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Kaipo and the High Mages stepped through the portal and found themselves in front of a quaint village on the other side. Without hesitation, they moved swiftly into the village. The plan Kaipo had outlined during their journey was simple yet daunting: find the other 8 Jewels in the heart of Solara.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ntJePdrNY
As they walked, they spotted a couple of mages. Kaipo approached them and asked, "Can you guide us to Solara?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSltGaVvoDW
One of the mages replied, "You are in Solara. This entire area, including the 5 Universes, is all Solara."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrODhNanA2
Kaipo then asked, "Where can we find your ruler?"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrDrQEyLPS
Before he could finish, a blade was at his neck. One of the mages had moved with incredible speed. Kaipo glanced down at the blade and smiled. "Bind," he commanded, immobilizing the mage. Forced to kneel, the mage's defiance melted away.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFGkxXnQCO
"This is a waste of time," Kaipo muttered, walking past the kneeling mage. Activating Essence Manifest: Frostbound Sovereign, he was enveloped in a shimmering, icy aura. His eyes glowed with a piercing blue light as frost patterns spread across his skin and clothing. Snowflakes and shards of ice swirled around him, creating an aura of chilling majesty.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRUWtvaAGN
Kaipo unleashed the Specialty Technique, "Glacial Surge," summoning a massive wave of ice that surged forward, engulfing and freezing everything in its path. The entire village was encased in solid ice within moments.
The High Mages followed Kaipo, but Zara, Drew, and Mike noticed a change in him. This Kaipo seemed heartless, a far cry from the ruler they once knew. Levi stopped the group, suggesting they split up to cover more ground.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAI5G5cC09
Kaipo immediately refused. "We should stay together, especially in a territory like this."
Tension hung in the air. Drew tried to diffuse it, suggesting they stick to the original plan. The High Mages also sensed a change in Levi. He was more confident, almost cocky, and it was especially clear to Lyn.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecf8uNVqhr
Levi, undeterred, declared, "If you don't want to split up, I'll go on my own. My powers are far stronger than before. No foe can stop me."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQarrcPh7KT
Kaipo's voice was firm. "You will not leave. You will stay. Final answer."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM16zEKP2SN
Levi drew his Blade of God, a determined look in his eyes. "Let's settle this with a 'friendly' fight. Whoever takes the most damage in five minutes loses and agrees to follow the other's plan."226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DRAeNfyit
Kaipo smiled, a cold glint in his eyes. "...fine"226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR7Rerku4g
The chapter closed with Kaipo and Levi squaring off for their five-minute duel, the tension palpable and the stakes high.226Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhWbTwhFgO
