind, this land, the shade of this tree, the sound of these birds, who wouldn''t want to live a life like this? This place is my home!" Victor said with a calm smile on his face, taking in the serene surroundings of the lush, green landscape around them.


    "There you go, talking again like an old man. This is not a dream," Jake responded, shaking his head with a grin.


    "Ah, so what''s your dream, Jake?" Victor asked, leaning against the sturdy trunk of an ancient oak tree, its leaves rustling softly in the breeze.


    "My...," Jake paused, thinking. "My dream is..." Jake continued speaking, but Victor couldn''t hear his voice as the scene around him began to fade.


    "Jake! Jake! I can''t hear you!" Victor shouted, panic creeping into his voice.


    Victor woke up from his dream, breathing heavily. "It was a dream... oh Jake," he said slowly and deeply. "Where are you?"


    [Transition to the palace]


    The palace loomed majestically, its stone walls towering over the surrounding grounds. Inside, the air was cool and filled with the faint scent of polished wood and aged books. The training hall was spacious, with high ceilings and intricate tapestries adorning the walls.


    Still troubled by the dream, Victor walked through the grand, austere halls of Ivan Duke''s palace. The cool air and scent of polished wood did little to calm his nerves. He headed to the training hall, hoping to find solace in routine.


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    "Good job, Kael!" Victor said, his voice echoing slightly in the vast hall.


    Victor was training on the breathing technique. "Hold your breath for two more minutes," he instructed his tone firm but encouraging.


    "Two more minutes?" Kael thought, feeling as if his soul was leaving his body. "I''m already dead," he thought, with a pale face as he struggled to maintain his composure.


    Kael lost consciousness, slumping to the ground.


    "I shall watch you!" a creepy voice echoed as Kael remained unconscious.


    "What''s this?" Victor thought, tensed, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of danger.


    After five minutes, Victor, in a panicking voice, said, "Kael, wake up, my boy."


    Kael regained consciousness and opened his eyes. "What... what happened?" he asked in a broken voice, trying to understand what occurred.


    "You were..." a maid tried to explain, but Victor interrupted, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.


    "Nothing, Kael. You just lost consciousness. Maybe you should rest," Victor said, his voice calm but filled with concern.


    "Okay," Kael replied, though he felt something wasn''t right, a lingering unease settling in his mind.


    [Meanwhile, in a dense jungle near the Dukedom of Ivan]


    A group of three men and one woman, all around 25-27 years old, were traveling together. The thick canopy of trees cast dappled shadows on the forest floor, and the sounds of distant wildlife echoed around them.


    "How much time until we reach our destination, Garrick?" asked one of the men, his voice tinged with frustration.


    "Time?" Garrick responded in a serious voice, glancing back at him. "Ask yourself, depending on your choice, I''ll give you the answer," he said cold-heartedly.


    "What the...," the man got up angrily, his face contorted with anger. "My answer? You bloody cold-hearted man!" He tried to grab Garrick''s neck. "Do you know how long we''ve been on this journey?"


    As the man tried to grab his neck, Garrick held his hand with brutal strength, causing the man to shout in pain.


    "Stop! Both of you, now," said the third man, his voice carrying a cold chill that seemed to settle the air around them.


    "Thomas is right, Garrick. Edwin, stop fighting among yourselves," said Isolde, stepping between them and trying to calm both of them.


    Garrick threw Edwin a little farther away, still sitting in his position without any emotion on his face.


    "Edwin!" Isolde rushed toward him. "Are you okay?" she asked, her eyes full of concern.


    "Still in pain," Edwin replied, wincing. "I''m not fine under this man''s lead."


    "What a pain. This group is nothing but trouble. If I were alone, I would have completed this mission. Damn this team. Teamwork, my foot!" Edwin muttered angrily as he tried to stand.

 Kael Sneaks Out

    It had been a few days since Kael left the house in the countryside, but he was growing tired of being confined in the palace. The walls felt like they were closing in, and the young boy longed for adventure. Determined to break free, he began hatching a plan to sneak out.


    "I want to explore this kingdom," Kael mused to himself, frustration bubbling under the surface. "But they won''t even let me out with guards." His eyes suddenly brightened with an idea. "Wait a second, what if I sneak out at night and return before everyone wakes up?" His face lit up with a childish smile. "But how?"


    Kael paced towards the window, deep in thought. "I''m on the sixth floor, and there are no water pipes like on Earth. The guards are always at the front door... but what if I use the back door?" His excitement grew. "If I could use invisibility magic... wait, is that even possible? If it is, I¡¯d like to try it, even with low mana."


    He continued to think out loud. "I need a solid plan to sneak out. This palace is huge. If I find an empty room at the back, I can use bedsheets to climb down. I¡¯m not that heavy for my age. Lastly, I¡¯ll use my breathing technique to conceal my presence. It¡¯s a good plan in theory. Let¡¯s do it!" Kael thought, brimming with confidence.


    [Afternoon Sun at its Peak]


    Kael wandered around the palace, searching for a suitable room to execute his plan. The size of the palace was overwhelming.


    "This place is huge," he sighed, "but there¡¯s not a single room that works for my plan."


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    Just then, a soft voice called out, "Kael, what are you doing here?" Serene asked, her tone gentle and curious. "Do you need something?"


    "No, no," Kael replied nervously, his heart racing. "I¡¯m just roaming around the palace."


    "Okay. If you need anything, just ask me or any maid," Serene said, giving him a reassuring smile before walking away.


    "That was close," Kael muttered to himself, wiping the sweat from his brow.


    [Backside of the Palace]


    Kael''s persistence paid off when he found a room with a locked door that seemed unused for years. "If I can get into this room, it¡¯s perfect for my plan. It¡¯s directly opposite the main entrance."


    He tried every method he knew to unlock the door but failed. Frustrated, he used force on the rusty lock, and it broke apart. "Maybe I used too much force, or not," he thought, bewildered.


    He entered the dark and dusty room, coughing as the air filled with particles. "This place is perfect. I¡¯ll come here tonight."


    [Nighttime, Everyone Asleep Except...]


    "Here I go," Kael whispered to himself, sneaking into the room. "It looks scary at night, but that doesn¡¯t matter." He set up the bedsheets, feeling proud of his plan.


    Kael climbed down the makeshift rope after locking the door from the inside, successfully sneaking out of the mansion through the back entrance.


    After walking for some time, he reached the forest of Vian. "A forest! Okay, let''s go inside!" he said, his excitement palpable.


    [Mansion''s Back Door]


    As Kael disappeared into the forest, a low voice emerged from the darkness of the palace grounds. "You never learn, do you, boy?" it whispered ominously, sending a shiver down the spine of anyone who might have heard.


    Kael, unaware of the shadow watching him, continued his adventure into the depths of the forest, eager to see what mysteries lay ahead. His heart raced with anticipation and a hint of fear, but his determination to explore kept him moving forward. The forest loomed before him, dark and inviting, promising the adventure he so desperately craved.

 The Encounter

    After walking for some time, Kael reached the entrance of a forest.


    "A forest, huh?" His childhood curiosity was at its peak. "Maybe I should go examine it a little," Kael thought with shining eyes.


    Kael entered the forest.


    The jungle was deep and thick with some familiar and some unknown types of trees. It was dark and awfully silent, but sometimes the roar of an animal could be heard.


    "This is creepy," he muttered, feeling a little fearful. "This forest is not giving me good vibes. After I got through the main forest entrance, it keeps getting more and more intense with a dark vibe and an awful silence. I don''t know why, but now after getting here, I think the position of the mansion is pretty unusual. Why create a mansion near a forest like this? Or, I guess the mansion was built here because of this forest. Well...whatever. It is still creepy."


    Kael continued walking east, trying to remember his path. "This forest can be a maze. I might get lost," he thought, looking around to find something to mark his directions. "I don''t know if it''s because of this body or my brain, but my thinking capability is not as sharp as it used to be. Maybe I have to do something about it on my own. I should behave more like my age."


    He took out his sword and marked the trees with shallow cuts that wouldn''t harm them deeply. "Okay, now, let''s go deeper inside," he said after finishing his work.


    Kael walked in the same direction for quite some time. A noise caught his attention. He noticed the sound was coming from behind the trees. Kael ran towards it and saw a massive bear-like animal scratching a tree. He hid behind another tree and saw a girl about his age at the top of the tree. The bear was waiting for her to fall.


    "What the hell is this thing?" he whispered, panicking. "What should I do? Calm down, calm down," he tried to calm himself. "I just promised myself that I would behave my age, but how can I be calm? If I don''t do anything, her life will be in danger. Should I go back and call for help? No, the tree won''t hold that long," he thought, his hand on his sword. "Should I fight that thing? Yes, I will."


    "(Shouting) Help! Help! Please, anyone, help!" the girl cried.


    "(Eyes open) Okay, let''s do it. My plan will be simple: throw two rocks. The first rock to get the bear''s attention and the second, larger rock to distract it and lead it deeper into the forest. I hope this works, but first, I need her attention."


    Kael threw a small pebble towards the girl to grab her attention. She noticed him and was about to say something, but he signaled her to stay quiet. He tried to make her understand his plan to distract the bear.


    After explaining his plan to her, Kael threw the stones in the order he had planned. The bear ran towards the side he wanted it to go.


    Kael ran towards the tree.


    "(Looking up at the girl) Hey, jump before that bear comes back! I''ll catch you!"


    "(Still not believing him and a little scared) No, I can''t! I''ll get injured. This is too high, and you are the same age as I am, aren''t you?"


    "(Frustrated) If you want to jump, jump, or I''m going. Figure out how to climb down. Yes, why am I telling you to jump? I''m going. You climbed up the tree, so climb down on your own," he said, turning around to leave.


    "Wait! (A little louder) I don''t know how to climb down the tree. I''ll jump; you better catch me or I will... ("I will what?" Kael interrupted) Okay, okay."


    "Wait, am I going to catch a girl?" he thought, embarrassed. "I forgot for a second that she''s a girl and I''m telling her to jump. No, no...what am I thinking? Focus, focus..." Nervously, he looked towards her to catch her.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it."Okay, here I go," she said.


    The girl jumped, and Kael caught her.


    A moment of silence passed between them.


    "Um, can you (blushing) put me down?" she asked.


    "Oh, uh, yes," Kael responded nervously.


    As they were about to start their conversation, the furious bear returned.


    "It came back!" the girl exclaimed.


    Kael turned around to see the bear.


    "Stay behind me," he said, taking out his sword and getting into a fighting stance.


    "This is bad...I have never been in a real fight," Kael thought.


    The bear roared and charged at them.


    Kael relaxed his breath. "Breathe in...breathe out. Okay, let''s do it."


    Kael moved his body to advance towards the bear.


    [Tree]


    [The Girl]   [Kael(attack)Bear]


    Kael hit the bear''s body with his sword, but it wasn''t enough. The bear used its claw to attack Kael, but Kael stopped the attack with his sword. As he was balancing on one leg, he slipped but rolled his body to dodge the next attack. He got up and attacked the bear from behind, causing some damage but still not enough.


    [Tree]


    [The Girl]   [Bear(attack)Kael]


    Kael returned to his position.


    [Tree]


    [The Girl]   [Kael]   [Bear]


    "Its body is tough," Kael stressed. "Wait, I need a strong attack." He closed his eyes, then opened them with determination. "I''ll use a zigzag pattern to confuse it and use that."


    The bear charged at Kael again.


    Kael increased his speed, following a zigzag pattern to confuse the bear. He got close to the bear.


    "Aran''s Sword Style: 1st form," he thought. His sword was sharper than before.


    He was about to slash the bear''s head, but the bear roared, breaking his focus. The bear stopped his attack with one hand and attacked with the other.


    Kael got hit and landed near the trees. The girl ran towards him.


    Kael started losing consciousness.


    "You can''t kill me," he said with an unpleasant smile.


    The girl reached Kael and asked if he was okay.


    "Hey girl, take this sword," he panted. "When I signal, pierce its heart."


    "Okay, but what are you going to do?" she asked.


    "Soon I will faint, so I am going to engage it in close combat."


    "You can''t¡ª" she started.


    "Shut up and listen to me," Kael interrupted, sending chills down her spine. "Okay," she agreed nervously.


    Kael walked towards the bear and started laughing slowly.


    "Let''s see who survives."


    Kael moved at full speed, half-conscious, taking damage from the bear but giving it back equally. It was a battle of endurance rather than power.


    The girl took the sword and slowly moved towards the bear, waiting for Kael''s signal.


    Kael and the bear were locked in a tight struggle. Kael signaled the girl to attack.


    Using all her strength, the girl pierced the bear''s heart. The bear died instantly.


    Kael fell to the ground. He had scratches all over his body, especially his hands, and his clothes were mostly damaged, but his life was not in danger.


    The girl dressed his wounds using medicinal plants and pieces of her dress. She sat beside him, staring.


    "He''s almost my age or maybe exactly my age," she thought. "From his dress and sword, he''s not a commoner but someone of royalty or nobility. Well, whatever, he was cool." She blushed, embarrassed by her thoughts.


    After some time, Kael opened his eyes. The girl was sitting near him. He saw his wounds were dressed.


    "(Nervously) Thank you," said Kael.


    "Hmm, welcome!" she replied with a smile in her mind.


    The two shared a brief, silent connection, having survived the ordeal together.

 Kael & Mia Shares The Moment

    [Kael & the girl sitting under the tree]


    Kael asked, "Who are you, and what are you doing here alone in this deep forest?"


    "My name is... (Wait, should I tell him my real name? No, I shouldn''t, even if he said he was trustworthy, thought the girl) ...Mia, and yours?"


    "My name is Kael Ar¡ª (Wait, should I say my full name? No, I will. I want people to know that I am the second son of the Duke, Lord Thaddeus Aran) ¡ªKael Aran."


    "(Aran! Wait, seriously? (shocked) But I''ve never heard of that name. (Taking a closer look at Kael) Is he telling the truth? thought Mia) Oh, nice to meet you... (You can call me Kael, said Kael) ...Kael. You can call me Mia."


    "Why are you here at this hour of the night, and in a place like this?" Kael asked.


    "(Trying to defend herself) Ah... you are questioning me? (Sorry, but I can''t tell you, thought Mia) I could ask you the same question."


    "(Getting nervous that his truth about sneaking out of the palace might be revealed) Me... me... a...ah...ahh...oh, okay. I won''t ask you any more questions."


    "Now you understand that this place isn''t for any of us. Still, we''re here, so it''s better to keep this a secret, okay?"


    "Fine, but what was that bear-like animal we fought earlier?"


    "Bear? Are you an idiot or something? (angrily getting closer to Kael) Bears are much friendlier and cuter than that monster! They''re called Crimson Carnosaurs¡ªCrimson because of their color. There are other variants too, like Scarlet, Blood, and a rare Rainbow. The strongest of them is the Blood Carnosaur, and the weakest is the Rainbow one. Their power depends on their color. But (she''s like Wikipedia, thought Kael) the Rainbow one can evolve into any other form depending on its environment or personality."


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    "Oh, okay, okay. You should take some rest too. By the way, where do you live?"


    "I... (a little scared) Uh... why should I tell you where my house is? (Sorry, thought Mia) What do you want?"


    "No, don''t misunderstand. I can just take you home."


    "(Angrily) Take me there? Don''t forget you''re also my age, aren''t you?"


    "(Scared) Okay. (Girls are really scary, or is it just me who gets to see this side of girls a little too often? First Liliam, then Beatrice, and now this girl, Mia) I got it (interrupted)."


    "Sh... sh... (fingers on her lips) Keep quiet. See there? (pointing towards a direction in the forest) There are some people."


    "(She just noticed) His wounds are better than before. His healing power is better than average people''s." thought Mia.


    Mia and Kael walked towards that direction and hid behind the bushes. There were four people¡ªthree men and one girl.


    "What are they talking about?" Kael asked.


    "(Staring at Kael) You''re seriously an idiot. How could I know that?"


    "No, I was just asking myself."


    "Quiet, and just watch."


    [Scene changes to the four people standing there]


    "This way. If we go straight in this direction, we''ll reach our destination," said Garrick.


    "Okay," answered the other three.


    They started walking in that direction.


    [Scene changes to Kael & Mia]


    "What should we do? Should we follow them? Do they know the way out of the forest?" Mia asked.


    "Well, I did mark the way, but I missed one of the marks, so maybe we can follow them while keeping our distance."


    After walking for roughly 10-15 minutes, the four people came across a cave.


    "(A smile on his face) Finally, this is the place," said Garrick.


    "(Relieved) Finally!" said the rest.


    "Let''s move on, finish this, and complete our mission (evil smile)."


    [On the other hand, Kael & Mia listened to their conversation]


    "What should we do, Kael? (nervous and scared)"


    "I don''t know (stressed)."


    "Let''s go inside, boy," a voice came from behind.


    They turned and saw Victor.


    "Grandpa! (smiling and running to hug Victor)"


    "Okay, okay," said Victor.


    "Grandpa, this girl is Mia. I met her here in the forest. But how did you find us?"


    "(Grandpa Victor? That means he''s Victor P. Aran, one of the legendary fighters! thought a scared Mia) Nice to meet you, I''m Mia."


    "Okay, okay (suspicious eyes on Mia). Don''t waste time, let''s go inside. Something isn''t right."

 The Calm before the storm

    **[When Kael was trying to sneak out]**


    Victor was taking a walk in the backyard of the mansion.


    "Another night, another nightmare. Is this a coincidence or something else?" Victor muttered, troubled by his recent sleepless nights. Suddenly, he noticed Kael in the distance. "Kael? What is he doing at this hour?" He followed Kael, watching as the boy sneaked out through the mansion''s gate. "You never learn, do you, boy?" Victor whispered ominously, his voice carrying a chill that would send shivers down anyone¡¯s spine.


    Victor trailed Kael through the night, keeping his distance. After some time, he saw Kael hiding behind a tree, with Mia perched atop the same tree and a Crimson Carnosaur prowling below.


    Kael hesitated, clearly torn about whether to save Mia.


    Victor, still hidden, observed Kael¡¯s indecision, ready to intervene if necessary. "What will you decide, boy?" he thought, preparing to step in. But as Kael made the decision to save Mia, a small smile crept onto Victor¡¯s face. "I was not wrong to put my trust in you, Kael," he whispered, relieved. "Thank you for proving me right."


    The Carnosaur turned its attention toward Kael, preparing to strike. Mia, sensing the danger, grasped her sword.


    "She¡¯s targeting its heart," Victor noted, impressed. "Good thinking, but a normal sword won¡¯t even scratch its tough hide. Seeing their dedication, I¡¯ll lend a hand¡ªdiscreetly."


    Victor picked up a small stone, carefully aiming it at the Carnosaur¡¯s heart.


    "Blood Art: Blood Eye Detect," Victor murmured, closing his eyes as he pinpointed the creature¡¯s heart. "There it is... Flame Style: Infuse Rising Phoenix." He infused the stone with compressed power, coating it with a fiery layer that would cause a micro-explosion upon impact.


    He hurled the stone at high speed. It pierced the Carnosaur¡¯s heart, and the resulting explosion killed the beast instantly.


    Victor opened his eyes, satisfied. "All done," he mumbled quietly.


    **[Scene changes to present time: 3:00 AM, Year 1007 of the Eldorian Calendar]**


    Victor, Kael, and Mia entered a deep, dark cave.


    "I can¡¯t see anything," Kael said.


    "Wait," Mia responded. "Elemental Magic: Mini-Light." A small but powerful light appeared, illuminating their surroundings.


    "Oh," Victor chuckled, "so you¡¯re pretty talented in magic, huh?"


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    "So she can use elemental magic," Victor thought, growing suspicious. "Why was she alone in the forest?"


    "What are they doing in a cave like this? What¡¯s so special about this place? I¡¯m getting bad vibes." Victor¡¯s voice grew serious as he turned to Kael. "This cave is not a simple cave. Usually, caves are smaller, but this one is different¡ªmore like it was deliberately created. This could be an ancient cave."


    "An ancient cave? What¡¯s that?" Kael asked.


    "Depending on the cave¡¯s importance and age, it can be classified as such," Victor explained.


    "How do you know this is an ancient cave?" Mia inquired.


    "I¡¯m using a forbidden technique to see through everything," Victor answered. "This technique allows me to sense the mana of objects and living beings. I¡¯m detecting a strong presence of mana from something in the direction those four went."


    "Grandpa, can you tell me more about that technique?" Kael asked.


    "Later, Kael. Not now," Victor replied.


    "Awesome!" Mia exclaimed, surprised and impressed. "No wonder you¡¯re one of the strongest of your time, even now."


    Victor¡¯s suspicion deepened. "Oh, she knows about me... Just who is this girl?"


    "Follow me," Victor commanded, leading Kael and Mia deeper into the cave. The passage widened as they progressed, allowing all three to walk side by side. Eventually, they caught sight of the four individuals ahead of them, standing before a large door, attempting to open it.


    "They are strong," Victor thought. "Should I fight alone or call for help?" He glanced at Kael. "I¡¯m trusting you, boy," he sighed. "Kael, stay behind me. And listen, girl," he addressed Mia, "you stay behind Kael as support. I¡¯m not saying you¡¯re weak, but we both are primarily swordsmen, so we fight close-range. You¡¯re skilled at long-range, so will you support Kael?"


    Mia smiled confidently. "I¡¯ll support Kael with my life."


    Victor¡¯s resolve strengthened. "I can¡¯t risk their lives, but I have to stop them now, before it¡¯s too late," he thought.


    The three stood directly behind the four individuals.


    "Having trouble?" Victor called out, his voice serious and commanding. The four turned around, stunned to see Victor and his group.


    "Who the hell are you, old man? Lost your way?" Garrick sneered, trying to intimidate Victor.


    "Thomas, Isolde... This is bad," Edwin stammered, clearly frightened. "He¡¯s Victor P. Aran of the ''P'' Clan, the same clan as our master. A direct fight will be tough. I don¡¯t know how he found us, but we¡¯re in trouble."


    "What?" Thomas and Isolde exclaimed, shocked.


    "What should we do now?" Thomas asked, panicked. Victor, unimpressed, remained silent.


    "We can¡¯t do anything until the cold-hearted man gives us orders. Failing to obey will mean death for us," Edwin said.


    "We should at least inform Garrick about him," Isolde suggested.


    Kael, oblivious to the tension, looked around, growing impatient. "If we have to fight, then why not do it already?" he thought. "Wait!" Kael shouted. "If we¡¯re about to fight, let¡¯s get it over with! This is my grandfather, Victor P. Aran. I am Kael Aran. This girl here is Mia¡ªuh... just Mia. Now introduce yourselves, and let¡¯s see who wins."


    Everyone stared at Kael, bewildered.


    Garrick chuckled. "You¡¯re a funny boy. Well, if that¡¯s what you want, then fine. I¡¯m Garrick, the Commander of the 4th Division of the group ''NightRay.'' This is Thomas, Isolde, and Edwin."


    Victor nodded, a slight smile on his face. "I¡¯m fine with it. Let¡¯s do it," he said, excitement building. "NightRay, huh? I¡¯ll have to look into that later," he thought.


    Thomas and Edwin agreed to fight alongside Garrick.


    Both Isolde and Mia sighed inwardly. "Boys! Ah... Why are they like this?" they thought, disappointed.


    Mia blushed, feeling conflicted. "Well, whatever. He was cool when he said that... No, why am I thinking like this?" she scolded herself.


    Victor drew his sword, and Kael positioned himself behind him.


    **[The Gate]**


    Isolde


    Thomas Edwin


    Garrick


    Victor


    Kael


    Mia

 The Fight Starts

    **[The Battle Begins: Garrick and Victor''s Clash]**


    The atmosphere was thick with tension as Garrick and Victor stood poised, ready to unleash their strength. Kael and Mia received their instructions clearly.


    "Kael, you and Mia handle that girl and Thomas. I''ll take care of the other two," Victor commanded.


    "Got it," they both replied in unison.


    Without hesitation, Victor launched himself towards Garrick. The sound of their swords clashing echoed across the battlefield, sending ripples of pressure throughout the area.


    Kael watched in awe. "What kind of sword is that? And why aren¡¯t they using magic?" he asked, puzzled by the intense physical combat before him.


    Mia, exasperated, shot him a glance. "You¡¯re such an idiot. They¡¯re using magic, but it¡¯s to enhance their physical and sword strength. Only a fool would use long-range magic at this close range."


    Kael felt a pang of embarrassment. "Was that directed at me?" he thought, his face falling.


    Meanwhile, Thomas and Edwin prepared to assist Garrick, but Kael intercepted Thomas before he could make a move. Their swords clashed, and Edwin paused, glaring at the two before deciding to head toward the fight between Victor and Garrick.


    "Hey, brat, watch what you¡¯re doing!" Edwin shouted as Kael engaged Thomas in close combat.


