346 -352

Chapter 346 - Innocent Man!

The man with metallic pincers enhancement collapsed on the ground, engulfed in flames. In just a minute, all that remained of him was a stainless skeleton. Even pincers showed signs of melting under the blistering heat.

Zed tapped back on the ground. He observed the remnants of the three men he killed and let out a sigh.

While the mercenaries weren't particularly strong by his standards, there were many of them. If in a group fight, he tried to hold back to not kill, then there might be unwanted consequences... something he couldn't afford in his current form.

Killing was always easier than simply overpowering an opponent.

TRINGGGG

Zed turned around as he heard a sharp sound. He wasn't at all surprised by what he saw.

The other mercenaries were on the ground with their heads severed from their bodies. Blood was gushing out of them, dyeing the emerald grass into a shade of crimson.

Only two mercenaries remained, but not for long as two discs sliced through their necks, sending their heads flying into a distance.

As the last two mercenaries fell, the blood-stained discs shot out and rushed at Ashlyn.

By the time they clad back on her wrists, they were neat and clean, with not a single drop of blood.

There was no expression on her poker face. She would have preferred to practice Nutcracking Art on the mercenaries, but the circumstances called for her to use a bit of effort.

Not like she cared anyway.

Ashlyn adjusted the discs on her wrists when she felt a pair of eyes on her. She raised her head and looked back at Zed.

When she battled the seven mercenaries, her attention was still on him. Since she found he didn't need any help, she didn't intervene.

While she considered it her mission to protect Kiba's younger brother, she didn't want to restrict his growth. Something she realized she has done yesterday.

Ashlyn was a bit impressed by his conduct. Not because he was able to defeat the three mercenaries, but by the fact that he didn't hesitate in killing them.

Earlier she was a bit afraid that since he was so different from Kiba, he might be reluctant to draw blood. After all, killing was easier said than done.

Now the deaths of the three mercenaries relieved her of earlier apprehension.

She did notice another difference between Zed and Kiba though. She was sure Kiba would have mocked the mercenaries before killing them in a sadistic manner.

Zed, on the other hand, did no such thing. In a way, he was a gentleman, unlike Kiba.

A few minutes later, they once again resumed their journey. The corpses behind would either become nourishment for hungry beasts and vultures, or, in the other scenario, they would become fertilizers for the flora.

Everything was a cycle...

Meanwhile, a mile away.

A retinue of twenty people stood at the perimeter of a temporary camp. They were supported by a few drones which were mainly used for aerial survey.

Inside the camp, a middle-aged woman carried a tray in her hands. She arrived before a chair and respectfully handed a glass of juice to a young miss.

"No signs of him?"

The absolutely attractive eighteen-years old teen asked. If the people from the auction house was here, they would identify her as the rich miss from Neville Family - Sophia!

"No, miss," The middle-aged woman named Aileen Khalid replied.

Aileen was given the task to accompany and protect Sophia by the latter's parents. She was a Beta-rank mutant but in front of Sophia, she was totally submissive.

It was not due to strength but status!

Most people would feel status was useless in front of strength, but they were people who had not seen the power of status!

Only someone who has experience with Nine Aristocratic Families knew the true worth of status. Aileen has for a long time and was fully aware of the value of status.

"That's disappointing," Sophia said, a bit frustrated.

She stepped out of the camp and proceeded further ahead. The retinue stayed behind but Aileen walked behind her, mainting a distance.

Dried leaves floated in the air as the morning wind swept through trees.

Sophia leaped on a branch and felt the wind brushing past her face. Her eyes aimlessly scanned the area when she noticed something.

There were obstacles in her path but she noticed a stunning woman. She was clad in a full-body black suit.

Sophia instantly recognized her as that man's companion!

Sure enough, she saw a man along with her. Branches, twigs, and leaves hindered her vision so she was not able to check his body above the neck.

But from what she knew, that woman in the black suit was always in the company of that scoundrel!

"Got you!"

Sophia charged through the air with astonishing momentum, straight at her enemy.

Behind, Aileen was surprised by young miss' actions. She decided to follow from a distance.

Sophia's aura billowed out, and she lifted her right hand forward, forming a fist. Her body was accompanied by fierce winds.

The air currents streamed around her fist into a blinding flash of energy.

Violent fluctuations swept forward, destroying the branches in her path. Even the air seemed to be on the verge of collapse.

This time she was launching a powerful attack from the start!

Sophia finally appeared above Ashlyn and the man accompanying her. Leaves were hovering in the air like a storm as she shouted.

"Shameless villain! Get ready!"

Her lips were curled up in a smile but then her pupils constricted as she registered the facial features of the man.

"He is not the villain!!"

Sophia's fist was closing into the man. She gritted her teeth and twisted her body to change the direction of attack.

Sadly, this was more difficult than she thought and she faced dangerous recoil from forced change. Still, she didn't hesitate in her decision.

BANG

Her fist smashed into the ground next to her earlier target. Her fist was like a mountain and a booming sound rang out as soon as it made contact with the surface.

The ground exploded into chunks, sending tiniest specks of soil and stones into the air. Almost a hundred meters of the land area was instantly toppled, forming a small crater.

At the same time, Sophia received the backlash. She spat out a mouthful of blood and started falling into the crater.

Just then, a hand gripped her arm and pulled her.

Startled, she lifted her head up and noticed it was her earlier target. His one hand was pulling her while from his other hand, he was shooting a large amount of flame on the ground in order to propel himself into the air.

"You alright, miss?" He asked.

By now, she has regained clarity and the effects of backlash subsidized. She didn't reply but instead, pulled out her arm from his grasp like a slippery fish, and then somersaulted through the air.

Her speed was such that all she left behind was a blur. She landed outside the crater, huffing. Even though the side effects have ended, she was a bit exhausted.

She brought the back of a hand on her mouth to wipe blood.

"Here,"

The voice from before arrived. Surprised, she turned around and saw him offering her a water bottle.

Sophia was stunned by his actions. A few moments ago, she almost smashed him if not for her last moment realization, and yet, he was helping her.

She didn't speak anything but took the water bottle. She sniffed the water to check if there was poison or drugs.

After confirming, she washed her mouth with the water.

A few moments later, he introduced himself.

"I'm Zed and she is Ashlyn," Zed pointed to Ashlyn who was standing on the edge of crater.

Completing their introduction, he asked, "If you don't mind, can you tell me what just happened?"

Zed's hint was obvious as his eyes moved on the crater behind her. He was looking at her with a bewildered expression; wondering why she almost slammed him with such terrifying force?

Sophia listened to his question but didn't answer. She was far too embarrassed to respond.

She couldn't believe she almost attacked an innocent man.

If it was some other person, he would have taken her condition as a chance to retaliate or do something sinister, but this man, on the other hand, was kind and polite.

"Everything is that scoundrel's fault!"

