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The battlefield lay in shambles, a testament to the ferocity of the recent clash. Malacar's defeated form sprawled on the ground, surrounded by the scattered jewels of his arsenal. As Zack and Malumnox discussed the division of the jewels, a decision was reached with a begrudging mutual respect: Zack would claim five jewels, and Malumnox would take four.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApKOsGZT1M
Just as they extended their hands to gather the rewards of their victory, a figure materialized beside the jewels with an uncanny swiftness. It was Kaipo, looking as composed as if the battle had never touched him.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsz25P7Sw6
Malumnox reacted first, his hand shooting out in a desperate grab for the jewels. But Kaipo was quicker, scooping up all nine jewels in a fluid, practiced motion. With a smirk, he vanished as abruptly as he appeared, leaving behind a palpable vacuum of shock and disbelief.
"What just happened?" Zack muttered, his frustration boiling over into rage.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbsIvR0eW1
"He took them... all of them," Malumnox growled, his voice a low rumble of fury. "After all our efforts!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLHnD55f0p
Realizing their loss, the two quickly recalibrated their plans. "We need to head towards that heavy presence," Zack said, feeling the pulse of jewel power in the distance where Joker battled. "That's where we'll find the real fight."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXUiTKbfkN
Switching perspectives, the narrative shifted to Astralith, standing about five miles away from the main confrontation. As she scanned the horizon for any sign of Kaipo, Kaipo suddenly appeared before her, his arrival as unexpected as it was silent.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Tw9zN8r2i
Kaipo: "Looking for me?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKswTz77TI
Astralith: "Where have you been all this time?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NKiYtq9fW
Kaipo responded with a disarming smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "That should be none of your concern as an enemy," he replied smoothly.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9O97cLKrU
He then shifted the conversation towards Lyn and Levi. "I expected them to be defeated earlier, but I suppose now is as good a time as any," he mused, his tone oddly detached for a supposed ally.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOrxkb0v5e
Astralith's suspicion deepened at his remark, her eyes narrowing. "You speak of your friends as if their defeat was inevitable. Why?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2b98S2Sqj4
Ignoring her question, Kaipo continued, "I’m more interested in how you managed to seal them away. Would you care to enlighten me on that?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWy6QlZCwQ
Astralith hesitated, her mind racing. "I haven’t told you about that ability... How do you know about it?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ01cw748ah
Kaipo’s grin widened, his demeanor cool and calculated. "Sometimes, it's best to observe from the shadows," he said cryptically. "Now, about that Seal—can it be undone?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJuql3EAog
Astralith took a step back, her defenses rising. "Why do you ask about things you should already know, Kaipo? Or should I start questioning who you really are?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcu1pQJ2LhF
Kaipo’s laughter was light, yet it carried an edge of seriousness. "Perhaps you should, Astralith. Perhaps you should."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRPCfD5c0s
After his laughter subsided, tinged with seriousness, Kaipo presented the nine jewels of Malacar. Astralith's eyes widened in disbelief as she processed the implications.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lct0O1Udm
"That damn fool," she muttered, realizing Malacar had been defeated by Zack and Malumnox. Her tone shifted to incredulity as she faced Kaipo. "How did you manage to get these jewels if Zack and Malumnox were already there?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYSMTotMD7
Ignoring her question, Kaipo changed the subject with an air of inevitability. "I'll be setting Levi free from your 'Seal'," he declared, his gaze steady and resolute.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rQunvRVTu
Confusion swept over Astralith. "Your randomness in topics... Why mention Levi now?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxzwPKLCjR
"It's inevitable, or rather, I foresaw it," Kaipo responded cryptically. He paused, a smirk forming as he added, "It's one of the abilities I gained from my time on the 'other side'."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTQ8v1dL58
"The 'other side'?" Astralith echoed, her skepticism apparent.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxTfGFo3FL
"Yes, a term I've coined for the other side of the Land of Spade," Kaipo explained. "There, among the ruins of an ancient and powerful kingdom, I found a tome that allowed me to develop a new power—'Infinite Insight'."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJ4dLHf9ti
"Infinite Insight?" Astralith's interest piqued despite the tension.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKwUCzPDG0
"This power granted me five remarkable abilities, pivotal in formulating my strategies for this war," Kaipo continued, his eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and secrecy. "The specifics aren't something I wish to divulge now, but I must insist you release Levi, or I will be forced to take him."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMVIeFJFMI
Astralith's expression hardened, her voice cold with resolve. "I should have dealt with you long ago, after your return from the Time Gap Portal."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYcEavl0uo
Kaipo’s laughter was light, yet it carried an edge of certainty. "Perhaps you should have, Astralith. Because now, I can guarantee you this confrontation, if it comes to that, will end in your defeat."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8DCRFzaDJ
As the chapter closed, the air between them crackled with the tension of impending conflict, each poised with power and secrets that could turn the tides of war.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTJevVJ8Dt
