Day 2 of
A mile outside the Village of Talasi, a serene forest path was dappled with golden sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above. The sound of rustling leaves harmonized with the whispers of the forest, creating a calming melody that accompanied the small family on their journey. Shukaku Zo walked with a steady pace, his muscular frame moving with the grace of a seasoned warrior. His earth-toned skin contrasted with the red wings folded neatly behind him, and the canine ears atop his bald head twitched at every subtle sound in the woods. A thick, scarlet tail swayed gently behind him, its movements reflecting his inner vigilance.
Cradled in his strong arms was his son, Alex Zo, a six-year-old boy who had finally succumbed to sleep after their long journey. Alex's small, freckled face was relaxed in slumber, his hair a striking cascade of white and red, a mirror of his mother's, styled in neat dreadlocks that framed his youthful features. The boy's resemblance to Glynis was unmistakable, from the full moon effect in his hair to the playful curl of his lips even in sleep.
Beside them, Glynis Mikazuki moved with a determined stride, her heart swelling with excitement as they neared her hometown. Every step closer filled her with anticipation, the familiar scents of earth and foliage bringing back memories of her childhood. The familiar trees were a welcome change from the open skies of their recent flights, and she inhaled deeply, savoring the scents of home. Her gaze drifted to her husband, and a warm smile spread across her lips as she watched him carry their son with such care.
"You are so wonderful," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for carrying him the rest of the way. I didn't realize he didn't sleep well while we were flying."
Shukaku glanced down at Alex's peaceful face, then back at Glynis, his expression softening. "Tis not a problem, my love. I am happy our offspring rests. He tends to get in less trouble that way."
A light laugh escaped Glynis, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Well, he is a bit of a hothead. But that kind of runs in my family. You remember the stories I told you about my sister, right?"
She giggled at the memory, her mind momentarily drifting to the fiery tales of her sibling's youthful escapades. Shukaku chuckled along with her, his tail flicking in amusement.
As they drew closer to the village, the atmosphere grew thicker with the scent of earth, the cool, rich aroma grounding them in the present moment. The village was just ahead, its familiar silhouette visible through the trees, and Glynis's heart fluttered with nostalgia and joy. This was where her journey had begun, and now, she was bringing her family to be a part of that legacy. Her heart swelled with happiness, knowing that Shukaku and Alex would soon understand the significance of this place in her life.
Alex stirred slightly in his sleep, his small hands curling around the fabric of Shukaku's shirt, and Glynis's smile deepened. This was her world, and in this moment, everything felt just right. As they stepped into the clearing leading to the village, the wind whispered through the leaves, as if welcoming them home.
Glynis patted the small, blue leather pouch at her side, its light green rune circle glowing faintly. "I'm glad we had this," she remarked, holding up the Item Bag with a smile. "Moving our furniture and things was so much easier. I'll have to thank my baby sis for letting me borrow it."
Shukaku nodded in agreement, his gaze following the pouch with admiration. "It truly is a marvelous item. I've heard tales of them, but seeing it in action is even more impressive."
Glynis chuckled. "Vee found this in that huge cave near the town. They're usually found in labyrinths, you know."
"When was the last time you explored a labyrinth?" she asked.
Shukaku's gaze turned wistful. "It's been many years. When I became Clan Leader, time for exploration vanished—too many issues among the Zo brethren needed my attention."
He paused, a thoughtful smile crossing his face. "But now that I've stepped down, maybe I can take Alex to explore one someday."
Glynis beamed at the idea. "Ooh, that would be wonderful! He would love to spend that time with his dad. You're already his favorite."
Shukaku chuckled, clearly pleased. "Am I now? I always thought he preferred your gentle touch over my firm hand."
"Trust me," Glynis said with a knowing smile, "a mother knows these things."
Shukaku's expression turned serious. "I won't have long to teach him in combat. As a Godwalker, he's growing at an incredible rate—he'll be stronger than me by the time he's a preteen."
There was a note of satisfaction in his voice as he continued. "The Mikazuki Clan produces incredible warriors, and I'm proud my legacy will be mentioned among them. He will be a great man someday."
Glynis nodded, but her smile faded slightly. "Yes, he will. But I worry about him meeting his cousins."
Shukaku raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Glynis sighed, her tone half-amused, half-concerned. "My nephews and nieces are… a handful. I'm not sure if it's the influence of the oldest child, or maybe my baby sister just has a knack for raising smart, strange kids."
Shukaku laughed. "Gifted, huh? Seems consistent with your family's bloodline."
"Gifted, yes," Glynis said with a smirk. "That's one way to put it."
As they arrived at the entrance of Talasi, they were greeted by the sight of a town guard, clad in leather armor with a quiver of arrows slung across his back, casually resting his bow on his shoulder. His eyes swept the area, keeping a close watch on the people entering and leaving the town. Nearby, a little girl squatted in a bed of blue roses, her russet complexion glowing under the sunlight.
Glynis's face lit up as she recognized the child. "Kimmi! Kimmi-boo, is that you?"
Kimmi Mikazuki, a bright-eyed eight-year-old with an air of boundless curiosity, looked up at the familiar sound of her aunt's voice. Her citrus-colored irises, glowing faintly with mana, scanned the area around her, ever-alert and inquisitive. Her long, sandy-red hair—a striking blend of fiery hues—caught the sunlight as she rose to her feet. Even at such a young age, Kimmi embodied the energy and potential of the Mikazuki lineage, her presence already commanding attention.
Kimmi's sleeveless black and white dress flowed gracefully as she moved, the fabric catching the breeze just enough to hint at the freedom and spirit within her. Her matching boots, sturdy and practical, suggested the heart of a young warrior beneath the sweet scent of roses that lingered around her, a scent she always carried, thanks to her love for flowers.
"Auntie Glynis!!" Kimmi's face lit up with a smile as she spotted her aunt approaching.
"Hey there, Kimmi-boo!" Glynis greeted warmly, her tone as affectionate as ever. "What are you doing out here all by yourself?"
"Well, Mom and my brothers went hunting, and Grandma's super busy. So, I'm picking flowers to give to them later," Kimmi explained with a proud little smile.
"Aww, that's so sweet," Glynis cooed, bending down slightly to be on Kimmi's level. "Did you find any you like?"
Kimmi pouted slightly, shaking her head. "No ma'am, not any new ones. I always give her blue roses."
Glynis chuckled softly, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Well, I'll help you find some in a bit. But first, I want to introduce you to some people."
Kimmi's eyes widened with curiosity as Glynis stepped aside, revealing two figures who had been standing behind her.
"Kimmi-boo, this is your Uncle Shukaku and your new cousin, Alex. He's my son," Glynis introduced them with a proud smile.
"Good afternoon, young lass. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Shukaku said in a deep, warm voice, smiling as he gently set down a groggy Alex, who was still rubbing his eyes, trying to make sense of his new surroundings.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Kaku-man," Kimmi said innocently, her mispronunciation drawing a gentle correction from Glynis.
"Uncle SHU-kaku," Glynis clarified with a smile.
"Uncle Shukaku-man," Kimmi repeated, her innocent smile growing wider.
Alex, who had been quiet until now, finally looked up at his mother with a sleepy yet curious expression. "Where are we? Did we make it?"
"Alex, sweetie, say hello to your cousin Kimmi," Glynis encouraged, nudging him gently.
After a moment's hesitation, Alex grinned widely and gave a thumbs-up. "I'm Alex Zo! The Scarlet Kicker!" he announced, stifling a yawn as he kicked twice in the air and holding his leg up as if showing off his moves. He then bowed dramatically, finishing his introduction.
Kimmi giggled, waving at him. "Hehe, you're funny. I'm Kimmi."
As the children exchanged introductions, Kimmi's curiosity got the better of her, and she turned to her aunt. "Auntie Glynis, when did you get married?"
"You were a newborn, you and Art," Glynis replied with a nostalgic smile.
"I was a baby? That was forever ago," Kimmi said thoughtfully, her tone laced with the exaggerated seriousness of a child.
Glynis and Shukaku burst into laughter at the earnestness of her statement, while Alex looked on, puzzled by the joke, his confusion mirrored by Kimmi.
"Alex, do you want to go play with your cousin? I need to take your dad to see my Mom," Glynis suggested, still chuckling.
"Yeah, Mom," Alex replied eagerly.
"Grandma's in her office," Kimmi added helpfully, already taking charge.
"Thank you, baby," Glynis said warmly.
Before they left, Shukaku knelt and handed Alex two silver coins, his voice gentle but firm. "If you get hungry, use this to buy you and your cousin something to eat."
"Thank you, pops!" Alex said, tucking the coins into his pocket.
Kimmi, unable to contain her excitement, grabbed Alex's hand. "Come with me! I'll show you the food stands!" she said, pulling him eagerly into the semi-busy streets of Talasi's market center.
The market was alive with vibrant colors, delicious smells, and the sounds of people bustling about their daily business. The clatter of pots and pans from the food stalls blended with the murmur of voices and the occasional laughter of children, creating a symphony of everyday life in the market.
As the two of them wandered through the market, Kimmi's enthusiasm was infectious. She chattered on about the different foods, the people in the market, and the fun places they could explore together. Alex, still new to this place, couldn't help but feel a growing excitement as he followed his cousin, her energy and joy making everything seem brighter and more exciting.
Kimmi guided Alex through the crowd with the ease of someone who knew every nook and cranny, pointing out the different stalls as they passed. She showed him where to find the juiciest fruits, the crispiest fried snacks, and the sweetest treats.
"Over there is where they sell the best crispy hen," Kimmi said, her eyes lighting up as she pointed to a stall with a smoky grill. The vendor, recognizing Kimmi, waved at her with a smile.
"Is it good?" Alex asked, his stomach rumbling at the sight of the sizzling meat.
"The best!" Kimmi assured him with a grin. "Come on, I'll show you!"
Back where they had left them, Glynis and Shukaku shared a smile, watching the energetic duo disappear into the crowd. "They're going to be thick as thieves, those two," Shukaku commented with a chuckle.
Glynis nodded, her heart warmed by the sight. "They're so adorable," she agreed, as they turned to make their way to her mother's office.
Half an hour Later:
As Kimmi and Alex finished the last bites of their juicy chicken legs, the aroma of grilled meats and spices still lingered in the air, blending with the earthy scent of the playground. The early afternoon sun cast long shadows, and the slight breeze rustled the leaves of nearby trees, carrying the distant sounds of a bustling market. Kimmi, her copper-red hair gleaming in the sunlight, led Alex toward an empty playground.
"What's your old village like?" Kimmi asked, her voice bubbling with curiosity as she swung on the creaky swing set, her black and white dress fluttering with each motion.
Alex kicked at the gravel under his feet, his expression thoughtful. "It had a lot of trees. And there were mountains—big ones that looked really pretty, especially when the sun set behind them."
Kimmi's eyes sparkled with interest. "We got lots of trees here too. But I bet ours are better."
Alex grinned, nodding. "Yeah, there were way more here."
"My brother Xi always says this is our hood, and we gotta 'raps our hood,'" Kimmi said, puffing out her chest proudly as she jumped off the swing.
Alex looked at her, puzzled. "What does 'raps our hood' mean?"
Kimmi shrugged, her small shoulders lifting as she started to climb up a slide. "I don't know, but big bro says it whenever Mom talks about where we live."
"Oh, okay. I think I get it," Alex replied, though he wasn't entirely sure. "Are there a lot of Blade Artists here too?"
Kimmi slid down, landing gracefully on her feet. "Blade Artists?"
"Yeah, fighters who only use swords, spears, and axes," Alex explained, mimicking a sword swing with his arms. "The Zo Clan in Aldo is famous for our Blade Artists."
Kimmi shook her head no, her expression serious. "I'm better with spells and punching people. But I really like punching people in the face!"
"Yeah, kicking is more my style," Alex added with a grin, raising his leg in a mock kick. "Especially when it's some jerk talking trash."
Kimmi's eyes narrowed with determination. "People blame my mom for the town being poor because she didn't want to be a queen. So I punch them in the face because they're stupid."
Alex nodded in agreement, a fierce loyalty burning in his chest. "I'd kick them too."
Kimmi laughed, a sound as bright and clear as a bell, finding comfort in her new cousin's shared love for fighting. Unbeknownst to the laughing cousins, a group of child-like figures observed from the shadows, their eyes fixed intently on Kimmi and Alex.
Over on the northern side of the town, the mood was more somber as Glynis and Shukaku walked into the mayor's office. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment and the faint fragrance of the blue rose resting on the desk. Fann, her brow furrowed in concern, glanced up from a letter she was reading. It was from a new alliance of clans in Velonica—calling themselves the Illuminati of Velonica. The name alone sent a chill down her spine.
"Glynis! I didn't think you'd make it today," Fann said, a warm smile spreading across her face as she stood up to greet her daughter.
"Of course, Mom. And this hulk of a Tengu is the Shukaku Zo I've been telling you about," Glynis said, her tone lightening as she introduced her husband.
Shukaku bowed respectfully. "It is an honor to meet you, Lady Fann. The Zo Clan is well aware of your contributions to Arcadia's history and your time as a Demon Lord."
Fann waved her hand dismissively, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Oh, hush now. You're family. Come here," she said, pulling Shukaku into a warm hug.
As Glynis watched the embrace, she felt a surge of happiness. Shukaku leaned down slightly to return Fann's hug, his large frame dwarfing the older woman. "I take it the mana signature running around with Kimmi is your son?" Fann asked as she pulled away.
Glynis nodded. "Yes, we met her at the town entrance."
"He seems full of life. I'm sure he'll fit right in with the rest of the little wolfpack," Fann said with a chuckle. "And he's a Godwalker too?"
"Yep," Glynis replied, her voice filled with pride. "And already exploring his V-Skill uses in combat."
Fann's eyes sparkled with a mix of pride and nostalgia. "Oh? Hahaha, he'll fit perfectly. All of Vericka's children have her love for battle and conflict."
Glynis gave her husband a concerned look, but Shukaku just chuckled softly, rubbing her back. "It's his first day. I'm sure he won't get into any trouble just yet."
As the scene shifted back to the playground, the atmosphere thickened with a creeping sense of unease. Alex and Kimmi, lost in their playful banter, remained blissfully unaware of the growing shadows encroaching upon their carefree world. The celestial children, now seven in number, advanced with silent menace, their presence weighing heavily on the air, casting an ominous pall over the innocent laughter of the two cousins.
A voice, dripping with disdain and arrogance, broke the tension. "Looks like zat ugly demon brother of yours isn't 'ere to save you zis time," sneered Beau, the son of the Soleil Clan.
Kimmi looked up, her expression souring at the sight of Beau. His skin was as pale as fresh ivory, almost ghostly under the dull playground light, a stark contrast to the vibrant gold rings that adorned each of his fingers. Each ring boasted a different colored Magic Gem, glinting with an eerie, unnatural light. His hair, a mass of jet-black curls, was slicked back meticulously, while his cold blue eyes glinted with malice, a smirk tugging at the corners of his thin lips.
Beau's presence exuded an unsettling calm as if he relished in the discomfort he brought. His voice, laced with a thick accent, only added to the unnerving charm that seemed to veil the darkness beneath his polished exterior.
"Zis is my playground, mon amie," Beau continued, his tone mocking as he took a step closer, the other celestial children fanning out behind him like a pack of hyenas ready to pounce. The playful atmosphere evaporated, replaced by a heavy, oppressive silence, as if the very air around them held its breath in anticipation.
The tension between the children and the approaching group grew palpable, a silent battle of wills playing out beneath the surface. But as the celestial children closed in, it became clear that the playground was no longer a place of refuge. A confrontation was inescapable, and the innocence of the moment was quickly giving way to something more malicious.
The sky above darkened, heavy with anticipation, as the shadows of the celestial children grew longer, creeping toward Alex and Kimmi. It was as if the universe itself was holding its breath, bracing for the inevitable clash.
To the left of Beau stood a lightly golden-skinned girl with porcelain features, her sharp gaze fixated on the two cousins. Yoona Haru, a member of the Haru Clan, stood with an air of superiority. Her ice-blue hair was neatly tied into two high buns, accentuating her sun-golden eyes, which glowed with a hint of disdain. Around her neck hung a Magic Gem necklace that sparkled with a cold light, and her fingers, adorned with rings embedded with multicolored gems, sparkled as she lifted her hand dismissively.
The tension in the air thickened as Yoona's lips curled into a malicious smirk, her sharp, pink eyes narrowing on Alex like a predator locking onto prey. "This one smells like dog and flames," she sneered, her voice carrying the unmistakable lilt of her airy accent, each syllable dripping with icy disdain.
The very air around her seemed to grow colder, the space between them charged with an almost palpable malice. "Who is new kid with animal face? I've never seen him before, and frankly, I don't want to. He ugly boy."
To the right of Beau, a warm peach-toned boy from the Vega Clan, Abdul, shifted restlessly. His right hand, adorned with an array of shimmering Magic Gems, flexed instinctively, the Vessel Mark of star symbols etched into the side of his head gleaming ominously in the dim light.
"Boss, do you want me to teach them a lesson now that this demon-boy isn't here?" Abdul's voice was low, but the threat in his words was unmistakable. His blue eyes flickered with a dangerous intensity, eagerly awaiting the command to strike.
Beau chuckled darkly, his eyes alight with cruel amusement. "Zere's no need to be selfish, Abdul. We all want a piece of zose Mikazuki losers."
Alex's gaze flicked over to Kimmi, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Who are they?" he asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone.
Kimmi's lips twitched into a smirk of her own. "Some of the kids who like to get punched in the face."
Beau's expression twisted into one of vicious delight. "Vous, you will be ze one to get punched in ze face today!" he taunted, his voice dripping with smug confidence.
Kimmi rolled her eyes, her tone flat as she explained, "They're part of some other clans. They don't like us because their leaders can't beat Mommy for the Demon Lord title."
Beau's eyes blazed with indignation, his fists clenching at his sides. "But zat's where you are wrong, ignorant girl! With moi having a V-Skill, I will one day become stronger zan your mère and destroy your weak clan."
Kimmi didn't even flinch. "You're the only one who's weak! Big brother Xi says it all the time after he finishes kicking y'all butts."
Beau snarled, his patience wearing thin. "You always run to zat hideous demon's side, but he is not here to protect you. I 'ope you've said your prayers."
Alex stepped forward, his expression hardening as he squared his shoulders. "If you touch my cousin, I'm going to kick you in the face."
Yoona let out a disdainful laugh, her nose wrinkling in disgust. "Ewww, I hate the way his voice sounds. Ugly ugly boy."
Abdul glanced at Beau, his expression eager. "Shall we handle him, boss?"
Beau's grin widened, his eyes glinting with malice. "Oui, I shall let you two 'ave fun with ze new kid."
Kimmi turned to Alex, her eyes flashing with determination. "It's okay, Alex. I'll punch him, and you kick them. Deal?"
Alex's lips curled into a confident smile, his muscles tensing as he dropped into his battle stance. "Deal."
Without another word, Alex lunged forward, his muscles coiled like a spring, the world around him narrowing to the figures of his opponents. Time itself seemed to stretch as he channeled his mana, the energy thrumming through his veins, sharpening his senses. With a swift pivot, he launched into a spinning roundhouse kick, his foot a blur as it connected with both Abdul and Yoona in a single, seamless motion. The force of the impact was immense, a shockwave of mana rippling outward as both opponents were hurled backward, skidding across the ground like ragdolls.
