Ren and Commander Kael stood face to face.
Kael looked like a true soldier—clad in armor, sword in hand, and radiating an aura of dignity and strength.
Ren said calmly, "Let's fight then."
Without hesitation, Kael charged at incredible speed.
Ren swiftly dodged, using Atomic Control to boost his movement in an instant.
Kael followed up with a powerful punch—it missed Ren but landed on a house nearby, reducing it to rubble in a single strike.
Ren's eyes widened. "What kind of magic does this guy have?"
Scene shifts to the Royal Castle.
Commander Arthur stood before the king.
"Was it necessary to send Commander Kael to Lunavere?" he asked. "He's the third strongest commander. Other officers could've handled the town."
The king replied coldly, "Archvivion and Emma are already dead. Only Kael, James, and Sophia remain. Reports say the other three commanders were also killed. We've lost 15 in total—and recruiting strong magic users as commanders is difficult so we need to guarantee the success of our mission more."
"But," he continued, "we still have the Celestial Guards. Their power will stabilize our losses."
Arthur nodded. "Yes, my lord." He bowed and exited.
The king's expression darkened.
"So many casualties lately... His plan is falling apart. What does he truly want? What is his motivation?"
Back at the battlefield.
Kael emerged from a cloud of smoke, calm and unreadable.
Ren clenched his fists. "I need to be careful."
He launched Aero Waves, but Kael dodged with ease.
Ren activated Future Sight. He could predict Kael's movements now—but even with that, he couldn't land a single hit. Kael dodged every attack effortlessly.
"Even if I know his moves... I'm still no match in close range," Ren thought. "I haven't developed proper combat techniques yet. Celestial Magic is hard to master..."
Kael unleashed a barrage of attacks.
Ren, now struggling, felt a sharp headache. His Future Sight duration dropped to two seconds.
Dodging became harder. He tried to run, but Kael matched his speed. Another Aero Wave—it failed again.
He was in despair.
Suddenly, Kael pulled out a dagger and threw it. Ren dodged, but the dagger curved unnaturally and pierced his side—Kael was controlling it. The blade returned to Kael's hand.
Blood dripped, but Ren barely felt pain.
"Why didn't it hurt that much? Just like when I fought Darius..."
Kael charged again with his sword. Ren responded with a powerful Atomic Blow, manipulating wind at a molecular level to repel Kael.
The blast gave Ren some distance.
"I need to develop more techniques. I won't survive like this."
Scene shifts to Ryota.
He was defending Lunavere's people, taking down enemy soldiers swiftly.
He rescued a crying child moments before they were struck down.
"Don't worry. You'll be fine," Ryota whispered, carrying the boy to safety.
"Who's attacking this place? They don't seem like royal soldiers... but why would they destroy their own town?" he wondered. "I don't get it. But no matter what, I'll protect them."
Elsewhere in Lunavere.
Morvon sat on the ground, trembling, tears falling.
"What's happening? Where did everyone go?"
Suddenly, three hostile soldiers approached.
One sneered, "Look who's crying. Don't worry—it won't hurt. We'll behead you in one swing. After all, we're generous."
Fear overwhelmed Morvon.
As the enemy raised his sword to strike—
A massive being appeared from thin air.
It stood tall with bulging muscles, magical energy pulsing from its form. Its face was terrifying—like a god of wrath.
The soldier froze. "What… what is that?!"
Before he could move, the being punched him with overwhelming force—sending him flying.
The other two were too stunned to react. In seconds, the magical being smashed them both.
Silence followed.
Then, the being vanished into sparkling particles—returning to Morvon as his fear faded.
Back to Ren and Kael.
Ren stood, breathing heavily.
Suddenly, he saw them again—tall, white, god-like beings—just like in his dream.
"Use your power correctly," they said in unison. "Fight and become strong. Be like us."
Then, the vision vanished.
Ren steadied himself. "I've been using Atomic Control in limited ways—Aero Waves, barriers, speed boosts. But this power is more than that."
"I can manipulate atoms—harden them, move them faster, shape energy. I've only been perfecting the basics. Now, I'll evolve. Create new techniques. I'll unlock my full potential."
"I don't know who they were… but they're right. I have one of the greatest powers. And I will use it fully."
He raised his hand, eyes burning with resolve.
"Bring it on."