"Haa…"
Raon lowered the Heavenly Drive, exhaling a rough breath. The sensation still lingered in his hand. It was his Azure Sky Drive that had severed Dranos's neck.
"I–Impossible."
Dranos trembled as he touched his neck.
"I used all my energy, how could…"
He let out a gasp, incredulous that he couldn't block the Azure Sky Sword despite risking his life.
"To think I'd be defeated by such a brat…!"
As Dranos was about to hurl insults at Raon, the wound on his neck, which he had been holding together by force, split wide open.
"Damn it…"
Red blood gushed from his throat, and his head fell onto the riverbank where water met gravel. With a heavy thud, Dranos's headless body collapsed forward. The clear river, so transparent you could see the bottom, turned red.
Dranos—the King of Thieves who had conquered Terukan Mountain and the Lable River, who wielded enormous influence in the center of the continent, the South-North Union Leader—finally breathed his last at the edge of Raon's sword.
Perhaps because no one expected Dranos to die by Raon's sword rather than Glenn's, the aura waves erupting from all directions ceased. Everyone on the battlefield held their breath, turning toward him.
"Raon…"
Sylvia lowered her head, her hand holding the sword trembling. More than Dranos's death, she seemed relieved that Raon had survived, letting out a long sigh.
"Is that crazy guy the main character from the moment he arrives?"
Martha shook her slightly damp fist as she wiped her eyes.
"It's always been like that. He always gets all the good stuff."
Burren laughed, as though it felt like Raon had finally returned.
"Handsome Raon."
Runaan blinked slowly, her blank expression unchanged, but there was stability in her voice.
"That's our nephew for you!"
Aries gave a thumbs-up while blocking Vice Union Leader Helgroom, as if to say well done.
With the death of the South-North Union Leader, both the Light Wind Division and the Zieghart swordsmen regained their composure. A firmer aura than ever settled on their swords.
"L–Leader!"
Helgroom's jaw trembled as he looked at Dranos's headless corpse.
"N–No…"
"Union Leader!"
"Ah…"
"How could Lord Dranos in this river…"
The Water Demons and thieves of the South-North Union couldn't take their eyes off Dranos's body, unable to believe what they were seeing.
"That stupid bastard!"
The Leader of the White Blood Religion ground her teeth, glaring at Dranos's severed head submerged in the river.
"Now it's your turn!"
"I'll crush you like a mosquito!"
King Lecross and Ogram broke through the White Blood Religion Leader's wavering space, bringing down grand sword strikes and heavy fist blows.
"Ugh…"
Her hands trembled as she was forced back, her back slamming into a tree.
"Ah, the situation isn't looking good in many ways."
The Fallen clicked his tongue briefly as he watched her falter.
"Worry about yourself!"
Chamber spread out a curtain of mana while chewing on candy. A net formed, suppressing the mana The Fallen was using.
"Hmm…"
The Fallen narrowed his eyes as he studied the approaching mana net.
"This will take some time to unravel."
He clicked his tongue, rolling his eyes.
"Who said anything about letting you unravel it? You're going to die in there!"
Chamber, determined not to miss the chance, fired red and blue spheres at the net enveloping The Fallen.
Meanwhile, Derus remained unfazed despite Dranos's death. Calm, composed, he focused on evading Ifrit and Elayim's attacks—as though waiting for something.
"Raon Zieghart!"
Helgroom turned his back, stomping violently as if trying to crush the exhausted Raon.
"I'll kill you!"
"Not so fast!"
Aries leaped through space, catching up to Helgroom's side. With a swift slash, she severed his right arm with her spatial strike.
"Argh!"
Helgroom screamed as he fell forward, coughing up black blood. He was already suffering from severe internal injuries.
"Finally showing an opening."
Aries said she hadn't aged in vain as she plunged her sword into his back.
"Kuhek…"
Helgroom dropped the spear he was holding, unable to reach Raon.
Raon approached, looking down at him.
"I–I'll never forgive you…"
"Who's forgiving whom?" Raon tilted his head, meeting his eyes.
"Disgracing Roman, attacking me—it was all your choice."
"Ah…"
Helgroom's dry lips trembled at Raon's cold gaze.
"It wasn't us who brought down the South-North Union. It was you. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it self-destruction."
Raon swung down the Heavenly Drive with a sardonic smile.