Chapter 347 - Invitation

In the middle of wild old trees, there was a hundred-meter wide crater. Birds and beasts in the vicinity ran while glancing at the one responsible for the destruction of their habitat.

At the edge of the crater, Sophia stood with a downcast expression. She remained silent, her face flushed red from embarrassment.

A blurred silhouette appeared beside her and turned into Aileen.

"It is almost time for lunch," Aileen respectfully said. "We should return."

She has observed everything that took place from a distance. She knew why the young miss did what she did. This was why she could understand her embarrassment.

"Ah...!" Sophia was happy by the timely rescue. She secretly eyed and noticed he was looking back at her.

Sophia quickly moved her eyes elsewhere and said, "I have to leave!"

She turned around, no longer wanting to stay at this place for another second. She took a step ahead when a voice came from behind.

"Wait."

Sophia flinched like a cat whose tail was stepped on by someone. Normally, she was bossy and people from her circle considered her as a 'fiend', but now the embarrassment from her actions made her react like this.

She didn't want Zed to enquire more about her actions.

"Father always said I should face problems head-on without any worry!"

As a noble-blooded descendant of an aristocrat family, she quickly regained her composition. She felt there was nothing for her to feel bad about.

If he dared cause any problem, she could just teach him a lesson.

He might not be at fault but she has a lot to vent. And she wouldn't mind removing her frustration of that scoundrel on him.

With a cold expression, she turned towards him, and said, "Yes?"

Zed opened a white plastic jar. It contained a green cream which was actually a Grade III recovery medicine. If applied on a wound, the healing particles would enhance the cells self-recovery ability, and make the wound disappear in a moment.

"Please apply it on your knuckles," Zed offered the jar to her while his eyes were focused on her right hand.

The recoil from last moment change in aim has created scratch marks on her knuckles. Along with scratches, there were even traces of blood.

Till now, Sophia didn't notice them nor felt any pain as her concentration was elsewhere, but now when she noticed the injuries, she felt a slight pain.

She looked back at him, once again caught off guard by his actions. She was expecting enquiry or even challenge, and yet, he was actually handing her medicinal cream.

"Is he the type of person mom said only existed in fairy tales?" Sophia recalled her all-knowing mother.

Even Aileen was stunned by Zed's gesture. She swiftly got back to her senses and said, "We appreciate your concern but we have medicines."

There was no way a scion of Sophia's status would be in lacking resources, whether they were weapons or medicines.

"I apologise if I overstepped my boundaries," Zed politely said. "Please take care."

He then turned around and walked towards Ashlyn.

Behind, the young miss and her middle-aged servant were once again surprised.

Aileen observed Ashlyn and remembered her fighting a Dark Star. She didn't see the conclusion but seeing her here now, she realized that the contest was either a draw or Ashlyn won. In both cases, it symbolized she wasn't weak.

Aileen was in the middle of thinking when Sophia parted her lips and said, "Would you two join us for lunch?"

Sophia felt she has been losing manners ever since she met that golden-haired scoundrel. Something her mother wouldn't approve of, especially the way she acted with a nice guy like Zed.

Aileen was startled by the invitation and so were Zed and Ashlyn.

"Consider lunch as an apology," Sophia further said. "I'm sure you are heading to Guardian Spirit Village just like us, and a short rest for lunch wouldn't prove any obstruction."

Aileen was amazed by her young miss' words. She knew just how extraordinary her invitation was.

Back in their hometown, hundreds of young masters from powerful aristocrat families would beg to spend a moment with her, but she would always refuse. She would never entertain wishes of the opposite gender who desperately wanted to court her.

Yet, now she was personally inviting a young man for lunch.

If the scions from aristocratic families learn of this, they would flip tables! Not only this, but most of them would even cough blood from anger.

They could not even get ready for a brief exchange despite all their efforts, and yet, she was requesting a youth who has done nothing to deserve her attention.

This was far too unfair and unjust!

Aileen checked Zed out.

She was used to seeing handsome men in aristocratic circles but she felt Zed could give those men a run for money. He was truly good-looking and perhaps, one of the most handsome men she has ever seen.

But she knew this was not the reason why her miss invited him.

Zed and Ashlyn exchanged glances before accepting Sophia's invitation.

"Great," Sophia radiated a sweet smile.

Aileen walked in front to guide them to the camp house. As they proceeded ahead, Sophia said, "I'm sorry for almost attacking you."

Zed was behind her, and walking alongside Ashlyn.

He suppressed a smile and said, "It is fine. I'm sure that was a misunderstanding."

"Yes, a big misunderstanding," Sophia readily agreed. "I thought you were him so I attacked without confirming."

"Him?" Zed asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

"The shameless villain!" Sophia quickly answered.

Ashlyn nodded as if saying ' as expected '. She has witnessed the short conflict between Kiba and Sophia before the auction.

"...." Zed didn't react.

"I felt he was with her," Sophia spun around and pointed at Ashlyn. "This was why I jumped without thinking."

"...."

"I should have known better," Sophia sighed before saying. "When that villain is around, the entire area would be enveloped with an aura of shamelessness. It was absent now. Not to mention, whenever he is around, there would be evil acts."

Sophia vented her frustration by continuing further and saying, "A mere glance at him is enough to tell you that countless scoundrels were sacrificed for his birth."

Sophia felt a little better.

Zed, on the other hand, felt she was wrongly slandering a gentleman.

There was no way that Kiba could ever be associated with words like shameless, scoundrel, evil, and definitely not villain!

Kiba has never done anything to deserve such titles.

If anything, he should be only associated with altruism and philanthropy...

A few minutes later, they arrived in the camp house. It was not like Sophia didn't own a portable house but she didn't use it. So the retinues have to create a grand temporary camp.

The retinues were surprised by the guests but they didn't say anything. They were servants and they only followed orders.

"Please enter," Aileen invited them in the dining room. "I will make arrangements for lunch."

The camp room has a dining table with a capacity for seven. Sophia sat in the host seat while Zed and Ashlyn sat on the following chairs.

A servant filled their glasses with mineral water and took his leave.

As Zed brought a glass to his lips, Sophia scanned his facial features. Till now, she only gave a cursory glance but now, she checked him fully.

As soon as his full features registered in her mind, her misty-blue pupils constricted. In her eyes, his face was superimposed by the image of a mighty woman she has seen a few years ago.

Sophia recalled the woman whose house she has visited along with her parents. If she didn't remember it wrong, it was for the birthday of that woman's daughter.

A daughter who was so sick that she needed continuous medical care and was confined to a wheelchair.

Sophia cleared her mind of these thoughts. She felt she must be seeing it wrong but still, she felt Zed carried a slight facial resemblance to that woman.

The woman who seldom showed herself and yet almost everyone feared her.

Rebecca Hestia.

Sophia has only seen her once but her image was stuck in her mind. She remembered how even her parents were a bit respectful towards her, despite their high status.

"Maybe I'm thinking wrong," Sophia thought.

