‘Did I become too arrogant?’

Kael was too late to realize that he underestimated his opponents way too much. He was restrained by a powerful magic that would need vast amounts of mana to get out of. Even if he could release himself from the restraints, he would lose so much power that he couldn’t get back, not until he activated Late Cost’s second phase.

[Fire Shot]

Rodo started attacking Kael. His servants were out of mana. It will take some time before his servants could help him. He fired multiple fire shots at Kael, but unfortunately for him, Kael’s golden barrier was able to hold up.

“That’s a sturdy barrier you have. I wonder how long would that protect you?”, Rodo said. He looked at his summon. “Attack”

The flaming tiger leaped towards Kael. The violent strikes of its paws along with its scorching flames produced destructive winds. The ground vibrates every time the attacks collide against Kael’s defense. But still, Kael was unharmed against all the attacks.

Rodo kept on attacking Kael, and at some point, his subordinates joined him as well. But, whatever they do, they couldn’t get through Kael’s golden barrier. The Tigers eventually ran out of mana, and could only do physical attacks. All of their efforts were for naught, the battle resulted in a standstill. Rodo was frustrated, witnessing the result of his preparation.

Meanwhile, Kael was still contemplating whether to let the mana of the magic chains to run out on its own, or to use magic to get out of the chains. Since the day that he was made aware of two high class demons existing inside the town, he became cautious on using the limited mana he has during Late Cost. He didn’t know just how or when will the demons attack, but he was definitely the demons’ prime target.

“Why are you not fighting back? I know you’re stronger than that”, Rodo said. Although he said those words to Kael, he was hoping that Kael was totally binded by the magic chains. “If you’re not going to fight, then, I will end this”

[Speed Boost]

Armed with the red bladed sword, Rodo rushed towards Kael. Kael suddenly felt fear running through his body. He moved on impulse, preparing himself to disable the golden barrier. The situation was uncertain that he had no choice but to break free from the magic chains.

[Mana Burst]

The magic chains disintegrated, and a bright pillar of white light glowed. When the light dissipated, the magic chains along with the anchoring swords were not restraining Kael anymore. But, it was revealed that Rodo managed to stab Kael’s left torso.

“I got you now”

[Red Curse]

Kael leaped back away from Rodo’s blade. He was wounded but he could heal it right away. However, something unusual happened.

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[Heal]

‘Huh?’

Kael’s healing magic didn’t do anything. In truth, his chant didn’t produce any healing effect, his wound was still open. He tried again, and the same thing happened.

[Great Heal]

Even a stronger spell wouldn’t activate. He was confused, but then he noticed something. There’s a magic symbol on his wound.

‘What is this?’

Rodo was looking at Kael from a distance. He was amused by Kael’s confusion.

“Are you surprised? That’s the power of this red blade”, Rodo said, then he raised the special sword. “Now that you are cursed, you will not be able to use magic”

Kael was shocked. His instinct was right to realize that Rodo’s sword was incredibly dangerous. Unfortunately, he moved way too late, Rodo successfully using the sword’s power on him.

“Finally, I can kill you without worry”, Rodo said.

Rodo’s subordinates removed themselves from the fight. They felt that their master can finish the fight by himself. Kael looked around, wanting to retreat. He knew he couldn’t escape without magic, but he wanted to still have hope.

“Why are you doing this? What will you gain if you kill me?”, Kael asked. He wanted to stall for time to look for a good path that he can use to escape.

Rodo went silent, then he walked slowly towards Kael. He removed his mask, and revealed the face that’s familiar to Kael.

“Is there someone you know that looks like me?”, Rodo asked. Before Kael could answer, he continued talking. “Of course you don’t, so let me tell you. I have a brother named Osbert”

Hearing Rodo’s statement, Kael’s thought was confirmed. Rodo was indeed related to Osbert, who became a demon because of Talzer.

“He is disobedient to me, but I love him”, Rodo stated. He continued on, stating his desire to protect his younger brother, whose character attracted so many enemies. “I want him to have a good life, but then, someone told me that he was killed. You know the person who killed him”

Kael knew the implication. He was indeed guilty of killing Osbert, but it was the best choice to make back then. He knew that even if he told Rodo the reason why he did it, Rodo will not believe him. He could only run away, if he wanted to live.

“I’m done talking to you. Farewell”

After saying his goodbye, Rodo boosted his entire body. He wanted to cut Kael’s head as clean as possible, like how Kael did it to Osbert.

[Speed Boost]

In an instant, Rodo was in front of Kael, moving his sword towards Kael’s neck. Kael realized by then that he couldn’t escape. He closed his eyes, and readied himself.

“Too slow”

Kael heard the clang of clashing swords. Rodo’s sword didn’t reach him. He opened his eyes and was surprised to see who saved him.

“Kever!”, Rodo exclaimed. He was enraged at the sight of Magister Kever, the person who was tasked by the king to hunt the Tigers. He jumped back, but the magister followed him. What came next was the clashing of swords that quickly overwhelmed Rodo.

“These people are too interested to you, Kael”, Magister Kever stated. “I’ll ask you about it, but first, let’s get out of here”