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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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1Y4YgFCRz
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuAgIveeMR
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlorx8nq5On
"He took them... all of them," Malumnox growled, his voice a low rumble of fury. "After all our efforts!"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2tn5vL6zV
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."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtYeBlhmok
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyIe69d3on
Kaipo: "Looking for me?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jooIsWm42
Astralith: "Where have you been all this time?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4tEPSW8EB
Kaipo responded with a disarming smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "That should be none of your concern as an enemy," he replied smoothly.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4efBU8V1k6
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L59DfoBIi
Astralith's suspicion deepened at his remark, her eyes narrowing. "You speak of your friends as if their defeat was inevitable. Why?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n3zhEutY4
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?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlRKBfrSpu
Astralith hesitated, her mind racing. "I haven’t told you about that ability... How do you know about it?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gNoef47eV
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?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y4lp52spq
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?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS374Ny7kq5
Kaipo’s laughter was light, yet it carried an edge of seriousness. "Perhaps you should, Astralith. Perhaps you should."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZjZ1OfZVq
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNmI5CZ0U3
"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?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbzP3Quj0z
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3RO2HBWCY
Confusion swept over Astralith. "Your randomness in topics... Why mention Levi now?"255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqharqZJ23
"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'."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpc6AOEXRjA
"The 'other side'?" Astralith echoed, her skepticism apparent.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDVXn7sYJQ
"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'."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiddbHWz7k
"Infinite Insight?" Astralith's interest piqued despite the tension.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWITWYE0Cz
"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."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJiDvP4Cbh
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."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWE8KV6fkd
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."255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZom4YkByy3
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.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Uuk8YVcnq