Still, she felt there was only one way to know for sure.

"Excuse me," Sophia said as Zed placed the glass down.

"Yes?" Zed brought his eyes on her.

"Are you also from the State of Avalon?"

Chapter 348 - A Tablet

On the host chair, Sophia leaned further and asked, "Are you also from the State of Avalon?"

"No," Zed answered without much thinking.

Sophia was stunned by his answer.

"I must be imagining things!" Sophia thought.

She has only seen that woman once and didn't really know much about her. Still, she was sure that woman and her family lived in the State of Avalon.

Just like almost every noble house...

"Why would you ask?" Zed enquired.

"No reason," Sophia replied. "Just wanted to know if you are from my home state."

"Oh," Zed didn't care much. "Well, I certainly want to check the State of Avalon in future. But there are too many restrictions from those outside, right?"

"Yes," Sophia nodded.

The state of Avalon was the power-center of humanity, and its entire perimeter was surrounded by a barrier. Holy City - the capital of World Government- was located in it as well.

It wouldn't be wrong to say State of Avalon was the most developed region on Earth. Due to its special status, there were severe restrictions. Foreigners weren't allowed unless they have a special permit.

"I'm sure I would get a chance to visit," Zed said.

"I hope you do," Sophia replied.

She felt his response pretty much confirmed her earlier guess. She was imagining things about him!

He hasn't been to Avalon unless he was lying, but there should be no reason to lie for such a matter.

"What about you?" Sophia asked Ashlyn. She didn't want to be rude and suspicious so she asked Ashlyn as well.

Ashlyn shook her head.

"I see," Sophia made her comfortable back in her chair.

She remembered the lessons her mother taught, and instantly thought her conduct was wrong. She shouldn't have asked personal questions to strangers.

Besides, why should she even care about his slight resemblance? She has not even been acquainted with him for an hour, so why he should matter to her?

"I have been wrongly influenced," Sophia thought. "This must be the effect of that shameless rascal."

A few minutes later.

Aileen stepped into the dining room.

"Lunch is prepared," Aileen informed them.

"Bring it," Sophia instructed her.

"Yes, miss," Aileen clapped her hands as a signal.

Two servants entered the room, carrying a set of dishes. The fragrance itself was filled with deliciousness that instantly made their mouths water.

Roast lam salad, chicken liver pate, scotch eggs, paneer stick, winter salad with buttermilk dressing, chocolate mousse, casserole, variety of bread, vegetables, and so on. There were even drinks though not alcohol.

It was more of a feast than a simple lunch, and that too, in the middle of wilderness. Something that would shock everyone for people can barely even have proper food!

Aileen knew the core region wouldn't allow such meals. As such, she wanted her young miss to have lavish feasts before the opening which was less than a week away.

This meal was also an appropriate apology on young miss's behalf.

"Thank you for the delicious lunch," Zed said after satisfying his appetite.

Ashlyn also gave a slight nod of approval.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Sophia replied with a smile.

Just then, a servant entered the room and said something in Aileen's ears. The servant left and Aileen quickly closed her mouth to Sophia's ears and said, "Miss, Young Master Carmen Vazquez is here. He should---"

Aileen didn't even get time to complete when a man in mid-twenties stepped in. He has olive hair, fair skin and a piercing on his nose.

"Sophia!" Carmen said in a loud, bashful voice.

His expression was filled with cheerfulness that soon died as soon as he saw the dining table and the empty plates.

His eyes swept on Zed who was sitting near Sophia. This made his eyebrows knit.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" Carmen asked in a heavy voice.

"I'm Zed," Zed answered, his voice polite. "Miss Sophia invited me for lunch so I'm here."

"What?! Invited?!"

Carmen's face fell.

He has been trying for almost a year to get Sophia agree for a meal and she always refused. He has used pretty much every method that he could, and yet, no success.

Carmen grudgingly felt a little better knowing her response has been the same for the opposite gender, no matter the background.

But now...

She has personally invited someone to her camp house and treated him with lunch?

How could she even do such a thing!?

"Please feel free to take the plates," Zed said with the same politeness. "We are done."

"Plate?" Carmen didn't dare trust what he just heard.

Could it be that he thinks I'm a servant?

Me? A noble-blood?!

Carmen refused to believe this. He was a noble-blooded and yet, he was being asked to take the plates?!

Carmen felt his veins pulsing by the insult.

Sophia noticed Carmen's expression and she broke out into laughter.

Aileen quickly intervened and said, "Young Master Carmen is from House of Vazquez."

"Oh! My apologies!" Zed respectfully asked for forgiveness. "I misunderstood."

Carmen stared at him. He felt no mockery from him, and yet, he was doubtful that it was really a misunderstanding.

"You are from which family?" Carmen calmed himself and asked.

Before Zed could reply, Sophia intervened and said, "Carmen, he is my guest so stop being annoying."

Carmen was pissed at her, but he controlled his emotions and smiled, "Of course."

At the same time, two servants stepped in to clean the tables and collect the plates. Carmen flinched as he sighted them, their presence reminding him of what Zed said.

"Why am I thinking about this?"

Carmen ignored their presence and sat down on a chair. It was then when he finally noticed Ashlyn. The moment he saw her, he was struck on spot, his eyes wide.

"So beautiful! Just like Sophia!"

Carmen has sighted many gorgeous women but very few like the ones he was in presence of now. They both were young and stunning, absolutely beautiful.

"Young Master Carmen," Aileen noticed him entering trance while staring at Ashlyn.

She felt it was extremely disrespectful so she decided to bring him back to reality.

"Yes?" Carmen turned his head towards her.

"How was your trip to that spatial debris cave?" Aileen enquired. The cave she mentioned was not that far from here.

"Fantastic!" Carmen answered excitedly. "In fact, this was the reason why I came here."

He glanced at Zed with an expression of disdain before continuing, "I have acquired a rare tablet from an ancient civilization of Celestial Elysian Plane."

Carmen retrieved a red tablet from his storage ring. The tablet was rectangular, made from unknown material which resembled both a stone and a metal.

As soon as the tablet appeared, the room was enveloped with an ancient aura. There was a sense of enlightenment as if they were in presence of the principles that made the world.

Carmen brushed a finger on the tablet's surface upon which strange and complex runes were engraved. From a simple look, these engravings would appear in circular ripple patterns. And yet, with every second, those patterns would seem different but also the same.

There was a contradiction that was far from the understanding of human mind.

Sophia scanned the tablet and noticed cracks in between. She looked at the end of tablet and concluded that it was a remnant of a larger tablet.

An incomplete piece.

Yet, it was definitely precious just from aura.

"I faced countless dangers to acquire this," Carmen seemed boasting but he was speaking truth. "It was only due to a stroke of luck that it became mine. Fate wanted me to have it."

Aileen glanced at him and sighed.

"Fate is the most mystique principle of the universe," Aileen thought.