    "I know what I¡¯m doing!" Kael replied, his voice serious.


    Thomas smirked. "Are you ready?" he asked, his tone almost playful.


    Kael hesitated, confused. "What is he talking about?" he wondered.


    "Enjoy this!" Thomas said, stepping to his right. Behind him, Isolde had prepared a flaming ball of magic, aimed directly at Kael.


    Isolde hurled the flame ball towards Kael with a sinister grin.


    "No¡­ no, no, no¡­ not again. I can¡¯t die, I don¡¯t want to die!" Kael thought desperately, closing his eyes and swinging his sword wildly in the air.


    **[A Narrow Escape: Mia''s Timely Intervention]**


    The sound of fire being extinguished by water filled the air. Kael slowly opened his eyes, trembling, to see Mia standing in front of him.


    "How would you survive without me, you idiot?" Mia said, turning around and flipping her hair. Her expression softened for a moment as she thought, "Thank goodness I didn¡¯t miss¡­"


    Victor noticed Kael and Mia fighting together. "Maybe I can relax a bit and focus on my own battle," he thought, satisfied that they were holding their own.


    **[The Battle Layout]**


    |_______________[Gate]


    |          _


    |    _


    |____[Isolde]__[Thomas]


    |            _


    |______[Mia]__[Kael]


    |


    |__________________________________[Garrick]___[Edwin]


    |


    |_____________________________________[Victor]________________|


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    Isolde, taken aback, watched Mia. "How can that girl use such precise magic at her age?" she thought, fear creeping in. "If she can neutralize my attacks, then I¡¯m not even a part of this battle¡­ and if I¡¯m not part of this fight, then she won¡¯t be either," Isolde decided, trying to regain her composure.


    Thomas noticed her anxiety and teased her, "Look who¡¯s the crybaby now! I thought you were brave and could be trusted. Was I wrong?" His deep voice was measured, each word deliberate.


    Isolde¡¯s confidence flickered, but she straightened up. "I¡¯m not a crybaby!" she declared, her determination rekindled.


    **[Kael and Thomas¡¯ Duel: A Test of Strength]**


    "Thanks for saving me," Kael began.


    "You can thank me once we¡¯re out of this mess," Mia cut him off, dismissing his gratitude.


    Kael sighed. "Okay¡­"


    "Sword Style: Consecutive Sword!" Thomas announced as he advanced toward Kael.


    Kael took a deep breath, calming his nerves. "Aran Style: First Form, Normal Sword," he declared, enchanting his sword to strengthen its blade.


    As their swords clashed, sparks flew. Despite being only an eight-year-old boy with a height of roughly 4 feet 9 inches (usually extended to 5 feet 2 inches with special shoes), Kael held his own. However, Thomas¡¯s more mature physique and physical strength gave him a significant advantage.


    Kael grimaced as he matched Thomas blow for blow, his shorter frame struggling against the older opponent. The force of their swords striking sent vibrations through his arms, but he held on, determined not to falter.


    "Tch¡­ I knew it," Thomas thought. "His grandfather must¡¯ve trained him well. Matching my physical strength at his age is troubling."


    Thomas closed his eyes briefly, focusing. "Blood Art," he muttered, cutting his palm with his sword and letting his blood coat the blade. His eyes snapped open, glowing an angry red. As he rotated his sword 360 degrees, a wave of unease swept over the battlefield. Mia and Isolde both felt an intense weakness, their energy drained.


    Everyone noticed the sudden change in Thomas.


    "What is he doing?" Edwin thought, alarmed by the speed at which Thomas was executing the technique.


    Victor, too, was shocked and called out in desperation, "Kael, stop him!"


    Kael heard Victor¡¯s warning and immediately launched into action. "Aran Style: Wind Style Gust!" he shouted, increasing his speed as he dashed toward Thomas.


    But it was too late. Thomas completed the technique.


    "Blood Moon Sword," Thomas whispered with a sinister smile.


    In an instant, Thomas was behind Kael. Blood splattered on the ground.


    Kael barely managed to avoid a fatal blow, twisting his body at the last second. The sword slashed his leg instead, and he used the momentum to propel himself off the ground, narrowly escaping a worse injury.


    "Tch¡­ survived, did you? But not for long!" Thomas snarled, pressing his attack. Kael, injured and bleeding, fought back with all his might, but Thomas gave him no time to recover.


    "Mia, help!" Kael cried out, his voice laced with pain. He could see her distress as she struggled to maintain her focus against Isolde.


    Victor, fighting his own battle, was both furious and sorrowful, but he couldn¡¯t afford to lose focus.


    "It hurts¡­ but I have to keep fighting. What now? That hit was too close. I can¡¯t use my grandfather¡¯s techniques as well as he could. The only option left is my third technique, but I need time¡­" Kael thought, his mind racing as he exchanged blows with Thomas.


    Gathering his strength, Kael pushed Thomas back momentarily and sprinted towards Mia.


    "Mia, can you cast any protective magic? I have a plan, but I need time to activate it," Kael asked urgently.


    "Protective magic? I¡­ I¡¯ll try!" Mia replied, her mind racing.


    "Now what? Think, Mia, think!" she urged herself, trying to come up with a solution.


    Isolde, seeing Mia distracted, advanced toward Thomas. He noticed something odd as Kael stood his ground. The wound on Kael¡¯s leg had stopped bleeding and appeared to be healing rapidly.


    "How is that possible? How did he heal so quickly? It¡¯s a blood art wound!" Thomas thought, astonished.


    "Are you okay, Thomas?" Isolde asked, her voice laced with concern.


    "Yes," Thomas replied curtly, though his mind was spinning with questions.


    "Barrier Magic: Medium Level Barrier!" Mia chanted, casting a protective barrier around herself and Kael.


    As the barrier formed, Kael felt a momentary sense of relief, knowing that he had a brief window to execute his plan. But the battle was far from over, and both sides were bracing for the next wave of attacks.


    [Battle Layout]


    |____________________________________[Gate]


    |


    |_________[Isolde]__[Thomas]


    |


    |


    |


    |_______________[Mia]


    |_______________[Kael]

 Victor vs Edwin & Garrick

    While Kael and Mia were battling Thomas and Isolde, Victor was handling Garrick and Edwin.


    "I guess I don¡¯t have to worry about them, so let''s focus on these two," Victor thought.


    __________________**[Gate]**


    ________**[Isolde & Thomas]**


    __________**[Mia & Kael]**


    "They¡¯re doing well in their fight," Victor observed as he constantly evaded the continuous attacks from Edwin and Garrick. "One sword isn¡¯t enough for them." Victor pushed them back and summoned his secret weapon.


    "Summon: Sun Sword," he called. A bright, curved sword made of some unknown material with red edges appeared in Victor¡¯s hands. "Let¡¯s do this, boys," he said, his tone serious.


    Edwin and Garrick paused for a second after seeing the legendary Sun Sword, one of the few of its kind.


    "So, that''s the legendary sword," Garrick thought.


    Victor rushed towards Edwin and Garrick. "Sun Style: Blaze Form," he shouted, and both swords became engulfed in blue flames.


    "Dodge it!" Garrick shouted urgently to Edwin, but as he was still speaking, Victor was already right in front of them.


    "Move... my stupid body," Edwin muttered as he saw Victor up close.


    As Victor struck, a small-scale explosion was created.


    Victor landed perfectly, while Edwin and Garrick suffered some damage.


    "(Coughs...) If I hadn''t blocked that, it could have caused some serious damage..." Garrick thought.


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    **[Victor¡¯s POV, just before attacking]**


    Garrick pulled his hand back slightly to activate the mechanism of his blade, which was reinforced around his hand. "Oh... So he has some skills to survive," Victor noted, not planning to stop. "It''s impossible to stop it, just survive.(thought Garrick)"


    "(Garrick, are you fine?)" asked Edwin.


    "I''m good," Garrick stammered, trembling, "but think of something, or else you''re as good as dead!"


    Victor noticed their expressions. "I see. Lack of teamwork, lack of confidence in teammates can be fatal," he thought.


    "Let''s take a break from this fight for a moment and examine two things: (i) Blood Art, (ii) Swords."


    **[Blood Art]**


    Blood Art is a sacrificial technique where a user can generate additional power in exchange for blood. It¡¯s one of the supreme techniques and can¡¯t be used without a strong will to live. The more blood you sacrifice, the more powerful you become.


    Victor used a technique called ¡®Blood Eye Detect,¡¯ which allows the user to see at longer distances with precision, slowing time by one-third or, at an advanced level, allowing the user to see a part of the future for 0.2 seconds at the cost of the user''s eye health. This technique also enables the user to sense the magic power of things or people.


    Thomas used the Blood Moon Style Sword, an ultimate Ancient-level technique. This technique requires the user to constantly sacrifice blood to a blood beast, which in return offers various known techniques. Depending on the amount of blood sacrificed, the user¡¯s stats can increase.


    Blood Beast Summoning is the most terrifying of these techniques. It forces the blood beast to take a supreme form of a normal animal, with its size and power depending on the amount of blood and the number of animals sacrificed. The necessary conditions are acceptance by the blood beast and a large amount of blood.


    But you might ask, how can a human survive this when they have limited blood? The answer is that there are many ways to do it, but that¡¯s a topic for another time. The questions will be answered in Kael¡¯s second stage arc. Also, only I have the right to break the fourth wall.


    For now, this explanation should clarify some things.


    **[Swords]**


    There are three types of swords: 1 Arrow, 2 Arrow, and 3 Arrow. Arrows represent rank; the more arrows a sword has, the more powerful it is. The sword Victor used was the Sun Sword, which falls under the White Sword category¡ªa 3 Arrow sword and also the most powerful one. This type of sword harnesses the power of the sun. Next is the Night Sword, which falls under the Black Sword category¡ªa 2 Arrow sword. The rank of the sword also determines what techniques can be used with it. There are many 2 Arrow and 3 Arrow swords. All other swords, except for 2 Arrow and 3 Arrow swords, are 1 Arrow swords. Kael also uses a 1 Arrow sword.

 Situation Not Good

    "This is not going in our favor... tch," Garrick muttered under his breath, his gaze fixed on Kael.


    ¡°Maybe it''s time. Time to go all out¡­¡± His eyes narrowed as he observed Kael from across the battlefield.


    "That boy¡­ he¡¯s no ordinary child. There''s something off about his power," Garrick thought, unsettled by the raw energy Kael seemed to radiate.


    Battle layout:


    __Edwin______Garrick


    _______Victor


    Garrick tightened his grip on his sword, a decision forming in his mind. ¡°Alright¡­ let''s do it!¡± he shouted, changing his stance. Turning to Edwin, he whispered, "Stay behind me."


    With a booming voice, he invoked, "Elemental Magic: Reflection... Clones!"


    Garrick made a blood sacrifice, drawing power from his very veins. In an instant, four identical clones of Garrick materialized around the battlefield, their presence adding to the mounting tension.


    __Edwin______Garrick(Real)


    ________Garrick


    Garrick__Victor__Garrick


    ________Garrick


    Victor watched the scene unfold, his expression shifting into one of surprise. "Oh, so he''s using clones¡ªblood magic, huh? A blood vow to summon such power. But it¡¯s not common for people to use blood arts, and this team seems to be spamming it¡­ What the hell are they?"


    Victor smirked, excitement creeping into his voice. "But even with this, it¡¯s still not enough to get me excited!" he shouted, raising his twin swords. Fire flared at the edges as he infused his blade with elemental power. ¡°Flame Style: Rising Phoenix!¡±


    The clones surged forward, attacking Victor from all sides. He countered their strikes, but to his frustration, the clones took no real damage. A few even slipped past his defenses, landing blows that stung with real force.


    "Dammit¡­ I need to act fast." Victor stopped blocking, letting the clones¡¯ attacks hit him directly. Blood trickled from the cuts, but he remained calm. ¡°Earth Style Magic: Quicksand!¡± With a commanding gesture, the ground beneath the clones turned to a thick, swirling pit of sand. The clones were trapped, sinking fast. Victor, though wounded, gritted his teeth and wielded his Sun Sword with both hands.


    ¡°Sword Style: Full Moon Blade,¡± he whispered, rotating the blade in a perfect arc. ¡°Falling Moon!¡± With a single devastating strike, he cut through the trapped clones in one fluid motion. All four were destroyed in an instant, their remains dissolving into the sand.


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    Victor exhaled, his eyes scanning the battlefield. "Where are they...?" he muttered, sensing something was off. But before he could react, a sharp pain exploded in his stomach. Victor¡¯s eyes widened as he turned to see Edwin, his sword impaled deep into his body, a twisted smile on his face.


