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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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl83zAzOsxj
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGYZdHbim3
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKWahMWtch
"He took them... all of them," Malumnox growled, his voice a low rumble of fury. "After all our efforts!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLWvf8FYTG
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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemhD0rb9aj
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARHJi7J5w5
Kaipo: "Looking for me?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOegO4cyOid
Astralith: "Where have you been all this time?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCTcrXpVnU
Kaipo responded with a disarming smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "That should be none of your concern as an enemy," he replied smoothly.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxrKD2dSVo
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJO2OIhj21
Astralith's suspicion deepened at his remark, her eyes narrowing. "You speak of your friends as if their defeat was inevitable. Why?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS96UYH0vj
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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW7dQckEiQ
Astralith hesitated, her mind racing. "I haven’t told you about that ability... How do you know about it?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaBmKGRRje
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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMgyNjBROt
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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwovME4p8S
Kaipo’s laughter was light, yet it carried an edge of seriousness. "Perhaps you should, Astralith. Perhaps you should."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFPRIp8oy7
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuTxX1L3vv
"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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg0U7sVryh
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYtiUzmJkT
Confusion swept over Astralith. "Your randomness in topics... Why mention Levi now?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQfUHaBFOS
"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'."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QY6Kbx6pF
"The 'other side'?" Astralith echoed, her skepticism apparent.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvl5ba0Kpon
"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'."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cB5sVWY4C
"Infinite Insight?" Astralith's interest piqued despite the tension.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwkE5kUp6r
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7fuzF9QB3
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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdywmFVEmHT
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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBzULK6qJP
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4Po27lwWC
