Chapter 84 - Team 1 vs Final Boss

The camp was a maelstrom of chaos, its orderly structure obliterated by the sheer intensity of Kurayami’s unleashed power. Soldiers stumbled and fell, their cries of pain piercing the night as arcs of electric energy danced erratically through the air. The blue flames that accompanied each discharge clung to their bodies, an eerie, almost otherworldly phenomenon. These flames, though non-lethal, caused a searing agony that forced even the most seasoned warriors to drop their weapons and writhe on the ground.

Kazue was sitting atop Kurayami, the great tiger’s muscles tense beneath her as he prowled through the camp, his glowing eyes surveying the havoc he had wrought. The devastation was not limited to the soldiers; tents ignited in bursts of blue fire, collapsing into ash in moments. Wooden crates splintered apart as sparks arced between them, and even the ground seemed to shimmer unnaturally, scorched by the supernatural energy.

The air was heavy, a mix of ozone and the acrid stench of burning cloth and wood. It stung Kazue’s nose, and she couldn’t help but wrinkle it in distaste. Her eyes darted over the scene, catching glimpses of soldiers convulsing as they clawed at the air, their faces twisted in anguish. She felt her stomach churn. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen combat—or even death—in this realm full of scenarios, but something about this was different.

Her fingers curled tightly around the edge of the improvised saddle as her thoughts spiraled. They’re just NPCs… Just background characters, like the countless ones I’ve read about or watched. They don’t matter. Yet, the mantra she repeated to herself failed to drown out the sounds of their suffering. She bit her lip, her brow furrowing deeply.

Kazue had always thought herself detached, someone who could view things as in her favorite stories. But witnessing the scene firsthand—the raw pain etched into the soldiers’ faces, the way they thrashed and screamed—was far removed from the fictionalized battles she had consumed in books or games. These weren’t flat, distant characters; they seemed real people before her now, and no amount of rationalization could change how uncomfortable that made her feel.

Her mind raced, clinging to the one fact that brought her some solace: [Burn the Witch!] was not a skill designed to kill. It wasn’t meant to maim or destroy, only to incapacitate. The blue flames and the electrical bursts caused pain, intense and agonizing, but they wouldn’t take a life. But even knowing that, the sight of these men and women writhing on the ground, their voices breaking into hoarse screams, filled her with a queasy unease.

She was so caught up in her thoughts that she barely registered the touch on her shoulder. It was light, almost hesitant, but enough to jolt her from her reverie. She turned her head sharply, her body stiffening, only to find Katya looking at her with a softness in her eyes that seemed almost out of place amidst the chaos.

“Kazue, are you okay? You look really pale.”

Katya said gently, her voice laced with concern. Kazue stared at her for a moment, her mind struggling to catch up. The tenderness in her friend’s tone caught her off guard, and she felt her cheeks heat slightly under the scrutiny. She quickly turned her gaze away, forcing a weak smile onto her lips.

“I’m fine.”

She said, though her voice lacked conviction. Katya didn’t buy it. Her fingers lingered on Kazue’s shoulder, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied her friend’s face. The connection they shared through the [Soulbond] skill made the blonde unusually attuned to Kazue’s emotions, and what she sensed now was far from reassurance. The slight tremor in the girl’s voice, the tightness in her expression, and the way her hands gripped the saddle told Katya that she was anything but fine.

The worry in Katya’s chest deepened, her obsession with Kazue sharpening her ability to notice even the subtlest changes in her demeanor. She leaned in closer but, before she got to say anything, a thunderous sound split the air.

It was sudden and deafening, cutting through the chaos like a blade. Both girls froze, their heads snapping toward the source of the noise. For a moment, everything seemed to stand still.

Kazue’s heart raced as her eyes darted skyward, and there, in the distance, she saw it: a streak of light carving a brilliant path through the heavens. The trail it left behind glowed faintly, painting an arc across the dark sky.

“That sound…”

Kazue whispered, her voice barely audible over the residual roar. Katya’s hand tightened on her shoulder.

“It’s an aircraft?”

She murmured, her voice trembling with a mix of awe and unease.

The streak of light continued its descent, cutting through the dark sky like a blade of pure energy. Kazue and Katya exchanged a glance, their shared expression of dread confirming that neither needed much imagination to know what would happen. Both girls tensed, their instincts screaming to prepare for whatever was coming.

Then, without warning, it struck.