    Victor grunted in pain, preparing to retaliate, but another sword struck him¡ªthis time from Garrick.


    "They got me...," Victor groaned, staggering. His vision blurred, but he could still see Kael and Mia in the distance. "Kael¡­ he''s doing well." But as Edwin and Garrick continued their relentless assault, hacking at him with their blades, Victor made his decision. He dropped the heavy Sun Sword, which sank into the earth with a dull thud, and caught their swords with his bare hands.


    With a fierce growl, Victor shouted, "Do you even know who you¡¯re fighting, you brats?"


    In one swift motion, Victor shattered their swords with sheer force. Edwin and Garrick staggered back, disbelief written on their faces.


    Panting heavily, Victor raised his hand. ¡°Nature Art: Massive Elegen!¡±


    A swirling, black-and-red sphere of energy materialized in his palm, radiating with immense power. Edwin and Garrick''s faces paled as they saw the sheer size of the attack. Fear crept into their eyes as Victor approached, and with a flick of his wrist, he unleashed the Massive Elegen.


    The resulting explosion shook the entire battlefield. The ground trembled as a deafening blast tore through the area. When the dust settled, Victor stood, drenched in blood, while Edwin and Garrick lay motionless on the ground, gravely injured.


    From across the field, Kael saw his grandfather, Victor, covered in blood.


    ¡°Grandpa! No¡­ no¡­!¡± Kael screamed, his heart breaking as he fought to keep his composure. He nearly lost focus and was about to break through the barrier keeping him safe.


    Mia grabbed his shoulder, her own voice trembling. "Hold on, Kael... please¡­ we have to focus on the challenge in front of us."


    Victor, barely standing, smiled weakly at Kael and nodded, reassuring him that he was alright.


    ¡°Why? Why is this happening?¡± Kael''s heart twisted in sorrow, but then Mia¡¯s voice broke through his despair.


    ¡°I believe in you, Kael,¡± Mia said softly, her hand resting on his shoulder.


    Kael¡¯s eyes widened as he remembered the trust his grandfather had placed in him, alongside Lilliam and Beatrice. ¡°I have to do it,¡± he thought, determination flooding back into him.


    [Flashback]


    After a grueling training session with Victor, Kael wandered the palace, exhausted. He found himself lost in a rarely visited section of the castle. His curiosity piqued as he stumbled upon an old, locked room with a broken window.


    Intrigued, Kael climbed through the window and entered. The room was filled with books. ¡°A library?¡± Kael murmured to himself as he explored the shelves. His eyes fell on a particular section¡ª¡®Forbidden¡¯¡ªand he couldn¡¯t resist picking up one of the books.


    ¡°This¡­ this is amazing¡­,¡± Kael whispered with a smile, holding the ancient tome.


    [Present Time]


    Kael snapped back to the present, staring at Thomas with a fierce resolve. ¡°Let¡¯s do this,¡± he said, ready to face the battle ahead.

 Guinea Pig

    Kael stood prepared, his body tensing with the anticipation of the final strike. He turned to Mia, his voice calm yet determined.


    "Thank you, Mia." His smile was one of genuine warmth, a rare sight in the chaos of battle. "Just a little more, and I¡¯ll handle everything from here."


    He stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of her.


    Taking a deep breath, he channeled his energy and assumed the fighting stance that would unleash his trump card. "Forbidden Art: 100 Years of Peace!"


    As the words left his mouth, time seemed to freeze for a fraction of a second. The entire battlefield felt the shockwave of this ancient power. When the flow of time resumed, the protective barrier that surrounded both Kael and Mia vanished, reforming itself around Kael alone. The shield took on the shape of his body, enhancing his durability. Meanwhile, Thomas¡¯ Blood Moon Sword¡ªthe source of his own immense power¡ªbegan to falter. The crimson glow that once radiated from it dimmed, turning the mighty weapon into an ordinary blade. The energy that once surged through it now bloomed inside Kael¡¯s sword, filling it with an unstoppable force.


    Kael laughed, an expression of both relief and triumph. "I did it!" he shouted, his voice reverberating across the battlefield.


    "Impossible!" Thomas gasped, as both Mia and Isolde stood frozen in disbelief.


    Everyone who witnessed this was astounded.


    Mia¡¯s thoughts raced. "How? How is this even possible? Just who is he?"


    Victor, watching from the sidelines, was equally stunned. "I¡¯ll have to have a long conversation with him when this is all over," he mused, unable to look away from the spectacle.


    Thomas, on the other hand, was struggling to comprehend what had just occurred. His sword, once the embodiment of his strength, now appeared powerless.


    "Thomas... Thomas!" Isolde called to him, her voice snapping him back to reality. He turned toward her, still dazed. "Don¡¯t worry," she said softly. "We¡¯ll find a way out of this."


    Meanwhile, Edwin and Garrick, both injured and lying on the ground, could do nothing but watch the events unfold with their own eyes.


    Kael''s demeanor shifted, his smile fading as his focus returned to the situation at hand. "Mia," he asked, "do you have any mana left?"


    "A little," she replied, exhausted but determined.


    "Then could you do one last thing for me? Heal my grandfather. Even a little would help."


    Without hesitation, Mia nodded. "Alright, I¡¯ll do it."


    But Kael raised his hand, his expression softening. "No... Don¡¯t do it just because I asked. Do it only if it¡¯s what you truly want to do."


    A small, gentle smile appeared on Mia''s face. "Believe me, I¡¯m doing this because I want to. I¡¯ll help you, Kael."


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    "Thank you," he said, gratitude evident in his voice.


    Mia moved swiftly toward Victor, her hands glowing as she began to heal his wounds, stopping the bleeding and alleviating some of his pain.


    Victor cast a quick glance toward Isolde, Thomas, and Garrick. "They''re all guinea pigs... I¡¯m certain of it now," he thought to himself, his mind swirling with revelations about the twisted experiments of the past.


    The Forbidden Art: 100 Years of Peace


    Now, let¡¯s pause for a moment to delve deeper into the mysterious technique that Kael just used¡ª100 Years of Peace.


    This powerful technique wasn¡¯t born in the present day. It was developed centuries ago by a man whose name has been lost to history. Known only as the creator of Ancient Magic and numerous sword techniques, this man¡¯s initial goal was to help humanity by offering them the means to defend themselves and maintain peace. Unfortunately, the very powers he created were misused, leading to a devastating war that raged across the land.


    As the violence escalated, the man became disillusioned with how his creations were being exploited. Saddened by the bloodshed and the misuse of his magic, he devoted the last years of his life to creating a technique that could neutralize all others: 1000 Years of Peace. This technique had the unprecedented ability to absorb all magic within its range, effectively silencing the powers used in warfare. After many years of battle, the man finally used the technique, putting an end to the war and extinguishing Ancient Magic from the world.


    However, such immense power came at a great cost. To activate 1000 Years of Peace, the man had to sacrifice his very soul. In addition, the technique drew upon the user¡¯s life force, gradually draining them to increase the area of effect. Thus, the Ancient Magic vanished, or so the story goes.


    As time passed, one of the man¡¯s followers adapted the original technique into a less life-threatening form: 100 Years of Peace. This version didn¡¯t require the user¡¯s life force but instead harnessed the energy of the absorbed magic itself, making it a cornerstone of modern-day magic.


    Kael¡¯s mastery of this technique, however, remains a mystery, one that will be explained as his story unfolds.


    Isolde¡¯s Past:


    Let¡¯s now shift focus to Isolde and explore the dark history that shaped her.


    The current era is one of conflict, where kings seek to expand their dominions by conquering neighboring lands and enslaving common people. The Kingdom of Ivan as we know it didn¡¯t exist yet. Instead, it was a fractured land divided into small clans, each led by tribal leaders. Among these was the Van Clan, known for its brutal methods in battle and horrific experiments on human subjects.


    Before the Kingdom of Ivan united under its present rule, the current King¡¯s father, alongside many influential figures¡ªincluding Victor¡ªplayed a key role in unifying the clans to form what is now Eldoria.


    In the outer regions, what is now known as Ivan¡¯s commoner zone, there existed a notorious clan that reveled in cruelty and human experimentation. It was here that Millie Van, a leading scientist in human experimentation, and her husband, Phillip Van, conducted their grotesque research under the orders of the organization D.A.R.K. (which later came to be Ivan). Phillip Van was not only the second-in-command but also a close confidant of D.A.R.K.''s leader.


    Isolde, at the age of seven, was well aware of her parents¡¯ involvement in these unethical experiments. She would often sneak into the facility where these experiments were conducted on children. Though horrified by what she saw, Isolde felt powerless, unable to stop the atrocities despite her growing hatred for them.


    The experiments themselves were cruel. In one particular batch¡ªthe seventh to be precise¡ªthere were 26 children involved. By the end, only one had survived. Isolde often visited these children, offering them moments of solace and happiness in an otherwise hellish existence.


    But how did she come to know of these experiments? And why did she choose to meet the children?


    One day, while wandering the streets of her hometown, Isolde, known and adored by many for being the future head of the Van Clan, happened upon a disturbing scene. She saw a group of men, clad in the royal emblem, forcefully abducting children and murdering their parents if they resisted.


    Isolde, confused and disturbed, began following them. She eventually lost sight of them but managed to track their footprints all the way to the secret facility on the outskirts of the city. Hidden in the shadows, she made her way inside through a back entrance, where her discovery would forever change her perspective on the world.

 Isoldes Backstory part 2

    Isolde entered the factory, and the first thing she noticed was that the children recently brought there were being injected with something sharp and pointed, causing them immense pain. The factory reeked of blood, and the strong metallic smell filled the air. The researchers working there covered their noses to avoid the stench. Scattered around were body parts of previous test subjects, evidence of the gruesome experiments that had taken place.


    Feeling disgusted and overwhelmed by what she had witnessed, Isolde panicked and bolted out of the factory. She ran without stopping, her mind in turmoil. Along the way, some people who recognized her asked why she was running, but she didn''t hear them. She was too lost in her thoughts to respond.


    While running, Isolde struggled to make sense of what she had seen. "Wh...wha...what...was that...?" she panted, her breath heavy with panic. As the images of the tortured children replayed in her mind, she mumbled, "No... no... why? Why?"


    Now, let¡¯s learn about the Van Clan. The Van Clan was infamous for its specialization in research and experiments on humans, with the goal of enhancing their abilities and power¡ªan inhumane practice. The Van Clan was also known for its abundant mana reserves, said to rival even some royal families. Originally one of the native clans of Ivan, the Van Clan was nearly wiped out during the war. In fact, the clan was already at its lowest point,the main branch family head before millie was cruel in her way to experiment on their own men which resulted in their own detruction.Millie wanted to stop eveything butit was too late. Isolde was meant to be the next head of the clan, but something happened... something terrible. She is now the last known member of the Van Clan.


    [Returning to the story]


    After reaching her house¡ªa small mansion¡ªIsolde rushed to her room without acknowledging her mother or the maids.


    "Isolde!" her mother, Millie, called out, trying to stop her. But Isolde didn¡¯t respond, and instead, she slammed her door shut.


    Short of breath, she muttered to herself, "What... what..." Her head began to ache from the overwhelming unease. "Why were they..." She sat down near the door, holding her head in her hands, unable to process what she had seen. Eventually, she collapsed onto her bed.


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    Isolde stayed locked in her room until nightfall, avoiding everyone, including her mother. When her father, Phillip, returned, Millie quickly informed him of the situation.


    "Isolde has locked herself in her room since she came home," Millie explained, worried.


    This unusual behavior alarmed Phillip. He hurried to Isolde''s room, located on the ground floor, and knocked on the door. "Isolde... Isolde, open the door," he called out in a calm voice. "Please open the door. Your mother is worried about you."


    He turned to Millie and asked, "Was someone with Isolde when she came home? Was she alone?"


    "She was alone..." Millie replied, her face filled with sadness and tension.


    Phillip frowned in frustration. "Fin!" he called, summoning the family butler. Fin, a man in his 40s responsible for the security of the house in Phillip¡¯s absence, entered with his head bowed.


    "Yes, sir," Fin responded.


    "Why was she alone? Weren''t you supposed to accompany her?"


    "Sorry, sir... Miss Isolde wanted to go alone, and I... I couldn¡¯t refuse. I thought she was familiar with the town by now, and there wouldn¡¯t be any problem. I thought it would help her grow and get more comfortable with the town. I didn¡¯t think something like this could happen."


    Phillip sighed deeply. "Fine, I understand, but it¡¯s your responsibility to ensure her safety."


