
Kaipo and the High Mages stepped through the portal and found themselves in front of a quaint village on the other side. Without hesitation, they moved swiftly into the village. The plan Kaipo had outlined during their journey was simple yet daunting: find the other 8 Jewels in the heart of Solara.94Please respect copyright.PENANAxKvlvpsd9g
As they walked, they spotted a couple of mages. Kaipo approached them and asked, "Can you guide us to Solara?"94Please respect copyright.PENANAFLsNRY6Itw
One of the mages replied, "You are in Solara. This entire area, including the 5 Universes, is all Solara."94Please respect copyright.PENANAIrXkSap52u
Kaipo then asked, "Where can we find your ruler?"94Please respect copyright.PENANABZ7ufm1ZAS
Before he could finish, a blade was at his neck. One of the mages had moved with incredible speed. Kaipo glanced down at the blade and smiled. "Bind," he commanded, immobilizing the mage. Forced to kneel, the mage's defiance melted away.94Please respect copyright.PENANAP9AbnELfty
"This is a waste of time," Kaipo muttered, walking past the kneeling mage. Activating Essence Manifest: Frostbound Sovereign, he was enveloped in a shimmering, icy aura. His eyes glowed with a piercing blue light as frost patterns spread across his skin and clothing. Snowflakes and shards of ice swirled around him, creating an aura of chilling majesty.94Please respect copyright.PENANAP55Su0gGT2
Kaipo unleashed the Specialty Technique, "Glacial Surge," summoning a massive wave of ice that surged forward, engulfing and freezing everything in its path. The entire village was encased in solid ice within moments.
The High Mages followed Kaipo, but Zara, Drew, and Mike noticed a change in him. This Kaipo seemed heartless, a far cry from the ruler they once knew. Levi stopped the group, suggesting they split up to cover more ground.94Please respect copyright.PENANAkWZyfugLzr
Kaipo immediately refused. "We should stay together, especially in a territory like this."
Tension hung in the air. Drew tried to diffuse it, suggesting they stick to the original plan. The High Mages also sensed a change in Levi. He was more confident, almost cocky, and it was especially clear to Lyn.94Please respect copyright.PENANAqehTfhNpGN
Levi, undeterred, declared, "If you don't want to split up, I'll go on my own. My powers are far stronger than before. No foe can stop me."94Please respect copyright.PENANAw6EdfOvQ18
Kaipo's voice was firm. "You will not leave. You will stay. Final answer."94Please respect copyright.PENANAouPLkLRXUb
Levi drew his Blade of God, a determined look in his eyes. "Let's settle this with a 'friendly' fight. Whoever takes the most damage in five minutes loses and agrees to follow the other's plan."94Please respect copyright.PENANArvM4gKUd9L
Kaipo smiled, a cold glint in his eyes. "...fine"94Please respect copyright.PENANAw6jy0WvQHP
The chapter closed with Kaipo and Levi squaring off for their five-minute duel, the tension palpable and the stakes high.94Please respect copyright.PENANACGGayHE5nI