The young man and Hifung and Ray locked eyes with each other.
Both Hifung and Ray summoned their red flame swords in their right hands.
Upon seeing this, the young man charged at them swiftly, wielding his orange flame sword.
He unleashed a flurry of slashes as he reached them.
But every single slash was blocked by Hifung and Ray.
Slash after slash clashed in the air, until eventually, cracks began forming on Hifung and Ray's flame swords.
Noticing the cracks, they quickly channeled their auras into their blades.
The young man, however, kept attacking with relentless speed and strength.
The boy from earlier watched the battle from a distance in awe.
Moments later, Hifung and Ray leapt backward, narrowly avoiding another slash.
The young man paused, staring at them with sharp, focused eyes.
Meanwhile, Hifung and Ray were clearly exhausted.
Hifung: This is bad… I'm almost out of chi.
Ray: Same here.
The young man laughed arrogantly.
Young Man: Hahaha! Is that all you've got?
Hifung: Damn it. We just arrived in the Sixth Realm, and you're proud of beating us? Pathetic!
The young man's grin twisted into a scowl.
Young Man: Speak while you still can. Soon, you'll be in the highest realm of all—the afterlife.
He pointed his flaming orange sword at them.
Hifung (in his mind): What do we do now!?
Suddenly, the young man charged forward again, slashing wildly at them with a cruel grin.
But Hifung and Ray dodged each strike—ducking, leaping, sidestepping with everything they had left.
Then, in a brief moment of distraction, Hifung saw an opening.
He cast a magma spell toward the young man's abdomen.
The young man's eyes widened slightly—caught off guard. The magma hit, sending him flying back with force.
Burns scorched his torso, but he quickly sealed the wound with ice magic.
Hifung collapsed to the ground—his chi nearly depleted.
Ray: Hifung!
The young man, though injured, managed to stand and began walking toward them slowly.
Ray panicked.
Ray (in his mind): What now!?
The young man kept approaching, an evil smile spreading across his face.
The boy hiding behind a tree trembled as he watched.
The young man finally reached Hifung, summoning his orange flame sword again in his right hand.
Seeing this, Hifung began to panic.
Hifung (in his mind): I can't stop this…
The young man raised his sword, preparing to strike Hifung's neck.
Ray gasped, frozen in fear.
But suddenly, Hifung's expression changed—he had an idea.
He coated his right hand in a red aura and raised it—blocking the blade with his bare hand.
Then, standing firmly, Hifung activated the power of his eyes.
The young man's consciousness was immediately dragged into a spiritual world—where he was tortured again and again in a never-ending loop.
Ray watched in awe.
Ray: Hifung...
After a few intense seconds, Hifung released his eye technique.
The young man snapped back to reality—but his body reacted violently.
Blood gushed from his mouth, eyes, ears, and nose.
He fell to the ground, sitting in shock—unable to move—his whole body trembling in terror.
Hifung, drained, collapsed as well.
Ray rushed over and helped him to his feet.
As they turned to leave, the boy stepped out from his hiding spot.
Boy: Hey… you two…
Hifung and Ray looked back at him.
Boy: Do you want to rest at my house?
Both of them looked at each other, surprised and a little confused.
---
At the Boy's House
They followed the boy home.
Parent (from inside): Son, you're home?
The boy's parents came out—and their eyes widened when they saw Hifung and Ray.
Boy: I'm home, Mom, Dad.
Parent: It's them! They're—!
His parents looked shocked and furious.
But before they could act, the boy raised his hands.
Boy: Mom, Dad—calm down. They're not with Hery. They saved me… Tomiko was going to kill me.
His parents froze, confused—torn between fear and anger.
But then, the boy's father sighed in relief.
Father: I see… well, if that's the case. You must be from the lower realms. It must be hard adapting here. Please, make yourselves at home.
His wife exhaled softly beside him.
Mother: I'll prepare lunch.
Hifung and Ray smiled at the gesture.
They were led to a small living room, sitting on a worn sofa across from the boy's father.
Father: You came from the Fifth Realm?
Hifung: Yeah.
Father: Do you know Stephanus Hery?
Both Hifung and Ray paused, visibly surprised.
Hifung: ...Yes.
Father: Hery… long ago, he slaughtered many in this realm. He even killed the king of this kingdom.
That made both of them widen their eyes.
The man paused, then smiled faintly.
Father: But that's old history now. For the time being, I'll help you understand this world. My name's Hyota, by the way.
Hifung: I'm Hifung, and this is my friend, Ray. Nice to meet you.
Hyota: Likewise.
Hyota: In this realm, you can earn money by completing assignments from a place called Gold.
Hyota: But you need to be careful—your faces will give you away. People here know who's from the lower realms.
Hyota: There's a magic academy in the kingdom. You should enroll there. It'll help you understand this realm better.
Hyota: Our family isn't wealthy. We get by by taking on small jobs from Gold.
Hifung: I see…
Hyota: It's extremely dangerous for outsiders like you to encounter the kingdom's people. If you're found, they'll arrest you instantly.
Hyota: So be cautious. Honestly, you'd be safer staying hidden in the forest.
Hifung and Ray thought for a moment—then both sighed.
Hyota: That's all the advice I have for now.
Hifung: Thank you, sir, for all the information.
Hyota: You're welcome.
Ray: Thanks a lot.
Just then, the boy's mother came in carrying a pot of warm food.
Mother: Co
me, eat first.
Hifung smiled as the aroma of the food filled the room.
They all sat together and shared a meal.
After eating, Hifung and Ray politely said their goodbyes, preparing to leave.