    "Yes, sir. I won¡¯t let this happen again," Fin promised.


    Phillip, now more anxious, knocked on Isolde¡¯s door again. "Isolde," he said firmly, "if you don¡¯t open the door, I¡¯m going to break it down."


    When no response came, Phillip decided to act on his threat. "Everyone stand back, I¡¯ll handle this," he ordered.


    With a strong punch, Phillip broke open the door. They found Isolde lying motionless on the bed.


    Millie rushed over to her daughter, checking her immediately. Isolde was asleep, but when Millie touched her forehead, she recoiled in shock.


    "Phillip, Isolde has a fever! Call the medical team!" Millie exclaimed in panic.


    Phillip turned to Fin. "Call them now," he commanded.


    "Yes, sir!" Fin responded and rushed off to summon the medical team.


    For the next two weeks, Isolde didn¡¯t speak to anyone or leave her room. She remained locked away, consumed by the horrific memory of what she had witnessed at the factory. Finally, after days of isolation and contemplation, she decided to revisit the factory once more, determined to meet the children herself and confront the nightmare head-on.

 Your Decision?

    Isolde returned to the same factory, her heart pounding beneath the heavy cloak she wore to conceal her identity. In one hand, she clutched a worn leather bag, its contents carefully chosen, though they felt feeble for the task ahead. She entered through the factory''s back door, greeted by the stale, sickly stench of rot and mildew. The air was thick with a musty odor, and only faint streaks of light seeped through cracks in the walls, casting eerie shadows that stretched as she made her way down the dimly lit corridor.


    The path to the basement was long and winding. Each step deeper brought a sharp, worsening smell that clawed at her senses. The floors were coated in grime, and the few flickering lights only accentuated the crumbling, decayed interior of the old factory. Despite the bile rising in her throat, Isolde continued, her resolve firm.


    At last, she reached the bottom step, her breath catching as her eyes adjusted to the sparse, dismal light. There, behind rusted iron bars, huddled several children. They were thin, weak, their clothes hanging off them like tattered rags. The dim light revealed faces blank with exhaustion, eyes vacant of any recognition of her presence. The children sat or lay wherever they could, with one girl slumped in a corner, barely moving, her face turned to the wall as if she had given up on reality itself.


    "Hello¡­" Isolde''s voice was gentle but cracked with sorrow. "My name is Isolde."


    The children barely reacted; their minds, starved and dulled, were slow to process new information. Isolde moved closer, carefully lowering herself to their level, all the while clutching the bag. She opened it, revealing an assortment of treats: cookies, chocolates, small snacks she had gathered in the hopes of bringing them some comfort.


    "It''s okay," she whispered softly, coaxing them. "I brought you something to eat. Please, don''t be afraid."


    One girl, trembling and frail, dared to approach. Hunger etched into every movement, she moved with the wary, unsteady gait of someone who hadn''t felt kindness in a long time. The child''s eyes flicked to the cookie Isolde held out, her small hand reaching cautiously as she took it.


    "How is it?" Isolde asked, with a sad smile.


    The girl took a slow, hesitant bite, and a single tear slipped down her cheek as she whispered, "I¡­It''s¡­good¡­" Her voice was weak, stammering, as if forming words took all the strength she had left. "Can¡­can I have more?"


    Seeing the girl''s brokenness struck Isolde like a blow, but she offered more, sharing the treats among the other children who, one by one, crawled forward, each one trapped in a silent world of despair. She continued visiting them over the next few weeks, bringing whatever small comfort she could. But a fateful day was about to shatter the little progress she had made.


    [Some time later¡­]


    Isolde returned to the factory, hoping to offer the children a brief reprieve from their misery. But as she entered the basement, her heart froze; only one child was left. He sat alone in the dark corner, the shadows casting his face in a hollow, almost ghostly pallor. The others were nowhere to be seen.


    "Where¡­ where are the others?" she stammered, her voice thick with confusion and worry.


    The boy''s eyes met hers, hollow yet filled with a glint of anger. "Your people took them," he spat, his voice hoarse, heavy with accusation. "They¡­ killed them."


    "What? No¡­" Isolde''s voice quivered as she stepped closer. "I don''t understand."


    The boy''s hand clenched around the cold iron bars, and in a sudden surge of fury, he slammed his fist against them, the loud clang reverberating through the empty basement. Isolde shrank back, momentarily taken aback by his rage.


    "What is your name?" he demanded, his tone biting and cold.


    "I...I am Isolde," she replied, her voice barely a whisper.


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    "Lies!" he barked. "You''re Isolde Van¡ªpart of them. The same name that condemns us to this nightmare!" His voice choked with pain as he continued, "What about me, then? Do you even know my name?"


    Isolde''s face crumbled as she stuttered, "I¡­ I don''t¡­ I don''t know."


    "That''s right," he said bitterly, his expression twisted with despair. "None of you ever cared enough to know. We were never more than experiments to you. Yesterday, they took the others, and¡­ none of them came back. I''m the only one left." His eyes, wet and unseeing, stared at her with a glimmer of hatred. "They trusted you. Even as they suffered, they believed in you¡­ and you did nothing."


    Her heart shattered under the weight of his words. She turned away, her vision blurring with tears as she left the factory. That night, Isolde returned home a broken shell of herself, haunted by the realization of her own powerlessness. When her father, Phillip, returned, she sat waiting for him, her face a mask of pain and sorrow.


    Phillip entered the room with a warm smile, but it faltered as he noticed her expression. "Isolde, what''s wrong?"


    "Why are you doing this, Father?" Her voice was strained, a quiet fury seething beneath her calm tone.


    Phillip''s face stiffened. "What are you talking about, Isolde?"


    "Why are you killing them?" She looked directly into his eyes, her gaze steady and unforgiving. Her mother, Millie, overheard and rushed in, trying to calm her daughter.


    "Isolde! Show some respect for your father," Millie insisted, reaching out to placate her.


    But Isolde stood her ground, her voice rising with each word. "I followed the cart two weeks ago, Father. I saw them¡ªthose children, bearing our royal emblem. They are being experimented on, suffering because of us!"


    Phillip''s face darkened, a silence falling over the room. "So that''s what''s been haunting you," he murmured. "Very well. Yes, the experiments are my doing, but they are orders from the Leader. I have no choice in the matter."


    Isolde clenched her fists, the burning anger only tempered by her despair. "But you''re letting it happen! There''s one child left¡­ one survivor. I beg you, Father, spare him. Save him."


    Phillip sighed, the weight of his role bearing down upon him. "Isolde, you don''t understand the powers we are subject to. Our clan is bound to D.A.R.K, and I must follow our Leader''s orders. But I won''t stop you, if this is truly what you want."


    With a steely resolve, Isolde stepped forward and unhooked the ceremonial sword from his waist. "If you won''t save him, then I will."


    Millie gasped, reaching out to stop her, but Phillip held her back, a strange sadness in his eyes. "This is your final decision then?" he asked softly. "Remember, this act will make you a traitor to our clan. You will be shut out of this house forever."


    Without hesitation, Isolde nodded. "Yes, this is my choice. I can''t allow cruelty to rule the lives of others. My name is simply Isolde now." She turned, walking away with an unshakable determination.


    As she passed through the front door, Phillip watched her with a bittersweet pride. He turned to Millie, whose face was streaked with tears. "Years ago, I too dreamed of a different path, but I didn''t have the courage. Now, seeing her¡­ I think she might be able to do what I couldn''t."


    Phillip dismissed the maids and butler with a wave, his face heavy with the weight of what he was about to reveal. Once they were alone, he looked at Millie, his voice low, almost a whisper.


    "Millie, years ago, I too dreamed of breaking free from this dark legacy," he said, his gaze distant. "But I lacked the courage. I couldn''t fight my family, so I accepted my place, becoming a mere servant to the Leader''s will. But there were two moments that brought me happiness." He looked at her, his eyes softening. "The first was marrying you. And now, seeing our daughter''s courage¡­ that''s the second."


    Millie''s face fell, her hands clasped tightly, her voice choked with sadness and fear. "But¡­ she''s just a child. How can she carry this burden? I don''t want her to face this either, but the Leader¡ªhe hides his cruelty behind a mask of goodness, blaming others while our clan pays the price." She trembled, her eyes brimming with tears. "Phillip, please¡­ save our child."


    Phillip reached out, gently pulling her into his arms, steadying her as he spoke. "Because she''s our child, Millie, I have no fear," he reassured her, his voice carrying a determination she hadn''t seen before. "Isolde is not to be taken lightly. She may be young, but she has the strength that I never had. I tested her courage tonight, pretending I would abandon her to her fate." He paused, his voice catching. "But I would never let her face this alone. If it comes to it, I will protect her with my life."


    He straightened, his gaze distant but resolute. "And that boy¡­ he has the potential to be her shield if he chooses. He''s the first to survive the experiments, which means he may have abilities that even we don''t fully understand. Whether he''ll use them is up to him, but I believe he can."


    Scene shifts to the hidden factory, where Isolde is making her way inside.


    Isolde slipped through the factory''s back door, moving with cautious but steady steps. The place was silent, its hidden location shrouded in secrecy, isolated enough that even if someone stumbled upon it, no one would believe their account. Inside, security was minimal¡ªa grim testament to the fact that those trapped within these walls rarely survived long enough to be noticed.

 The Last Thing As Your Father

    Isolde entered the factory and made her way toward the basement, where she suddenly noticed a group of researchers injecting a boy labeled "Experiment No. 25" with the final serum. The boy screamed in agony as the injection took effect. Without hesitation, Isolde revealed herself and shouted, ¡°STOP! Stop all of this and release him!¡±


    Recognizing her, one of the researchers¡ªa ¡°scientist¡± in this world of magical research¡ªstepped forward and said, ¡°Isolde, what are you doing here? You shouldn¡¯t be here. This place is not safe for children.¡±


    ¡°Then why is that boy here?¡± Isolde shot back. ¡°I¡¯ve come to take him. He¡¯s my friend.¡±


    ¡°Friend?¡± the researcher scoffed. ¡°Even if he¡¯s your friend, I can¡¯t let¡ª¡± While the two argued, a guard saw an opportunity and triggered the defense system, setting it to target and eliminate Isolde. ¡°I will finally have my revenge on the Van clan,¡± he muttered to himself.


    The security alarm blared, and from underground, a massive robot powered by magic emerged. Panic spread across the room as everyone realized the robot was indiscriminate, attacking anyone in its path. ¡°Who activated the defense mechanism? Stop it and protect Miss Isolde at all costs!¡± another researcher shouted in desperation.


    Chaos erupted. The robot wreaked havoc, crushing anyone who attempted to shield Isolde. In the end, only she and the boy remained standing, surrounded by the ruins of the factory floor.


    The robot¡¯s menacing gaze turned toward Isolde, who, gripped by fear, started swinging her sword wildly in the air, hoping to defend herself.


    Suddenly, there was a blast. Isolde opened her eyes to see the boy standing in front of her, shielding her from the attack. The experiment was a success¡ªhe had gained the ability to wield his blood in powerful, controlled ways, the intended outcome of the procedure.


    The goal of this experiment had been to create humans who could unlock their full potential in blood arts, amplifying their natural abilities far beyond normal human limits.


    Visibly nervous, the boy stammered, ¡°I...I might have crossed a line. I-I don¡¯t hate you. Actually, I was happy that you talked to me¡ª¡± His cheeks turned red.


    ¡°I''m sorry... I couldn¡¯t save everyone,¡± Isolde replied, guilt evident in her voice.


    The robot readied itself to strike again.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°We can talk about this later,¡± the boy said, pulling her back. ¡°Right now, let¡¯s get out of here.¡±


    He charged toward the robot, dodging its attacks and delivering a powerful blow to its frame, only to realize its armor was tougher than expected. ¡°I¡­ I might not be able to defeat it,¡± he thought to himself, ¡°but I¡¯ll protect her at any cost.¡±


    Isolde tossed a sword to him, saying, ¡°Here, take Phillip¡¯s sword¡ªit might be strong enough to help.¡±


    With renewed determination, the boy wielded the sword, engaging the robot in a fierce duel of steel against its massive fists.


    Meanwhile, Phillip, was in the garden of his mansion, growing increasingly anxious about Isolde and the boy. ¡°Maybe I should check on them. Blood Art: 4D Eyes.¡± Through this technique, he could connect to objects he owned, seeing and manipulating them remotely.


