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The dimly lit throne room of the Kingdom of Ruins stood silent as High Mage Zack stepped forward, the weight of his betrayal cloaking him like a shadow. Malumnox, the enigmatic ruler of this forsaken place, eyed him with a mix of curiosity and caution.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCORug8HzX7
"Welcome... Rogue High Mage," Malumnox intoned, his voice echoing slightly off the ancient stone walls.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcz8xCaWbh
"Thank you for hearing me out," Zack replied, his tone respectful yet firm. He paced slowly, absorbing the gravity of his own decisions. "I often wondered where you disappeared to after the Siege of Areala. Never imagined you'd choose the Land of Spade."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDhm2rmQCk
Malumnox leaned back, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Life is full of surprises, isn't it? Now, tell me, why seek an alliance with an enemy of your universe?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYetGiqS7R
Zack’s expression hardened. "Because, Malumnox, I'm no longer part of the Areala Universe. Not anymore."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRwb18X81v
The revelation seemed to take Malumnox aback. "Really? I thought 'Rogue High Mage' was just a title others branded you with. Didn’t realize you’d embraced it fully."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwuJW5F7MU
Zack nodded solemnly. "It's more than a title. It's my new reality. I’m here because I need to ensure my survival—and perhaps yours. Can you feel that?" He paused, letting the ominous energy permeate the space between them.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3x0i4iGD2k
Malumnox frowned, sensing the disturbance. "That’s Kaipo’s aura, isn't it? He's here, in the Land of Spade, and he’s not pleased."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhdi0BbyPJ
"Exactly," Zack confirmed, his gaze steely. "Sooner or later, he'll discover this place. We need to be ready, or the Kingdom of Ruins will live up to its name once again."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCFH5vl1uh
"But why turn against the High Mages? Against Kaipo?" Malumnox questioned, genuinely puzzled by Zack's drastic shift in allegiance.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGrBjyoffY
Zack sighed, a trace of bitterness creeping into his voice. "I was never truly with them. I played along, biding my time, waiting for the right moment to break free."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ551Na3C2PI
"And the StarGuard Squads? The ease with which I found them...?" Malumnox inquired, piecing together the depth of Zack's deception.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZ6PBoveMZ
"I enhanced their auras without their knowledge," Zack confessed. "Made them shine like beacons for you to find and extract those with Jewels. It was all part of my plan."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Rws5FQ9Gk
Malumnox whistled softly, impressed despite himself. "So what do you really want, Zack?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRIF24H8dd
"The destruction of the Areala Universe," Zack stated flatly. "They claim to uphold balance and protect realms, but in truth, they manipulate and control, bending the cosmos to their will under the guise of guardianship. Their hypocrisy must end."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9xROFMPxV
Malumnox leaned forward, intrigued. "And you think by tearing it down, we can build something better?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqQqJRMIEN
"Exactly," Zack replied. "We'll create a new order from the ashes, one where true freedom and balance prevail. No more hidden manipulations, no more guardians who become dictators."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuFfLulnPx
Malumnox considered this for a long moment, then slowly nodded. "You have a radical vision, Zack. It’s risky, dangerous even. But there’s a certain... purity in your conviction. If we can manage the chaos that follows, perhaps the cosmos really can be reshaped for the better."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHApr9O9mf0
Zack extended his hand, a pact forming in the shadows of their conversation. "Together, Malumnox, we can forge a new future."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcOrgyc3vW
Malumnox grasped his hand firmly. "Then let’s begin the end of the Areala Universe. And let no one stand in our way."
As they sealed their alliance, the air around them seemed to thrum with the power of impending change, the quiet before a storm that could reshape the very fabric of the universe.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5yPNxpRjg