"Ah…"
Helgroom let out a final groan and dropped his head. Like Dranos, he died without closing his eyes.
"…I'm sorry."
Raon bowed his head to Aries.
"Even in this situation, seeing him blame others, I couldn't hold back."
Helgroom had insulted even Roman, who had faced their duel with honor and accepted his defeat. That angered Raon more than the attack itself.
—Damn it all!
Wrath screamed toward the sky, his face reddening.
Why are you suddenly…
—Why? You just killed two Transcendent Warriors! Do you have any idea how big the reward will be? What are we going to do about this?!
It's probably not a big deal. I only used my strength at the end.
—That damned system always favors you! It'll give you everything just for landing the final blow!
He gritted his teeth, truly enraged.
—Argh!
"It's okay."
As Wrath raged by himself, Aries approached and shook her head.
"I can forgive everything just because you've returned alive."
Without another word, she hugged Raon tightly. The cool ocean scent from her red hair calmed his turbulent emotions.
"Lady Aries…"
"You don't need to call me that anymore." Her shoulders trembled, showing how worried she had been.
"Aunt. Thank you."
Raon held her trembling shoulders and called her aunt.
"Kyaa! I finally heard it!"
Aries jumped up and down, laughing, momentarily forgetting they were on a battlefield.
"Ahem!"
Glenn cleared his throat, turning his gaze.
"This is still a battlefield. The war isn't over yet."
He narrowed his brows as he pointed at Derus Robert.
"The most dangerous one remains."
Derus deflected Ifrit and Elayim's combined attacks easily. Glenn's golden eyes sharpened.
"That man's recovery ability isn't normal."
His voice was grim.
"Don't tell me he's even healed from internal injuries?"
Aries let out a gasp as she followed Glenn's gaze.
"Death aura and such recovery ability… is he even human?"
She shook her head, unable to understand.
Raon furrowed his brow as he watched Derus quickly heal the sword wound on his abdomen.
What is that ability?
In his past life, Derus had never possessed such regenerative power. Now he was even recovering from internal injuries—something not even trolls could do quickly.
Even as Ifrit and Elayim's attacks tore at him, he peeled away burned and frozen flesh, regenerating as though he were more monster than man.
—Hmm…
Wrath narrowed his eyes.
—I've seen that somewhere before.
You've seen it?
—Yes. That regeneration ability is clearly not human.
Could he be a demon?
—No… that doesn't seem right either…
Wrath smacked his lips.
Well, it doesn't matter. We can ask him after we catch him.
Raon shook his head and stepped forward. With Glenn, Aries, and two Spirit Kings, Derus could not win.
"Let's end this quickly."
Glenn nodded slightly and approached Derus.
"Yes."
Raon followed with Aries.
With a thunderous roar, Derus made Ifrit's Crimson Flame and Elayim's Moon Water collide, creating an opening to escape. It was impressive he could think of such a move while caught between two Spirit Kings.
"Phew…"
Derus lowered his sword, burning with death aura, and exhaled softly.
"Don't tell me you're going to attack too?"
He whistled at Raon, Glenn, and Aries standing behind Ifrit and Elayim.
"We won't kill you right away."
Glenn's gaze narrowed on him.
"We have many questions."
He pointed the Heavenly Tremor at Derus.
"Ifrit, keep attacking. Lady Siyana, please handle defense."
"Yes. E–Elayim, please…"
As Siyana lowered her fingertips, Elayim retreated and created an orb of Moon Water.
"Be careful. This human is no ordinary opponent. He's even using my Crimson Flame!" Ifrit growled.
"Thank you."
Raon nodded and turned to Glenn.
"We're ready."
"Then let's go."
Just as Glenn moved to strike, a massive flash of lightning split the sky, separating him and Derus.
From the dark clouds, a colossal golden dragon emerged, large enough to cover the heavens—the Dragon Lord.
[Stop this war!]
His powerful will thundered across the battlefield.
[I clearly said I would not allow further disruption of the balance.]
"I told you too, didn't I?" Glenn's fierce eyes locked on the Dragon Lord.
"If you interfere one more time, I'll kill you first."
[So you refuse grace and choose punishment instead?]
"I don't know who you think offered grace." Glenn sneered.
Raon bit his lip, glancing between Glenn and the Dragon Lord.