    What he saw through the sword startled him. ¡°Who activated the defense mechanism?¡± he muttered. ¡°I have to help them¡­But then he(the Leader) will not forgive anyone,Millie is also my responsibility.¡±


    But just as Phillip made his move, his wife Millie grasped his hand. ¡°Phillip I am happy to be your wife,and I will support you in your decision.Please save our child even if it cost our life.Our child must live on.¡± she said.


    Phillip hesitated, then smiled at her. ¡°Thank you.¡± Activating Blood Art, he activated his wooden clone, a backup body stored in his lab for emergencies,which is stored in the underground storage of the factory.


    Back at the factory, the boy, weakened by hunger and the strenuous experiment, was struggling. Isolde placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. He blushed and replied, ¡°Uh¡­ don¡¯t touch me like that. It¡¯ll break my focus.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± she replied, stepping back.


    Just then, a powerful attack struck the robot from behind, and Phillip¡¯s wooden clone entered the fray.


    ¡°Isolde, take the boy and go!¡± Phillip¡¯s voice commanded through the clone. ¡°I¡¯ll handle this.¡±


    ¡°Dad!¡± she cried, ¡°Why¡ªwhy are you doing this?¡±


    ¡°This is my last act as your father. I grant you your freedom, Isolde. Go and enjoy your life as you want. I am proud to be your father and I & Your Mom we both will always be proud of you no matter what decision you take from now on.Remember that.¡± he said.


    With tears in her eyes, Isolde grabbed the boy¡¯s hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± she shouted.


    They ran, glancing back only once to see Phillip¡¯s clone taking on the robot. In a final sacrifice, Phillip activated hidden explosives throughout the factory, detonating the structure.


    From a safe distance, Isolde and the boy watched the massive explosion. They continued running until they reached the forest, finally stopping to catch their breath, lying on the grass, exhausted.


    [After some time...]


    The were on a hight hill area with forest...


    ¡°I think¡­ I need to give you a name,¡± Isolde said, still panting.


    The boy looked at her, puzzled. ¡°A name¡­ now? Why now?¡±


    She thought for a moment. ¡°How about Thomas?¡±


    ¡°If you like it,¡± he replied, ¡°I guess I don¡¯t dislike it.¡±


    She smiled, brushing the dirt from her clothes. ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. You¡¯re Thomas.¡±


    Suddenly, they heard a man¡¯s voice from behind them. ¡°Do you need a place to stay?¡± The figure of a stranger approached them, his face obscured, adding an air of mystery to their escape.

 The.. Beast Is Here, The One Who Plays with Blood

    "(Watching Isolde, Thomas, Edwin, and Garrick) they are all guinea pigs.I am sure of it now."


    As Victor thought this, Mia patiently healed him to help clot the blood. Edwin and Garrick were trying to regain their strength. On the other hand, Kael was fighting Thomas.


    "(Shocked and confused) W...what was that? (Looking at his sword) How did it happen? How is it even possible? (Angrily) You will die! (Shouted!!)


    Thomas rushed to attack Kael. Isolde also joined in with her attacks.


    "Explosion Magic: Explode!" she chanted, using it on a large scale to create a massive explosion. The explosion filled the area with smoke, which Thomas took advantage of, quickly attacking Kael. Their swords clashed against each other, and the pressure from their strikes cleared the smoke. Kael stood there, unharmed.


    Both Thomas and Isolde realized that Kael''s technique was incredibly powerful.


    Mia saw this and thought, "He looks so cool... (blushed and flustered) NO, no, no, no! What am I thinking?!"


    Meanwhile, Edwin and Garrick returned to the battle. Victor had also been healed to some extent.


    Now it was Thomas and Isolde vs. Kael on one side, and Edwin and Garrick vs. Victor on the other. Mia had reached her maximum limit for magic use. Exhausted but still trying to help, she pushed herself further. (But for how long could she continue?)


    "I have to finish this fast. I... I can control this power for only 10 minutes (stressed). I don¡¯t know what will happen after that. I know he is more powerful than this, so why is he holding back? Oh, because I¡¯m a child? No, he¡¯s not. Then why..." Kael analyzed the situation.


    Thomas, now calm, attacked Kael with his sword and physical strength. Kael blocked it. Isolde disrupted Kael¡¯s movements by vibrating the ground and pelting him with small rocks. Isolde¡¯s magic didn¡¯t work directly on Kael due to Mia¡¯s protective magic, so she acted as a supporter.


    Kael continued to push Thomas to his limits with his sword. This time, Thomas dropped his weapon and smiled. Kael saw an opportunity and moved to stab him.


    "(His motivation shatters) Wait...wait... Do I have to kill them? Wait, why? (His hands trembled, but he tried not to show it.) Why am I fighting in the first place? I don¡¯t understand... Why do I have to do this? Why are we even fighting?"


    As Kael hesitated, Thomas grabbed him and slammed him to the ground. Kael''s resolve to fight wavered as he realized he would have to kill them to end the battle. Thomas, however, showed no mercy and began using his physical strength. Mia¡¯s magic could block magic and swords to a certain level but couldn¡¯t withstand brute force.


    "(Lying on the ground, taking continuous punches) This is not what I... I wan... wanted."  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Three minutes remained until the effect of "100 Years of Peace" would wear off.


    Mia and Victor, watching helplessly, moved to help Kael. Mia, barely conscious, collapsed. Edwin and Garrick, however, were ready to face Victor again.


    "Tch... this is bad," Victor thought. "XXX... please do it. I am counting on you."


    Thomas continued punching Kael relentlessly until Kael''s face was bloodied. Kael clutched his sword, teetering on the edge of unconsciousness.


    [A Voice...]


    ¡°Idiot! (A deep, creepy, dark voice)¡±


    Thomas¡¯s punches stopped midway, and he was thrown back a distance. Kael stood up with a creepy expression¡ªhis teeth elongating into fangs like a beast, his nails growing longer. Blood flowed from his red eyes, and his bloodied face twisted into a sinister smile. He held his sword with murderous intent, laughing maniacally.


    (Everyone watched in shock and horror.)


    ¡°Finally¡­ I (Creepy smile) got (shouted) a human body! (Deep voice) (Fixing his gaze on Thomas) Oh, so that''s how you look in real life... the one who was using my powers without my will. (Gets angry) You fool! You are also one of the reasons for (word by word with intense anger) my sufferings! Your body was made to control me, but you could never master my powers. Now, because of this brat, I... the Supreme Blood-Beast (echo)... am free! (Laughing)¡±


    The shield around Kael shattered, and the Blood Moon''s Sword took over his body, merging with the Blood Beast itself.


    "(Weakly) Ka... K-Kael...¡± Mia managed to say before fainting. As she collapsed, the light magic protecting everyone disappeared.


    ________________________[GATE]


    ____Isolde & Thomas


    _______Kael ¡Á BB


    ________________________Edwin & Garrick


    ________________________Victor__Mia


    "(Pressure) This is bad. Without a contract with the Blood Beast, things could get disastrous. What should I do? I have to stop them all. But first... (He ordered his Sun Sword to protect Mia at all costs, leaving the weapon beside her.) Could it be true? Could they be... them? (If yes, then this is terrible news.)" Victor thought.


    Edwin and Garrick stood up, sensing the intense anger radiating from Kael¡¯s body.


    ¡°How dare you leave my body?! (Thomas shouted) You are nothing but an experiment! You are nothing¡ªabsolutely nothing¡ªwithout me, moron!¡±


    ¡°Moron, huh? Let¡¯s see who the real moron is here. I will kill everyone in this cave and take my revenge. (Smiling) Oh, that van brat. I will kill her in front of you. I hate her and her family the most!!¡±


    ¡°(Shouted) Moron?! How dare you!¡± Thomas yelled as he tried to punch Kael.


    Kael stopped Thomas¡¯s punches effortlessly and threw him so hard into the cave wall that a hole was formed.


    ______________________________[GATE]


    |______________[Isolde]


    |


    |_____________[Kael]


    |


    ¡°Thomas! (Saying this) I... I have to do it. Why do I feel scared? I was never like this. None of us feared anything. So why... why is this happening? I... I want to kill this monster. He¡¯s the reason for their deaths... and Thomas¡¯s pain. I... I will do it!¡±


    As Edwin and Garrick regained their strength, Victor showed no mercy, using a second Elegan spell to smash them to the ground.


    (Somewhere in the XXX Universe)


    In complete darkness, a thunderstorm cracked. A faint light revealed a man shrouded in darkness, sitting on a throne with his right leg crossed over his left. He rested his head on his right hand, his left hand on his left leg. His wicked smile, with gleaming white teeth, was faintly visible.


    ¡°How can... (creepy, wicked voice)... I let you die, loser? (Laughing wickedly) I have great plans for you. They are strong, but they¡¯re nothing more than ants. No... calling them ants insults ants. They are... (more intensely) they are... (with rage) my... pup¡ª (wicked laughter) Well, now that the Blood Beast is on a rampage, why not enjoy the fight and give them a chance to entertain me?¡±


    Author''s Note: We are back from the Break...Some fascinating chapters are waiting for you...

 Clash of Titans: Shadows Against the Tide

    "Give me strength, mother."


    Water began swirling around her, shimmering with light. She closed her eyes and chanted. (The moment Thomas collided with the wall) Ry¨±suiy¨±¡ªthe revolving flowing water, taking the form of a dragon. With her at the center, she could control the dragon.


    "Go, Ry¨±, give him a good beating!" Isolde commanded.


    The dragon growled and attacked with a high-pressure water stream.


    Kael dodged it.


    "Tch! I thought it would be something more fun than this..." he muttered, but suddenly felt uneasy.


    "What''s this feeling?" he wondered, as the dragon attacked again. Kael managed to dodge, but the ground was brutally damaged.


    "Oh, it''s strong. This makes me excited..." Kael said with a grin.


    "Ry¨±, use Suikodan," Isolde ordered.


    The dragon quickly began collecting moisture from the atmosphere, forming a massive ball of water.


    "It will take some time," she thought. Kael noticed her plan and smirked.


    "What do you think, girl? I will wait for it," he taunted. Just as he moved toward the dragon''s head, he paused.


    "Oh, so you''re alive, Thomas!" he shouted.


    Thomas calmly walked out of the hole in the wall, holding a fiery orb in his hand.


    Without a word, Thomas teleported instantly, appearing right in front of Kael.


    "Katsu-en!" Thomas blasted the orb at close range.


    Smoke filled the air.


    As it cleared, Kael stood injured and shaken, his bones broken, but he remained on his feet. Meanwhile, the dragon finished preparing its Suikodan.


    The dragon unleashed the massive water sphere, hurtling it toward Kael.


    "You want me to be scared of this?" Kael closed his eyes, and a black barrier materialized in front of him, absorbing the Suikodan. Everyone looked on in shock as Kael opened his eyes, laughing wickedly.


    "Scared, huh? You never knew the potential, Thomas. You could have used this power too... but you never asked for it."


    "What was that?!" Isolde gasped.


    "I... I don''t want to become a monster like you," Thomas retorted.


    "Oh, playing the victim card, are we? But you became a bigger monster than I did." Kael stopped mid-sentence, sensing someone behind him.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "How dare you speak like that!" Edwin growled, attacking Kael.


    Kael blocked Edwin''s assault, but Isolde used Ry¨± to throw Kael back.


    Edwin regrouped with Thomas and Isolde. Kael stood up and smiled.


    "Oh, Tenkai Blink. So you can use it... but it''s nothing compared to my Kage Warp."


    Author Note:


    Tenkai Blink is a technique that allows the user to teleport within a certain range, moving faster than the blink of an eye, and staying unnoticed until the last moment.


    On the other hand, Kage Warp is more advanced, utilizing the shadow realm for travel. However, the user must know the exact location or direction they wish to teleport to. It also allows teleportation of other objects or people but consumes significant energy.


    "Edwin, why are you here? Where''s Garrick?"


    "(Hiding his face) He''s fighting alone. He said he''d use his Pseudo Form, so... it''s probably a death situation for him now," Edwin replied solemnly.


    "What?! What is he thinking?! He''s such an idiot!" Thomas exclaimed, both angry and tense.


    "Hey, hey, let''s see who''s the idiot here¡ªhim fighting a monster alone or you three fighting me," Kael said with a wicked tone.


    "Heal!" Kael chanted, completely restoring his injuries.


    "How can we fight a monster like him?" Isolde asked nervously.


    "We have to distract him, force him to use Kage Warp, and then launch our strongest attacks," Thomas suggested.


    "Leave it to me. I don''t have my sword, but I can manage. Fire Style: Hienbaludan!" Edwin extended his hand, generating an area of extreme heat.