The object descended with a speed and force that defied comprehension, crashing into the earth like a missile. The impact was violent, shaking the very ground beneath them. A shockwave erupted outward, tearing through the camp with a ferocity that sent everything in its path flying. Tents were ripped from the ground and flung into the air like discarded paper, their fabric shredding into tatters as they spiraled away. Soldiers were lifted off their feet, their bodies tossed aside like leaves caught in a storm. Supplies and debris exploded into the night, their silhouettes briefly illuminated by the flickering remnants of blue flame still lingering from Kazue’s earlier attack.

The force of the blast hit Kurayami and the girls like a wall. The tiger let out a low growl, his massive claws digging into the earth with desperate strength as he struggled to maintain his footing. Kazue gripped the saddle tightly, her knuckles turning white as she fought to stay in place. Beside her, Katya clung to her as well, her arms wrapped firmly around Kazue’s waist. The tiger’s muscles trembled beneath them as he braced against the overwhelming force, his tail lashing wildly for balance.

Kazue’s hair whipped around her face, and she winced as the wind stung her cheeks. She could barely see through the whirlwind of dust and debris kicked up by the impact, the air growing thick and heavy around them. For a moment, the world was nothing but chaos—a deafening roar of destruction and a suffocating cloud of dust that blotted out the stars.

Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, a strange stillness fell over the scene.

The dust cloud was swept away in an instant, dissipated by immense pressure emanating from the impact's epicenter. The air grew unnaturally heavy, and Kazue felt it pressing against her chest, making it harder to breathe. As the debris settled, the scene before them came into sharp focus.

At the center of the devastation lay a massive crater, its edges jagged and raw as if the earth itself had been clawed apart. And from its depths, something began to emerge.

Kazue’s eyes widened as the figure came into view, ascending from the crater with an unhurried grace. The first thing she noticed was his height—he was impossibly tall, his stature so imposing that even Kurayami seemed less massive in comparison. He must have stood at least three meters tall (nearly ten feet), his presence commanding attention even from a distance.

As he stepped closer, Kazue took in every detail of his appearance. His skin was clear and pale, almost luminous under the sunlight, and his muscles were perfectly sculpted—not overly bulky, but sharp and defined, as if his body had been meticulously crafted for combat. His long hair flowed down his back in a cascade of silken strands, each one seemingly in perfect order, adding to the air of meticulousness that surrounded him.

Kazue’s breath caught in her throat as her gaze traveled to his face. His features were flawless—sharp cheekbones, a strong jawline, and eyes that seemed to pierce straight through her. There was an undeniable beauty to him, the kind that made even the most handsome models or idols she had seen on Earth seem dull in comparison.

His attire was equally striking. He wore an elegant robe with intricate gold embroidery that shimmered faintly with every movement. The design was ornate yet purposeful, suggesting a blend of sophistication and martial prowess. The robe hung open at the chest, revealing his pectorals and further emphasizing his refined physique. His loose martial arts trousers and simple yet elegant footwear completed the image of a man whose every aspect had been honed to perfection.

For a moment, Kazue couldn’t look away. Her thoughts grew sluggish as she found herself mesmerized by his sheer presence. It wasn’t just his appearance; it was the way he moved—each step deliberate and commanding, exuding an aura of absolute control.

“Kazue!”

Katya’s voice broke through her trance, accompanied by a sharp shake to her shoulder. Kazue blinked, her cheeks heating in embarrassment as she realized how captivated she had been.

But before either of them could act, the figure was already upon them.

The man—no, the being—stood before them, his towering height casting a long shadow that engulfed them and Kurayami. The tiger growled low in his throat, his ears flattening against his skull as he crouched defensively. But then, something changed. The tiger froze, his growl fading into silence as his entire body began to tremble.

Kazue felt the shift immediately.

“Kurayami?”

She called softly, leaning forward to place a reassuring hand on his fur. She could feel the tension in his muscles, the subtle tremors coursing through his frame. Kurayami’s instincts screamed at him to run, to flee as far as he could from the figure standing before him. It wasn’t fear in the conventional sense—it was something deeper, a primal recognition of overwhelming dominance. And yet, despite every instinct urging him to retreat, the tiger remained where he was, his loyalty to Kazue keeping him rooted in place.

“Shh, it’s okay.”

Kazue murmured, stroking his fur gently.

“I’m here. You’re okay.”

Her voice was steady, but her own hands trembled slightly as she tried to calm both the tiger and herself. The man watched them in silence for a moment before speaking. His voice was deep and resonant, carrying a tone of seriousness that was softened by an almost courteous inflection.

