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The night air is thick with tension as Captain Kaipo and his squad prepare to face the unknown threat approaching their camp in the Northern territories. Amidst this imminent confrontation, Kaipo's mind is drawn back to a pivotal moment two years prior, a memory that would shape his destiny.
Flashback: Two Years Ago
The chapter transitions to a flashback of Kaipo during the time skip. The young captain is in the midst of intense training, honing his skills and abilities. His determination is fueled by the loss of Captain Erisa and the capture of Lila. It's during this period that Kaipo's visions, bestowed upon him by the jewel, become clearer, leading him to a mysterious location deep underground.
Kaipo discovers an ancient temple hidden beneath the earth. Inside, he finds a wall engraved with intricate symbols and patterns, outlining a layout for a portal. Intrigued and realizing the significance of his discovery, Kaipo immediately seeks counsel from the High Mage of the Mage Allegiance.
Upon hearing Kaipo's discovery, the High Mage, along with the reclusive Elders of the Council, who rarely leave the headquarters, accompanies him to the temple. Their presence signifies the gravity of the situation.
In the dim light of the underground temple, the High Mage examines the wall and recognizes the layout. "This is the Time Gap Portal," she declares, her voice echoing in the cavernous space. "One of the deadliest portals in the Land of Spade. It's said to lead to a dimension where one can become the 'Perfect Human' through intense trials."
Kaipo listens intently as the High Mage explains the legends surrounding the portal. "The Time Gap Dimension contains ten planets, each taking a hundred years to conquer. The challenges intensify with each planet. Even a squad captain might only survive five planets. And time... time does not flow as it does here. A millennium could pass inside, while only a second elapses in our world."
Kaipo, driven by a desire to grow stronger and uncover the mysteries of his visions, expresses his intention to enter the portal. "I must try. I need to understand the full extent of my abilities."
The High Mage adamantly refuses. "It's too dangerous, Kaipo. No one has ever returned from the Time Gap Dimension. Besides, the portal isn't even active, and we do not know how to awaken it."
As they discuss the risks, Kaipo, driven by an inexplicable compulsion, approaches the dormant portal. He runs his fingers over the ancient carvings, and to everyone's astonishment, the portal resonates with his touch, lighting up as if acknowledging a long-awaited reunion.
Before anyone can react, a powerful force emanates from the portal, enveloping Kaipo. The High Mage and the Elders watch in horror as he is suddenly pulled into the portal, disappearing from their sight.
In the underground temple, the High Mage and the Council Elders stand in stunned silence, the echo of the Time Gap Portal's closure reverberating through the ancient hall. The sudden disappearance of Kaipo into the unknown realm of the portal sends waves of shock and fear through their ranks.
The High Mage, recovering from her initial shock, steps forward, her gaze fixed on the now-dormant portal. "We must find a way to bring him back," she says, a mix of urgency and worry in her voice. The Elders murmur in agreement, but the uncertainty of how to proceed hangs heavy in the air.
As they discuss potential methods to reopen the portal, a voice resonates from behind them, halting their conversation. They turn to see Kaipo standing there, an enigmatic black aura surrounding him, his presence commanding and more powerful than ever.
The High Mage, her eyes widening in disbelief, stammers, "Kaipo? How...? You were just swallowed by the portal!"
Kaipo's eyes, now holding depths of knowledge and strength unseen before, meet hers. "I have conquered all ten planets of the Time Gap Dimension. I have become what they call 'The Perfect Human.'"
The elders exchange looks of astonishment and concern. The High Mage, regaining her composure, observes the black aura around Kaipo. "What is this aura? And how did you return so quickly?"
Kaipo explains, "In the Time Gap Dimension, I gained the power equivalent to possessing all nine jewels from the first nine planets. The tenth planet required no conquest, only meditation for a hundred years without sustenance, pushing me to transcend physical limitations."
He continues, "In that state, I reached a different plane of existence, awakening 'The Tenth Jewel,' an anti-magic jewel capable of countering all other nine. My physical and magical abilities have been immensely amplified, possibly even surpassing you, the High Mage."
The High Mage, absorbing this revelation, regards Kaipo with a new sense of respect and slight apprehension. "Your achievement is unprecedented, but we must understand the full extent and implications of this power."
Present Time
Back at the camp in the Northern territories, the approaching threat reveals itself. Emerging from the darkness are five figures, each exuding a menacing aura. They are a formidable group known as The Voidwalkers, each member a master of dark and forbidden arts.
The leader of The Voidwalkers, a tall figure cloaked in shadows, steps forward. His voice is cold and commanding as he addresses Kaipo and his squad. "We have come for the Tenth Jewel. Surrender it, and we may spare your lives."
Kaipo, undeterred and confident in his newfound abilities, steps forward. "The Tenth Jewel is not an object to be wielded by the likes of you. It is a power earned through trials and transcendence."
The second member of The Voidwalkers, a woman with eyes glowing a sinister red, smirks. "We care not for your trials. The Tenth Jewel is the key to our ultimate plan. You will not stand in our way."166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQguwMqJWe
