---
Hook stood frozen. His usual arrogance was gone.
He knew—he couldn't outrun this man.
His mind raced. I need a plan.
With a smirk, Hook created more clones, hoping to buy time.
Kael, unfazed, cut them down instantly.
But something was different—when the clones were destroyed, they turned into a thick, sticky glue.
The glue wrapped around Kael's body, trapping him.
Hook grinned. "Got you."
Kael struggled, but the glue held tight.
Hook lifted his hand, using telekinesis to gather every sharp object nearby—swords, rocks, and broken metal.
"Die."
The weapons rained down on Kael.
They crashed into him, burying him under the rubble.
Hook walked toward the motionless body.
"Hmph… weak. My master will be pleased."
But then—Kael's body dissolved into butterflies.
Hook's eyes widened in shock.
He barely had time to react—
BAM!
Kael appeared behind him and landed a devastating magical power to Hook's stomach.
Blood splattered.
Hook staggered back, his belly torn open, bleeding heavily.
He gasped, struggling to breathe.
Kael walked forward slowly, eyes cold and merciless.
Hook crawled backward, desperate.
Then—a sudden attack!
Chains shot up from the ground, aiming for Kael.
Kael jumped, dodging the attack with ease.
He landed on a tree branch, scanning the area.
From the shadows, two figures emerged.
Den and Matthew.
Matthew rushed to grab Hook and retreated.
Now, Den and Kael stood face to face.
---
Kael's eyes burned with hatred.
"You must be Den," he said coldly.
"Your childish war with the Light has brought nothing but destruction to this world."
Den laughed mockingly.
"If the Light had surrendered and let me rule, there wouldn't be a war."
Kael's grip tightened on his katana.
Lightning crackled around its blade.
Den charged, thinking Kael was just another warrior.
But before he could react—
Kael moved at inhuman speed.
A sharp slash cut across Den's arm.
Den groaned in pain, stepping back.
He glared at Kael. "You're no ordinary man."
Den smirked. "You might be stronger than Luz."
He raised a hand. "Join me."
Kael remained silent.
Den continued, "With your power, we can destroy the Light and bring the peace you want."
Kael's eyes darkened.
Without answering, he threw his lightning-infused sword at Den.
Before Den could react, the sword split into multiple copies, all flying toward him.
Den's eyes widened.
He quickly used his clan's power—Chain Shield.
Metallic chains wrapped around him, blocking the attack.
Den countered with a kunai dash, landing a small cut on Kael's shoulder.
But—Den felt something off.
Something… monstrous was inside Kael.
For the first time in a long time—Den felt fear.
Without another word, he retreated.
Kael watched him flee.
He could chased him.
But he didn't.
---
Back at the Dark Army's headquarters, Matthew treated Hook's serious wounds.
Den walked in, still clutching his injured arm.
He handed something to Matthew—a small vial of blood.
"Matthew, can you create a clone of Kael?"
Matthew examined it.
He frowned. "His blood contains no power like Luz's."
Den's face darkened.
"Tch. Worthless."
---
Meanwhile, Munfa sat alone, lost in thought.
He remembered Kael from his childhood—the friend who had once protected him.
Was this really his old friend?
Or something else?
Munfa clenched his fist.
"I need to find the truth."