"Have you studied the runes?" Sophia asked, her voice filled with curiosity. The time for opening of core region was approaching, and what she desired was also related to ancient records of the civilizations that have long ceased to exist.

"I tried but as you know, they are very complex, and there are barely a few humans who could fully understand them," Carmen said, a bit dejected.

There are people who have spent decades to study the languages and patterns of Celestial Elysian Plane with the help of supercomputers, and even they could not understand one language perfectly, much less every language out there.

The languages of that plane were far too mystic for the human world...

Just looking at the strange runes or complex patterns, it was hard to tell what language it was. This further increased the difficulty of finding an expert proficient in a specific language of Celestial Elysian Plane.

Sophia nodded in obvious understanding.

Aileen opened her lips and said, "Young master, there is no reason for you to be dejected. What you have accomplished deserves praise."

"I know," Carmen lifted his head up proudly.

He placed the tablet on the table and wondered aloud, "It would have helped us so much in core region if we knew what it said."

Aileen agreed openly. Even Sophia and Ashlyn gave a slight nod.

"In the midst of great disaster, you shall find what you have sought..."

Zed's calm voice broke the silence like a bolt of lightning, stunning everyone.

"What?!" Everyone looked at him. They were shell-shocked to see his eyes were focused on the runes engraved on the tablet.

Is he reading the runes?!

Impossible!

"In the midst of great disaster, you shall find what you have sought from ages past.

"In the middle of death, you shall discover what binds the living to...

"Life begins from death... Flames of nirvana shall mold what has long ceased to exist, to bring the era of..."

Chapter 349 - Greatest Motivation

The dining room inside the camp house was completely silent. The red tablet, made of unknown materials, was placed on the table.

This tablet was far too precious, and in ordinary times, it would be the object of interest for everyone.

But now, everyone in the room was not focusing on the tablet. Instead, their eyes were locked on Zed.

They tried to study him; understand him.

When Carmen found the tablet in spatial debris cave, he was sure he would be greatly rewarded once he returned back to his home.

Every faction within the World Government and even other organizations have dedicated a lot of resources on finding clues of the ancient civilizations.

It has been over two centuries since the meteorites crashed on Earth, but most of them still have been outside the reach of humans. But humans were sure, the only way to gain a chance of acquiring the resources and knowledge in those meteorites was by knowing more about Celestial Elysian Plane from other sources.

The tablets and other such pieces served that function. This was why Carmen was so proud of his accomplishment.

Of course, he knew decoding the secrets of the tablet was easier said than done. But he was not worried.

House of Vazquez was a part of World Government. Naturally, they had access to lots of high-tech devices that the elders in the family were allowed to use.

These devices could act as a translator and help them understand the meanings of the contradictory, ever-changing patterns on the tablet. If the devices failed, there were linguist experts who have dedicated their lives to studying various languages and patterns of Celestial Elysian Plane.

Of course, the linguist experts didn't understand every language; they were focused on a particular language depending on its existence in the meteorite of interest.

Carmen reasoned while he might not be able to benefit from the tablet in the core region, the family would still greatly benefit. This, in turn, would improve his standing among the younger generation.

In the end, everything depended on the content of the tablet. Something that could be only known later on.

Yet, barely a minute ago, Zed read what was engraved on the tablet.

The words he spoke continuously repeated in Carmen's mind.

"In the midst of great disaster, you shall find what you have sought from ages past.

"In the middle of death, you shall discover what binds the living to...

"Life begins from death...

"Flames of nirvana shall mold what has long ceased to exist, to bring the era of..."

Not only Carmen, but even others were in similar condition.

Aileen observed Zed's face but noticed nothing.

When he spoke first, she thought he might be lying and speaking gibberish to sound profound, but when he continued, all her suspicions were washed away.

This was not due to his honest and sincere actions from before, but rather, it was due to the way the tablet acted!

As soon as he continued, the runes and patterns on the tablet flashed with a warm radiance. The radiance was like the love of a mother; pure and untainted.

It brought them close to enlightenment that they could not describe. It was an ethereal feeling that closed them to some wordly principle.

This was more than enough for them to know he understood the engravings!

Carmen gulped a mouthful of saliva. Earlier, he has eyed Zed with disdain when he retrieved the tablet. He wanted to show off in front of Sophia and prove that Zed didn't deserve her interest.

But now, he realised he has only made a joke of himself. He was no better than a rookie trying to showcase his meager skills in front of an expert!

The result would be only humiliation.

Thankfully, everyone was too shocked to laugh at Carmen.

Aileen was lost in thoughts.

"Zed must be 21 or 22 and yet he understands such complex engravings?!"

She could imagine how elders from Neville Family would react if she told them about Zed. They would laugh and ask if she thinks they are stupid to believe this nonsense.

Specialists with decades of experience would have difficulty in understanding runes of even one language, and yet, a kid who has only existed from two decades perfectly translate them?

This was completely impossible. Something no would dare believe.

"The elders of Neville Family said Celestial Elysian Plane was boundless and majestic. That plane has everything... fantasy, technological advancement, magic... everything that could be imagined by humans.

"But in the end, magic was not really magic and the same goes for fantasy. What people could not fathom or understand, they consider it as paranormal. In truth, everything could be explained by science.

"The same goes for this tablet and the radiance of enlightenment... it definitely has some scientistic explanation... just something beyond the scope of human intelligence."

Aileen recalled everything she knew about that alien world. The languages were complex like a labyrinth; irregular and twisting. From a human perspective, they were full of absurdities. This was the actual reason why humans could not decode the secret of languages despite them being in an era of technology.

Ashlyn glanced at Zed and thought of Kiba. She then recalled the alien serpent (who called itself Immortal Devourer Serpent) and its conflict with Kiba.

Ashlyn concluded something after which she closed her eyes.

On the host chair, Sophia swept her eyes from the tablet to Zed.

"You have an interest in understanding alien languages?" Sophia asked.

The circular ripple patterns and runes on the tablet were no better than a spiral. It only made her eyes heavy but Zed could understand them without any efforts.

She believed this was only possible when Zed has an extraordinary interest in them. Interest could give to determination and a desire to achieve success.

"Not really," Zed answered. "To be honest, I have no interest."

His voice carried the same politeness and warmth as before, with no signs of arrogance. It was like he didn't consider translating alien patterns as anything worth mentioning.

"What?" Aileen and Sophia looked at him with curious expressions.

Why would he learn alien languages if he has no interest?

"Let's say, I had a very good motivation to learn," Zed offered additional details.

"Motivation?" Carmen was doubtful of his explanation.

As far as he was concerned, no sane human could ever have any motivation to torture themselves in understanding headache-inducing alien languages!

"Well, the motivation I had could push any living being to achieve the impossible," Zed explained briefly. "Learning a language is nothing."

Everyone else was confused by his explanation.

"Just what type of motivation can push someone to achieve the impossible?" Carmen wondered in his heart.