“Greetings, I am Lord Varek, Master of Murim.”

He said, inclining his head slightly. His gaze swept over Kazue and Katya, his expression unreadable.

“It is a pleasure to finally meet some of the inhabitants from another world who have found their way into my domain.”

The girls exchanged a glance, their unease growing as his words sank in.

“I hold no anger, nor do I harbor resentment for the damage you have caused my forces, I can sense that no lives have been lost.”

Varek said, his tone calm but unwavering. Kazue’s eyes widened, her breath hitching as the implications of his words hit her. He could sense life. He could feel the presence—or absence—of every person around him.

“Come.”

The man said, gesturing toward the horizon.

“Let us speak in my palace.”

Both girls followed his motion and spotted the massive structure in the distance, its silhouette imposing against the night sky. The sight of it sent a chill down Kazue’s spine.

Her mind raced, piecing together the situation. It was a trap—it had to be. The palace was where the Fourth Don, Sung Ja-In, awaited them. But at the same time, the logic didn’t add up. If Lord Varek was as powerful as he seemed, why would he need to lure them into a trap?

Kazue’s fingers clenched tightly against the tiger’s fur as she studied the imposing figure before her. Her mind raced, trying to comprehend the strange behavior of Lord Varek. Why wasn’t he attacking them directly? Why was he speaking to them almost… civilly? Her voice trembled slightly, but she forced herself to speak.

“Why are you treating us like this?”

Kazue asked, her tone both cautious and defiant.

“We’re your enemies, aren’t we?”

Lord Varek sighed deeply, his broad chest rising and falling in a motion that seemed almost too calm for someone who had just descended like a missile and shaken the earth to its core. His expression, while still firm, softened ever so slightly.

“You misunderstand me.”

Varek replied, his voice as smooth and measured as the movements of a master martial artist.

“I do not enjoy unnecessary violence. If you had appeared here slaughtering my soldiers, this would be an entirely different conversation. But that was not the case.”

Kazue blinked, startled by the answer. His words carried a weight that made her feel exposed, as though he had analyzed every action she and Katya had taken since arriving in this world.

“From what I observed…”

He continued, his piercing gaze shifting briefly to Katya.

“During your battle with Bai Huolong and your… encounter with Abbess Xinhui, neither of you appears to be the type who instigates conflicts without a valid reason.”

Katya bristled slightly at his mention of Abbess, frowning instinctively. Lord Varek’s lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile.

“And you, girl…”

He said, addressing Katya directly.

“You were most impressive. The wound you inflicted upon Abbess was… noteworthy.”

Katya’s grip tightened further, her jaw clenched. She didn’t respond, but her eyes burned with defiance.

“Which brings me to my point, I want to know why you are here. Clearly, you intended to draw my attention for a reason.”

Varek said, his tone becoming sharper. His imposing figure seemed to grow even taller as his aura darkened, the shift palpable.

Kazue exchanged a glance with Katya, unsure of how much to reveal. But before she could respond, Lord Varek’s expression shifted into something far more menacing. His brows furrowed, and his golden eyes gleamed with an intensity that made Kazue’s chest tighten.

“And more importantly, I want to know where the boy with glasses is.”

He said, his voice now carrying an unmistakable edge. Kazue’s eyes widened in shock. Her mouth moved before she could stop herself.

“Adam?”

“Ah, yes. That one. I have some… unresolved business with him.”

Varek said simply, his gaze unwavering. The air around them seemed to chill as he spoke. For the first time, Kazue felt a suffocating pressure building in the atmosphere. It wasn’t physical, but it gripped her chest like a vice, making it hard to breathe. She didn’t realize her hands were trembling until she gripped Kurayami’s fur even tighter.

The suffocating pressure sharpened into something more sinister—a tangible bloodlust that swept through the air like an oppressive wave. Both girls felt their skin prickle, goosebumps rising across their arms. Katya, normally so composed, exhaled sharply, her teeth clenched as she fought to maintain her composure.

Kazue, her voice quivering but resolute, stammered.

“W-We won’t tell you where he is! It’s clear you mean him harm.”

Lord Varek tilted his head slightly, his expression shifting to one of mild disappointment. He sighed again, the sound laced with subtle irritation.

“I had hoped you’d be more reasonable, but it seems we must do this the hard way.”

He said evenly. But before either girl could react, Varek disappeared and reappeared in the blink of an eye, now standing atop Kurayami’s massive head. The tiger froze, its ears flattening as it trembled beneath him.