This isn't good.
Glenn was already suffering from severe internal injuries. If he fought both Derus and the Dragon Lord, disaster would follow.
"Just a moment."
Raon stepped forward, raising his hand. He glared at Derus.
"The cause of this war lies entirely with the man wearing the dragon helmet. If we deal with him, there won't be more wars like this. Please step back just this once."
[So you're the human who killed Kaivar.]
The Dragon Lord twisted his massive eyes toward him.
"That's right, but that's—"
[Yes. That is irrelevant. However…]
His golden gaze hardened.
[It is impossible.]
"Why on earth…"
[The balance has already been shattered by repeated clashes of Transcendent Warriors. Any more, and it will be irreparable.]
He looked north.
[The glaciers have melted. The southern seas have changed color. Mountains in the central regions collapse. I cannot allow further warfare.]
"But if we leave that man alive, an even greater war will break out!"
[It's not possible.]
The Dragon Lord frowned.
"I didn't expect to survive like this."
Derus smiled, touching the horns of his dragon helmet.
"Are you sparing me because we're both dragons?"
He tilted his head mockingly.
"Don't tell me…"
Raon's lips trembled.
"Are you siding with the Five Demons?"
[Nonsense!]
The Dragon Lord's voice thundered with fury.
[Stop your nonsense and back away. This is your last chance.]
"You are siding with them."
Glenn's expression darkened.
"The strongest race? You're nothing but ugliness."
He gripped Heavenly Tremor tightly.
"Try to stop me if you can. I'll kill you first."
[Then I have no choice.]
The Dragon Lord spread his wings. Four massive dragons appeared behind him, each larger than Kaivar. With a unified roar, they opened their throats, light gathering for Dragon Breath.
"Get out of the way!"
"Where do you think you're going without me?"
Chamber tried to rush forward, but The Fallen blocked her.
"Damn it!"
"Get lost, mosquito!"
"You were always following me before!"
King Lecross and Ogram were trapped, restrained by the White Blood Religion Leader.
"Ifrit! Lady Siyana!"
"I understand!"
"Y–Yes!"
At Raon's shout, Ifrit and Elayim unleashed Crimson Flame and Moon Water, forming a massive barrier together.
With a thunderous roar, five beams of Dragon Breath rained down, colliding with the Spirit Kings' defense.
"Damn it!"
Aries cursed, sheathing her sword.
"Sword Domain: Annihilation!"
She drew her blade, splitting the space itself. Yet the power of Dragon Breath was too great—the wall bent, straining halfway.
Glenn didn't turn back, even knowing Aries and the Spirit Kings were being pushed back. His focus remained locked on Derus.
"Are you just going to stand there and let everyone die?"
Derus smirked, arms crossed.
"I won't run away. Why don't you block it first?"
—That bastard is aiming for you and the old man.
Wrath's voice was sharp.
I know.
Raon glared at Derus.
"We can't take our eyes off him."
"I know."
Glenn's voice remained steady, even now.
"I'll handle this side."
Raon tightened his grip on the Heavenly Drive.
Using Heaven's Rift again might be dangerous… but there's no choice.
He breathed deeply. Just as he was about to unleash the technique, a pitch-black greatsword fell from the sky, splitting the clash of Dragon Breath and Spirit Kings' power.
With a thunderous roar, the sword erased both forces, then flew to the side—into the grasp of a man.
Flaming red hair. Chilling golden eyes. A young, beautiful face masking overwhelming sword power.
The Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance.
"Holy Sword Alliance Leader!"
The White Blood Religion Leader smiled brightly.
"You said you wouldn't come, but you're as unpredictable as ever."
The Fallen shrugged, pleased.
"Well, well, things are getting interesting."
Derus laughed heartily.
"…"
Glenn's eyes wavered for the first time.
"Damn it!"
Raon bit his lip.
To think things would turn out like this…
The Holy Sword Alliance Leader was a monster who could match Glenn, perhaps even the Heavenly Demon himself. Against him, no one here could stand.
With a thud, the Holy Sword Alliance Leader walked across calm waves and stood at the center of the battlefield.
"All of you, get lost."
His sword pointed—not at the Six Kings, but at the Five Demons and the dragons.
"Glenn Zieghart and Raon Zieghart are my prey."