The greatest he pushed himself was for the favor of a woman. But he knew Zed didn't mean lust otherwise he wouldn't have said any living being.

Zed didn't offer any further explanation despite the curious eyes locked on him.

The greatest motivation any living being could ever have is the innate desire to survive!

To live for another moment!

To push back the darkness of death even if it is just for a second!

Regardless of species, the despair and fear of death can push a living organism to do the impossible.

It was the greatest motivation that could be only grasped by those who have come close to death!

Years ago, this motivation came in Zed's life in the form of Castor Damon and BSE79 meteorite...

Aileen concluded Zed didn't want to disclose what type of motivation he meant. She suppressed her curiosity and asked, "Is there anything more on the tablet?"

Chapter 350 - Same Destination

"Is there anything more on the tablet?" Aileen asked.

Carmen broke out of the trance and locked his senses on Zed. He owned the tablet and as such, his thirst for information was far greater than others.

It was a matter of his future!

The lines earlier translated by Zed were far too profound and vague for his understanding. Yet, he was sure they were precious beyond limit based on the radiance that surged out of the tablet surface.

Now, if there was more content, then his awards would be doubled. He could imagine the type of reception he would receive from the elders.

Carmen was confident that if this happened, then he could compete with the ten Chosen from the younger generation of his family.

Zed glanced at the tablet before saying, "There is more but to know that, you would have to unlock the seal over the tablet."

"Seal?" Carmen was startled.

He has checked the tablet multiple times but found no seal. The only thing he knew for sure was that the tablet was made from unknown materials with a technology that was vastly different from Earth's.

"How do we unseal it?" Aileen enquired about the important question.

"The tablet is incomplete so the information regarding that is missing," Zed pointed at the cracks and the borderline edges.

"Ah!"

Carmen and Aileen were instantly dejected. They knew the tablet was just a part but were still praying for more information.

"The elders would know!" Carmen placed his hopes on the family.

Sophia grabbed the tablet in her hands and observed the ever-changing, circular ripple-like runes and patterns. She wondered how can a human even understand this language without getting a headache.

With a frown, she asked, "What language is this?"

"Aazigmathi - One of the languages created during Aeon of Havoc," Zed replied, his voice filled with barely noticeable bitterness.

"It is derived from Estrari - The language widely popular in the Destiny Aeon."

"No wonder why it is painful to look!" Sophia nodded in understanding.

She knew a bit about the aeons in Celestial Elysian Plane so she understood his explanation.

"He knows this much so he is definitely well-connected!" Aileen thought as she analysed Zed's words. "He must be either connected to aristocrat family or some organization dedicated to studying the meteorites!"

What she didn't know was that she couldn't have been any more wrong about the source of his knowledge. The reason he knew so much was Castor Damon!

Castor Damon was the greatest scientist the World Government has ever seen. The depth of his knowledge was bottomless. He has spent decades studying alien materials before he started the expedition of BSE79.

Sadly for him, the benefactor of his schemes and the heir of his knowledge was someone he never expected.

~tap~

Ashlyn pushed her chair back and rose to her feet. Zed understood her intentions so he too stood up.

"We shall be taking our leave," Zed said, his voice polite. "Once again thanks for the lunch."

"Why leave? Our destination is the same," Aileen quickly said before they could leave.

She wanted to know more about Zed and plan accordingly for the core region. If he was trustable, she could even ask him and Ashlyn to form a team with her master.

Sophia was surprised by her middle-aged servant's response. Still, she decided to respect her servant's wish, and said, "She is right. Proceed with us."

Carmen's face fell.

First, Sophia invited Zed for lunch and now even asking him to continue the journey alongside her. This made Carmen's blood boil in anger and resentment.

'Why would she care about him so much?! Just why?!'

Under the table, Carmen clenched his fists tightly. She has never ever shown such affection to him; never.

As far as he could, she didn't give this much attention to anyone from the opposite gender. So what was so special about this guy named Zed?

Yes, he was handsome, ok more than handsome, but that didn't mean anything.

Carmen wished he could strangle Zed and show Sophia her real place. He has enough of being a good guy.

Zed, in the meantime, eyed Ashlyn who thought for a moment before nodding.

"Sure. We would love to join you," Zed said to Sophia.

Internally, he sighed. He was finding it more difficult to find a chance to leave Ashlyn and transform back into Kiba without worrying her.

"Good," Sophia left her chair. "Then we should leave."

Carmen suppressed the rage he felt and smiled. He didn't want her to not allow him to follow her, so all he could do was agree with her in the hopes she would allow him to accompany her as a friend.

Twenty minutes later.

The camp house was retrieved by Sophia's retinues. Alongside the servants, Sophia, Aileen, Zed, Ashlyn, and Carmen proceeded ahead.

They had crossed a mile ahead when Carmen and Sophia noticed familiar acquaintances.

A storm was building up and it would lead to havoc in a way that none could imagine...

Chapter 351 - Because You Are A Woman

Among the wild trees, there was a group of about ten, riding on tamed horses. It consisted of people from various backgrounds, and strictly speaking, they were not a team. Just a temporary group of acquaintances who were proceeding to Guardian Spirt Village.

"They are...!" Carmen was startled as he saw them.

The group also noticed Sophia, Carmen, Zed, and others. A few of them were really well acquainted with Carmen while they knew a bit about Sophia.

Given the years since the foundation of Nine Aristocrat Families and the World Government, it was obvious the families didn't lack descendants. In fact, the families were overpopulated thanks to the high fertility in the era of evolution. Men of such backgrounds would often spread their oats wildly, and this, in turn, increases the number of descendants who shared the bloodline.

But in an aristocrat family, not everyone had the same status and value. There were multiple branches with hundreds of lineages.

The standing depended on lineage.

From a commoner perspective, even the lowest branch was royalty, but from a perspective of high born, the lowest branch was just someone who had their blood; nothing worth mentioning of.

The only way for people of lesser lineages to change their status was by showing their potential. But given the fight for resources and their initial status, they were at a natural disadvantage. This was why dangerous lands like Desolate Blood Forest served as an opportunity.

Not only could they acquire resources and exploit their potential, but there was also a chance of finding treasures that might change their fate.

Carmen and the other noble descendants Zed/Kiba met so far were from the lowest lineage of the families. They were here to evolve and rise within their families... vying for the positions of Chosen.

There was only one person who didn't have such aspirations and limitations.

Sophia.

Unlike most of the noble descendants in the forest, Sophia was someone from the chief bloodline of Neville Family. She naturally didn't lack anything due to her status in the family.

This was why she was special. Naturally, also a target of envy. It was not just due to her status but also due to her beauty.

Men wanted her while females disliked her. Not like it mattered to Sophia.

Launcelot, a man in mid-twenties, focused his vision on Sophia. He has seen her in the State of Avalon a lot of times, and he desired her. But he didn't try openly to get her as he has seen others failing.

