The clash of auras between Kai and the mysterious figure intensified, causing the air to distort and ripple with energy like the surface of a stormy lake. However, the figure suddenly sealed his aura, and the distortion dissipated like a deflating balloon. He sat down on the ground, his piercing gaze fixed on Kai.
"Ah, you know what, boy?" the figure said, his voice dripping with curiosity like honey from a spoon. "You've piqued my interest. What is your name?"
Kai also sealed his aura, his expression calm and collected. "I am Kai, and this is my team, the Nobles," he replied, gesturing to Shinji and Lila, who were still lying on the ground, their eyes fixed on the mysterious figure.
The figure's gaze lingered on Kai, his eyes narrowing slightly as if sizing him up. "And who are you?" Kai asked, his voice firm but cautious.
The figure paused, seeming to consider his response. A hint of a smile played on his lips, and he said, "I don't think I'm going to tell you my name. Why don't you guys just call me Tamer? I think that name fits me better."
Shinji, now standing up, spoke up, his voice laced with annoyance. "Now, how is that fair, Tamer?"
Tamer's expression turned annoyed, and he glared at Shinji, his eyes flashing with anger. "Ants like you don't even deserve to look at me, so don't even think about talking to me."
Kai's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. He took a step forward, his voice low and menacing. "Listen here, Tamer. Don't even think about insulting my team when I'm around. You hear me?"
Tamer's eyes turned red, and he sneered at Kai, his voice dripping with contempt. "Or else what? Are you going to do? It's not like you can take me on and save your teammates at the same time."
Kai remained silent, his eyes locked on Tamer's, his mind racing with strategies and counterattacks. He knew that responding to Tamer's taunt would only escalate the situation, so he chose to keep his cool.
Tamer seemed to find an idea amusing, and a wide grin spread across his face. "Okay, you know what, Kai? It's been a long time since I've been entertained. Why don't we do this?"
Kai's eyes narrowed, wary of Tamer's intentions.
"You guys vs. my wolves and the alpha wolf, Crimson Moon. If you guys win, I'll let you go."
Kai's expression changed, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He thought to himself, "Now that we can do. We might actually make it out of here."
Tamer continued, his eyes glinting with amusement. "But you have three minutes to finish off all my wolves and the alpha wolf, Crimson Moon. Or else... I'll help the wolves out, and I'll kill all of you."
Kai called the Nobles to his side, helping Lila up from the ground. The warm sunlight caught the dust motes dancing around them, casting a golden glow over the scene. Lila's face was still pale, but she nodded determinedly as Kai began to explain their plan.
"Okay, guys, so we don't have time, but I think we can beat all the wolves in three minutes. Here's what we're going to do," Kai said, his voice low and urgent, his words tumbling out in a rush.
Lila's eyes widened slightly as Kai explained her role in the plan. She felt a surge of nervousness, her heart racing with anticipation, her palms growing sweaty.
"I will deal with the alpha wolf, Crimson Moon, and its wives," Kai said, his eyes locked on Lila's, his gaze burning with intensity.
"Shinji, you deal with the elder wolves."
"And Lila, you deal with the young wolves. Lila, I know I haven't trained you in combat magic yet, but please try to hold out for two minutes. I'll deal with Crimson Moon and its wives, and then I'll come help you out."
Shinji and Lila nodded, their faces set with determination, their jaws clenched in resolve.
Tamer shouted from the sidelines, "We don't have all time day here, Kai! Are we doing this or not?" His voice cut through the air, making Lila jump.
Kai turned to face him, his eyes flashing with intensity, his fists clenched at his sides. "Due to the time limit you gave us, I'm sorry, Tamer, but I'm going all out!"
Kai thought to himself, "I might have to reuse that cheat code again, but I'll be losing another percentage of my life force. But at least my power will increase again. I might actually surprise SSS Rank this time."
Tamer shouted back, "Show me that full power of yours!" The air seemed to vibrate with his words, making the hairs on the back of Lila's neck stand on end.
Kai turned to Lila, his eyes locked on hers, his gaze softening. He reached out and gently held her face, his thumbs tracing the contours of her cheeks. Lila's face turned bright red as she realized what was happening, her heart skipping a beat.
"K-Kai, this is not the time and place to do this!" Lila stuttered, her eyes wide with embarrassment, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kai's eyes burned with intensity as he whispered, "Don't worry, Lila. I won't let anything happen to you. I promise. You're safe with me." His warm breath caressed her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
Lila's heart fluttered in her chest, her pulse racing with excitement. She felt like she was melting into his gaze, her worries forgotten in the face of his intensity.
Kai continued, his voice barely audible, "I'm giving you some of my strength. But it will only be 25%. You'll be able to defend yourself, but don't push yourself too hard."
Lila's eyes began to glow a bright pink as Kai's power coursed through her veins, her senses heightening, her magical abilities surging it was like she now knew how to fight, she could feel it.
Kai stepped back, his eyes locked on Tamer. "Ready, guys? Now, attack!" His voice cut through the air, a clarion call to battle.
Shinji charged off towards the elder wolves, his sword flashing in the fading light, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the forest. The elder wolves, their eyes glowing with an unnatural intelligence, charged towards Shinji with deadly precision, their jaws snapping wildly, their teeth bared.
Shinji sprinted forward, his feet pounding the earth, his heart racing with anticipation. He could feel the elder wolves' hot breath on his neck, their growls growing louder with every step.
Lila followed close behind, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air as she prepared to cast her spells. The young wolves, their jaws snapping wildly, charged towards Lila with reckless abandon, their tiny bodies a blur of fur and teeth.
Lila stood tall, her eyes shining with determination, her magic swirling around her. She could feel the young wolves' eyes on her, their hunger for blood palpable.
Kai watched for a moment, his eyes locked on Lila's back, his heart swelling with pride. Then he turned, his gaze locked on Tamer, before shifting to Crimson Moon. The alpha wolf stood tall, its eyes glowing with an unnatural intelligences