The area where Kimmi was about to engage became a distant scene as the sheer power of Alex's kick carved out a new battlefield. The air crackled with residual mana and the ground beneath him scorched from the intensity of his attack. Alex landed lightly on his feet, the thrill of battle igniting his spirit as he readied himself for what was to come.
"I've been burning to try this out. I hope you're ready," Alex taunted, his voice brimming with confidence.
Yoona scrambled to her feet, her face twisted in a mixture of rage and disbelief. "You dare touch me, dog-boy! You will pay dearly!" she hissed, venom dripping from every word.
Abdul, now standing, brushed off the dust from his ornate shirt, his eyes narrowing. "He's just another barbarian, like the rest of that clan," he sneered, his voice cold and calculating.
"You guys picked the fight," Alex shot back, his stance unwavering.
Yoona and Abdul exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between them. Yoona raised her hand, her knuckles glowing with an eerie light as she pointed towards Alex.
"Taste real power! Vessel Skill [Ethereal Muse: Jang Nok-su]!" she declared, her voice echoing with authority.
The Magic Gems on Yoona's hand flared to life, their brilliance flooding the area with a hazy, surreal light. Alex's vision blurred as the world around him shifted; the air thickened with Astral Mana particles, a byproduct of Yoona's V-Skill ability. He blinked, trying to shake off the disorientation, but the effects had already taken hold.
"Your thoughts are under my influence," Yoona purred, a wicked smile curling on her lips.
Alex's heart raced as he found himself surrounded by ten identical images of Abdul, each one poised to strike. The Vessel Skill was more than just an illusion; it was a complete takeover of his senses. He couldn't tell what was real and what wasn't, the line between reality and illusion blurring beyond recognition.
Abdul's voice cut through the confusion. "I enjoy this part. Basic Earth Gem Mana: Rock Gauntlets!" he shouted as the clones advanced, their fists encased in jagged stone.
Alex's mind whirled. "What's happening? Why are there so many of him? What's that smell?"
The sharp scent of earth filled his nostrils as the Abduls closed in. One of them, hidden within the illusion, delivered a solid punch to Alex's blindside. The impact sent him flying, his cheek stinging as the rocks around Abdul's fist shattered on impact.
Alex recovered mid-air, twisting his body into an aerial cartwheel and landing in a crouch, his feet sliding across the ground as he stabilized himself. He blinked again, trying to shake off the confusion, his senses still reeling from Yoona's spell.
Yoona's mocking laughter echoed across the battlefield, sharp and cutting. "Look at him, the stupid dog doesn't even realize he's under a spell. Hahaha."
Alex winced, shaking his head in confusion. "Nothing's adding up, but... that smell... their mana signatures are still the same."
Abdul cracked his knuckles, the sound ominous as he prepared to charge at Alex again, his footsteps heavy with purpose. "So much for all that big talk. Basic Earth Gem Mana: Rock Gauntlets."
Before Abdul could close the distance, Alex's eyes narrowed, cutting through the haze clouding his mind. With a sudden burst of Fire Mana, he pushed off the ground, his body blurring with speed. Spinning on his heel, he unleashed a devastating roundhouse kick. The force of the blow connected with Abdul, launching him into Yoona and sending them both sprawling across the battlefield once more.
As the dust settled from their tumble, Alex landed on his feet, his gaze sharp and unyielding. The fight was just beginning, but he was ready to show them all how far he had come. His body thrummed with mana, ready for the next assault.
While Alex prepared himself, Kimmi listened to Beau, who was lost in his own delusions of grandeur, rambling about his supposed right to rule the clans of Velonica.
"Zee shame of your pathetic clan will no longer taint Velonica," Beau spat, his thick accent dripping with disdain. "If you refuse to relinquish zee title of Demon Lord, zen we shall take it from you by force!"
Kimmi tilted her head, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You really love to hear yourself talk, huh?"
Beau's face flushed with rage, his skin turning a deep, furious red as he began casting his most powerful spell. Yang Mana surged around him, crackling with the intensity of his anger.
"Do not blame me when your family cannot even find your bones to bury, for zey will be nothing but ashes in zee wind," Beau growled. "Now, [Heaven's Herald: Jeanne d'Arc], unleash [Holy Flame]!"
