If Kaecilius and I fight together,
we should be able to defeat him…
With that thought, the Ancient One walked to an open area of the room. One hand extended forward, the other traced circles through the air.
Very quickly, a glowing ring appeared. Strange light shimmered at its center, and the ring expanded into a portal more than one and a half meters tall.
At the same time, deep within the Himalayan temple, a matching portal opened beside Kaecilius.
"So this is a portal,"
Shaun Cole said with interest.
He stepped beside the Ancient One, grabbed her arm, and jumped in.
The portal vanished.
In the next instant, both Shaun Cole and the Ancient One emerged inside the temple.
Letting go of her, Shaun Cole looked around.
He was standing in a vast hall made entirely of wood. Candles lined the space, illuminating it brightly. Not far away stood an elderly man with white hair.
Seeing Shaun Cole calmly surveying the surroundings, the Ancient One hurried over to Kaecilius.
"Kaecilius, this outsider is extremely powerful," she said urgently.
"His cloak is immune to magical attacks, and he has a scepter that can forcibly control a person's body and actions."
"The two of us together are the only way we have a chance!"
"Understood,"
Kaecilius nodded.
The two of them assumed combat stances.
"Hm?"
Shaun Cole turned around, amused.
"You're still planning to fight?"
"Outsider,"
Kaecilius said solemnly, glowing magical discs spinning in both hands,
"state your purpose for coming to Earth!"
"I've already said—I don't have a purpose,"
Shaun Cole shook his head.
"But you wouldn't believe me."
"So it looks like we'll have to fight."
The moment his words ended, Shaun Cole's body blurred—
then vanished completely.
Kaecilius and the Ancient One's expressions changed instantly. They turned alertly, scanning their surroundings.
Shhk!
A sharp sound of blades leaving their sheaths rang out behind them.
They spun around and raised both hands to block—
Two Hidden Blades appeared as Shaun Cole's figure slowly materialized.
Blades extended from both of his wrists.
The Ancient One and Kaecilius blocked them with glowing magical shields—mere centimeters from their necks.
The immense force transmitted through Shaun Cole's arms forced both of them to brace with both hands.
Their faces flushed red with strain—especially the Ancient One, whose gleaming scalp had begun to redden.
Shaun Cole smiled playfully.
Then—
He applied more pressure.
The sudden surge of strength forced their bodies downward. The Hidden Blades drew even closer to their throats. They could feel the icy sting of the blade edges against their skin.
Still smiling, Shaun Cole pressed down further.
The Ancient One and Kaecilius were forced all the way back until their spines struck the ground.
A thin line of blood appeared on both of their necks.
Slowly, the two of them closed their eyes.