"Clang!"

Lear's sword clashed with his opponent, sending the guy stumbling backwards. He indeed held an advantage in terms of strength and speed.

But, before he could further dive in use the chance to take advantage of his opponent, the other guy had come running, forcing Lear to parry his attack.

These had led to a stalemate, the two opponents were hell bent on dragging the fight and didn't take any risks, the two constantly switched their positions and covered up for each other making it difficult for Lear to deal a decisive blow.

This was drawing out the right and giving his opponents the time for their reinforcement to arrive.

"Tsk…" Lear clicked his tongue in annoyance. He honestly was confident of beating the sh*t out of the two if he went all out, but he knew that expending too much energy was a bad idea…

He was keeping an eye out on Mark and Wilson and saw that the two were already going all out considering their opponents weren't much weaker than them..

If the two ended up exhausted, someone had to be there to ensure their safety on the way back…

"Crackle!"

A loud thunderclap almost busted everyone's ears and Nathan flew back crashing into the debris of the collapsed structure.

On the other side, Wilson was covered in thunder armor holding a trident conjured out of lightning in his hands. He was ready to send the guy out..

Nathan managed to get himself back onto his feet somehow, there were traces of blood on his clother showing that he was indeed injured in the last strike.

It was clear who had the upper hand.

Nathan looked at Wilson and then turned around to called his teammates.

The two groups once again separated from each other and regrouped with their own teammates.

"We should retreat….they definitely plan on stalling for time…" Mark said as he looked at Lear.

Lear nodded and both of them grabbed Wilson not giving him any chance to refute. The next moment Mark's body began to release steam and within a few seconds it covered them entirely.

Nathan and his group didn't make any move thinking that it might be some kind of trap, but when the steam cleared, the trio had disappeared.

They had used the invisible cloak to quietly sneak away from the place.

"Stop looking back….I know you are not happy but we don't have a choice…" Lear berated as he looked at Wilson's grumpy face.

Wilson suddenly halted his steps and stopped.

"What's wrong?" Mark asked as he looked at the two who had stopped.

"Don't do anything crazy…let's just head back for now and then think what to do next..." Lear warned Wilson feeling that he was going to do something crazy.

"I messed up...so I will clear up after myself.…" Wilson didn't like what had happened and obviously felt responsible for it.

"It's not your fault. You were only thinking for the team….not to mention, I equally gave my consent...so I am as much responsible as you…" Lear tried to persuade him and it was indeed the truth that he had agreed and thought the same way as Wilson did.

"Tsk...it's not just that...if I return like this, that guy is going to nag me to death…and I won't even be able to retort back….especially after all he had done for my sister…."

"Anyway, tell him that he doesn't need to worry...I will fix this mess and deal with Nathan according to the plan too…..." Wilson said with a smile before disappearing with a purple flash.

He was the type to have always dived head into things and that was how he had achieved his current strength...but now he had people to look after, he might have to lower his pride a bit even if it meant being despicable...

Lear tried to reach out and grab a hold of Wilson but he was already gone.

"Damn it!!"

"Let's go...we can't catch up to him anyway..'' Mark said with a sigh.

Lear could only reluctantly give up knowing full well that it was impossible to stop the crazy guy.

Only God knew what was being cooked in his crazy head and what kind of storm would it cause?

….

On the other side, Max and Kevin had finally returned to the base.

"What are you planning to do?'' Mr. Cool asked as he looked at Max.

"Try to avoid conflict…'' Max replied calmly.

"Why don't just go ahead and take the chance to wipe them out and win?'' Mr. Cool asked with an amused face.

"And what do you think will be the people's reaction?" Max asked.

"Well, you will be called a monster, a rising star and many more such things …'' Mr. Cool calmly replied.

"Well, that's the problem….I don't want myself to be in the limelight...I already have my artifact and have even visited the Ancient Cemetery...it's useless for me to shine…no it's more like...if I shine, I will take away other people's lustre.." Max said calmly.

"Even if you do that, I doubt you could hide your shine with that strength…' Mr. Cool was doubtful.

"I know that's why I have been trying my best to restrain myself whether it is in terms of planning or actually involvement….''

It was true indeed, Axel was the one calling most of the shots…it was another thing for Wilson's stubborn attitude which he had no control over though…

Mark and Axel were the one who had planned most of the things...

Lear was the one who took risks and had been constantly in action…

Those three were definitely not going to disappear under Max's halo at this point.

It was especially very important for Lear to stand out and Max thought he was doing pretty well.

"Anyway, have you noticed these guys with strange energies around them?" Max suddenly asked.

Mr. Cool's face turned serious and he nodded, "Yeah…"

"I came across a few from different Academies...even Venice seems to have it…"

"I have known her for a long time...she is definitely from one of our allied families...it isn't possible for her to be from any Ancient Family." Mr. Cool shook his head. "Not to mention, she wouldn't lie to me..."

"Now the question is whether it is the same for other people.....I asked Wilson about Neo and he said the same thing about him being in Ocien from one of Scarlet's allied families..." Max muttered, there seemed to be something but he couldn't put his fingers onto it.