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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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNOymoiabn
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDirGXs136
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6OGPy07fG
"He took them... all of them," Malumnox growled, his voice a low rumble of fury. "After all our efforts!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FOrEjKFOc
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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGiCEpdHsH
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2L3HfdVno
Kaipo: "Looking for me?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8DGfely9F
Astralith: "Where have you been all this time?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjBH3YKUbD
Kaipo responded with a disarming smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "That should be none of your concern as an enemy," he replied smoothly.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJAbsGn6Tt
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j635l4Y2k
Astralith's suspicion deepened at his remark, her eyes narrowing. "You speak of your friends as if their defeat was inevitable. Why?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv2ncPLs9A
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?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbmLqA5RKY
Astralith hesitated, her mind racing. "I haven’t told you about that ability... How do you know about it?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZ1y2KRaXW
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?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aK0A1eLSO
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?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjeeWsW0nN
Kaipo’s laughter was light, yet it carried an edge of seriousness. "Perhaps you should, Astralith. Perhaps you should."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu6kHiq9z7
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzJY6HyeXL
"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?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeaKNvhtuw
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxqtUrw9PO
Confusion swept over Astralith. "Your randomness in topics... Why mention Levi now?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuTrwZwqka
"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'."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9arLT29ndy
"The 'other side'?" Astralith echoed, her skepticism apparent.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13bbK6pRJH
"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'."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfG9qBxPdXX
"Infinite Insight?" Astralith's interest piqued despite the tension.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB6ljjOMPe
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVciRwjPgj
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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyapMPA8uuL
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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3FdsSo2pn
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQf1YkGkeTG