Kazue’s body locked in place, her muscles refusing to obey her commands. She could only watch, wide-eyed, as Varek extended a hand toward her, his movements deliberate yet impossibly swift.

His hand reached for her head, and in that moment, time seemed to slow. Kazue’s heart pounded in her ears, her breaths coming in short, ragged gasps. She couldn’t move, couldn’t even scream. The only thing she could see was the hand drawing closer and closer.

But just as his fingers were about to touch her, they closed around something else entirely.

Varek’s hand gripped the skeletal head of a humanoid creature, its insect-like body glistening faintly in the dim light. The figure had no face, only a blank, smooth surface where eyes and a mouth should have been.

“What?”

Varek muttered, his calm demeanor cracking ever so slightly as he realized the girls and the tiger had vanished.

The humanoid creature disintegrated in his grasp, fading into nothingness. He straightened, his golden eyes narrowing as he scanned the area.

A glowing screen appeared before him, its text stark against the dim backdrop:

[Skill: [Umbraexus Assassin’s Shadow Step Lv9] has finished its limited-use time and entered Cooldown.]

Varek clicked his tongue in annoyance, his irritation plain on his face. He looked around once more, but the area was utterly silent. There were no tracks, no clues—nothing to indicate where the girls and the tiger had gone.

He extended his arm, palm open, and closed his eyes in concentration. Moments later, another glowing screen materialized before him:

⌠Notice: SR-class Plot Device: “Lead me to them!” has been used.⌡

Varek’s body began to glow with an intense white light. He started to dissolve, the energy swirling around him as he prepared to leave. His form shot upward, streaking into the sky like a comet. The arc he traced mirrored the trajectory of his earlier descent, heading off in pursuit of his targets.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

———

Far from the chaotic confrontation with Lord Varek, Gregor, Chloe, and Sebastian waited in tense silence. Sebastian was inside his massive ‘Steamtread Goliath’, an imposing machine with a spherical core, clawed arms, powerful legs, and propulsion systems on its back. The mechanical giant stood still, steam occasionally hissing from its joints, as the old man remained quiet in the cockpit, hands gripping the controls. He hadn’t said a word, his focus razor-sharp.

Chloe, on the other hand, was pacing nervously nearby, her eyes darting between the Goliath and Gregor. Her breathing was uneven, and her hands trembled slightly as she fidgeted with her gear. She bit her lip, trying to suppress the growing anxiety that was making her stomach churn. The weight of the operation loomed over her like a storm cloud.

Gregor stood a short distance away, his arms crossed over his broad chest. His expression was calm, almost indifferent, as if scenarios of life and death were routine for him. His military posture exuded confidence, a stark contrast to Chloe’s unease. His sharp eyes scanned their surroundings, mentally rehearsing the plan they had meticulously prepared.

The tension broke abruptly when one of Katya’s Tulpas vanished into thin air, dissolving in a shimmer of distorted light. In its place, the immense figure of Kurayami appeared, the great tiger’s fur bristling and streaked with sweat, with Kazue and Katya barely holding on to his back. The sudden appearance startled everyone, and the sheer exhaustion on the girls’ faces sent a jolt of alarm through the group.

Chloe gasped and rushed forward, exclaiming.

"What happened? Are you two okay?"

Katya slid off Kurayami’s back unsteadily, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. Her face was pale, her legs shaking, and as she wiped her brow, a thin line of blood began to drip from her forehead.

"No time, we have to move... now."

Kazue dismounted as well, collapsing to her knees for a brief second before forcing herself up again. Her hands clenched tightly at her sides as she glanced at the blonde, the horror of their recent encounter still etched into her features.

Gregor took a step closer, his voice firm but not unkind.

"Understood. We proceed as planned. Good luck to everyone."

His tone was decisive, carrying the weight of experience.

Katya winced as she tried to steady herself, her mind racing. The faint but throbbing pain on her forehead was a reminder of how close they had come to disaster—how her Tulpa had been seized by Lord Varek in that critical moment, leaving her with a psychic backlash.

The sound of a distant explosion ripped through the air, drawing everyone's attention to the horizon. A bright beam of light shot skyward, its radiance cutting through the dim surroundings. The spectacle lasted mere seconds, but its intensity sent a shiver down Chloe’s spine.

Kazue's voice broke the silence, loud and urgent.

"Now!"

She yelled. Without hesitation, the group sprang into action. They scattered in different directions, each following the predetermined plan. Chloe and Gregor, accompanied by Katya’s second Tulpa, darted toward the east, their movements swift and purposeful. Sebastian engaged the Goliath’s propulsion systems, the massive machine roaring to life as it blasted westward, leaving behind a trail of steam and dust.

Kazue and Katya climbed back onto Kurayami, the great tiger bounding north at an incredible pace, his muscles rippling under his sleek fur. Every stride was powerful, yet the tension of their hurried escape hung heavily in the air.

Moments later, the ground where they had gathered erupted with a deafening roar as Lord Varek landed. His arrival was marked by a blinding flash of energy, followed by the echoing crash of displaced earth. As the dust settled, his piercing gaze scanned the surroundings. His sharp eyes quickly caught sight of the fleeing figures in the distance, each group racing in a different direction.

Varek sighed deeply, his voice low and laced with irritation.

"Running is futile, I may have overestimated them after all."

He muttered under his breath. He then turned his head slowly, his sharp senses evaluating his options. His gaze settled on the enormous, unmistakable form of the Steamtread Goliath in the distance. A predatory smile curled his lips.

"The easiest target."

He murmured, almost to himself. Without another word, the ground beneath his feet exploded as he propelled himself forward with inhuman speed. His movements were so swift that the air around him seemed to whistle in protest, the sheer force of his acceleration leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. Lord Varek was closing the distance toward Sebastian with terrifying efficiency, his presence a relentless storm bearing down on the fleeing machine.

The old man was racing through the uneven terrain with his ‘Steamtread Goliath’, the enormous robot's legs pounding the ground with a thunderous cadence. Each step sent vibrations through the earth, propelling him forward as the glowing propulsion jets on the Goliath's back flared with bright, fiery energy. Inside the spherical cockpit, Sebastian gripped the control levers tightly, sweat dripping down his brow as the display screens blinked with warning lights. The Goliath's speed was formidable, but even with the thrusters at maximum capacity, he couldn’t shake the oppressive presence that loomed behind him.

From the cockpit's monitors, Sebastian could see Lord Varek rapidly closing the distance. The figure moved impossibly fast, each step a blur of motion that seemed to defy the laws of physics. His cloak billowed like a shadowy wave, and the air around him howled as if protesting against his speed.

Sebastian adjusted the controls, veering the Goliath to the side in an attempt to evade the relentless pursuit. The thrusters roared, the machine’s massive legs kicking up debris as it surged forward.

Lord Varek, however, was undeterred. He moved with terrifying precision, closing the gap with such speed that Sebastian barely had time to react. The mechanical limbs of the Goliath struggled to maneuver as Sebastian shifted every ounce of power to the thrusters, trying to gain even a fraction of a second to escape. The air around the cockpit grew stifling, the tension wrapping around him like a vice.

Suddenly, a resounding impact jolted the Goliath. Lord Varek had reached him, his hand raised and surrounded by an ominous, shimmering aura. Sebastian desperately swung one of the Goliath’s massive pincers, aiming for his pursuer, but the strike collided with an unseen barrier. Sparks erupted as the robot’s claw scraped against the invisible shield, which pulsed with a low, resonant hum.

Sebastian gasped under his breath.

“Oh no….”

Lord Varek seized the opportunity. With a swift motion, he grabbed the Goliath’s pincers and wrenched the massive robot off the ground as if it weighed nothing. The entire machine trembled under his grip. Inside, Sebastian struggled to maintain control as alarms blared, the cockpit lighting up with red warnings.

The next moment, Varek swung the Goliath down with monstrous force, slamming it into the ground. The earth cracked beneath the impact, and Sebastian felt the violent tremor reverberate through his bones. He coughed, the jolt leaving him momentarily disoriented. But there was no time to recover. Through the cockpit’s cracked screen, he saw Varek climb onto the fallen Goliath, his eyes glowing with a fierce intensity.

“This ends now.”

Varek growled, his voice echoing with an unnatural power. He raised a fist enveloped in the same energy that had shielded him, intending to punch through the Goliath’s shell and drag Sebastian out.

But, as Varek’s fist descended, the Goliath’s entire frame began to glow with a vibrant red hue. Its metallic surface shimmered, becoming translucent and intangible, and before his strike could connect, the Goliath dissolved into a burst of pure energy. A curved beam of crimson light shot into the sky, arcing far into the distance. Varek’s fist struck the empty ground, shattering the earth beneath it.

For a moment, silence reigned. Lord Varek straightened, his gaze following the beam as it disappeared into the horizon. Recognition flickered in his expression.

