Silence ruled the moment—then came the sounds of destruction and shattering, cries of people begging for help, cries so saturated with despair that they sounded as if they already knew no one would answer them.
(Number 4) turned toward the door—now reduced to rubble...
A man stood there, his body covered with minor wounds, drenched in sweat despite the cold of the place. He was panting heavily, struggling to catch his breath, ignoring every ounce of pain.
The moment his eyes fell upon his disciple (Raym), he spoke with genuine relief:"I'm sorry… I'm a little late..."
(Raym) looked at him—despite the pain, despite the wound, despite his fading vision...And in that instant, everything inside him went silent...
Fear vanished. Pain faded. Doubt dissolved...
A gentle, sincere smile formed on his face...
Yes… this is what I wanted to become one day...A person whose presence alone makes others feel safe...
(Number 4) smiled mockingly..."Heh… so you've come at last, you failed leader. Look at him—he's only a breath away from death... You should thank me; I took very good care of him."
Then he paused, his voice lowering..."But to be honest… this kindness wasn't for you. It was for someone far more important to me."
(Vail) stood still...
His silence spoke louder than words—contained rage, compressed to its limit...
That silence irritated (Number 4)...
He shouted furiously:"(Gork)—split him in half!!!"
A massive shadow surged behind (Vail)...A colossal axe crashed down with terrifying force...
(Vail) turned instantly, drawing his sword and blocking the blow...
The impact echoed through the hall, ringing in everyone's mind...
He was thrown several meters back by (Gork)'s overwhelming physical strength...
In that moment, (Vail) understood—this thing was far removed from anything human...
(Number 4) laughed hysterically..."Hahahaha! How amusing! You dodged death—barely. Let me warn you well: (Gork) is one of the finest creations of that bastard (Nero)..."
Shock crossed (Vail)'s face..."I've never seen anything like this… And if what you say is true—if this isn't nonsense—then there are more of these monsters. You're truly inhuman..."
Rage surged again...
(Vail) twisted his arms in a circular motion—one upward, one downward."The Nine Flame Arts—Third Form: Blazing Body – Fists!!!"
Flames erupted around his fists as he launched a barrage of strikes at (Gork)...
The giant didn't move an inch.
(Raym) watched in disbelief.(Number 4) watched in delight.
Exhausted, (Vail) ended with a focused, explosive punch, filling the room with smoke.
When it cleared—
(Gork) stood unscathed!!!...
Panting, (Vail) muttered,"You're… a monster!!?."
(Gork)'s eyes glowed blood-red as he raised his axe high...
(Vail) was defenseless....
(Raym) screamed, struggling desperately, reopening his wound as blood flowed again.
(Number 4) laughed hysterically...
Suddenly—
The wall shattered...
(Zak) burst in, launching an attack that canceled (Gork)'s strike...
(Vail) smiled weakly through his heavy breathing..."You're late."
(Zak) grinned..."What can I say? The guards were annoying. Oh??? And what's this—A monster???? I'll handle it..."
With the opening (Zak) provided, (Vail) rushed to (Raym), entered the cell, shattered his restraints, and tightly bound his wound...
"(Raym), stay with me. I'm here."
(Raym) looked at him with relief—and smiled...
All of this unfolded before (Number 4)'s eyes...
His expression twisted...
He appeared behind (Vail), madness and malice burning in his gaze, swinging his barbed chain...
(Vail) dodged while carrying (Raym), placing him safely aside after ensuring he was stable...
He turned back, fury blazing..."I will not allow you to harm my disciple before my eyes. I'll make you drink from the same cup—worse..."
Some of (Vail)'s men joined (Zak) against (Gork)...
Enraged, (Number 4) shouted at the top of his lungs:"GUARDS!!!"
(Vail)'s men laughed..."Hah! What guards? We've crushed everyone here..."
Fear finally crept into (Number 4)'s voice...."Damn you… that bastard will be furious with me..."
(Vail) drew his sword, igniting it with flames, and charged...
Their clash wasn't just steel—it was the collision of auras...
A crushing pressure filled the air...
(Number 4) smiled coldly..."You will regret this deeply. No one enters my prison and leaves alive. You won't be the exception, you foolish rebels..."
(Vail) smiled calmly in return..."I guarantee it—we'll be the first who do..."