"Sophia, so good to meet you here," Launcelot greeted her warmly.

Sophia nodded in greeting.

She wasn't really friends with anyone, not even Carmen, but since she didn't want to be rude, she entertained him, and now, others.

Launcelot noticed Carmen as well. They both were actually well-acquainted and even borderline drinking buddies. The two started conversing with each other, sharing information of their conquests.

In the meantime, a woman named Jenina Martin eyed Sophia with a smirk. Jenina has a tall and slender figure with her clothes a bit revealing. She was about twenty-six years old, and if rumors were to be believed, in a relationship with Launcelot. She was not a noble descendant but she has a strong background of her own.

"Hello pervert," Jenina called out. She knew the vision with which Launcelot looked at Sophia. Naturally, she didn't like her.

"What?" Sophia's eyebrows knitted.

"I have heard that someone greeted you as a pervert before the start of auction in The Fair," Jenina said, her eyes flashing with malice. "You must be truly depraved for you to be called in such a way."

She didn't care about Sophia's status or background. It wasn't like Sophia could eradicate her family for this.

The others in the group broke out in discussion; wondering why Sophia was called a pervert. The females were especially loud in their discussions. How could they lose a chance like this?

Launcelot and Carmen, on the other hand, were shocked. They were interested in Sophia and didn't want to irk her.

Launcelot saw Jenina with a downcast expression. She was ruinning his chances.

"You!" Sophia gripped her fists. She couldn't believe her conflict with Kiba was used by Jenina to shame her.

That too in front of so many people, even her own servants.

"Young miss, ignore her," Aileen pacified her master. "She is trying to provoke you."

"I know but..." Sophia didn't even get time to complete as Jenina once again continued.

"How would the world feel for a young miss of a noble house to be corrupt and immoral enough to be called pervert?" Jenina asked with a burst of laughter.

Sophia's eyes glinted and a surge of power exploded out of her body. As she got ready to jump in action, suddenly, a hand was placed over her shoulder.

Startled, she turned her head and noticed it was Zed.

"Why are you letting her remarks affect you?" Zed enquired, his voice as polite as ever.

"I..." Sophia trailed off.

She has only met him today and didn't know him enough. She wondered if he too thought of her as a pervert - a title she felt she didn't deserve given she wasn't a pervert at all!

Was he also having fun at her expense? Are his words also a secret dig?

These questions ringed in her mind. She knew how often people took pleasure in others' misfortune.

"Let me ask, are you a pervert?" Zed looked in her eyes.

"Of course not!" Sophia shouted. Her young, misty-blue eyes filled with anger at the question.

"Then why should that lady calling you a pervert matter?" Zed pointed at Jenina.

"Because she is lying!" Sophia answered, her eyes blazing.

"Then it shouldn't matter to you at all," Zed corrected her, his voice still respectful and polite.

"Huh?" Sophia blinked in confusion.

Why shouldn't it matter when she was accused of being a pervert when she was not?!

"The world is a funny place," Zed said while bringing his eyes on Jenina and others who were discussing Sophia.

"People are double-faced and hypocrites. Tell me, among everyone present here, is there a single individual who is not a pervert in one way or the other?"

Zed asked, his gaze locked on Sophia.

Sophia was caught off-guard by his question.

"People love to act as moralistic in front of others, but secretly, they shred the every bit of moral they preach to others. The most glaring examples would be the religious fanatics of the era of past and present. Priests, Godsman, cult leaders, pope, kings... every figure who pretends to be a moral authority was found to be the most corrupted. Are you not aware of this?"

Sophia was stunned and so were others.

Sophia because she remembered her history lessons. She knew how people Zed mentioned were glorified among masses, but in fact, they were the greatest hypocrites.

The onlookers were stunned because Zed was openly calling out their hypocrisy. Just which one of them was not really a pervert?

They have done things which they wouldn't dare openly admit or flaunt. It wasn't restricted to their thoughts of lust, behavior in the bedroom or plain sex.

This made them stare at him angrily. The ones who wanted to take joy in Sophia's plight could no longer afford to.

Jenina wanted to retort but then she saw her clothes. Was she not a pervert in a way?

No, clothes hardly mattered.

Have her thoughts and secret actions never been immoral and corrupt just like she accused Sophia of?

At the same time, Zed resumed his conversation with Sophia.

"Someone I truly respects once told me - We all are hypocrites; every single one of us," Zed said, recalling the words of Eva.

"So does being accused by a pervert hypocrite matter to you?"

"No!" Sophia answered, her eyes sparkling. She realized there was no reason for her to be agitated!

"That's the right answer," Zed smiled in response.

Sophia looked at him with a different vision. She knew he was different from others given how he didn't mind her actions when she nearly attacked him. He was kind and polite, but now, she realized the depth of his character.

"Next time I meet that shameless scoundrel, I would let him know who is the true pervert!" Sophia decided in her heart.

Some distance away, Ashlyn glanced at Zed and a faint smile bloomed on her face. She mused the similarities and differences he shared with Kiba.

Ashlyn then wondered how Zed would react if he knew it was his elder brother who gave Sophia the title of pervert.

"One brother is the epitome of kindness while the other is a sadist villain," Ashlyn concluded before closing her eyes.

Aileen was amazed by Zed's attitude and way of thinking. She was still processing his words when Zed swept his glance at everyone in the vicinity before turning his head towards Sophia.

"Because you are a woman, people will force their thinking on you, their boundaries on you. They will tell you how to dress, how to behave, who you can meet and where you can go. Don't live in the shadows of people's judgment. Make your own choices in the light of your own wisdom." 1

"!!!!"

Sophia was struck on the spot; in a complete daze. His words ringed in her young mind like a clap of thunder, shaking the foundation of teaching she has received. She was only eighteen and has lived a pretty guarded life with no difficulties, but even she understood the complexity behind his words.

She knew his intent was about how she should live in the future when she grows up.

Free and unfettered by thoughts of the world!

Jenina felt her throat turning dry. She was dumbfounded at the developments and especially the words she heard.

His words were something that resonated with every woman in existence, no matter the background.

After all, there was no woman who never faced judgemental views of others.

Behind, Ashlyn opened her eyes. She was startled and she then recalled what Denissa told her about living life.

"Your life is yours alone... so never let it be affected by the notion of others," Zed completed his words.

Everyone was left speechless, too shocked to react.

The females looked at him with respect and awe. This was despite him exposing their hypocrisy when they discussed Sophia.

Carmen's face fell and turned unsightly. He noticed the expression on Sophia's face and guessed the type of thoughts about Zed running in her mind.

"That bastard! He is getting far too close to her heart!" Carmen gnashed his teeth.

When someone is on edge, the mind gets over creative and find things that don't even exist. The same applied to Carmen.

Launcelot eyed Zed with the same hatred. Not only has Zed made a strong impression, he has also insulted Jenina in a way. After all, what he said was targetted at what Jenina said. He has called her a hypocrite pervert!

