A dim blue light filled the underground chamber.
I opened my eyes slowly, breathing heavy. Kael stood before me, his cloak swaying slightly from the draft in the cave.
"You saw it," Kael said quietly, his voice echoing slightly in the room.
I nodded. "Yes… I saw everything. I saw how King Korel died."
Kael's eyes darkened. "Then you understand… the truth. Korel, the strongest magician to ever live… was killed by Kai."
I clenched my fists. "Kai…?"
"Yes," Kael confirmed. "Kai was one of the eight beings from Hatle. One of the elite sent by the Kolden Corporation. But unlike the others… he was immortal."
My breath caught.
Kael continued, his voice heavy with history. "After the war was won, peace returned—but Kai began to believe that he, not Korel, should rule Earth. He said power defined leadership… and if the strongest ruled, it should be him."
"But Korel refused," I said.
Kael nodded. "He did. But then Kai made a threat… he said if the king didn't surrender the throne, he would slaughter the citizens of the kingdom."
My heart tightened. "So… to protect the people…"
"Yes." Kael's eyes lowered. "Korel accepted the challenge. But before the duel, he went to a sacred rock, whispered a message, and gave me the blue diamond… the one that let you see the past. He knew what was coming."
I felt the weight of it now. That moment in the past… wasn't just a message. It was a final will.
"Korel knew he couldn't win. But he also knew… that if he let himself be killed, the alien council—the interplanetary law—would punish Kai for breaking their rules."
"And that's what happened?"
Kael gave a bitter smile. "Yes. Because Kai killed a ruling monarch without just cause, he was sealed away for 2,000 years. That was Korel's sacrifice… to protect the future."
I stood in silence. The truth was heavier than any sword.
Kael stood before me, his tone firm and steady.
"To protect Earth, we must protect you," he said.
I swallowed hard. "But… what if I die?"
Kael's expression darkened. "Then another company will come. And then another. A war between alien factions over Earth's resources will begin. The planet could be destroyed."
My chest tightened. "Then… what am I supposed to do now?"
"For now, you must stay hidden here… until the end of your life," Kael said.
"What?" I stepped back, stunned.
"Or," Kael added, "you choose your own path."
I stood in silence, my thoughts racing. Is this really all I can do? Hide until I die?
No. That's not who I am.
"I want to speak to the leader of the company," I said.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Because… I believe I can convince them. I have to try."
We left the chamber and stepped out into the light. Aelira and Kan were waiting for us outside. I faced them.
"There's something I need to tell you," I began, and I explained everything—about Korel, the alien war, the company, the sacrifice.
Aelira's eyes widened slightly. "So… you really are King Korel's reincarnation."
"And now you plan to meet their leader?" Kan asked.
I nodded. "Yes. I have to meet the chief of the Kolden Corporation."
"It's too dangerous to contact Kai directly," Kael warned. "But… we can try sending a message to the company itself."
That night, Kael and Kan were deep in the cave's chamber, working under flickering lantern light. The two of them quietly adjusted magical circuits and ancient scrolls, trying to find a way to send a message across galaxies.
Outside, the desert wind whispered through the night. Aelira stood silently on the balcony, her red eyes gazing into the endless sands beneath a starlit sky.
I walked toward her.
She didn't look at me, only said, "Kan made a magic liquid for Noah. Now his… vomit doesn't smell anymore."
I let out a small chuckle. "That's nice. No more plastic bags, finally."
The silence between us lingered for a moment. Then she spoke again.
"Tell me… who was I, before? When I was human… do you know?"
I hesitated. How could I tell her the truth? That she was once my wife. That I created her clone with fragments of my broken heart.
"You were… my best friend," I said softly.
She didn't look surprised. "It took two months for my clone to be ready. I think… it was you who made me."
I turned toward the horizon, the night wind brushing through my hair. "Yes. I lost you… in a battle. And I couldn't accept that. So I brought you back."
She didn't reply.
The desert stretched endlessly before us, glowing silver under the moonlight. Just as I felt a strange calm settle over me, something caught my eye.
A glimmer in the sky—fast, burning, descending.
I narrowed my eyes.
"…Something is coming."
I narrowed my eyes and focused—zooming in through the haze of starlight.
"…It's Jack and Oliver," I muttered.
Aelira, still beside me, turned sharply. "I'll get Master Kan and Kael."
She rushed down into the cave.
The two figures descended, their aircraft landing softly on the sand. Without hesitation, I summoned my sword. In a flash of speed, I dashed toward them.
With a powerful slash, I aimed straight for Jack's chest.
But he didn't flinch. Jack caught my blade with a single hand—barehanded. No injury. I struggled, pushing the sword forward with both hands, but it didn't move.
"We're not here to fight," Jack said calmly. "We've come to talk."
