x
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOGFB0L6Fr
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuW5IzfBVZ
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjYUFkgzEa
"He took them... all of them," Malumnox growled, his voice a low rumble of fury. "After all our efforts!"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfmTs3kzf3
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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbS2CfBxezj
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqh9i16Onc
Kaipo: "Looking for me?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KuDZusski
Astralith: "Where have you been all this time?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYlOKuqEVe
Kaipo responded with a disarming smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "That should be none of your concern as an enemy," he replied smoothly.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnbWBzX9fB
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SbxgsvqoX
Astralith's suspicion deepened at his remark, her eyes narrowing. "You speak of your friends as if their defeat was inevitable. Why?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadKcQNPpYF
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?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTF4D5DMdp
Astralith hesitated, her mind racing. "I haven’t told you about that ability... How do you know about it?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpE4XWnxro
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?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89TIO5DAu4
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?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdy8HbKd1Z
Kaipo’s laughter was light, yet it carried an edge of seriousness. "Perhaps you should, Astralith. Perhaps you should."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hXV2i1QHD
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3j8pwf5Ht
"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?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjss2StN49
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdk1PP0NEZ
Confusion swept over Astralith. "Your randomness in topics... Why mention Levi now?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOTBsCqc4t
"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'."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgeHdNKH4z
"The 'other side'?" Astralith echoed, her skepticism apparent.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60NqtgSscc
"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'."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wsJOTxt2h
"Infinite Insight?" Astralith's interest piqued despite the tension.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fsOpqmZhU
"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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5dQpkaBOC
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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgFzXgcbnY
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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnyXIgjy2C
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8b6SV6XeVh