“The Interdimensional Containment Cube.”

He murmured, his tone laced with annoyance. He didn’t linger on the thought, however. The cube’s origin was irrelevant. What mattered was that his quarry had escaped again.

Without hesitation, Varek turned and surged forward, following the trajectory of the beam with unrelenting speed. His cloak trailed behind him like a shadow, and the ground beneath his feet exploded with every step.

Far away, Kazue stood with Katya and the mechanical bird Falk, her hands trembling slightly as she activated the cube. The device hummed with a low, otherworldly sound, its surface glowing faintly. Falk, perched nearby, chirped in his metallic voice.

“It seems Sebastian made it back safely. No signs of damage detected.”

Kazue let out a shaky sigh of relief, wiping her forehead.

“Good. That’s one less thing to worry about.”

Katya, however, wasn’t as optimistic. She pointed toward the horizon, her voice rising with panic.

“No… Holy shit!”

Kazue followed her gaze and felt her stomach drop. Despite their relentless escape, a figure was closing in on them at an unimaginable speed. Lord Varek’s silhouette grew clearer with every passing second, his aura radiating menace.

Kurayami didn’t falter, continuing to sprint at full speed. But it wasn’t enough. Lord Varek reached them in moments, his hand extending. A massive projection of energy shaped like his hand emerged, engulfing the tiger and lifting it into the air. The energy tendrils snaked around the tiger’s struggling form, binding its legs and torso with a firm, unyielding grip. Katya and Kazue, still atop the massive beast, were caught as well, suspended in midair with an invisible force coiling around their limbs like tightening chains. The tiger let out a muffled growl, its energy fluctuating under the strain of Varek’s grip.

The only one unaffected was Falk, who darted from the scene with his flutter of metallic wings, exploiting a small gap in the energy’s hold.

“You won’t escape this time.”

Varek raised his free hand, preparing to crush them completely. Yet, before his energy could tighten fully around them, the figures of Kazue, Katya, and even Kurayami shimmered and vanished into thin air.

For a fleeting moment, Varek’s grip closed around nothingness, leaving him holding empty space. He froze, his expression darkening as realization dawned. The figures reappeared in a flash, but they weren’t the girls and the beast. Instead, in their place was a Tulpa—one of Katya’s creations, similar to the one he had seen previously. The tulpa was humanoid but amorphous, its translucent form shifting subtly as if it couldn’t fully maintain a solid appearance under the pressure of Varek’s energy.

The tulpa struggled for barely a moment before Varek’s massive grip closed around it with crushing force. Its form cracked like fragile glass, then dissolved into a wisp of fading light, scattering harmlessly into the air. The man remained still, his towering presence radiating raw power. Yet beneath that power was an undercurrent of rage.

He clenched his fists, letting the remnants of the tulpa fall away like ash. His glowing eyes narrowed dangerously, and a low growl escaped his lips.

“They’re stalling me.”

He muttered, his voice like a thunderous growl rolling over the battlefield. The realization struck him with sudden clarity, and his frustration boiled over.

“So that’s their plan… wasting my time.”

He took a slow, deliberate step forward, the ground trembling beneath his weight. His shadow stretched unnaturally, flickering as if alive, an extension of his frustration. Each second that passed fueled his growing anger. The longer he played their game, the more time they bought for something—whatever it was, it had to be critical enough for them to risk taunting him.

Varek raised his arm, and an array of runic symbols flickered to life in the air before him, forming a dark, glowing screen. The symbols pulsed faintly as if drawing power directly from him, illuminating his face in a sinister light. He stared at the screen for a brief moment before his lips curled into a snarl. The text appeared slowly, each word glowing ominously:

⌠Notice: UR-class Plot device: “Don’t look behind you” has been used.⌡

The edges of the screen shimmered with a faint distortion as if the fabric of reality itself was bending to accommodate the device.

Without another word, Varek’s form began to shift. Darkness enveloped him entirely, swallowing him in a writhing mass of shadows. His body dissolved into the void, disappearing without a sound. All that remained was the oppressive silence he left in his wake and the faint, lingering energy marks burned into the ground where he had stood moments before.

The air itself seemed to recoil from his departure, leaving an unsettling stillness that carried the weight of his fury.

