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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pPInhURiA
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvF5TDFZ7j
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLKXteYSTY
"He took them... all of them," Malumnox growled, his voice a low rumble of fury. "After all our efforts!"289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkQ54gUUgQ
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."289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlodGvTHWaN
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm6ILQuq0B
Kaipo: "Looking for me?"289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILWSZCcpL4
Astralith: "Where have you been all this time?"289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf6pWVBH6y
Kaipo responded with a disarming smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "That should be none of your concern as an enemy," he replied smoothly.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHfMVoWdmH
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQHtinHLHN
Astralith's suspicion deepened at his remark, her eyes narrowing. "You speak of your friends as if their defeat was inevitable. Why?"289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMZjxXLr3p
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?"289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5d4up5eycW
Astralith hesitated, her mind racing. "I haven’t told you about that ability... How do you know about it?"289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59p3lpq6YB
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?"289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9DKtXoioz
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?"289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8Lah0xw0J
Kaipo’s laughter was light, yet it carried an edge of seriousness. "Perhaps you should, Astralith. Perhaps you should."289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlYtw0Rq4j
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqudqEefBa9
"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?"289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dHVxFdude
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2DZzDLnXs
Confusion swept over Astralith. "Your randomness in topics... Why mention Levi now?"289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPXEVOvuJo
"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'."289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Y5tShh35m
"The 'other side'?" Astralith echoed, her skepticism apparent.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoVQcJ0aLc
"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'."289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuavXwKWhLc
"Infinite Insight?" Astralith's interest piqued despite the tension.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDpweCqPcj
"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."289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczTApPy3OF
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."289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAapj0TvbK
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."289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9Y5TC9BDu
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6tkUrUWRm
