A few minutes after Elliot made his exit, Kael and Guarm arrived in the alley, sensing the aftermath of the recent confrontation.
"Weird, I sensed them here," Kael murmured, scanning the surroundings.
Guarm, displaying little sympathy for their environment, remarked, "Nothing here but a dead homeless man. The outer districts are so disgusting," as he casually kicked aside Veer's lifeless form.
Kael, however, was more focused on the peculiarities of their encounter. "I sensed Veer use his acceleration not long before we came here... but it felt different," he noted.
Their conversation was interrupted as a burly, bald man with a fiery aura blocked the alley's entrance, asserting his presence.
"What's going to feel different is your punishment for killing a member of the Crimson Dawn Alliance," the stranger declared, his fiery aura signifying his affiliation. Kael turned his attention to the newcomer, uttering a sneer in response.
"Well well well, a stray dog of the Outer district has come to bark at us Guarm. How very cute," he said.
The burly man's fiery aura flared as he took a step forward, unimpressed by Kael's sneer. "Stray dog or not, you've crossed paths with the Crimson Dawn Alliance, and that comes with consequences," he retorted, his voice laced with authority.
Kael's expression grew defiant. "Consequences? In this district, you folks are like frogs at the bottom of a well, thinking you're the kings of the swamp."
Guarm, meanwhile, remained silent, observing the escalating confrontation between Kael and the fiery newcomer.
As the confrontation intensified, Kael and the fiery man readies their energies for the inevitable clash.
Kael initiated the assault, drawing upon his mastery of black lightning. With a swift motion of his hand, he launched a jagged bolt of dark energy toward his opponent. The fiery man reacted swiftly, forming a fiery shield just in time. The black lightning collided with the fiery barrier, creating a burst of sparks and smoke that momentarily obscured their vision.
Seeing an opening, Kael seized the opportunity. He unleashed a barrage of smaller, crackling lightning bolts in rapid succession, each aimed strategically to exploit weaknesses in the fiery man's defense. The man responded by weaving intricate patterns with his flames, attempting to intercept the incoming onslaught. Some bolts were deflected, but a few found their mark, scorching his clothing and leaving singed marks on his skin.
With determination, the fiery man launched a powerful fireball directly at Kael. The orb of flames hurtled forward, leaving behind a trail of intense heat. Kael reacted swiftly, his black lightning forming a protective barrier of crackling energy. The fireball collided with the barrier, causing a spectacular explosion of flames and darkness.
The ensuing clash of elements created a chaotic whirlwind of energy that surged through the narrow alley. Sparks of black lightning danced within the fiery inferno, creating a mesmerizing yet terrifying display. Kael strained to maintain control, while the fiery man struggled to contain the raging flames.
Despite the fiery man's resilience, Kael's superior control over the black lightning became evident. With a calculated maneuver, Kael directed a concentrated surge of dark energy toward his opponent. The fiery man attempted to counter with another surge of flames, but he was overwhelmed. The black lightning pierced through the fiery barrier, striking the man directly, and the fiery inferno in the alley was launched up in the sky almost like a beacon.
The fiery man let out a deafening roar of agony as the dark energy coursed through him. His clothes ignited, and his body was left charred and weakened. Kael, standing triumphant amidst the aftermath of the battle, couldn't resist a taunting grin. "Like I said, you're all just frogs in a well," he jeered, his black lightning crackling ominously around him.
Guarm couldn't hide his frustration as he looked at Kael, "You didn't have to use your black lightning for trash like this, Kael."
Kael, with his gray eyes and stormy dark hair crackling with electricity, turned to Guarm, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "Oh, come now, Guarm. I was feeling a little pent up, and besides, we have another guest here."
Descending from the sky was a man with fiery red hair, his beard ablaze like an eternal fire. Guarm's frown deepened, and he positioned himself in front of Kael, sensing the seriousness of this newcomer. The aura emanating from the fiery man indicated he was at least of Spatial rank, bordering on Interstellar level.
The man's voice was gruff and carried an air of authority, "We apologize for the confusion, Young Master Kael. It seems we were mistaken about the identity of the assailants."
Kael couldn't help but flash a smug grin, "Even if you weren't, what could you do, Ignacious Rathnathor?"
"Rules are rules, Kael. Respect must be given to higher-ranked adventurers, regardless of their status," a man's voice suddenly emanated from behind Kael. He turned to see an elegantly dressed man who bore a striking resemblance to him, floating mid-air. The man's gray eyes and stormy hair mirrored Kael's.
"Yes, Uncle," Kael replied, his tone more subdued.
"Good," the man said, though his actions contradicted his words. As he floated down, he exerted a powerful aura that pressed Ignacious Rathnathor until the proud man was forced to kneel in front of Kael and Guarm. Ignacious seethed with anger, but he remained silent.
Kael, struggling to hide his amusement, watched the scene unfold with a smile.
"Let's go, Kael. We might catch the stink of these rabble if we stay any longer," the man said.
In an instant, Kael and his group were teleported away, leaving behind a tense but relieved Ignacious Rathnathor.
The injured Crimson Dawn Alliance member got up and kneeled before his leader. "I'm sorry, Leader. I have caused you great embarrassment."
Ignacious shook his head solemnly. "No, you haven't, Devlin. That man was simply too strong."
Ignacious surveyed the scene, his gaze falling upon Veer's lifeless body. "Besides, this is the boy who killed Newt," he muttered coldly. "At least revenge was served. But he seems to have a companion. Keep an eye out for another speedster, and if you find him, kill him."