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The battlefield lay in shambles, a testament to the ferocity of the recent clash. Malacar's defeated form sprawled on the ground, surrounded by the scattered jewels of his arsenal. As Zack and Malumnox discussed the division of the jewels, a decision was reached with a begrudging mutual respect: Zack would claim five jewels, and Malumnox would take four.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxj08EpxQ1G
Just as they extended their hands to gather the rewards of their victory, a figure materialized beside the jewels with an uncanny swiftness. It was Kaipo, looking as composed as if the battle had never touched him.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuAFyhjtw1
Malumnox reacted first, his hand shooting out in a desperate grab for the jewels. But Kaipo was quicker, scooping up all nine jewels in a fluid, practiced motion. With a smirk, he vanished as abruptly as he appeared, leaving behind a palpable vacuum of shock and disbelief.
"What just happened?" Zack muttered, his frustration boiling over into rage.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLOEBlcB8y
"He took them... all of them," Malumnox growled, his voice a low rumble of fury. "After all our efforts!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcULzxjozS
Realizing their loss, the two quickly recalibrated their plans. "We need to head towards that heavy presence," Zack said, feeling the pulse of jewel power in the distance where Joker battled. "That's where we'll find the real fight."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPFmeaUgBs
Switching perspectives, the narrative shifted to Astralith, standing about five miles away from the main confrontation. As she scanned the horizon for any sign of Kaipo, Kaipo suddenly appeared before her, his arrival as unexpected as it was silent.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbU2PW2dzZn
Kaipo: "Looking for me?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv7ggbOuuq
Astralith: "Where have you been all this time?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2drda2MzxZ
Kaipo responded with a disarming smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "That should be none of your concern as an enemy," he replied smoothly.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87iskq5jwq
He then shifted the conversation towards Lyn and Levi. "I expected them to be defeated earlier, but I suppose now is as good a time as any," he mused, his tone oddly detached for a supposed ally.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjY4NdTu3H
Astralith's suspicion deepened at his remark, her eyes narrowing. "You speak of your friends as if their defeat was inevitable. Why?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNodYWnpaW3
Ignoring her question, Kaipo continued, "I’m more interested in how you managed to seal them away. Would you care to enlighten me on that?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArD3R8YLzO
Astralith hesitated, her mind racing. "I haven’t told you about that ability... How do you know about it?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLt8fyN2FqP
Kaipo’s grin widened, his demeanor cool and calculated. "Sometimes, it's best to observe from the shadows," he said cryptically. "Now, about that Seal—can it be undone?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8J3j5SJ0Jm
Astralith took a step back, her defenses rising. "Why do you ask about things you should already know, Kaipo? Or should I start questioning who you really are?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhWC0UR3r1
Kaipo’s laughter was light, yet it carried an edge of seriousness. "Perhaps you should, Astralith. Perhaps you should."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6tWe5oZlu
After his laughter subsided, tinged with seriousness, Kaipo presented the nine jewels of Malacar. Astralith's eyes widened in disbelief as she processed the implications.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJlEc5YE4M
"That damn fool," she muttered, realizing Malacar had been defeated by Zack and Malumnox. Her tone shifted to incredulity as she faced Kaipo. "How did you manage to get these jewels if Zack and Malumnox were already there?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4xtW6TZRc
Ignoring her question, Kaipo changed the subject with an air of inevitability. "I'll be setting Levi free from your 'Seal'," he declared, his gaze steady and resolute.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB2DdsFj3h
Confusion swept over Astralith. "Your randomness in topics... Why mention Levi now?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdWapWdryb
"It's inevitable, or rather, I foresaw it," Kaipo responded cryptically. He paused, a smirk forming as he added, "It's one of the abilities I gained from my time on the 'other side'."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOm1U7NeOr
"The 'other side'?" Astralith echoed, her skepticism apparent.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5K96U3m8Nc
"Yes, a term I've coined for the other side of the Land of Spade," Kaipo explained. "There, among the ruins of an ancient and powerful kingdom, I found a tome that allowed me to develop a new power—'Infinite Insight'."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1Ip3uZ2ua
"Infinite Insight?" Astralith's interest piqued despite the tension.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx4f81qPT2
"This power granted me five remarkable abilities, pivotal in formulating my strategies for this war," Kaipo continued, his eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and secrecy. "The specifics aren't something I wish to divulge now, but I must insist you release Levi, or I will be forced to take him."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQuNs1vBaA
Astralith's expression hardened, her voice cold with resolve. "I should have dealt with you long ago, after your return from the Time Gap Portal."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzR2X5MnIIJ
Kaipo’s laughter was light, yet it carried an edge of certainty. "Perhaps you should have, Astralith. Because now, I can guarantee you this confrontation, if it comes to that, will end in your defeat."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fwOhThSnG
As the chapter closed, the air between them crackled with the tension of impending conflict, each poised with power and secrets that could turn the tides of war.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWsMy55wMC
