Markil smile
Maren smiled back.
"…Why are you smiling?" Maren asked.
Markil's grin widened.
"I haven't used my special techniques yet."
Maren's eyes sharpened.
So he has more techniques?
This kid really is something else.
The air shifted.
Markil released his aura.
The desert trembled slightly, the white sand rippling outward in invisible waves.
Maren took a step back—then smiled.
This aura… this is really—
Suddenly, Maren's smile widened into something sharper. Almost creepy.
Markil raised one hand.
Asler formed in his grip.
In his other hand—Warfer.
Asler can slice him no matter what, Markil thought.
It was the blade that was hardest for me to escape when Thoos used it.
Dark daggers began to form in the air around Markil, orbiting him like predatory stars.
Maren let out a low whistle.
"So you can command all three? That's amazing."
He spread his arms slightly.
"Now come at me."
Markil's eyes narrowed.
He isn't scared by my aura…
He's not coughing blood like Sasha and Roric did…
He's different.
"Lightning Manipulation."
Maren looked up at the empty blue sky.
This is a desert. How the hell is this happening?
CRACK!
Lightning split the air.
In the same instant, Markil vanished.
He reappeared in front of Maren—
SLASH!
Maren's arm was sliced clean off.
Maren's eyes widened.
"How the—"
But then he smiled.
His arm regenerated instantly.
Markil's pupils shrank.
"What—?!"
Before Markil could react—
BOOM!
Maren punched him.
Markil was launched backward, tearing through the desert for thirteen kilometers.
The sand exploded in a long trail behind him.
Suddenly—
Maren was behind him.
Markil crossed Asler and Warfer in front of himself.
"Kareno."
His movements accelerated.
Maren punched.
Markil smiled.
SLASH!
Maren's hand was sliced again.
"Now is my chance!" Markil shouted.
Maren's eyes widened slightly.
How did he slice through me?
I'm not supposed to be touched.
He stared at Markil.
There's something about this boy… something rare.
"Cinder Severance!" Markil roared.
A wave of burning force surged forward—
—but suddenly—
Maren smiled.
His fists began to glow.
Punch.
Punch.
Punch.
A final blow slammed into Markil's chest.
Blood burst from Markil's mouth.
His swords were sent flying from his hands.
Markil tried to command the daggers toward Maren—
—but one punch shattered the weapon with brutal force.
The desert around them exploded outward for nearly a kilometer.
Markil was thrown high into the air.
A blue flash surged upward—
Maren.
He grinned.
"Now take this."
Flames wrapped around his fists.
He punched Markil in the stomach—
The impact burst through Markil's back in a massive wave of fire.
Maren grabbed Markil by the head mid-air.
How… how is he so strong? Markil thought.
Markil's hands flashed.
Asler and Warfer reappeared.
He slashed at Maren again—
—but Maren grabbed Asler with his bare hand.
Markil's breath hitched.
What…? This is the first time I've struggled like this…
"You're toxic," Markil muttered.
Maren laughed.
"Listen, boy. This is the first time I've seen someone stronger than my previous students."
He leaned closer.
"And I'm not toxic. I just notice everything… and forget nothing."
Suddenly—
Markil's daggers regenerated.
They slashed across Maren's legs.
Maren stepped back.
"…What?"
Markil leapt away.
"Ash Dominance!"
The air darkened—
"Stop."
Maren's voice was calm.
Markil froze.
Maren smiled as the scratches on his legs healed.
Markil blinked—and realized his own wounds were healing too.
"So you can heal like me," Maren said.
"Amazing."
Markil smirked.
"Of course I can."
Maren stepped forward.
"Hey… I want to make you my student."
Markil looked down.
He has things I can definitely learn…
I shouldn't refuse this.
Maren continued,
"But listen. My training is hell. Even my previous students couldn't master my techniques—
they had to create their own magic."
He smiled slightly.
"I keep my magic as a reward for those who survive my training."
(Chapter 43 Finished)