Chapter 1624: Time to get home

Apart from a brief intervention in the battle between Merra and the two Lords, Adam did not take part in the fight any further.

He couldn’t let Merra die, so he did everything in his power, but he knew that if Keranda hadn’t shown up in time, it would have been the end for both of them.

Sure, Adam wanted everything to depend solely on him and his power, but right now, he had no choice but to watch.

It wasn’t something he did often, but watching warriors far stronger than him fight and analyzing their actions was quite a useful exercise.

"That monster, Morok," Adam pointed at the crater and the bloodstain. "He was pretty strong, right? I mean, he and Liliane were captains of their teams, but from what I understand, they’re on different levels."

Keranda glanced at Zargos. He just shrugged.

"Yes." She nodded. "The monsters that attacked Goen were from the Crown Squad, but Morok’s team was part of the Sword Squad. They all answer to particularly influential monsters at the Befallen Crown."

A shadow fell across her face.

"I’ll be honest with you. If any of them were here, there’s nothing we could do. The same would happen if they sent someone from the top three teams to hunt you down. Maybe Zargos and I could escape, but there’d be no question of victory."

Adam nodded. He understood that neither Morok nor Liliane stood at the top of the Befallen Crown’s hierarchy. Still, to some extent, he was glad it had happened, because now he was one step closer to the top—albeit only in terms of knowledge for the time being.

"What if Goen and one of those monsters had been here? Which one would have won?"

Keranda gulped, an unusual reaction for her.

"Adam... I’m afraid you don’t quite understand what you’re talking about. If a battle of that magnitude actually took place on our territory, all I would think about is getting as far away from here as possible, as quickly as possible."

Adam didn’t ask any more questions. He didn’t know how long it would take him to become as strong as Zargos and Keranda.

’Still, I have to find a way to do this. I have to surpass both of them and stand alongside humans like Goen if I want to stop the World Wipe.’ He clenched his fists, reflecting on the path he’d traveled. ’A year and a half has passed. I still have six and a half years ahead of me. I have plenty of time.’

Clap!

Zargos clapped his hands.

"Hey! What’s wrong with you guys? We won, so I don’t want to see your gloomy faces! Let’s have some fun!"

"But... Zargos, aren’t you supposed to be exhausted?" Keranda raised an eyebrow.

He nodded and looked at Merra with a sly grin.

"Of course. I’m tired as hell. I gave everything I had to win this battle. But fruit, a pool, cocktails, and Merra in a swimsuit will easily fix that!"

Merra blushed.

"S-Sir!"

She turned away, embarrassed.

"If that’s what you want, I don’t mind... but not in front of your sister."

Keranda rolled her eyes.

"Agh, why is my brother such a pervert? You know you’re a fool, right?"

Zargos spread his arms wide and flexed his biceps with a smug look.

"Better look at this! Hah, I’m stronger than you now, big sis!"

She looked at his aura and frowned.

"Arh? If you want, we can fight right now!"

Suddenly, laughter rang out from the side:

"Hahahahaha! You two are actually brother and sister, aren’t you?"

Keranda snorted as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Of course, and you... You said you have a younger sister?"

He nodded.

"I don’t know if it’s for better or worse, but she doesn’t have powers as I do."

Keranda shrugged.

"Trust me, it’s for the best. Now, you know nothing bad will happen to your sister, because she’s completely safe at the Citadel. I’m sure you’re worried about the World Wipe, and I understand you, but..."

Her gaze grew deeper.

"Don’t do anything stupid. The chances of her reaching the K4-Level are negligible. She’ll die if she enters the Dead Lands, just like most Phantoms do."

"Sure. I know that."

Tap.

Zargos put his hands on their shoulders.

"Come on! Enough with the serious talk! It’s time to relax! Merra, fine, no swimsuit today, but I want fruit and cocktails!"

Merra practically jumped up and down on the spot.

"Y-Yes! It shall be done, sir!"

...

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

Sitting at the table, Adam ate nuts with honey and a refreshingly tart cocktail. Keranda, who was sitting across from him, had the same.

At the same time, Zargos was swimming in the pool with Merra. Despite his earlier words, he had still made her put on her swimsuit.

"It’s been a long day for you, hasn’t it?" Keranda said, her voice sounding tired.

Adam shrugged, taking a sip of his cocktail.

"Yeah, but these have been productive few days. Not only have I become stronger, but I’ve also learned a great deal. But, to be honest. I’m not sure when I’ll feel like returning to the Primal Lands next."

"Hah, if you ever decide to come back, come to us—but not here, to our main base. The Flaming Eye Clan is one of the most influential forces in the Primal Lands."

Adam raised an eyebrow.

"But you aren’t stronger than the Old Light, right?"

She shook her head.

"No. It’s a small guild where every member has their own special role. If it weren’t for them, the Befallen Crown would have established control over the Primal Lands long ago. Our clan and the others wouldn’t have been able to resist them."

"Got it."

Keranda looked at the sun setting before turning back to Adam.

"Are you ready to go home?"

He smiled bitterly.

"Of course. I can’t wait. It’s time to move on."

Keranda chuckled.

"Yeah... You’re probably right about that."