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The air was still in the ruins of what once was King Malik’s kingdom. Levi, Zara, and Mike stepped cautiously among the remnants of shattered walls and scorched earth, the silence of the desolate landscape pressing heavily against them. The devastation was profound, evidence of a cataclysmic battle that had left nothing but ruin in its wake.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡke9x00vhgC
As they advanced through the debris, a palpable sense of leftover energy pulsed through the air. It was a familiar aura, one that resonated deeply with each of them. “This energy… it’s Zack’s,” Mike murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to disturb the quiet that enveloped the area.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpqPjcrTPQ
The revelation sharpened their senses, focusing their attention on the traces of power that lingered. Mike, with his keen perception, was the first to pinpoint the direction of the residual energy. It was astonishingly potent, indicating that Zack was not only here but that he had been a central force in the destruction.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeY7Bmu1p4s
Before they could process this further, a voice called out from behind them. “Hey.”172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxqx9fzWA1
Startled, they spun around to see Zack standing atop a mound of rubble. His appearance was as sudden as it was unexpected, his posture relaxed despite the chaos around him.
Zara’s initial relief at seeing Zack alive was quickly overshadowed by frustration. “Where have you been all this time?” she demanded, her words tinged with anger and concern.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqw2OB02ORi
Zack’s expression was somber, his eyes reflecting a turmoil that went deeper than the physical scars of battle. “I realized I was wrong to oppose Lyn,” he confessed, his voice low. “My thoughts were irrational, driven by emotion rather than reason. But I couldn’t live with my own failure… and so, I sought revenge.”172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Xa49H6HYD
Mike stepped forward, his demeanor earnest. “Zack, please come back with us. Help us with our mission,” he pleaded, hoping to bridge the gap that had formed between them.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6reYcCZouX
Zack shook his head, a determined glint in his eyes. “I wish I could, but there are things I must do here in the Land of Spade. My duty isn’t fulfilled yet,” he stated, his resolve clear.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dF6xmoVNP
Mike’s offer hung in the air, but Zack was firm in his refusal. “I’ll return when I can, when my task is complete,” he promised. Then, with a faint smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, he added, “Take care of each other.”172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EVNb5O8A2
With those final words, Zack vanished from their sight, his presence fading as quickly as it had appeared. The lingering aura that they had tracked was now gone, leaving no trace behind, rendering him untraceable once again.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAqpIVq8j4
The trio stood in silence, each lost in their thoughts about Zack’s mysterious path and the unresolved issues that lay between them. Despite the unresolved tensions, they knew they had to press forward.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwDg3hoTde
Levi finally broke the silence, his voice steady yet thoughtful. “We need to continue. There are bigger battles ahead, and we must be ready,” he declared, his leadership pulling them back to the reality of their mission.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8ZZM0NUpw
