Chapter #51
In front of Hifung, Yuita, Kobayashi, Ray, and Shelyn—
Filz was already right in front of the man, both of his plasma spells in hand, and for a moment everything seemed to slow down.
Hifung and the others watched Filz and the mysterious man with intense curiosity.
Slowly, Filz's plasma spells closed in on the man, and Filz felt victory was in his grasp.
Filz (in his mind): "Got you!"
Suddenly, there was a violent clash that sent lightning crackling around them. Dust and debris covered both Filz and the man, leaving Hifung and the others unable to see for a while.
Moments later, as the dust cleared, the man could be seen holding a sword. The blade was pitch-black, its details hidden in shadow. That sword had stopped Filz's plasma strike, leaving Filz in utter shock—unable to believe a plasma spell could be blocked by mere steel.
Slowly, Filz's twin plasma orbs dwindled and vanished.
Realizing this, Filz immediately leapt backward just as his spells dissipated.
Filz (in his mind): "Impossible! That was plasma magic—a mid-level Rank D spell!"
Frustration twisted inside him. He didn't know what else he could do against an opponent so overwhelming.
Filz (in his mind): "Damn it! What am I supposed to do!?"
Then the man spoke, his voice still distorted, clearly altered so no one could recognize it.
Man: "I suggest you stop trying to fight me."
He spoke again, this time more calmly, almost casually.
Man: "Because if I'm here… it means you'll never be able to kill me."
Everyone was left stunned and confused, including Filz.
Filz: "What do you mean!?"
Meanwhile, Ray narrowed his eyes, deep in thought as he stared at the man.
Ray (in his mind): "With power like that, he definitely isn't from this world."
Ray (in his mind): "Could he be from the Seventh Realm? No… maybe even the Eighth?"
Even he was startled by his own deduction. Something felt terribly wrong.
Ray (in his mind): "But why would someone from the higher realms come here just to save us!?"
The man fell silent again, saying nothing more. That silence only enraged Filz.
Filz: "So you won't reveal who you really are, huh!? Then I'll make you admit it!"
He conjured a lightning sword in his right hand, coating it in yellow aura. Then he launched himself forward at blinding speed, boosted by a surge of wind magic that sent leaves scattering in his wake.
His slash came down with crushing force, but the man met it head-on, parrying effortlessly with his own aura-coated black blade.
The collision sent red and yellow sparks of lightning exploding all around them.
Filz pressed harder, strengthening his strike, but he soon found himself being overpowered.
Then, a sudden burst of light flared between their clashing weapons.
The light grew brighter, swelling until it detonated into a massive eruption of red aura.
The blast engulfed Filz, searing his body as he screamed in pain.
Filz: "ARGHHHH!"
Waves of that aura spread outward, some of them rushing toward Hifung and Shelyn. Both froze, panicked.
Ray: "Hifung!"
But just before the aura struck them, it vanished.
The mysterious man had stepped in, shielding Hifung and Shelyn from the deadly blast.
Hifung, Ray, Yuita, Kobayashi, and Shelyn all stared wide-eyed in shock and confusion.
When the explosion finally subsided, Filz was lying on the ground, his body scorched and barely able to move.
Filz: "Impossible… don't tell me… you're—"
The man approached Filz's broken body and spoke again in that altered, unnatural voice.
Man: "You're clever, but not clever enough to think you could stand against me."
Filz clenched his teeth, hating himself, consumed by frustration.
Filz: "I never thought someone from the higher realms would descend here… just to protect a handful of people."
His words trembled with both pain and disbelief. His very soul felt as if it was tearing apart.
Man: "All my life, I've faced countless powerful enemies. But I'll admit… you're the unluckiest of them all, having me as your foe."
Hearing that, Filz's gaze slowly dimmed. His eyes turned white. He was dead.
Yuita gasped, his face filled with disbelief.
Yuita: "He's dead!?"
He couldn't comprehend it. The one who had defeated him so easily had just been slain by this mysterious man.
And yet Yuita couldn't stop wondering—why would someone from the higher realms come down just to save them?
Ray: "So it's true… you really are from the higher realms!?"
Kobayashi: "What's your purpose here!? To destroy this world and claim it for yourself!?"
Neither Ray nor Kobayashi were ready to simply trust the man, not even after he saved them. They wanted answers.
Hifung: "Who are you, really?"
The man slowly walked toward Hifung. The closer he came, the more tense everyone grew—even Hifung himself.
Then the man spoke again, his distorted voice unwavering.
Man: "Who am I? Only your wits… and time… can answer that question."
His words left everyone baffled and uneasy.
Hifung: "My wits? Time? What do you mean?"
Hifung asked, but the man only let out a small chuckle before turning his back.
Man: "That's all I can tell you."
He raised his right hand, conjuring a spell. A large blue sphere appeared in his palm, then drifted forward and exploded into a glowing portal that radiated with blue light.
The man stepped toward the portal, but Hifung's voice stopped him.
Hifung: "Wait!"
The man glanced slightly sideways, though not directly at Hifung.
Hifung: "You're strong, and you're from the higher realms. I don't know who you are, but… please."
Hifung: "Can you heal my friend's curse? I beg you."
Yuita, Kobayashi, and Ray froze in shock. They had no idea Shelyn was cursed.
Hifung knelt before the man, right beside Shelyn. The man turned back to look at them.
Then he spoke softly.
Man: "The only things that can save your friend… are your own foolishness, and fate."
Everyone was stunned by those cryptic words. Hifung's eyes widened.
Hifung: "What!?"
Hifung: "To uncover your identity, you said it takes my wits and time. But to save my friend… only my foolishness and fate!? Why!?"
The man smiled faintly.
Man: "To know who I am, or to cure your friend… choose. Which matters more to you—my identity, or her life?"
Hifung's breath caught at the ultimatum.
The man continued calmly, his voice low but resolute.
Man: "All you need to know now is this… The secret to all power lies
in one's chi capacity… and resolve."
Man: "Make sure you train both well."
With that, the man stepped into the portal and vanished as it closed behind him.