I gritted my teeth, then slowly pulled my sword back. As I lowered my weapon, Master Kan and Kael arrived behind me, their eyes filled with caution.
"Why are you here?" I asked.
"It's cold," Jack said with a chuckle. "Can we talk inside?"
Reluctantly, we let them in. They sat on the old sofas inside Kael's cave. Aelira served hot tea. Silence lingered for a moment before Master Kan broke it.
"Oliver told me you were dead," Kan said, eyes narrowing.
"I made sure it looked that way," Jack replied. "Had help from someone… managed to vanish before Kai could confirm it."
Kael leaned forward. "What kind of help do you need?"
Jack's expression turned serious. "We want to kill Kai."
The room went quiet.
"He's already recruited new members—stronger than the last team," Jack continued. "If we don't stop him now, no one will."
He turned to me.
"You're his next target. Kai can locate anyone he considers a threat. He'll find you, no matter where you hide."
"…He's also the one who killed King Korel," Jack added.
I clenched my fists. "Then I need to speak with your company's chief."
Jack frowned. "That's risky. Kai might track us before we reach them. It's safer to set a trap for him."
I shook my head. "No. Tell your chief you've found me. Set up a meeting. If Kai comes… we'll be ready."
Jack studied my eyes, then slowly nodded. "Alright. But prepare yourself. Kai won't wait."
I looked toward the dark sky beyond the cave entrance.
"We're ready."
Oliver glanced at Aelira.
"Now that we're on the same team, our fight ends here. I'll fully cooperate with you," he said.
Aelira nodded slightly. "And so will I."
now it is easy to contact them see you again kai.
Jack raised his hand, casting a faint blue glow in the air. It was a magic link—one that connected directly to the chef.
A moment later, a distorted voice echoed through the room.
"I can't believe it... you're still alive, Jack."
"Yes. And more importantly, I have Kian with me," Jack replied calmly.
"Excellent. Bring him to me."
"No. He said he'll only cooperate if you meet him in person," Jack stated firmly.
A pause. Then the voice responded,
"Hmm… very well. I'll come to Earth."
The connection cut off.
Jack turned to the rest of us, his expression tense. "Now that we've contacted the Chef, Kai will definitely know. He'll come soon."
The night slowly faded. Dawn crept over the desert horizon as we began preparations to escort me safely to the meeting.
But a truth weighed heavy on me—I was still weak. Jack had blocked my full-force strike with just one hand. If he was that strong, how terrifying would Kai be?
I couldn't afford to stay this week.
Silently, I walked to the underground training room. The air was cold and still, but my resolve burned like fire.
I was the strongest magician in my past life… King Korel. I have to awaken that strength again.
Cross-legged, I sat in the center of the room and began meditating.
A storm of aura swirled around me. My mind ached under the pressure. My heartbeat echoed louder.
The pain in my head intensified—I had summoned too much at once. My body wasn't ready.
But I didn't stop.
I must control it.
The room shook slightly with the force. Sweat drenched my forehead, my breathing became heavy… and then, I collapsed, lying flat against the cold ground, gasping.
The aura faded.
A strong hand shook my shoulder.
"Wake up. We don't have time," Master Kan's voice called out.
I opened my eyes slowly. The fatigue still clung to me, but his serious tone pulled me upright. I followed him upstairs.
Everyone was already gathered. The plan was in motion.
"I'll go with you," Jack said, pointing at me. "One by one, we'll hand over the members. We've prepared a clone of you—it'll help throw them off. But remember… Kai knows about the clone trick."
I clenched my fists. "Then who's going to engage Kai?"
A quiet voice spoke up from behind.
"It's me," said Master Kael, stepping forward.
My eyes widened. "Master Kael…?"
"I was created by King Korel for this very day," he said calmly. "It's my duty to stand against him, even if it's only for a short time."
"…Thank you, Master Kael."
He gave a small nod. "Don't thank me yet. Just stay alive."
Jack stepped forward, holding a glowing orb in one hand.
"Now," he said. "Stand in front of me. I'm going to create your clone."
I stepped forward, exhaling slowly.
Everything… was beginning now.
Kai's Palace – Morning Shadows
The morning sun cast a cold glow over the marble halls of Kai's grand palace.
Kai walked into the main hall, his dark cape trailing behind him. His presence alone silenced the room.
"Is everyone ready?" Kai asked, his voice low but commanding.
"Yes, Commander," the team responded in unison.
"Bring that boy to me," Kai growled. "I want to kill him with my own hands."
One elf hesitated, stepping forward nervously. "But… Master, the Chef wants him alive."
Kai's eyes narrowed. "I don't care about the Chef's orders."
"But… killing him would be against the rules," the elf stammered.
Kai slowly turned to him, eyes glowing with menace. "And didn't you already break the rules by saving Jack?"