Sure, Launcelot disliked Jenina's actions but she was still his lover even if they hadn't consummated.

"How dare you accuse us of being hypocrites and perverts?" Launcelot's voice reverberated loudly.

"Hmm?" Zed turned around.

"Get on your knees and apologize to everyone," Launcelot said with a sinister smile. "Or I will make you kneel."

By mentioning everyone, he was hiding his real intent and also trying to get popular support. He hoped Zed would refute and it would give him a chance to show off. Not only that, but he could also break the impression he just created.

What good his impression would be when he would be on knees?

"Haah~"

In response, Zed let out a soft sigh. He wasn't surprised by the brazen display of arrogance. He knew the working of the world so it was obvious to him, but still, he would be happy if it was displayed in front of his alter ego.

"You refuse?" Launcelot didn't wait for confirmation.

From his ears and other orifices, mist-like substance trailed out. In an instant, it became evident the mist-like substance was actually an army of spiders.

Hundreds of spiders crawled on his body, giving him a sinister appearance.

"Oh?" Zed was a bit taken aback by the unsightly appearance. If he was Kiba, he would certainly have made a witty and rude remark on this.

The next moment, a web net shot off, rushed at him with terrifying speed. The air released a seething sound as if acid was flowing through it.

In fact, the web was made of highly toxic particles. If anyone was ensnared by this corrosive web, there was no hope for survival.

Sophia and others were surprised by Launcelot's actions. Even before they could react, the web was reaching close to Zed.

Swoosh~!

Zed created a circle of flame below his feet, and he instantly bounced high in the air, propelled by flames. The web struck the ground and the circle of flame, and they dissolved into a sandy liquid.

As Zed returned to the ground, the spider-like Launcelot has shot out trails of silk, covering the area around them into a corrosive cocoon, separating them from others.

Launcelot didn't want Sophia to help him. And he knew she would be hesitant in trying to break the cocoon as there was a chance of friendly fire landing on Zed.

"You shouldn't have interfered in my girls' matter!"

Lancelot released a column of sticky web. On the ground, dozens of spiders crawled, dashing towards Zed along with the column of web.

"I have met many unreasonable idiotic fellows and he is definitely one of the most stupid ones," Zed thought with a sigh.

"But then again, throughout history, men have lost rationale when a woman comes in the picture... so many epic wars could have been avoided if only men didn't think with their lower heads!"

He swept out a wave of flame that slammed on the incoming web column...

Amitabh Bachchan

Chapter 352 - Launcelot vs Zed

Sophia, Jenina, and others were stunned by Launcelot's action. He has separated them from Zed by a cocoon. They couldn't even see what was going inside.

When Launcelot shot out the layers of threads, they were startled and jumped back. Only later on did they realized it wasn't attacked but to form a cocoon.

"Miss, don't try to break it, otherwise a stray attack might harm Zed," Aileen stopped Sophia.

"But..." Sophia wanted to help the kind youth who has helped her.

Aileen could understand her intentions. Even she felt a kind and respectful youth like Zed were far too rare in existence.

"Miss, he shouldn't be very weak, at least he should be strong enough to survive," Aileen said while glancing at Ashlyn. "In the meantime, I would think of a way to break the cocoon without harming Zed."

Ashlyn didn't take any action. After recalling his recent fight, she didn't think he was so weak that he could be defeated so easily.

Sure he was weak by her standard's but he was still Kiba's brother. He must have some trump cards.

She reasoned in his fight with her, he was exhausted due to some reasons.

That's why she didn't intervene and tried to break the cocoon.

Her inaction stopped Aileen.

What she didn't know was that Ashlyn was ready to take action. Her senses were locked into the cocoon and if she felt Zed's aura weakening, she would swiftly intervene by breaking her seals to protect Kiba's younger brother!

"Is he really not that weak?" Aileen wondered in her heart. "Or is her confidence unfounded?"

Aileen recalled him knowing about alien language and him being in the forest. Anyone who would dare move towards the core region would have some confidence.

"He might be not weak but his opponent is Launcelot! There is no way it is going to be easy!" Aileen thought.

Carmen, who was beside her, suppressed a mocking smile. He was thinking of ways to teach Zed a lesson and he was happy to see Launcelot carrying out the task.

"Sophia would be pissed at Launcelot and this would give me a chance!" Carmen thought with happiness.

He looked forward to seeing Zed being defeated or even killed.

"And it would be so good if both are killed by each other!" Carmen mused while eyeing Jenina. She was also gorgeous and blessed with a lusty figure.

"I could console her at the loss! Hahaha!" Carmen was lost in happy dreams.

...

Inside the cocoon that has wrapped an area of hundred meters.

Zed released out a wave of flame that slammed on a web column. A fire explosion boomed out, resulting in heatwaves that rippled through the air. The web column made of liquid substance melted into oblivion under the intense flames.

The small spiders on the ground, in the meantime, rushed at Zed. Their mouth open to bite him with their poisonous jaws.

Zed jumped backward while swepting a hand at the spiders. Hundreds of flame darts flew out which ruthlessly crashed onto the spiders.

A few burned but others survived as they quickly rolled to dissipate the flames.

Dozens of spiders spat out shiny liquid from their abdomens that turned into web threads. Swiftly, the threads shot like silk chains, rushing at Zed, ready to entangle him.

Zed's body was wrapped by fire and his reflexes amplified. He jumped up, his knees closed to his chest, and a few threads struck on the trees behind. They instantly corroded like paper by acid; dissolving into brown substance. Corrosive smog trailed out...

Not all threads landed on the trees. The spiders knew he might dodge so the threads were shot throughout, to not give him any space.

As Zed jumped high in the air, five threads closed into him. They interweaved together into a net and the air seethed with violent sounds.

In midair, Zed stretched his hands, covered with flames.

SHUA

With strong sound, streams of flames shot out, crashing into the toxic net. The threads forming the net turned ablaze; the heat so intense that they evaporated into gases.

At the same time, as he landed on the ground, he blasted away the spiders with a cluster of fire.

The spiders spew more webs and blocked all his possible exits. Zed spun his body around, amassed by flames, and the next moment, a whip of flame materialized in his hand.

He whipped the flame on the webs blocking his path. The webs caught fire, and the corrosive particles started burning with a sizzling and crackling sound.

The entire cocoon was filled with repulsive smell coming from the venomous sticky mouths of the spiders.

Zed wielded the whip of flame in his right hand while glancing at Launcelot. The latter signaled his materialised army to attack again.

As the spider got ready to shot more, Zed quickly acted. The whip of fire lashed out at them before they could spew out.

Under rippling flames, the spiders were stomping into pieces. In seconds, they faded into mist-like substance.

Launcelot turned furious by Zed's actions. His face paled a little and his eyes turned bloodshot.