    "Just distract him for two minutes. Thomas, Isolde, dismiss Ry¨± Ry¨±suiy¨± and use Kary¨±dan. I don''t care what happens to this place anymore."


    "Understood!" they both replied.


    Thomas used his speed and sword to attack Kael, but Kael blocked the strike.


    "Come forth!" Kael summoned his sword.


    "Blood Moon Sword: Collapsing Moon!" Kael plunged the blade into the ground, creating a high-speed pressure wave that tore through the ground and air.


    Thomas dropped his sword and tried to stop the attack bare-handedly, a test of raw strength and willpower.


    Groaning and gritting his teeth, Thomas strained against the overwhelming force.


    An explosion followed.


    As the smoke cleared, Thomas stood injured and bleeding, his hands bearing the brunt of the damage.


    "Now it''s your turn," he said, stepping aside as Isolde and Edwin unleashed their combined attack.


    Kael attempted to use Kage Warp to escape, but Thomas surprised him with a sudden attack, pinning him to the ground with all his strength. The attack neared them.


    "Thomas!" Isolde screamed, her voice breaking.


    [Explosion...]


    A few seconds later, Kael walked out of the smoke, his body regenerating, flexing his restored limbs.


    "I survived... but can he?" Kael laughed maniacally.

 A Dance of Death

    [The Cave...]


    Kael walked out of the smoke, regenerating his injured body parts while laughing maniacally.


    "I survived, but can he?..." Kael laughed.


    Thomas was losing consciousness. He had lost his left hand, his right eye, and was severely wounded.


    "(With blurry vision and in pain) I... I failed... (coughing blood) to protect... her... (Isolde)," Thomas murmured, recalling the moments he had spent with her.


    Isolde and Edwin were devastated for Thomas and wanted to take revenge on Kael.


    Isolde ran toward Thomas.


    "Tch... We¡¯re all doomed because of this monster," Edwin thought bitterly.


    Kael noticed Isolde running. "What do you think, girl? You can just pass me to meet him?..." Kael sneered, closing his eyes.


    Kael clasped his hands together. Edwin was analyzing the situation carefully.


    "(Opening his eyes, his gaze filled with bloodlust) Blood Art: Chi no Kekkai!" Kael announced. A blood barrier materialized, trapping Edwin, Isolde, and himself inside. The blood technique''s output surged.


    Isolde stopped in her tracks, and Edwin, though initially confused, quickly understood and began to laugh.


    Kael raised an eyebrow. "What¡¯s so amusing?" he asked.


    Edwin smirked. "What a fool. I admit I lack mastery in blood art, but you..." Edwin''s voice grew louder. "You created a blood barrier to amplify blood techniques. Now, my weakness is no longer a factor!"


    Edwin closed his eyes and clasped his hands, red markings appearing around his eyes and forehead in an unknown pattern. When he opened his eyes, they gleamed with newfound power.


    "Now you¡¯ll witness the strength of the Vice Commander of the Fourth Division!"


    With this, Edwin healed all the injuries inflicted by Victor and Kael.


    "Oh... interesting," Kael chuckled. "That was indeed a mistake on my part, but this is exciting, you know."


    Before Kael could react, Edwin was suddenly right in front of him, so close that Edwin''s reflection was clear in Kael¡¯s eyes.


    "I can¡¯t dodge this..." Kael thought, moments before Edwin punched him square in the face.


    "(Touching his bleeding nose, smiling) This is exciting. Hit me! Hit me more, and I¡¯ll return the favor!" Kael taunted.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Isolde seized the opportunity and rushed toward the edge of the barrier. However, as soon as she touched it, an overwhelming surge of energy struck her, forcing her to collapse.


    "What is this barrier? It¡¯s draining my energy just from touching it!" Isolde thought, struggling to recover.


    Meanwhile, Edwin and Kael were locked in a ferocious hand-to-hand combat, their blows and movements too fast for Isolde to follow.


    "Edwin never mentioned he could do this. He¡¯s faster than Thomas... though I can¡¯t say about Garrick. But right now, I have to get to Thomas. He needs me..." Isolde resolved.


    [Outside the Barrier]


    While Edwin and Kael¡¯s battle reached its peak, Thomas, barely clinging to life, slowly crawled toward the barrier. He collapsed just short of its edge.


    [Inside the Barrier]


    Kael and Edwin exchanged relentless blows, neither gaining a decisive advantage. Edwin stepped back momentarily to prepare.


    "(With his blood marks glowing brighter) Tsuchich¨­!" Edwin roared, controlling the ground to attack Kael.


    Kael, using his speed, dodged the attacks and closed the gap between them.


    "Kassh¨­ Fire Palm!" Kael shouted, enhancing his right hand with fire and striking Edwin.


    Edwin felt the impact but grinned through the pain. "Tsuchich¨­!" he countered, using the earth to capture Kael. Giant hands of stone emerged, ensnaring him.


    Kael struggled to break free as Edwin teleported to him.


    "Thousand Palm Strike!" Edwin unleashed a barrage of rapid, powerful strikes.


    "(Getting beaten) Why am I growing weaker?! Is that brat suppressing me, or is there another reason? Whatever it is, I won¡¯t be able to control this body much longer. At least I¡¯ll kill that Van brat first!" Kael thought, enraged.


    Kael condensed the blood barrier until it enveloped only himself. Breaking free from Edwin¡¯s stone hands, he struck Edwin down. Edwin, unable to sustain his blood-enhanced form, collapsed as the blood barrier disappeared.


    Kael smashed Edwin into the ground, his screams echoing in the cave.


    Laughing like a madman, Kael appeared monstrous, drenched in blood. Isolde felt a deep sense of fear and revulsion.


    Kael created another blood barrier, this time amplifying its output so much that Edwin''s unconscious body couldn¡¯t withstand it. Edwin¡¯s body exploded as the barrier erupted, sending blood everywhere.


    Edwin, though critically injured, was still alive, barely clinging to life.


    Kael, with an evil smile, turned his gaze to Isolde and began walking toward her.


    [Flashback: Before Edwin Joined Thomas and Isolde]


    Edwin and Garrick had been battling Victor.


    "Edwin, go help them. That brat is a threat to us all. I never thought things would come to this..." Garrick said grimly.


    "Are you sure you can handle him alone?" Edwin asked.


    "(Sighing) This isn¡¯t an order but a final request as your commander. Please, go help them," Garrick pleaded.


    "What do you mean?!" Edwin shouted angrily. "What are you planning?"


    "I¡¯ll use my pseudo form, the one our master bestowed upon me," Garrick admitted.


    "You know that¡¯s a death sentence! You¡¯ll only have control of your blood beast for 10-15 minutes, and there¡¯s no guarantee you won¡¯t end up like that brat! If... if you were to loose yourself like that then there''s no guarantee we will make out of here safely..Garrick please understand ..." Edwin protested.


    Garrick looked at Edwin with determination. "Please... save them. Fulfill your commander¡¯s last wish. Create a world free of..." His voice trailed off.


    Edwin, trying to compose himself, responded, "I... I will make sure of it, Garrick."


    With that, Edwin left to assist Thomas and Isolde.


    Victor stood calmly, waiting for the fight to finish.


    "So, care to tell me what you¡¯re trying to achieve? And who exactly is your master?" Victor asked mockingly.

 Life & Death

    "My Master, huh? He is a good man, and I will follow his orders till the end of my life," said Garrick.


    "Order! What order?" asked Victor seriously.


    "Why would I tell you..." Garrick replied cryptically as he began storing energy around him.


    "OK, it looks like I have to make you speak myself," said Victor.


    Both Garrick and Victor were heavily injured. Garrick''s consciousness weakened, and he began to hallucinate a voice.


    The voice whispered, "Garrick, I have known you since your childhood. Look at you, so full of youth and promise..."


    "Grandpa!" Garrick mumbled weakly, his voice barely audible. "I... I will fulfill your wish with my life... I... I promise..." he murmured.


    "Garrick!... Gar... Garrick!" The voice faltered as Garrick began regaining his senses.


    "I will do anything to collect the Great Ivan Treasure," he accidentally declared loudly.


    "(Shocked) What!.. The Great Ivan Treasure! That means behind this gate, one of the stones is present. The three Stones, possessing the power to change the whole world¡ªthey were here in Ivan, which is why they are called the Great Ivan Treasure. But in many years, no one has known where they are. So that''s why I can''t detect what is behind the gate. This matter is far more complicated and important for the future. I have to protect that Stone," Victor thought.


    Garrick reached into the left pocket of his jeans¡ªold cloths, worn from countless battles¡ªand pulled out a capsule.


    Looking at the capsule and then at Victor, Garrick said, "Let''s end this with the death of one of us. Why not end it with a single move? The one who survives will survive."


    "Very well, I will take on that challenge. I too have many things to do," replied Victor.


    Author''s Note: Pseudo Capsule is an incomplete experiment. It grants the user temporary control over their blood beast, but as it is incomplete, its effects are not fully known.


    As Garrick took the capsule, he screamed in pain, "(Scream)... rrr... r..." His eyes turned a reddish purple as his body began to crack and transform into something unknown¡ªa grotesque metamorphosis fueled by forbidden power.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    With a wicked voice, Garrick declared, "So, let''s end this before my death¡ªI would like to die as a warrior." His tone was both defiant and mournful.


    Victor, watching all this, continued to restore his nature energy, though his gaze was filled with concern. Garrick''s body was unstable; it was clear that if he maintained this power much longer, his body would collapse completely.


    "How is that boy able to survive..." Victor thought, his voice heavy with disbelief as he rushed toward Garrick.


    "Blood Art: Life & Death!" Garrick activated his ultimate technique. In that instant, a chilling presence spread over the battlefield. The air grew cold, and a palpable sense of foreboding filled the space.


    As Garrick unleashed his Life & Death attack, the energy around him intensified. A deep, resonant hum vibrated through the ground, and shadows seemed to coalesce into a swirling vortex of power. He began to chant, his voice low and commanding: "First, Life; then, Death. The one who is beyond all is the one who controls these forces. Now, let the power judge our deeds. We will be punished for our sins and praised for our virtues." His words echoed ominously, as if nature itself were listening to his invocation.


    At that moment, both Garrick and Victor''s movements froze as if time itself had been halted by the immense power of the technique. The pressure was unbearable¡ªa force that weighed down on every living thing in the vicinity. The very essence of life and death was being called into judgment.


    Suddenly, a disembodied voice resonated through the air: "Victor... You have been charged, and it is proven here. You are guilty! Garrick, who bears the greater weight of guilt, I hereby declare Victor to be safe." The voice was cold and authoritative, leaving a chilling impact on everyone present.


    Garrick¡¯s eyes widened in shock as the accusation echoed within him. "N-no... this can''t be," he muttered. "Why am I the one with more sins than the man who has participated in countless wars and murdered so many?" His voice trembled with anguish and disbelief.


    Victor, seizing the moment, did not wait any longer. He released a massive, devastating elegen¡ªa surge of nature energy channeled through his very being¡ªdirectly at Garrick. The attack was titanic in force, a violent explosion of raw power that sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield. Garrick¡¯s body, already unstable from his transformation, convulsed under the assault. He could no longer maintain his control, and with a final, bone-crushing impact, he fell.


    Garrick lost! His body crumpled to the ground, lifeless, as the dark energy dissipated into the air.


    Victor, too, was visibly weakened. Gasping, he said, "I have to dismiss Blood Eye... I have used too much Blood Art." With a strained expression, Victor deactivated his Blood Eye technique, the intense red glow fading from his vision.


    Standing beside Garrick¡¯s still body, Victor¡¯s heart was heavy with sorrow and confusion. "Life & Death, huh? This technique is an ancient one, isn¡¯t it? But how can he do it? It is not a mere Blood Art¡ªthere must be something more. Is there something I am missing here? Well, now is not the time to ponder this. I have to help Kael and save the Stone. I don¡¯t know who your master was, but you were too loyal to this world. You died as a warrior!" Victor murmured bitterly as he looked down at Garrick¡¯s lifeless body.

 The Last Roar

    As Kael walked toward Isolde¡ªwho had just witnessed the terrifying sight of Thomas and Edwin failing and was too frightened to move, convinced it was the end.


    In front of Isolde, who was still on the ground, ¡®So... how would you like to die?¡¯¡± Kael said, his voice echoing in the tense silence.


    ¡°Kill me, but leave that boy alone¡­ he has nothing to do with you¡­¡± Isolde pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°This boy and you¡­ you were all fighting as if trying to kill each other, aren¡¯t you? Now, what happened?¡± Kael pressed, his tone a mixture of challenge and despair.