–––

Far from the battlefield where Lord Varek had disappeared, the second tulpa shimmered faintly before swapping places with Katya, Kazue, and Kurayami. In a seamless transition, they materialized beside Gregor and Chloe, who had been picked up along the way. The group hastily climbed onto Kurayami’s back, the tiger’s movements slightly sluggish but still powerful enough to carry them forward. The beast growled lowly, its breath ragged as it pushed forward with determination, even in its exhausted state.

Chloe broke the silence first, her voice filled with worry.

“Is everyone alright? What happened back there?”

This time, she received a response. Kazue, clutching one of Kurayami’s fur tufts tightly, nodded briefly.

“We’re fine, but I’m worried about Katya.”

She replied, her voice steady despite her own visible tension. She then glanced toward her companion, who sat slumped slightly against the tiger’s side.

Katya’s face was pale, her forehead streaked with blood that hadn’t been wiped away. Her breathing was uneven, and her body trembled faintly from the strain of the encounter. The effects of Lord Varek’s crushing grip lingered on her; faint bruises were already forming where the immense pressure had been applied.

Hearing Kazue’s words, Katya forced herself to straighten up, brushing a strand of damp hair away from her face.

“I’m fine.”

She said, her voice hoarse but firm.

“I’ll be able to summon my tulpas again in a few minutes. But… I can’t use [Shared Essence] again for a while.”

Chloe, riding beside them, exhaled in relief but couldn’t hide her amazement.

“That skill is incredible, you can swap places with your Tulpa and bring others along. That saved all of us.”

She said, her admiration clear. Katya shook her head slowly, correcting her.

“No.”

She said quietly, her voice almost drowned out by Kurayami’s heavy breathing.

“It doesn’t work like that. [Shared Essence] only works with me and my belongings.”

The statement hung in the air like an unspoken warning. Kazue frowned, her eyes darting to Chloe for clarity, but the older girl quickly averted her gaze, her expression troubled. Whatever Katya meant, Chloe seemed to understand, though she clearly didn’t want to delve deeper.

Before Kazue could press further, the momentary peace shattered. A shadow materialized directly in Kurayami’s path, forcing the tiger to skid to a stop. The shadow twisted and writhed, coalescing into the towering form of Lord Varek. His glowing eyes burned with fury, and his presence weighed down the air like an unbearable force.

“Enough running.”

Varek said coldly, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

“You’ve wasted enough of my time.”

Kurayami let out a low growl, its legs trembling beneath it. But before anyone could react, Varek raised his arm. A pulse of energy exploded outward, slamming into the group with the force of a crashing wave.

Kazue felt the breath leave her lungs as she was hurled backward. The world spun violently, and she hit the ground hard, the impact jarring her bones. Around her, the others were similarly scattered. Chloe landed nearby, coughing as she struggled to push herself up. Gregor gritted his teeth, forcing himself to his knees despite the pain. Katya barely moved, her body slumped where she had fallen, too drained to rise.

Kurayami lay on its side, panting heavily. The tiger’s massive body trembled with exhaustion, its once-intimidating growls reduced to weak huffs of air.

Lord Varek approached slowly, each step deliberate and ominous. His gaze swept over the group, his expression one of disdain.

“What do you hope to achieve with this farce? Why stall for time? What are you planning?”

He demanded, but no one answered. The silence stretched, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves and Kurayami’s labored breathing.

Gregor was the first to move. He rose unsteadily to his feet, his body tense as he faced Varek. His hands curled into fists, and his stance was defensive, though he didn’t speak a word.

Varek’s lips curled into a mocking smirk.

“Commendable, to stand before an enemy you cannot hope to defeat. But let me assure you—this is not bravery. It is suicide.”

In the blink of an eye, Varek was in front of Gregor. His hand shot out, seizing the soldier by the throat with unrelenting strength. Gregor’s eyes widened as he clawed at Varek’s arm, but it was futile. The grip was like iron, unyielding and merciless.

Varek lifted him effortlessly, holding him aloft.

“I don’t need all of you alive to get the answers I seek.”

He said coldly. His gaze sharpened, focusing intently on Gregor.

“But you… There’s something different about you. From the beginning, I sensed a strange energy. Something I’ve never encountered before.”

Gregor’s struggles intensified, but Varek ignored him.

“Interesting, I think I’ll start with you. Let’s see what secrets you’re hiding.”

The air around Varek shifted as his energy flared. He focused intently on Gregor, his intent clear—he was going to absorb the strange energy and make it his own. But as the seconds passed, nothing happened.

Varek’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“What is this? You have no unique abilities, no extraordinary power. Only a faint trace of Ki. So why…?”

