lightsΝοvel In the midst of the towering trees, not even the countless monsters running out from deep within the forest dared to approach a particular barren spot.

Ziner's eyes were bloodshot as he glared at the silver-haired man opposite him with pure hatred. His black robe was torn in various places, and one of his legs was bent at an unnatural angle.

Slowly, he wiped the blood oozing from his mouth.

'I won't believe I can't even land a single attack on him!'

Ziner's gaze shifted to the flickering flames surrounding Kyle's body, the same flames that nearly froze him to death moments ago. He let out a menacing laugh.

"You damn bastard!"

He raised his hand, causing the ground beneath Kyle to cave in and transform into lava. But to his frustration, the lad vanished before the lava could even touch him.

"Looking for me?"

The dark mage snapped back upon hearing a familiar voice, only to grasp at empty air. Crazed laughter spilled out from his mouth as he stared at his hand. Ziner clamped his mouth shut and eyed the little bird perched on a distant tree branch. From the beginning, the bird had been observing him while the silver-haired man kicked him repeatedly. His eyes dilated.

'Haha, how about I kill it? The other one will show up!'

He leaped towards Bia with lightning-fast speed, but another kick landed on his back, sending him flying once again.

Kyle glanced at the groaning man with cold eyes.

"I said we have a grudge to settle, and yet you are seeking death? Huh?"

He stepped forward, his feet touching the ground with a deliberate pace as he approached the dark mage. Raising his foot, he placed it on the man's hand, instantly causing the latter to cry out in pain from the pressure.

"Hmm, what I don't understand is why, after enduring so much suffering, you still want to harm my bonded beast?"

Kyle narrowed his eyes, seeking an explanation.Ziner's eyes flickered with countless possibilities, and he let out a stifled laugh.

"Give... the bird to me... I will give you something that will make you stronger... so strong that no one will be able to touch you! Hahah... ahhhh!"

His cry echoed as Kyle increased the weight on his hand. Kyle's brows knitted together as he glanced back at Bia.

'What did he do to you when he kidnapped you?'

Bia blinked and pondered for a few seconds.

-'Blood... Ah... remember I was injured. He didn't kill me, but he took my blood and did some strange experiments.'

Kyle massaged his temples. So, the dark mage took Bia's blood and created something that could potentially enhance someone's strength.

'Is there something special in your blood? You are a phoenix, after all.'

Bia unfurled her wings and soared through the air.

-'My blood does have healing properties, but it's only useful for minor injuries. I don't think anyone would be crazy enough to drink blood just to cure a bruise.'

'So, nothing useful?'lightsnovel

-'It's just a guess, okay... maybe after bonding with you, the effects were enhanced? Your bloodline could have influenced my blood.'

Kyle blinked, realizing that this was actually a possibility. He raised his leg, preparing to kick the man, but before he could, a familiar voice echoed behind him.

He turned around and saw Jian floating mid-air. Jian's long hair fluttered as he waved his hand with a mischievous glint.

"I thought you might need some help... but now that I see the state of your opponent, I believe my previous words were accurate."

He landed opposite Kyle, but before he could say anything else, Kyle crushed Ziner's hand.

Jian's eyes widened in surprise.

"Wait! Don't kill him! Aira said she would take him to the capital city to execute him in front of everyone. That way, in the future, no one would dare to harm the elven Kingdom!"

Kyle raised an eyebrow, his expression filled with surprise. Jian nearly dropped to his knees as wisps of blue flames traveled to the dark mage's legs, freezing them completely. The ice quickly dissipated into bright particles, vanishing into the air.

The dark mage let out a shrill cry, causing nearby monsters to become frightened.

Kyle let out an innocent 'Oh' to emphasize that it was purely an accident before walking toward Jian and patting his shoulder.

"He's still alive."

Jian glanced at Kyle, then looked at the man who had lost consciousness from the intense pain. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

'It would have been better if you had killed him! Just look at his condition!'

Jian so badly wanted to say it out loud, but he remained silent because he knew Kyle would actually turn back to kill the man!

Kyle's feet left the ground as he glanced at the border.

"Bia, let's lend them a hand and clear out some monsters. The numbers are getting overwhelming again."

Kyle vanished towards the border, and Bia swiftly floated behind him, leaving Jian to take care of the half-dead dark mage.

Soon, Kyle appeared above the border. He glanced at the familiar figures fighting the monsters. All of them were doing great.

He hummed and vanished, only to appear beside Alec, who almost slashed his sword at him due to his sudden appearance.

Alec calmed his heart and glared at the infuriating silver-haired man, who had mirth dancing in his eyes. Alec rolled his eyes and kicked a nearby monster.magic

Instantly, Kyle drew his new (SS)-rank sword to join the battle but then suddenly a hand tapped his shoulder. He turned back, only to see Carcel with a solemn expression. The prince tightly grabbed his shoulder and spoke with deadly seriousness.

"Don't appear out of nowhere. I almost attacked you. Well..."

Carcel paused for a second, and Kyle swore he noticed an evil smile at the corner of his lips.

"Next time, I won't stop mid-way and just attack. After all, what if it's a monster?"

Kyle's smile stiffened and he gave him a quick nod. Alec, who witnessed their interaction, immediately froze. His lips would have curled up into a smile if not for Kyle, who glared at him with a deadpan expression.