"Haa…"
Raon lowered the Heavenly Drive, exhaling a rough breath. The sensation still lingered in his hand. It was his Azure Sky Drive that had severed Dranos's neck.
"I–Impossible."
Dranos trembled as he touched his neck.
"I used all my energy, how could…"
He let out a gasp, incredulous that he couldn't block the Azure Sky Sword despite risking his life.
"To think I'd be defeated by such a brat…!"
As Dranos was about to hurl insults at Raon, the wound on his neck, which he had been holding together by force, split wide open.
"Damn it…"
Red blood gushed from his throat, and his head fell onto the riverbank where water met gravel. With a heavy thud, Dranos's headless body collapsed forward. The clear river, so transparent you could see the bottom, turned red.
Dranos—the King of Thieves who had conquered Terukan Mountain and the Lable River, who wielded enormous influence in the center of the continent, the South-North Union Leader—finally breathed his last at the edge of Raon's sword.
Perhaps because no one expected Dranos to die by Raon's sword rather than Glenn's, the aura waves erupting from all directions ceased. Everyone on the battlefield held their breath, turning toward him.
"Raon…"
Sylvia lowered her head, her hand holding the sword trembling. More than Dranos's death, she seemed relieved that Raon had survived, letting out a long sigh.
"Is that crazy guy the main character from the moment he arrives?"
Martha shook her slightly damp fist as she wiped her eyes.
"It's always been like that. He always gets all the good stuff."
Burren laughed, as though it felt like Raon had finally returned.
"Handsome Raon."
Runaan blinked slowly, her blank expression unchanged, but there was stability in her voice.
"That's our nephew for you!"
Aries gave a thumbs-up while blocking Vice Union Leader Helgroom, as if to say well done.
With the death of the South-North Union Leader, both the Light Wind Division and the Zieghart swordsmen regained their composure. A firmer aura than ever settled on their swords.
"L–Leader!"
Helgroom's jaw trembled as he looked at Dranos's headless corpse.
"N–No…"
"Union Leader!"
"Ah…"
"How could Lord Dranos in this river…"
The Water Demons and thieves of the South-North Union couldn't take their eyes off Dranos's body, unable to believe what they were seeing.
"That stupid bastard!"
The Leader of the White Blood Religion ground her teeth, glaring at Dranos's severed head submerged in the river.
"Now it's your turn!"
"I'll crush you like a mosquito!"
King Lecross and Ogram broke through the White Blood Religion Leader's wavering space, bringing down grand sword strikes and heavy fist blows.
"Ugh…"
Her hands trembled as she was forced back, her back slamming into a tree.
"Ah, the situation isn't looking good in many ways."
The Fallen clicked his tongue briefly as he watched her falter.
"Worry about yourself!"
Chamber spread out a curtain of mana while chewing on candy. A net formed, suppressing the mana The Fallen was using.
"Hmm…"
The Fallen narrowed his eyes as he studied the approaching mana net.
"This will take some time to unravel."
He clicked his tongue, rolling his eyes.
"Who said anything about letting you unravel it? You're going to die in there!"
Chamber, determined not to miss the chance, fired red and blue spheres at the net enveloping The Fallen.
Meanwhile, Derus remained unfazed despite Dranos's death. Calm, composed, he focused on evading Ifrit and Elayim's attacks—as though waiting for something.
"Raon Zieghart!"
Helgroom turned his back, stomping violently as if trying to crush the exhausted Raon.
"I'll kill you!"
"Not so fast!"
Aries leaped through space, catching up to Helgroom's side. With a swift slash, she severed his right arm with her spatial strike.
"Argh!"
Helgroom screamed as he fell forward, coughing up black blood. He was already suffering from severe internal injuries.
"Finally showing an opening."
Aries said she hadn't aged in vain as she plunged her sword into his back.
"Kuhek…"
Helgroom dropped the spear he was holding, unable to reach Raon.
Raon approached, looking down at him.
"I–I'll never forgive you…"
"Who's forgiving whom?" Raon tilted his head, meeting his eyes.
"Disgracing Roman, attacking me—it was all your choice."
"Ah…"
Helgroom's dry lips trembled at Raon's cold gaze.
"It wasn't us who brought down the South-North Union. It was you. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it self-destruction."