With a surge of mana, ethereal flames erupted beneath Kimmi, the magic circle beneath her glowing with the intensity of Beau's Vessel Skill. The righteous fury of the golden-yellow flames consumed her, their heat and brilliance obscuring her from view entirely.
Meanwhile, Yoona and Abdul struggled to their feet, bracing for the next round.
"Oww, watch it, you idiot!" Yoona snapped, rubbing her head.
Abdul, still dazed, muttered, "How did he do that? Isn't he under your ability?"
Alex's voice cut through their confusion, calm and confident. "Since you guys using your V-Skills, I'm going to use mine. Activate [Morning Star: Lucifer]!"
The Earth Mana Abdul had been channeling into his rings began to disintegrate, the rock and gravel crumbling into sand, slipping through his fingers as if it had lost all strength.
"What's happening? Why is my Gem Mana Art not working right?" Abdul stammered, panic edging into his voice.
"I just told you," Alex said, his tone almost casual. "I'm using one of my [Morning Star: Lucifer]'s abilities; [Mana Disruption]. It stops mana manipulation, temporarily. I'd get in trouble if I used Hellfire Mana here."
While Abdul struggled to refocus his mana, Alex seized the moment. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance and delivered a devastating final roundhouse kick to Abdul's jaw. The impact was brutal, sending Abdul spinning unconscious into Yoona, whose head snapped back as she, too, fell unconscious. Both of them crashed to the ground, sliding across the dirt until they came to a stop at Beau's feet.
Beau, distracted by the sight of his fallen comrades, barely had time to process what was happening. The celestial children who had been watching from the sidelines gasped, their confidence shattered as their leaders lay defeated.
Taking advantage of the moment, Kimmi burst out of the swirling flames created by Beau's spell, her body wreathed in her own concentrated Yang Mana. She moved swiftly, her steps almost silent against the now quiet ground. She was behind Beau in an instant, her fist drawn back and charged with power. Beau barely had time to react before Kimmi's fist connected with his face in a devastating haymaker. The force of the punch sent shockwaves through the air, lifting Beau off his feet and leaving him sprawled, unconscious, on the ground.
Beau's face contorted with rage and frustration as he lay there, his once fierce demeanor now a picture of helplessness. He had been so certain of his superiority, only to be utterly defeated in an instant. The celestial children who had been watching from the sidelines gasped, their confidence shattered as they witnessed their leaders' defeat.
Kimmi stood over Beau, a mix of annoyance and satisfaction in her expression. The remnants of her mana crackled in the air like the aftermath of a storm. The battlefield had fallen into an uneasy silence, broken only by the murmurs of the defeated celestial children who exchanged nervous glances.
Kimmi made a face at the unconscious Beau and stuck her tongue out. "Big dummy, I have [Fire Resistance] and [Heat Nullification]." Her playful taunt was enough to send the remaining children scattering, fearing they might be next.
Alex, still riding the adrenaline, grinned. "That was fun."
Kimmi nodded, the tension easing from her shoulders. "See? I told you. Sometimes you just gotta raps your hood... and punch people in the face."
"Or kick 'em!" Alex added with a chuckle.
The battlefield, now littered with the remnants of the fight, was bathed in the soft, fading light of the evening. The air, once filled with the acrid scent of battle, now carried a cool, calming breeze.
As the scuffle's intensity gave way to a calm afternoon, the cousins began their walk back to the mayor's office. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the quiet streets. The air was cooler now, carrying with it a mix of the day's battles and the earthy scent of the town. The scent of smoke and singed mana dissipated, replaced by the fresh, soothing aroma of the evening breeze.
Kimmi glanced at Alex. "We should check in with Grandma Fann. I don't want us getting into trouble."
Alex nodded in agreement, the thrill of the fight giving way to the comfort of family. Together, they walked through the quiet streets, the sense of camaraderie warming them as they approached the mayor's office, ready to reconnect with their family and leave the chaos behind.
[End of Chapter]