"N-No, sir…!" the elf backed away.
"Then why… are you just a clone right now?" Kai snapped.
The elf's body trembled. Panic took over, and he turned, trying to flee.
Kai's eyes glowed brighter, locking onto the real elf's location through the clone. In the blink of an eye, he teleported—appearing directly in front of the fleeing elf outside the palace.
"I told you… don't give me a reason to kill you," Kai whispered.
Without a second thought, a flash of power surged from his hand—and the elf fell lifeless to the ground.
The sky thundered as the sleek, dark aircraft pierced through the clouds. One by one, the elite members leapt out, landing with precision across the rocky terrain. Last to descend—Kai. He landed without a sound, his cloak trailing behind him as he joined his squad.
Meanwhile, back at the safe house, my clone stood ready.
"When is the Chef arriving?" I asked, gripping the hilt of my sword.
"Only one hour left," Jack replied, checking his device. "It's time to execute the plan."
Jack, always sharp and calculated, had crafted the perfect strategy. He took off with me—the original—flying through the skies to lure the enemy in. As expected, all of Kai's team took the bait, soaring after us with deadly precision.
Jack led the chase through the narrow passage of a high mountain range. As we passed through the gap, the first opponent appeared—blocking the way.
It was Oliver.
He hovered midair, sword drawn, eye narrowed with determination.
"Someone stay behind and finish him," Kai ordered coldly from behind.
Mutin, the weapon-shaper, stepped forward, smirking. "I'll handle this".
She landed softly on the ridge below, blades shimmering on her arms.
Oliver dropped down to face her, raising his sword with his one remaining eye.
"You really think you can beat me with half your vision?" Mutin mocked.
"I don't need both eyes to see your defeat," Oliver replied calmly.
Mutin laughed—and in a flash, they both charged, swords clashing as sparks lit up the mountain's edge.
Jack and I continued soaring across the sky, the wind slicing against our faces. Below us, the plan unfolded—each of our allies intercepting Kai's deadly squad.
The second clash began.
Master Kan descended from above, slamming down in front of Yan. Dust exploded beneath their feet. Yan, calm and towering, took a slow breath—and then transformed.
His body expanded, morphing into a monstrous black beast. His aura flared like fire, shaking the earth around him.
"Let's begin," Yan growled. "Master Kai gave us strength beyond limits. I'm stronger than Kol ever was."
Master Kan narrowed his eyes. "We'll see."
And with that, their battle erupted, the air trembling with every collision of force.
Farther ahead, the third encounter sparked.
Aelira, eyes glowing red, struck downward at high speed, forcing Kolen to the ground. He landed gracefully, staring at her with an unreadable expression.
She summoned her sword in a flash of light.
Kolen didn't respond with words—only action. From behind his back, four swords floated in place. Then, from under his cloak, he revealed his secret two additional hidden arms.
With eerie precision, he grabbed all four blades, now wielding six in total.
"You won't even see me coming," Kolen said with a cold grin. "I'm faster than your eyes can follow."
Aelira smirked, her stance unwavering. "I've heard that line before… Joe said the same thing."
Her gaze sharpened.
"You look like him… You're his clone, aren't you?"
Kolen paused for a brief second.
"I don't know who I am," he replied. "But I know I was made to kill you."
Their blades clashed, thunder echoing through the mountains.
Three battles.
Three deadly confrontations.
Kai and Jaem were still chasing after us—faster, relentless, determined.
Then, without warning, Jack released a thick cloud of smoke in the sky.
Within that instant of confusion, he dropped me behind a rocky cliff and took my clone instead.
The smoke cleared.
Kai's sharp eyes locked onto Jack—disguised as me.
But something felt off.
He narrowed his gaze. "…A clone."
He stopped mid-flight.
"You go after Jack," Kai ordered without turning. "I'll chase the real Kain myself."
Jaem obeyed without hesitation, still chasing what he believed to be me.
Meanwhile, hidden behind the hills, Jack quietly doubled back.
Jaem had no idea he was following a fake.
"Jack's IQ is on another level," I whispered to myself, watching from behind cover. "He knew Kai would never lose focus on me... and that they'd send backup. So he created two clones—one for each."
It was all going to plan.
Then suddenly, Kai descended from the sky like a shadow falling from heaven—right in front of someone waiting for him.
Master Kael stood tall, his cloak fluttering from the aura pressure alone.
Kai landed with a smirk. "Kael… So you're the one left to protect him."
Kael's eyes didn't waver. "You killed King Korel. Today, I return the favor."
Their power erupted as they charged at each other—magic and force clashing like titans in the sky.
Back behind the ridge, Jack appeared beside me.
"Let's go," he said. "The Chef is almost here."
I took one last glance back at Kael's battle with Kai.
"…See you again, my friend".