Raon swung down the Heavenly Drive with a sardonic smile.
"Ah…"
Helgroom let out a final groan and dropped his head. Like Dranos, he died without closing his eyes.
"…I'm sorry."
Raon bowed his head to Aries.
"Even in this situation, seeing him blame others, I couldn't hold back."
Helgroom had insulted even Roman, who had faced their duel with honor and accepted his defeat. That angered Raon more than the attack itself.
—Damn it all!
Wrath screamed toward the sky, his face reddening.
Why are you suddenly…
—Why? You just killed two Transcendent Warriors! Do you have any idea how big the reward will be? What are we going to do about this?!
It's probably not a big deal. I only used my strength at the end.
—That damned system always favors you! It'll give you everything just for landing the final blow!
He gritted his teeth, truly enraged.
—Argh!
"It's okay."
As Wrath raged by himself, Aries approached and shook her head.
"I can forgive everything just because you've returned alive."
Without another word, she hugged Raon tightly. The cool ocean scent from her red hair calmed his turbulent emotions.
"Lady Aries…"
"You don't need to call me that anymore." Her shoulders trembled, showing how worried she had been.
"Aunt. Thank you."
Raon held her trembling shoulders and called her aunt.
"Kyaa! I finally heard it!"
Aries jumped up and down, laughing, momentarily forgetting they were on a battlefield.
"Ahem!"
Glenn cleared his throat, turning his gaze.
"This is still a battlefield. The war isn't over yet."
He narrowed his brows as he pointed at Derus Robert.
"The most dangerous one remains."
Derus deflected Ifrit and Elayim's combined attacks easily. Glenn's golden eyes sharpened.
"That man's recovery ability isn't normal."
His voice was grim.
"Don't tell me he's even healed from internal injuries?"
Aries let out a gasp as she followed Glenn's gaze.
"Death aura and such recovery ability… is he even human?"
She shook her head, unable to understand.
Raon furrowed his brow as he watched Derus quickly heal the sword wound on his abdomen.
What is that ability?
In his past life, Derus had never possessed such regenerative power. Now he was even recovering from internal injuries—something not even trolls could do quickly.
Even as Ifrit and Elayim's attacks tore at him, he peeled away burned and frozen flesh, regenerating as though he were more monster than man.
—Hmm…
Wrath narrowed his eyes.
—I've seen that somewhere before.
You've seen it?
—Yes. That regeneration ability is clearly not human.
Could he be a demon?
—No… that doesn't seem right either…
Wrath smacked his lips.
Well, it doesn't matter. We can ask him after we catch him.
Raon shook his head and stepped forward. With Glenn, Aries, and two Spirit Kings, Derus could not win.
"Let's end this quickly."
Glenn nodded slightly and approached Derus.
"Yes."
Raon followed with Aries.
With a thunderous roar, Derus made Ifrit's Crimson Flame and Elayim's Moon Water collide, creating an opening to escape. It was impressive he could think of such a move while caught between two Spirit Kings.
"Phew…"
Derus lowered his sword, burning with death aura, and exhaled softly.
"Don't tell me you're going to attack too?"
He whistled at Raon, Glenn, and Aries standing behind Ifrit and Elayim.
"We won't kill you right away."
Glenn's gaze narrowed on him.
"We have many questions."
He pointed the Heavenly Tremor at Derus.
"Ifrit, keep attacking. Lady Siyana, please handle defense."
"Yes. E–Elayim, please…"
As Siyana lowered her fingertips, Elayim retreated and created an orb of Moon Water.
"Be careful. This human is no ordinary opponent. He's even using my Crimson Flame!" Ifrit growled.
"Thank you."
Raon nodded and turned to Glenn.
"We're ready."
"Then let's go."
Just as Glenn moved to strike, a massive flash of lightning split the sky, separating him and Derus.
From the dark clouds, a colossal golden dragon emerged, large enough to cover the heavens—the Dragon Lord.
[Stop this war!]
His powerful will thundered across the battlefield.
[I clearly said I would not allow further disruption of the balance.]
"I told you too, didn't I?" Glenn's fierce eyes locked on the Dragon Lord.
"If you interfere one more time, I'll kill you first."
[So you refuse grace and choose punishment instead?]
"I don't know who you think offered grace." Glenn sneered.
Raon bit his lip, glancing between Glenn and the Dragon Lord.
