BOOM!*

The land trembled as the ground unearthed itself as if a meteorite fell onto them. Leaves and birds were pushed outwards from the impact while wild animals tried to flee for their lives. Tens of meters long in diameter of a crater formed and in the middle of it was a gigantic person.

Gant and his lackeys were huge but this person easily makes them small. He was abnormally large as if he was a moving mountain.

This mountain's eyes looked down on the motionless man in front of him. When their eyes met, before long, the mountain-like being spoke.

"They're smart, right? Knowing when to step in or when to retreat- Kaka!" he added some strange laughter, "But how did you know I'm here? I thought those two dogs are enough to stop you but I'm wrong."

Teren showed a small smile and replied.

"Too obvious. Why would an Elite from different houses try to help someone from one of their rivaling house? It's because the big boss of the Titanes House is watching and they're trying to save their asses by being a 'good samaritan'."

"Kaka! And when they realized you're not going to move until I move here, they immediately escaped- Kaka! So weak-willed!"

"Hmm..."

"What is it?"

"Nothing, it's just that you came right after I called for you. You're more obedient than I thought, Daikan."

"..." the mountain-like person, the big boss of the Titanes House, Daikan was put into silence when he heard Teren's words.

After a slight pause, Daikan coldly replied.

"Be grateful that the Spirit War has yet started..."

"What do you mean?"

"I can't kill you yet."

"I don't think that's what you actually mean. As of now, I'm not part of any of the Houses, above it, I'm a top wanted Aberrant by the SSDA. Tell me, what do you mean?"

Teren fearlessly pursued in front of one of the "Five Lords", Daikan.

"You've once shaped the whole world." Daikan finally answered, "However, because of some slip up you must've done, you've been reported to the SSDA, You're back in their database. We've finally remembered who you are and what you can do. Therefore, you must've remembered us as well."

He crouched down, however, it was not enough to meet Teren on the same eye level.

"The world is returning to its original shape. Everyone will hunt you down again. I want to try and kill you now but even I'm not confident Kaka! Good luck on being our shield, Devil Himself. Your arch-nemesis is already on the move."

Daikan stood up and turn his back while picking up Gant as if he's some trash.

"I see, a shield. You won't kill me because you need me. But Daikan... do I need you?"

Teren spoke and stopped Daikan on his tracks.

"Can you?"

"I can."

"Kaka! That was a stupid question. I know you're crazy but it's too early. We need the common people. By killing me, you will start the war early where the people's protection have yet been set up."

"Hmm... I guess I can't."

Daikan raised his eyebrows as he turned his head towards Teren with disbelief.

"You care for the common people?"

He spoke as if it was the most unbelievable thing.

"Umm, yeah, I mean, who's not?" Teren raised his shoulders.

"You are."

"No, I just finished my Monthly Exams just earlier. I still want to take the Quarterly Exam then have a field trip with my classmates." Teren smiled.

"As if you're close to your classmates... but the Devil Himself attending school, huh, tell me about it later. Kaka!"

Daikan left his last laughter reverberating through the woods as he walked out instead of jumping out as he did with his entrance.

When he was gone, Uncle Jo and the rest finally came out of hiding. 

"T-that's the Titan Lord Daikan...?" Old Derman spoke under his breath.

They have arrived not too long ago. Gant and Teren's speed is something that they can't follow so it took them some time to arrive at the location. 

Everyone was silent, scared of approaching Teren. They knew he was strong but from the state of the area, this is definitely not just in the realm of being strong.

What on earth are these monsters? Is the general thought lingering inside them.

Teren sighed first before turned to them and spoke.

"Ally body counts?"

It took some moment before Uncle Jo replied.

"Z-zero, Boss Hark."

Teren nodded but he doesn't seem like he cares at all if the answer is zero or ten.

"This is perfect. You have seen the capabilities of our future opponent so I hope by the time the Spirit War began, you will have some capabilities to match them."

Everyone was silent. 

What did they just hear?

They will fight those monsters?

They were already scared shitless by a minigun for god's sake!

Looking from left to right, Teren then spoke.

"For those who don't want to, you can leave. Those who want to, stay."

"5..."

When Teren began counting, the normal thugs immediately running away. Mere skirmishes between city gangs are nothing compared to this! They would want to enter a gunfight instead of standing in front of those monsters who bring a minigun or have the strength to crush the land!

"2..."

"1..."

Teren finished counting and only a few were left.

"Damnit, Nick!"

Nathan cried as he shouted. It seemed that he wanted to run away, however, Nick had weakened legs and couldn't stand up. He tried to pull his brother up but it was too late.

"S-sorry... I'm sorry..." Nick cried as well.

They could've still continued running away, however, they fear the consequences of moving even though Teren has already finished counting.

"Good, a total of six of you. Can you please capture all those deserters? In the future, they will be used as canon fodders."

Teren coldly ordered.

Uncle Jo together with one middle-aged fat man heavily sighed.

"I knew that would be the case."

Meanwhile, Hanon stopped Old Derman from running away with him.

"Hanon, you're really cautious. I almost made a mistake." the old man was a bit relieved too.

Except for Nick and Nathan, they all realized the reality of the situation.

There is no escape from the devil.