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The battlefield lay in shambles, a testament to the ferocity of the recent clash. Malacar's defeated form sprawled on the ground, surrounded by the scattered jewels of his arsenal. As Zack and Malumnox discussed the division of the jewels, a decision was reached with a begrudging mutual respect: Zack would claim five jewels, and Malumnox would take four.22Please respect copyright.PENANAvJDyhj0UPy
Just as they extended their hands to gather the rewards of their victory, a figure materialized beside the jewels with an uncanny swiftness. It was Kaipo, looking as composed as if the battle had never touched him.22Please respect copyright.PENANA1EGumirYBr
Malumnox reacted first, his hand shooting out in a desperate grab for the jewels. But Kaipo was quicker, scooping up all nine jewels in a fluid, practiced motion. With a smirk, he vanished as abruptly as he appeared, leaving behind a palpable vacuum of shock and disbelief.
"What just happened?" Zack muttered, his frustration boiling over into rage.22Please respect copyright.PENANANWDrS9nBEN
"He took them... all of them," Malumnox growled, his voice a low rumble of fury. "After all our efforts!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAWZphYN0Jqs
Realizing their loss, the two quickly recalibrated their plans. "We need to head towards that heavy presence," Zack said, feeling the pulse of jewel power in the distance where Joker battled. "That's where we'll find the real fight."22Please respect copyright.PENANAoWmMjRtvy5
Switching perspectives, the narrative shifted to Astralith, standing about five miles away from the main confrontation. As she scanned the horizon for any sign of Kaipo, Kaipo suddenly appeared before her, his arrival as unexpected as it was silent.22Please respect copyright.PENANA1dzNASRUj8
Kaipo: "Looking for me?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAKoFR7aJsnM
Astralith: "Where have you been all this time?"22Please respect copyright.PENANATj0MMVq61D
Kaipo responded with a disarming smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "That should be none of your concern as an enemy," he replied smoothly.22Please respect copyright.PENANAgwtwLOHT5I
He then shifted the conversation towards Lyn and Levi. "I expected them to be defeated earlier, but I suppose now is as good a time as any," he mused, his tone oddly detached for a supposed ally.22Please respect copyright.PENANAmGSO4aBQ2l
Astralith's suspicion deepened at his remark, her eyes narrowing. "You speak of your friends as if their defeat was inevitable. Why?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAEchiKTcq9S
Ignoring her question, Kaipo continued, "I’m more interested in how you managed to seal them away. Would you care to enlighten me on that?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAD1b2fv58MT
Astralith hesitated, her mind racing. "I haven’t told you about that ability... How do you know about it?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAdHHcHQ0Ytz
Kaipo’s grin widened, his demeanor cool and calculated. "Sometimes, it's best to observe from the shadows," he said cryptically. "Now, about that Seal—can it be undone?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAUtzhy0YAIY
Astralith took a step back, her defenses rising. "Why do you ask about things you should already know, Kaipo? Or should I start questioning who you really are?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAgGj6eawDrp
Kaipo’s laughter was light, yet it carried an edge of seriousness. "Perhaps you should, Astralith. Perhaps you should."22Please respect copyright.PENANAGJR1Tv4bl6
After his laughter subsided, tinged with seriousness, Kaipo presented the nine jewels of Malacar. Astralith's eyes widened in disbelief as she processed the implications.22Please respect copyright.PENANA9tH8bKWydQ
"That damn fool," she muttered, realizing Malacar had been defeated by Zack and Malumnox. Her tone shifted to incredulity as she faced Kaipo. "How did you manage to get these jewels if Zack and Malumnox were already there?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAZntCFmekvr
Ignoring her question, Kaipo changed the subject with an air of inevitability. "I'll be setting Levi free from your 'Seal'," he declared, his gaze steady and resolute.22Please respect copyright.PENANAeYl3OUQZzM
Confusion swept over Astralith. "Your randomness in topics... Why mention Levi now?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAHP6BxZor8W
"It's inevitable, or rather, I foresaw it," Kaipo responded cryptically. He paused, a smirk forming as he added, "It's one of the abilities I gained from my time on the 'other side'."22Please respect copyright.PENANAV4vR19bmiO
"The 'other side'?" Astralith echoed, her skepticism apparent.22Please respect copyright.PENANAm9L3SqkcOU
"Yes, a term I've coined for the other side of the Land of Spade," Kaipo explained. "There, among the ruins of an ancient and powerful kingdom, I found a tome that allowed me to develop a new power—'Infinite Insight'."22Please respect copyright.PENANAH7vT7d71N4
"Infinite Insight?" Astralith's interest piqued despite the tension.22Please respect copyright.PENANAj5aP0tG2Vt
"This power granted me five remarkable abilities, pivotal in formulating my strategies for this war," Kaipo continued, his eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and secrecy. "The specifics aren't something I wish to divulge now, but I must insist you release Levi, or I will be forced to take him."22Please respect copyright.PENANAd5pD8rsgD3
Astralith's expression hardened, her voice cold with resolve. "I should have dealt with you long ago, after your return from the Time Gap Portal."22Please respect copyright.PENANAOQjMaiBzfN
Kaipo’s laughter was light, yet it carried an edge of certainty. "Perhaps you should have, Astralith. Because now, I can guarantee you this confrontation, if it comes to that, will end in your defeat."22Please respect copyright.PENANABe0k10O3Yd
As the chapter closed, the air between them crackled with the tension of impending conflict, each poised with power and secrets that could turn the tides of war.22Please respect copyright.PENANA4hF0qGhrVN