This isn't good.
Glenn was already suffering from severe internal injuries. If he fought both Derus and the Dragon Lord, disaster would follow.
"Just a moment."
Raon stepped forward, raising his hand. He glared at Derus.
"The cause of this war lies entirely with the man wearing the dragon helmet. If we deal with him, there won't be more wars like this. Please step back just this once."
[So you're the human who killed Kaivar.]
The Dragon Lord twisted his massive eyes toward him.
"That's right, but that's—"
[Yes. That is irrelevant. However…]
His golden gaze hardened.
[It is impossible.]
"Why on earth…"
[The balance has already been shattered by repeated clashes of Transcendent Warriors. Any more, and it will be irreparable.]
He looked north.
[The glaciers have melted. The southern seas have changed color. Mountains in the central regions collapse. I cannot allow further warfare.]
"But if we leave that man alive, an even greater war will break out!"
[It's not possible.]
The Dragon Lord frowned.
"I didn't expect to survive like this."
Derus smiled, touching the horns of his dragon helmet.
"Are you sparing me because we're both dragons?"
He tilted his head mockingly.
"Don't tell me…"
Raon's lips trembled.
"Are you siding with the Five Demons?"
[Nonsense!]
The Dragon Lord's voice thundered with fury.
[Stop your nonsense and back away. This is your last chance.]
"You are siding with them."
Glenn's expression darkened.
"The strongest race? You're nothing but ugliness."
He gripped Heavenly Tremor tightly.
"Try to stop me if you can. I'll kill you first."
[Then I have no choice.]
The Dragon Lord spread his wings. Four massive dragons appeared behind him, each larger than Kaivar. With a unified roar, they opened their throats, light gathering for Dragon Breath.
"Get out of the way!"
"Where do you think you're going without me?"
Chamber tried to rush forward, but The Fallen blocked her.
"Damn it!"
"Get lost, mosquito!"
"You were always following me before!"
King Lecross and Ogram were trapped, restrained by the White Blood Religion Leader.
"Ifrit! Lady Siyana!"
"I understand!"
"Y–Yes!"
At Raon's shout, Ifrit and Elayim unleashed Crimson Flame and Moon Water, forming a massive barrier together.
With a thunderous roar, five beams of Dragon Breath rained down, colliding with the Spirit Kings' defense.
"Damn it!"
Aries cursed, sheathing her sword.
"Sword Domain: Annihilation!"
She drew her blade, splitting the space itself. Yet the power of Dragon Breath was too great—the wall bent, straining halfway.
Glenn didn't turn back, even knowing Aries and the Spirit Kings were being pushed back. His focus remained locked on Derus.
"Are you just going to stand there and let everyone die?"
Derus smirked, arms crossed.
"I won't run away. Why don't you block it first?"
—That bastard is aiming for you and the old man.
Wrath's voice was sharp.
I know.
Raon glared at Derus.
"We can't take our eyes off him."
"I know."
Glenn's voice remained steady, even now.
"I'll handle this side."
Raon tightened his grip on the Heavenly Drive.
Using Heaven's Rift again might be dangerous… but there's no choice.
He breathed deeply. Just as he was about to unleash the technique, a pitch-black greatsword fell from the sky, splitting the clash of Dragon Breath and Spirit Kings' power.
With a thunderous roar, the sword erased both forces, then flew to the side—into the grasp of a man.
Flaming red hair. Chilling golden eyes. A young, beautiful face masking overwhelming sword power.
The Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance.
"Holy Sword Alliance Leader!"
The White Blood Religion Leader smiled brightly.
"You said you wouldn't come, but you're as unpredictable as ever."
The Fallen shrugged, pleased.
"Well, well, things are getting interesting."
Derus laughed heartily.
"…"
Glenn's eyes wavered for the first time.
"Damn it!"
Raon bit his lip.
To think things would turn out like this…
The Holy Sword Alliance Leader was a monster who could match Glenn, perhaps even the Heavenly Demon himself. Against him, no one here could stand.
With a thud, the Holy Sword Alliance Leader walked across calm waves and stood at the center of the battlefield.
"All of you, get lost."
His sword pointed—not at the Six Kings, but at the Five Demons and the dragons.
"Glenn Zieghart and Raon Zieghart are my prey."