King Hakao dashed toward the king with both swords raised.
But as he neared, suddenly both of Hakao's swords shattered and broke into pieces.
King Hakao staggered in shock, staring at his destroyed lightning and ice swords.
The king, Feds, Ray, and Darius were all stunned and momentarily confused by the sight of Hakao's broken blades.
Hakao came to an abrupt stop, standing before the king. He quickly turned to his left-and Ray, Darius, Feds, and the king followed his gaze.
It was the doing of Hifung, wielding his magma sword glowing with a red aura.
Clad in a black cloak, Hifung spun around and locked eyes sharply with King Hakao.
He held his magma sword firmly in his right hand, magma magic swirling in his left.
The king, Feds, Ray, Darius-even King Hakao himself-were taken aback by Hifung's sudden arrival.
Ray focused on Hifung's left hand emitting magma magic, surprised to see it unharmed.
Ray: Hifung.
Hifung: Long time no see, Ray. Sorry for being late.
King Hakao: Hery!!
Hifung: What do you mean, Hery? My name is Hifung, not Hery!
King Hakao: I will finish our battle now.
King Hakao drew a magma sword wrapped in aura in his right hand.
Hifung readied his magma sword and magic.
Hakko activated his eye power and surged toward Hifung with wind magic.
Yet Hakao's attack was blocked by Hifung's aura-enveloped magma sword.
Surprised, Hakao realized his strike had been stopped.
Hifung then slammed his magma-clad left hand into Hakao's stomach.
King Hakao: Argh!
Hakao flew back a few steps, his stomach burning.
Suddenly, Ruze charged at Hifung with his sword.
But Hifung saw him coming-catching Ruze's blade with his magma hand, then crushing the sword to shards.
Ruze's shock was immense as Hifung struck his stomach with his magma hand, sending Ruze flying far away.
King Hakao charged again, wielding magma swords in both hands.
He unleashed a furious flurry of slashes-fast, wild, and fierce, like a madman.
But every strike was parried by Hifung's magma blade.
Ray: King Hakao seems to have gone mad.
Feds: He's attacking blindly-he's lost his mind.
The king watched Hifung closely.
At last, Hifung threw King Hakao backward.
Hakao, clearly struggling, glared at Hifung with rage.
Hifung: It's useless. Withdraw your troops and free all the hostages, and I might spare your life.
The king, Feds, Darius, and Ray were all shocked by Hifung's words, sadness creeping into their hearts.
King Hakao smiled and laughed coldly.
King Hakao: Ahahahaha.
Hifung: What's so funny?
King Hakao: Return all the hostages? Dream on!
Hifung's eyes widened in anger.
Hifung: What do you mean? You promised!
King Hakao: Even if I wanted to return them, I can't.
Hifung: What!?
King Hakao: I know one of the hostages is your parent.
Hifung froze, shocked.
Hifung: What!?
King Hakao: Your parent is dead.
The world seemed to stop for a moment.
King Hakao: Your mother became my concubine. Your father committed suicide in prison after learning this.
King Hakao: Not long after, your mother took her own life too.
King Hakao: Hahahaha.
Hifung was struck dumb, unable to move.
The king's face was twisted with rage, sorrow, and guilt.
Feds, Darius, and Ray looked on, feeling deep sympathy for Hifung.
Hifung could not accept the cruel truth.
King Hakao: Your parents were disgraceful. So after death, I fed their bodies to a starving lion!
Hifung (thinking): "Father... Mother..."
His surroundings spun as shock and despair crushed him.
Hifung collapsed to the ground, motionless-unable to accept the nightmare before him.
Memories of happier days with his parents flooded his mind.
King Hakao smiled coldly, watching Hifung fall powerless under the weight of his grief.
Hakao approached, fire magic flickering on his right hand.
Ray: This is bad!
Feds struggled to move but fell each time he tried to stand.
Feds: Damn it! My chi energy is almost gone.
Darius tried hard to rise.
Darius: ARGHH! I can't move!
The king forced himself up, swaying unsteadily; Ray also stood, though barely steady.
Slowly, King Hakao advanced toward Hifung, fire magic glowing fiercely.
Ray: STOP!!
The king and Ray staggered forward toward Hifung.
King: Hifung, please, wake up!
Ray: Hifung!!
Feds: Hifung!
Darius: Hifung!!
But Hifung remained unconscious, trapped in his unbearable sorrow.
King Hakao: Hahahaha! This is how it ends!
Hakao neared Hifung, preparing to unleash his fire magic at Hifung's neck.
Ray: STOP!
Ray and the king were still a distance away.
Time seemed to slow. Hakao released his fire magic, which sped toward Hifung's throat.
Hifung (thinking): "Father... Mother..."
His gaze was empty.
Hifung (thinking): "I will never forgive!"
He clenched his teeth, his right fist tightened.
Suddenly, a crimson aura burst from Hifung's body, crackling like tiny lightning bolts.
The aura shattered Hakao's fire magic just inches from Hifung's neck.
King Hakao recoiled in shock.
The king, Ray, Feds, and Darius all stared, amazed by Hifung's sudden resurgence.
The aura pushed Hakao back a few steps.
Hifung rose to his feet, eyes blazing with fury.
His cloak's edges glowed faintly red.
King Hakao: HERY!!
Hifung's voice thundered, furious.
Hifung: My name is HIFUNG!! Damn it!
He advanced toward King Hakao, aura blazing.
King Hakao: Impossible!
Hakao hurled fire magic at Hifung, but his chi was nearly drained.
The fire spells fizzled out before reaching Hifung, destroyed by the red aura.
Terrified, Hakao
stumbled back and collapsed onto the ground, eyes wide with fear as he looked up at Hifung.
Hifung stopped right before him, locking his gaze-cold, sharp, merciless.
King Hakao trembled with fear.