The two men locked eyes, a tense silence settling over them as the situation grew increasingly volatile. The girls, who had been watching the events unfold, felt a growing sense of unease, fearing that the confrontation might escalate into a deadly brawl.
Samar, positioned in the middle of the group, couldn't bear the tension any longer and raised her voice, desperately trying to diffuse the situation and prevent anyone from getting hurt.
"Please, if this is because of us, just tell us. We can leave quietly. There's no need for violence."
Adam turned his attention towards the girls, his face adorned with a reassuring smile. He waved his hand dismissively, attempting to downplay the seriousness of the situation.
"Don't worry, it's all just playful banter. Nothing to be concerned about."
The girls sighed with relief, momentarily reassured by Adam's words. However, their anxiety resurfaced when Jasem's voice cut through the air, filled with anger.
"No, this is serious! This bastard needs to be taught a lesson. He must understand that what he did was utterly wrong!"
Jasem assumed a fighting stance, his gaze fixed on Dean with a menacing intensity. Unfazed, Dean, who had been standing beside the tree, began to approach Jasem slowly, his eyes cold and determined. He had reached his limit with this insolent fool that stood before him.
Adam, glancing back at the girls, saw the familiar determination in Dean's eyes, reminiscent of the previous day when they were fleeing from the enraged villagers. His heart pounded heavily in his chest, knowing that this encounter could quickly escalate beyond his control. In a desperate attempt to intervene, Adam positioned himself between the two men, pleading with them to cease their madness.
"Please, guys, stop this madness. It's not worth fighting over something so trivial. Let's calm down and talk this out like civilized individuals."
Adam turned his gaze towards Dean, hoping to gauge his response. To his relief, Dean nodded, visibly lowering his guard.
However, Jasem, who stood in close proximity to Adam, held a different perspective. He forcefully pushed Adam aside and charged towards Dean, his rage propelling him forward.
"Civilized? This bastard doesn't deserve anything but the taste of my fists on his face!"
Jasem's fist connected with Dean's face after he said that, causing him to stagger backward. A twisted smirk formed on Jasem's face as he savored the satisfaction of his blow.
But Dean, recovering swiftly, displayed a surprising swiftness and agility. With lightning speed, he evaded Jasem's subsequent punch, sidestepping it effortlessly.
Jasem, frozen in disbelief, watched as Dean's fist moved slowly towards his face. Despite his attempts to react, he found himself unable to move, paralyzed by an inexplicable force.
Dean's fist landed squarely on Jasem's face, delivering a powerful blow that sent him stumbling several steps backward.
Confusion washed over Jasem's face as he stared at Dean, unable to comprehend what had just occurred. The punch he had received seemed to unfold in slow motion, in stark contrast to Dean's seemingly superhuman speed.
As the sound of impact finally reached their ears, it became evident that Dean's movements transcended ordinary limitations, his fist connecting with Jasem's face before swiftly retreating.
The atmosphere grew heavy with tension, leaving Catherine and the other girls speechless. Adam's expression shifted to one of concern, his worry for Jasem evident.
Jasem, attempting to brush off the pain from Dean's punch, spat out a mouthful of blood before resorting to taunting him. His words dripped with arrogance, aimed at provoking Dean.
"Looks like that girl taught you how to fight. No wonder you went mad for her the other night."
Dean's eyes narrowed, his cold gaze fixed on Jasem, devoid of any trace of amusement. His voice cut through the air, icy and calculated.
"Shut your mouth and back up your words. I'm done talking."
Jasem's arrogant smile persisted, believing that Dean was merely bluffing and putting on a show for the girls. In his mind, the punch he had received from Dean earlier was nothing more than luck.
Without wasting a moment, Jasem lunged towards Dean, attempting to fake a punch before delivering a swift kick with his right leg. However, Dean, ever vigilant, anticipated the attack, effortlessly leaping into the air to evade Jasem's kick that was aimed at his midsection. Seizing the opportunity, Dean delivered a devastating superman punch to Jasem's face, freezing him in place.
Jasem's mind reeled with disbelief as the power behind Dean's punch reverberated through his body. He found himself unable to move, stunned by the impact.
Dean wasted no time, capitalizing on Jasem's momentary vulnerability. He followed up with a forceful blow to Jasem's body, causing him to kneel down instantly, his body convulsing as he vomited. This punch was unlike any other, as Dean had infused it with Mana, amplifying its impact.
Confusion etched itself onto Jasem's face as he struggled to comprehend why Dean's attacks were so devastating. His shocked gaze fixed upon Dean, his mind unable to fathom the source of Dean's incredible strength.
Despite his injuries, Jasem mustered the strength to rise, determined to continue the fight. However, Dean showed no mercy to his friend. Swiftly, he delivered a powerful kick to Jasem's face, sending him hurtling through the air, crashing into a nearby tree, which splintered upon impact.
