Kael stood in the cavern, his body still radiating faint wisps of fire as he stared at the retreating form of the drake.
The once-fearsome monster, sensing the shift in power, had chosen to flee rather than face its now formidable opponent. .
Kael's emerald-green eyes flickered with exhaustion and relief as he muttered, "That was close."
Letting out a deep breath, Kael dropped to the ground, feeling the weight of the battle lift from his shoulders.
"Thank goodness it ran away," he murmured, resting his back against the rocky wall. His chest rose and fell heavily as the adrenaline began to dissipate, leaving only the ache of weariness in its place.
Though his injuries had been severe during the fight, but now they are completely healed.
Thanks to astral water miraculous healing.
Kael glanced down at his torn and charred clothes.
"Amelia might be waiting outside the labyrinth to pick me up"
If Amelia saw him in this state,she would tell this to Sephina.
And Sephina protective instincts would flare, and she would likely forbid him from ever returning to the labyrinth.
That was a risk Kael couldn't take.
"I should clean up and change before meeting her," Kael decided, pushing himself to his feet.
His legs wobbled slightly, but he steadied himself.
With a wave of his hand, water surged from the air around him, shimmering in an ethereal blue light.
Kael smiled faintly, appreciating his mastery over the water element as he guided the liquid to cleanse the grime and blood from his body.
The cool touch of the water was refreshing, washing away not only the physical remnants of battle but also the tension lingering in his mind.
He let out a soft sigh as the dirt and soot vanished, leaving his skin clean and renewed. With a flick of his wrist, the water dispersed into a fine mist, evaporating into the air as Kael reached into his void space and took out a fresh set of clothes.
Quickly, he changed into a dark, fitted outfit—practical yet stylish.
"That should do it," Kael said to himself, straightening his collar.
His emerald eyes gleamed with determination, and though the battle had worn him down, the awakening of his fire element had sparked a new strength within him.
Kael moved toward the labyrinth's exit.
"Let's just hope Amelia doesn't notice anything unusual," Kael muttered, a nervous chuckle escaping his lips as he ascended toward the surface, leaving behind the remnants of his battle.
Kael emerged from the labyrinth, the sunlight momentarily blinding him after days spent in the dimly lit labyrinth.
As his eyes adjusted, he noticed an unusual commotion outside the labyrinth's entrance. A crowd had gathered.
"Why are there so many people here?"
Before he could delve deeper into his thoughts, a voice broke through the noise.
"Kael!"
He turned toward the source of the shout and saw a familiar red-haired girl weaving her way through the crowd toward him.
What was her name again? Kael wondered, vaguely recalling the girl he had saved.
"Hi, Kael! Thanks again for saving me the other day," she said with a bright smile, her red hair bouncing as she reached him.
Kael scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Uh, yeah, no problem…"
"I want you to meet my parents!" she continued enthusiastically.
"They insisted on thanking you properly and even want to give you something for saving me."
Kael immediately shook his head.
"No thanks. I don't need anything. Just take care of yourself."
Evelyn pouted slightly, but before she could respond, Kael glanced around at the bustling crowd and asked, "Why is there so much people today? Did something happen?"
Evelyn's face lit up in realization.
"Oh, that's right! You probably don't know. It's because Princess Aveline is coming here today for her first official raid!"
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"A princess? Coming here? Sounds like a lot of hassle to me."
Before Evelyn could elaborate, a new voice interrupted their conversation.
"Well, well, look who's still alive—my dear Evelyn."
Evelyn froze for a moment before her expression twisted in anger.
Kael followed her gaze and saw a young man, flanked by three other smug-looking guys, walking toward them. The man had a confident, arrogant stride, his smile dripping with mockery.
"You bastard! —You throwed me to die" Evelyn shouted, her fists clenched. Without hesitation, she charged toward him and swung a massive punch aimed straight at his face.
But the man caught her fist with ease, his smirk widening. "Temper, temper, my dear Evelyn. It seems you've forgotten your place."
Kael watched silently for a moment as the man tightened his grip on Evelyn's hand, forcing her to grimace in pain.
Kael's eyes narrowed, his irritation growing as the man raised his free hand, clearly intending to strike Evelyn.
In an instant, Kael was there, his hand snapping up to catch the man's wrist mid-air.
The sheer force of Kael's grip caused the man to flinch, his smirk faltering as he turned his attention to the newcomer.
"Hey, fucker," Kael said, his voice dangerously calm. "Let her go."
The man hesitated for a moment before reluctantly releasing Evelyn's hand. She quickly stepped back, rubbing her sore wrist.
The man turned his full attention to Kael, his arrogance returning as he sneered. "It seems you don't know who I am."
Kael tilted his head mockingly. "Nope. Should I care?"
The man's expression darkened. "Your little friend didn't tell you about me? I'll give you one chance to apologize and back off before things get messy."
Before Kael could respond, the three guys flanking the man lunged toward him, their intentions clear.
Kael sighed. "Really?"
With a swift motion, he released the man's wrist and pivoted on his heel, his movements fluid and precise. One by one, the three attackers were sent flying, each landing in a heap several feet away.
The crowd gasped in astonishment as Kael turned back to the man, his emerald-green eyes glinting with amusement.
The man's smirk wavered for a moment before he forced it back. "Impressive for someone of your age, but don't get cocky"
"Evelyn, it seems you've caught yourself a new and strong dog. How cute."
Something inside Kael snapped.
Without a word, he stepped forward
CRACK
Kael Fist connecting the man face.
The man stumbled back, his arrogant grin replaced by shock and pain.
Kael followed up with another punch, this time slamming the man to the ground.
Pinning him down, Kael grabbed the collar of his shirt and growled, "Say one more word, you bastard. I dare you."
"Kael leave him you would be in danger he is son of Ravenswood family." Evelyn shouted.
"It's all my mistake —it's all my mistake" Evelyn said now crying.
"Don't cry Evelyn, it doesn't matter whose son he is— he is arrogant and needs a beating so don't cry" kael said. While slapping the man.
The crowd was silent, their collective breath held as they watched the confrontation unfold.
Kael's fist trembled in the air, his knuckles bloodied from the force of his punches.
"Arrest him!" a commanding voice echoed through the tense silence, cutting through the murmurs of the crowd.
Kael turned toward the source of the voice, his sharp eyes narrowing.
Standing at the edge of the crowd was a young woman clad in ornate armor that shimmered under the sunlight, a regal cape flowing behind her.
Her golden hair was tied into a high ponytail, and her piercing blue eyes were locked firmly on Kael.
It was Princess Aveline.