His grip tightened, and he pulled Gregor closer, bringing their faces mere inches apart. His glowing eyes bore into the soldier’s, and his voice rose with anger.

Gregor’s movements stilled. Slowly, his mouth opened, revealing a small sphere resting on his tongue.

Varek’s eyes widened in surprise, his grip faltering slightly. The sight of the sphere confused him. He stared at it for a moment, trying to understand its significance.

But before he could react, the sphere began to glow.

Varek’s expression shifted to one of realization and then alarm.

“No!”

He exclaimed, but it was already too late… The small sphere shot outward with a sharp, resonating snap, expanding instantly as it left Gregor’s mouth. Its growth was swift and deliberate, transforming into a translucent, square-shaped barrier that enveloped Lord Varek before he had time to react. The energy pulsing from the barrier was dense and oppressive, vibrating faintly as if holding back an immense force. Varek’s grip on Gregor’s throat loosened as the surprise overtook him, and Gregor fell to the ground, coughing violently as he clutched his neck, trying to regain his breath.

The barrier hummed as an invisible voice echoed:

[Skill [Karmic Suppression Barrier Lv2] is activated.] [Remaining time: 5:00 minutes]

Everyone froze momentarily, their bodies trembling from the adrenaline. Then, Chloe broke the silence, her voice a mixture of disbelief and awe.

“Did it actually work?”

She asked, her wide eyes shifting from Gregor to the barrier.

Kazue nodded, still staring at the pulsating walls surrounding Lord Varek. She looked like she couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry.

“I... I can’t believe it either. That has to be the coolest thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”

Within the barrier, Lord Varek’s furious roar cut through their conversation. His fist slammed into the translucent wall, the impact causing a violent tremor that sent shockwaves through the ground beneath them. The barrier rippled, but it held firm.

“Damn you!”

Lord Varek snarled, his voice low and dangerous.

“Do you think this will stop me?!”

Gregor, still massaging his bruised throat, spoke hoarsely.

“You might as well save your strength. You can’t break it with brute force, no matter how strong you think you are. If you could, it would only mean I’ve already lost.”

He straightened himself with effort, his voice steadier now as he added.

“The only way out is waiting. Five minutes. That’s how long we have.”

Lord Varek glared at Gregor, his chest heaving as he fought to control his breathing. For a moment, his agitation seemed to intensify, but then he suddenly stopped, his breathing slowing. A chilling calm overtook his features as he straightened. His crimson eyes locked onto Gregor, a calculating light replacing his earlier rage.

“You’re right.”

Lord Varek said in a controlled tone, his voice cold and deliberate.

“This barrier is absolute. I’ve faced it before. But all you’ve done is delay the inevitable. Once I’m free, I will destroy all of you. You’re wasting your time.”

He smirked faintly, though the amusement didn’t reach his eyes. As if to punctuate his words, he struck the barrier again, this time with an open palm. The force of the blow reverberated outward, but the barrier remained unyielding. Lord Varek scoffed, shaking his head as though disappointed.

Suddenly, he froze mid-motion, his smirk faltering. A low groan escaped his lips, and his hand shot up to his temple. The groan turned into a growl, then a roar as his hands clawed at his head. His body jerked violently, and his breaths came in shallow, erratic gasps.

“What’s... happening?”

Chloe whispered, taking an involuntary step back.

Lord Varek’s roars became screams, raw and agonized. His hands clawed at his face as though trying to tear something off.

“Stop it!”

He bellowed.

“Let me out! I can’t stand this!”

He stumbled forward, his movements jerky and desperate.

“Release me! Please! I can’t... I can’t take this!”

Gregor’s eyes narrowed. He’d never seen anything like this.

“What the hell is going on?”

He muttered, his voice barely audible.

“I don’t know, is it the barrier? Is it doing something to him?”

Kazue said, her voice trembling. Inside the barrier, Lord Varek collapsed to his knees, his hands still clutching his head. He screamed again, his voice filled with despair.

“Don’t leave me in this... this light! I can’t... I can’t have my mind so clear! Give it back! The darkness! The noise! Anything but this emptiness! Kill me if you must, but don’t... don’t leave me like this!”

Kazue took a hesitant step forward, her hands trembling.

“He’s... begging? I’ve never imagined seeing him like this.”

“No one has… What does it mean?””

Chloe said, her voice low and fearful.

Gregor stared at Lord Varek, his face unreadable. For the first time, he saw something other than dominance and malice in the man—something vulnerable, broken. The sight unsettled him.