    ¡°You can interpret it any way you want,¡± Isolde replied slowly. ¡°I just want others to live their own lives. If it was his killing me, I should have accepted my defeat. But getting killed by you¡ªby you¡ªI don''t want that.¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Kael shouted suddenly, his voice cutting through the air and startling Isolde. ¡°Am I not a living being? No one ever thought about me!¡± His anger and hurt burst forth as he struggled with the feelings of neglect he¡¯d carried for so long.


    ¡°That¡¯s my fault¡ªit was, it is, and I will always bear that fault,¡± Isolde murmured, regret heavy in her tone.


    Before Kael could finish, he suddenly sensed a trembling presence behind him. The temperature in the cave seemed to rise as his heart pounded. He turned around and saw Thomas standing, his form partially engulfed in blue flames that pulsed with an intense, almost supernatural heat.


    ¡°Fi...ni...sh her, my foot¡ªI will finish you before you, bastard¡­¡± Thomas roared, his voice raw with fury.


    ¡°Isolde, go to a safe distance¡ªI will protect you at all cost!¡± Thomas added urgently, even as his eyes betrayed his internal torment.


    Kael smirked darkly. ¡°You¡­ bastard, you are strong indeed. No doubt you¡¯ve been able to withstand me all these years¡­ but I will finish you both!¡± he shouted, his voice full of defiance.


    In that moment, Kael sensed something was amiss. ¡°What¡¯s this? I can¡¯t dodge it¡ªit¡¯s like someone just stopped me. Who¡­ is it? Is it Isolde or Edwin? No, not them¡­ that must mean it¡¯s this child suppressing me¡ªbut how? He can¡¯t do it alone,¡± Kael thought in alarm.


    As if to confirm his suspicions, Thomas suddenly surged toward Kael and exploded himself at close range. The resulting blast created a massive hole at the top of the cave, letting in dim sunlight, and left a crater on the ground below.Stolen novel; please report.


    Thomas was severely burnt; he almost died, while Kael, though holding Isolde¡ªnow unconscious¡ªwas also deeply injured. Clutching his bleeding side, Kael muttered between gasps, ¡°If I were not intelligent enough to¡­ (he threw Isolde beside Thomas) ¡­I don¡¯t know who is the bigger fool here: her or Thomas. She tried to protect Thomas.¡±


    Gritting his teeth, Kael summoned his inner resolve. Isolde attempted to protect Thomas, but Kael seized her gently and invoked his most potent ability. ¡°100 Years of Peace,¡± he declared, channeling the forbidden art to extract her magic and use it as a shield to save himself from Thomas¡¯s relentless attack.


    A few moments earlier, Kael had thought, ¡°If he explodes, I could be severely injured. I think Edwin is still alive, so it will be hard for me to win this fight.¡± But as Thomas advanced toward Kael, Isolde managed to slip past him, reaching for Kael in a desperate bid to join the fray.


    A wry smile crossed Kael¡¯s face as he murmured, ¡°I have to time this perfectly.¡± As Isolde passed Kael, she began chanting a spell to create a protective barrier. At that moment, Kael shouted, ¡°Hey, boy (Thomas)! I¡¯m going to borrow your girl¡ªhope you don¡¯t mind!¡± In a split second, he intercepted Isolde with his magic. ¡°Forbidden Art: 100 Years of Peace!¡± he roared, and the power surged as Thomas exploded, unable to control his own energy.


    Presently, as Kael was healing, he bent down to survey the aftermath of the battle. ¡°Oh, so you are dead, Van brat¡­¡± he sneered, glancing at Thomas. Thomas, now barely clinging to life, lay next to Isolde. His body was completely burnt; his lower half was severed, and tears welled in his eyes as he gazed upon Isolde. ¡°How are you still alive, man? Your lower body is gone¡ªjust accept it and die¡­ At least, you should have confessed your feelings to her when you both were still alive¡­ Good night¡­¡± Kael¡¯s words were laced with bitter mockery as he started walking toward where Garrick and Victor were stationed.


    Thomas¡¯s skin turned pitch black from the burns. His eyes, still moist with tears, attempted to hold onto life. He reached out, his hand trembling, and managed to speak in a broken whisper, ¡°I¡­ S¡­ o¡­ l¡­ d¡­ e¡­¡± His vision blurred, his strength waning, and his final words fell from his lips in a pained murmur: ¡°I¡­ have always loved you¡­ and so¡­ sorry I couldn¡¯t protect you¡­¡± Tears streamed down his face as he finally succumbed to his injuries. Those were Thomas¡¯s last words.


    As Kael continued his trek toward Garrick and Victor, he neared the gate and felt an ominous uneasiness. Suddenly, his vision flickered with worry for a few seconds. ¡°Shit, my time¡¯s over. That last attack did much more damage than it seemed¡ªI can¡¯t control this body anymore,¡± he thought as a dark, internal voice, his blood beast, bellowed, ¡°Hey, give me back my body! I don¡¯t remember backing off from the right of this body!¡±


    Meanwhile, Edwin slowly got to his feet and, still bleeding, made his way toward Thomas and Isolde. ¡°Thomas, Isolde¡­ you both are my fallen comrades. I respect you both, and I want to fulfill your wishes,¡± Edwin declared in a pained tone. ¡°That monster inadvertently granted me the power to use my Blood Art one more time. I will absorb your power, and I promise you, I will continue your legacy¡­ My true Blood Art allows me to absorb the power of the dead and wield it myself. Thomas, your power will let me use Blood Art whenever I need it. I¡¯m sorry, my friends¡­¡± Edwin¡¯s voice trailed off as his eyes closed, the mark of blood glowing on his skin. ¡°Blood Art: Soul Transfuse!¡± he chanted, his voice resonating with a raw, ancient power.

 Kael Is Back

    Edwin absorbed Thomas & Isolde''s power.


    "I will continue your legacies, my friends..."


    Edwin, with his new power, was heading towards Kael.


    The blood beast was struggling to maintain its control and was forcing its limit.


    On the other hand, Victor was exhausted after his fight against pseudo Garrick. he checked on Mia & left his sword there & was coming to help Kael free from the blood beast.


    Victor, on his way, showed Kael he was struggling to maintain his control. Victor rushed towards him, and Edwin also approached Kael from behind.


    Edwin stopped as he saw Victor alive. he knew Garrick was dead, and he decided to go on his own way, quitting ''Night Ray,'' but he still wanted his revenge for his friends.


    Victor asked Kael, Kael, are you there?"


    "(smiled) Yo, old man Victor, he is there trying (laugh) to suppress me; he will do it, but before that, I will kill you and that girl to break him mentally and take this body forever " said the blood beast currently controlling Kael.


    "Oh, talking big, you got a pretty big mouth; leave him alone, said Victor.


    "Maybe someone is behind us, and you would neither want to fight me nor that monster behind me, would you, Edwin? said the blood beast.


    Kael kicked Invisible Edwin & tried to use his sword, but Victor stopped his sword barehanded. Edwin got up & said, Do whatever you want. I am no longer a member of ''Night Ray,'' & I don''t need anything. Just leave me alone, but I will for sure make you regret it & fulfill my master''s wish..."


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Edwin teleported outside the cave.


    "I can''t do anything; he had already left the cave. Following him is impossible when Kael is in his possession, Victor thought.


    "Kael, don''t let him take over you..." said Victor.


    "He can''t listen to you, said the blood beast.


    "If it comes to this, I will seal you for good. Aran seal technique: 5 fingers sealing"


    "Seal me, but you have to touch me (he felt a resistance). No, no, what''s this again? Why you! Boy "


    Kael said, Fool, I can listen to my grandfather."


    Victor used his 5 fingers and struck Kael''s heart, thus sealing the blood beast temporarily...


    Kael finally regained his senses; he was quite tired but fine.


    "This boy, what an incredible regeneration; if he can master this power, what will be his power?


    "Grandpa (he hugged Victor). I killed them (sad). I killed humans..." said Kael emotionally.


    "(Confront Kael) First of all, it was not you, but if you feel sad, remember they were willing to die for their goal, whether good or bad. They did not regret their decision; they lived as they wished.


    They might be right or wrong. If you feel sad as you show a side that is hidden from the world and needs work, then continue that legacy but in the correct way " said Victor.


    "Thank you, Grandpa. I¡­I feel better now. And are you & Mia fine?"


    "Yes, I am fine, and she is asleep... Kael, I will tell you about the seal after we get out of here. Let''s go behind these doors. Behind this door, there is one of the 3 great Ivan treasures. It might be a soul stone, a beast stone, or a life stone. Life stones give power to humans and this world. Soul stones control the soul world, the place for souls, and beast stones control the beast world, the place for blood beasts. According to legends, when these three are combined, something out of our knowledge happens," said Victor.


    "Soul world! Beast world? he asked.


    "I can explain a little about the beast world, but the soul world is out of my knowledge. Now, Kael, let''s head inside the door."


    Victor is opening the door.


    [Gate slightly opens...]

 The Dance Of Air Sword: Kael vs Galen

    [As Gate Opens]


    Victor and Kael saw an unknown man who had the Life Stone (a brown and blue-colored gem representing land and water).


    "Oh, so I have some guests, I guess," said the man.


    Victor hurriedly struck with his fists, but the man stopped it, and Victor got into a defensive stance.


    "Oh, a direct attack? You are as cold as I have heard," he said.


    "He is fast. I don''t know how much I can hold against him," thought Victor.


    Kael also got to Victor''s side.


    [Position]


    ______________ [The Unknown Man]_______________ [Victor] [Kael]________________[Gate]


    "Why don''t we introduce ourselves?" said the man as he made the Life Stone teleport. He continued, "Starting with me, I am the commander of the 2nd division of ''Night Ray.'' My name is Galen. Well, I already know your names, Victor P. Aran and Kael Aran."


    "Just who is this man? Is he not feeling the weight of this situation, or is he too strong to care? Grandpa can''t continue this fight any longer, but what can I do? Think about it... I can provide the support Grandpa needs. I will do my best," thought Kael.


    "Fool, what do you think you''ll get from this and run for your life? Like hell, I will let you do that!" said Victor.


    "Kael, stay near the door..." said Victor.


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    "I can''t let Kael get involved in this battle anymore," thought Victor.


    Victor punched Galen from above. Galen barely dodged it, and Victor''s punch destroyed the ground.


    Victor and Galen were engaged in a toe-to-toe, hand-to-hand combat.


    Kael was feeling weak, but he was ready to interrupt if Victor signaled him.


    "You have already failed. I have done what I was told to do... I can teleport myself whenever I want," said Galen.


    While attacking, Victor asked, "Who¡¯s your boss, and where is he?"


    "Like hell, I will tell you!" Galen dodged Victor''s attack and continued, "Neither Garrick answered that, nor will I."


    Victor¡¯s wound reopened as he was forcing his body beyond its limit.


    Galen teleported a rock and sent it toward Victor. Victor broke through it. Galen continued until Victor fell to the ground, nearly unconscious.


    "Grandpa!" Kael shouted and was coming to help him.


    "Kael... stop him! Sorry..." Victor lost consciousness.


    Kael angrily rushed toward Galen.


    "Kael, you have nothing to gain in this situation. Your father treated you like nothing. In the eyes of this world, you are already dead. Why not take your grandpa and that girl with you to safety? Why fight me? Think about it..." said Galen.


    Kael stopped and said, "I will live this life the way it is now. My grandpa entrusted me with a task, and I will do it. Wind Style: Air Sword Strike..."


    Galen moved a little, but to his surprise, the moment he moved, the air left a cut mark on his body.


    "What¡¯s this?" Galen was bleeding. He continued, "How do you know something like this?" he shouted.


    "Why should I reveal my secrets to my enemy?" said Kael.


    Author¡¯s Note: The air sword, within a certain range, makes the air sharp-pointed enough to act like a real blade.


    Galen forced himself to get out of the Air Sword''s range while taking damage. Galen caught Kael''s neck.


    "On second thought, maybe I should kill you," Galen said.


    "F...o...o...l," Kael said and moved his sword.


    As Kael moved his sword, which was already activated, the air around both Kael and Galen turned into invisible blades. Kael moved his body, causing both of them to take injuries. Galen let go of Kael''s neck and moved to a distance.


    [On the Other Hand]


    Mia was lying on the ground, and Victor¡¯s Sun Sword was beside her.


    Someone was standing there.


    "What is going on here?" said the man.


    The man was Ossban, the Duke of Ivan, husband of Serene.