"I was going easy on you but you really don't know what's good for you!"

Launcelot roared ferociously. The surviving spiders crawled back on to him. Quickly, they shrouded his body from head to toe before morphing his body into that of a spider with eight legs.

It was like a savage monster has replaced a human.

The ends of spider legs were as sharp as spears; capable of tearing through anything. The venomous buds further reinforced the might of the spider legs, making it impossible to survive.

"Well, why go easy and waste strength in useless attacks?" Zed wanted to ask but Launcelot didn't give him a chance.

Launcelot's body blurred and he disappeared from his sight.

From behind, Zed heard a sharp sound that was turning strong with every moment. His eyes flickered and he ducked by stepping forward.

Just then, a bang sound reverberated as a spider leg stabbed on a boulder where Zed was standing a moment ago. The boulder shattered and turned into powder.

As the spider leg retraced from the dust, Zed retaliated. He pointed a finger and sparks concentrated on his fingertip. The next moment, a strand of flame struck on the retracing leg. The strand of flame was compressed with violent fire energy that blasted the moment it crashed.

Instantly, the spider leg ignited into blinding heatwaves.

A kacha sound emitted from the leg and cracks appeared on its sharp surface. Ghastly liquid, scorched by heatwaves, splashed through the cracks, and in a few seconds, the entire leg burned to ashes.

Launcelot's spider face turned ugly. Sweat formed on his forehead and cheeks before rolling down.

But he didn't stop. He summoned more strength, reinforcing his body with a protective glint, and a new leg regenerated.

At the same time, his another leg slammed towards Zed to stab him, while from his abdomen, he spewed a sticky thread.

As Zed attacked to face the spider leg, a silky thread swiftly wrapped his shoes, binding them to the ground. The speed was such that he got no time to react.

Launcelot was startled. The sticky thread he shot was corrosive and yet his opponent's shoes were intact, with no damage.

What he didn't know was they were created from specially manufactured nanoparticles by an advanced AI. Unless he was a Beta, he has no chance of destroying them.

In the meantime, the spider leg was blocked by a wall of fire. Zed lowered a hand to his shoes and released a circle of flame that burned the sticky thread binding him to the ground.

Just as he freed his shoes, his pupils constricted as his premonition ability warned him of danger. Without wasting a moment, he crouched down.

Had he been a moment late, another spider leg would have cleaved through his neck, beheading him. All he felt was a gust of wind as the venomous spider leg passed above his head.

Launcelot was shocked by his enemy's reflexes. He has created so many distractions to launch this secret attack, and yet Zed was able to dodge, even though narrowly.

Had Zed tried to avoid the attack by moving back, he would have been ensnared by very thin webs that Launcelot has created when Zed was busy facing the spider leg and the sticky thread on his shoes. If he had come in forward, then he would have been pierced by other spider legs.

"This imbecile has truly good luck! He decided to crouch!" Launcelot cursed in his heart. He was cursing when his eyes turned wide in disbelief.

On the ground, Zed who has crouched, slammed his fists on the ground. A whirlwind of flames surged out which fiercely crashed into the spider legs.

Launcelot's legs buckled and he lost his sense of movement for a second.

A second was more than enough for Zed. As Launcelot buckled and almost fell, Zed pounced forward, his palms slamming on Launcelot's hard carapace.

Spiraling flames swept out that scorched the tough layer of carapace. At a rate visible to the naked eye, the carapace startled melting, exposing the insides. The spiraling flames moved further in.

Launcelot cried out miserably as flames charred his organs. He was unable to believe he was defeated by a person younger than him. He hasn't even used his more powerful attacks but now he was far too hurt to use them.

"So many unnecessary moves and waste of energy in unneeded attacks... Yet you expect to win?" Zed asked coldly.

Launcelot was in no position to answer. He collapsed on the ground and let out a tragic shriek in pain. His transformation vanished and he was once again back to his human form, but the agony from flame burn turned stronger. The flames turned violently, charring his skin black.

"You truly lack fighting experience," Zed remarked.

There was no way he would be defeated by people like Launcelot who were nothing but summer plants grown in a greenhouse. They have never experienced true danger and faced the rush of adrenaline that only comes when death licks its lips.

Strictly speaking, Launcelot wasn't weak by any means. It was just that he faced Zed who has survived countless dangers.

Sure, from the last few years, Zed didn't face any danger due to Cosmic Spark. But even being Kiba has helped Zed in a way.

Launcelot was engulfed in flame, rolling on the ground. As flames moved up his head, a protective locket he carried activated, extinguishing the flames. Not only that, but even the wounds started filling up. His face was pale from injuries but still, he was back in good health. The pain subsidized and he sighed in relief. He was glad he carried the protective item handed to him by the family. Had it not activated, he knew what would be his fate.

"Oh? Don't tell me everyone with a strong background has cockroach devices?"

The Kiba inside Zed couldn't help but ask.

He shook his head and aimed a hand at Launcelot's head. Rays of flame concentrated on his palm like a small sun.

"You wouldn't dare kill me!" Launcelot shouted.

"Aww... are you daring me to? I love dares!" Zed said with a smirk.

Launcelot shuddered and he lost all confidence. Not daring to take a chance, he retraced the cocoon that covered the battle area.

Ssss

The next moment, the cocoon ripped apart.

As the people outside gasped in surprise, Zed lowered his hand and the flame instantly disappeared on his palm. Instead, he leaned down to pull Launcelot up.

"I'm sorry but I was frightened so I attacked you with everything I got."

The sudden change in tone scared the hell out of Launcelot. Just a moment ago, he was about to kill him, and yet, now his voice was filled with an apology and kindness.

Fuck!

What's going on?!

Zed internally sighed. He was so used to being Kiba from the last few weeks that it was even affecting him as Zed.

Meanwhile, the people outside were dumbstruck as they finally saw the scene in front of them. They knew Launceolot's strength and were aware of his attack powers.

Yet, he was defeated?

They refused to believe it. He was clearly older than Zed and also from a high background. There was no way the battle could end like this.

Not unless there was the use of some underhanded tactics!

Not everyone thought like this though.

A few of them concluded the bitter truth and their faces turned stiff; realizing Zed was strong for his age.

Not as strong as the Chosens but definitely stronger than someone like Launcelot!

Aileen, Jenina, and others were amazed by Zed's action. Despite Launcelot's faults, Zed was actually helping him. He has retrieved a pill and water bottle to help the exhausted Launcelot.

"Please drink water," Zed handed him the water bottle and pill.

Launcelot didn't dare drink water or consume the pill. He was worried they were poisoned.

At the same time, Jenina rushed towards them.

"It is my fault," Zed said as she moved to support Launcelot. "If I hadn't said what I said, none of this would have happened."

"N-no, please don't apologize," Jenina quickly said. She knew the fault was hers as she was the one who started it.

And yet, Zed was taking the blame. This was despite Launcelot attacking him for no reason...