"Ugh!" The groan that escaped Jasem's lips was muffled by the weight of the fallen tree. Dean, seemingly teleporting to the scene, effortlessly pushed the tree away, his gaze fixed upon Jasem's bloodied face and battered body.
Dean's fury remained unabated as he unleashed a relentless barrage of punches upon Jasem, his memories of Jasem's numerous transgressions since their arrival in this new world fueling his onslaught.
The girls, horrified witnesses to this brutal spectacle, gasped in shock. Some turned away, unable to bear the sight of blood spraying from Jasem's battered form.
"Stop him, please! He's going to kill him!" Hailey, her white hair standing out amidst the chaos, pleaded desperately with Adam, who stood frozen, his face reflecting disbelief at the escalating violence.
Responding to Hailey's plea, Adam activated his [Time Acceleration] skill, hastening his movements as he rushed towards Dean. With a burst of strength, he pulled Dean away from Jasem, who lay barely conscious, his face grotesquely swollen from the relentless pummeling.
"Have you lost your mind?" Adam's voice resounded with concern as he surveyed the damage inflicted upon Jasem. Dean, standing behind Adam, remained unresponsive, his cold gaze fixed on Jasem.
Ignoring Adam's question, Dean gently pushed him aside, drawing closer to Jasem. Fear engulfed Jasem as he trembled, believing that his end was near.
Standing directly in front of Jasem, Dean spoke words that Jasem desperately needed to hear. His enraged demeanor softened, replaced by a chilling smile as he shook his head slightly.
"You think this is the same place where people like you can act however they want towards people like me?, No, my friend. This is Ohinia you bastard. Here, your strength and muscles means nothing to people like me."
Jasem gulped, his fear palpable as Dean seized him by the collar, a grip fueled by a mixture of anger and warning.
Adam, fearing that Dean would unleash further violence, attempted to intervene, but Dean forcefully shrugged off his hands without so much as a glance.
Dean's gaze bore into Jasem's swollen eyes, conveying a stern message. This beating served as a warning, a reminder that Jasem's mistreatment would not go unanswered.
"And if you ever dare to treat me that way again, rest assured you won't be able to reunite with that girl of yours. I'll make sure of it."
Releasing Jasem abruptly, Dean turned his back and began walking away, leaving behind Jasem and Adam, both now filled with fear as they realized the true nature of the person they had been traveling with all along – a formidable and ruthless force, a monster in their midst.
The group of girls clustered around Jasem, their hands glowing with healing magic. As their gentle touch met his wounds, Jasem felt a warmth spreading through him, accelerating his healing process. His pain began to dissipate, and his injuries started to fade faster than he had ever experienced before.
Adam, his concern etched on his face, approached Jasem cautiously. Seeing the wounds miraculously disappearing, he couldn't help but ask, "Are you okay?"
Jasem nodded, his gratitude evident in his eyes, though he remained silent. He knew that now was not the time for words; they needed to discuss their next move.
Whispering hoarsely to Adam, Jasem expressed his growing apprehension. "Just as I predicted, we can no longer trust this bastard."
Adam's gaze shifted towards Dean, a mix of sadness and realization clouding his eyes. After witnessing Dean's brutal actions, he had no doubt left in his mind. He nodded solemnly. "You're right. We need to get away from here immediately."
Helping Jasem to his feet, Adam supported him as they began to walk away, the girls accompanying them. Their steps grew determined, the weight of their decision heavy upon them.
Dean's voice pierced through the air, calling out to his friends. "Where are you going?"
The group halted momentarily, turning to face Dean. In that fleeting moment, a torrent of emotions passed between them. Adam locked eyes with Dean, his gaze filled with sadness and disappointment.
"We're leaving. Far away from you," Adam declared, his words resonating with finality.
Dean felt a sharp pang in his chest, as if someone had plunged a dagger into his heart. He stared at his departing friends, his eyes welling up with tears, but he couldn't find the strength to utter a single word.
They continued their journey, their backs turned to Dean. The three girls walked alongside Adam and Jasem, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. Samar, who had been walking beside Adam, glanced back at Dean for a brief moment.
She noticed him still standing by the tree, Luna by his side, his gaze fixed on them with a heavy heart. The weight of his sadness was palpable, but they pressed on, knowing that their decision was for the best.
As they distanced themselves from Dean, Samar couldn't help but voice her concern. "Are you sure you want to leave your friend behind, alone?"
Adam, his eyes focused ahead, nodded in response. He released Jasem, who had fully healed thanks to his skill, and they continued their journey towards Tharban. They left Dean behind, tears streaming down his face, without a single word of goodbye.