Author Note: So hey guys! I am really sorry about my false prediction in making side story after chapter 12 and the time-skip part. I tend to drag things longer than I should so... this kinda thing happens. But after this chapter, the promised side story-> intermission will come out then the next chapter after that is a... maybe five-year or seven-year time-skip? Since I'm wrapping it up, this chapter is long this... to me at least. Sorry for the inconvenience.

"Who are you?" (Demon Girl)

Hearing these question, I stopped my preparations to burn out my refinement base for one big attack, set my glaive down and knelt in contemplation, somehow ignoring the threat of the sharp axe below my chin.

Why is she asking me this? Confused but still on guard, I stared at her light blue eyes, trying to discern her purpose. I can judge someone by looking at their eyes alone. Its a skill anyone can do as long as you have a lot of experience and have a natural intuition. For me, I picked this up in one of my part-time jobs. I once worked as a jewelry store clerk and I liked to observe people's behavior every time they check out the wares. Naturally, I became proficient in discerning people's character just from their movements alone but its a lengthy process. The easiest way is too look at there eyes. One's feelings and intention are shown in their eyes. Once, some guy came in acted suspicious... like just standing near the doorway. I happened to glance at his eyes and they were bloodshot... they were filled with malice and greed. I know his eyes were like that because I always had the same look in my eyes when I think of rich billionaires

Unfazed, I naturally slip out of the counter without catching the eye of the suspicious person. Then, I hid in the store bathroom and took out my outdated phone to call the police. I heard shouting outside right after the call and waited till I hear the shuffling sound of jewelries. I silently opened the door and saw the earlier guy with a knife threatening my co-employees telling them to put the jewelries in a bag, with his back towards me. Seeing that, I knew what to do. No, I did not fight him, I only bashed his head with a chair while he was busy drooling over a gold-encrusted silver bracelet. He really was an amateur, lowering his guard when all he saw was two female employees present. Ugh, he's ugly face right before fainting was disgusting... and he even blushed while looking at my 15-year old face! I shiver when I think of that person. I know that I have a charming appearance back then but I didn't like it as I looked feminine which harms my pride as a man. That guy made me depressed in many ways...

He was incapacitated by me and got arrested 20 minutes later. I never knew his name, but I will not forget that I lost most of the month's earnings because of him. I mean seriously! Of all the places he had to fall down unconscious, it had to be wear the most fragile and most expensive jewelry showcases are! The manager did not charge me for all of it, but my payment as a store clerk took a huge blow. I tear up inwardly, imagining how much money I should have gotten on that miserable month...

I shook my head slightly to clear up my mind, entirely forgetting to observe the demon girl's eyes. Tch, having that horrible memory isn't pleasant. Taking the movement of my head as defiance, I saw the girl's eyes turn colder and I felt the axe pressing much firmer onto my neck. Small traces of electricity form around her eyes but nothing too lethal for me.

I glanced to the side and saw Kiralne struggling to get to my side, probably to protect me but the earlier attack must have offset the life-preserving antidote mixed in the poison, therefore resulting in her getting the full brunt of the highly concentrated poison and another effect which is immobilization. Nice try Kira, but I think you have to sit this one out. Liz is... swaying? Still intoxicated huh?

"You don't want to speak? Maybe you'd like to end up like the other two..." (Demon Girl)

"What other two?" (Krey)

I say while I fix Liz's uncomfortable position on my back due to her unstable sense of balance. I am really hypothesizing if lightning is liquor to dragons.

"So you speak now? Hmph, very well. The two grand soldiers with me earlier, the ones who wants that elf dead... I killed them. Well, I think you should know this by now, don't you? Esteemed Saint Magus?" (Demon Girl)

"???" (Krey)

I raise my right brow in surprise and doubt. As expected, Kiralne and them had a relationship. Yet, she killed them? Internal dispute? I'm not so gullible to believe everything she says but strong people don't tend to lie to someone weaker than them. That's a stain to their pride if they do so. I don't care about treason in the enemies' ranks so I am not inquisitive. Besides, judging from the unruly state of her clothes, she must have had a good scuffle making her words of killing them seem more plausible. But Saint Magus? My earlier desperate display of power is likened to of a Saint Magus? I am flattered~...not. I'll ask the demon girl about it.

"Saint Magus? Me? I'm just a middle-staged magus!" (Krey)

"Not you brat! I am talking about the prismatic-eyed one! A child your age shouldn't have reached that stage as a magus and is not supposed to be that powerful! Someone must have helped you. And that someone... is in you. You have someone's soul inside you... someone powerful. Only a Saint Magus or a War Saint and above have the capability to separate their body and soul! Let me speak with the prismatic-eyed one, brat!" (Demon Girl)

"Huh?! What are you talking about?! There's no-" (Krey)

"Don't speak lies! I saw it. The prismatic-eyed one cast a myriad of spells that only an Archmagus is capable of... using your body. Although it can't be compared to an actual Archmagus's firepower, high-speed and chained is still a capability of an Archmagus. No child can do that. It has to be because of the Saint Magus! He resides within you. Let me speak to him!" (Demon Girl)

The demon girl demanded, sparks jumping in and out her. Her pretty yet still expressionless face showed a faint look of outrage. Her axe that's positioned under my chin was pressed to the point that it would almost cut me where I can also faintly feel lightning-type mana gushing into it. Who're you calling a brat?! I don't like being called like that. Although I'm keeping a troubled facade on the outside, I am smoldering in anger on the inside. I'm really starting to hate this girl. She is rude! I find Kiralne, despite being a pervert, more endearing than this bitch. Coupled with the fact that Kiralne is my meat shield, influence magnet and a peerless beauty while the demon girl is my enemy, in my eyes Kira won by a slight margin.

But Saint Magus? Prismatic-eyed one? What is she... wait. Doesn't that happen when I'm casting spells? My eye color right now is no longer black like before. Thanks to All-Magic Awakening, my eye color changed to that of bright blue. With faint tinges of an iridescent color. Whenever I cast spells, I notice that my eyes slowly changes from blue to a rainbow color. I usually hide it by willing my eyes to turn back to blue, like the time when I met Sally and her teammates and the time with Kiralne. The reason is because... having rainbow-colored eyes seems weird, even to me. I wonder why this girl thought of that... oh yeah. So this girl thinks that a Saint Magus's soul exist within me? ... Pretty far-fetched, even for me but who am I to judge? Let's not sweat the small details...

But still, if she thinks that there is someone's soul in me... does she have a condition or merely insane? Its plausible if you look at it from an outsider's point of view.

Many changes happen every time you increase your rank, especially in the later ranks. One thing that happens is that you'll receive and be able to use divine arts. One divine art that everyone can use is Soul Revolution. Its received at the Saint Stage! One's mana core no longer exists in the body, but it assimilates into the soul. The soul is basically an amalgamation of one's memories, experiences, emotions, consciousness and personality.

It is the representation of your very being. Don't ask me how this soul thing works. I just got the information tossed to my head so I don't understand it that well.

A normal soul needs a vessel, a body to survive but... a soul that has undergone "Soul Revolution" can live freely without the restraint of a vessel but it doesn't mean that it is intangible. There are many things that can harm the soul. The elements for example has influence over the soul and souls can even be 《Sealed》. What's special about this is that if a magus or warrior's body gets destroyed, their souls can live on and can continue cultivating their refinement base to gain rank enlightenment and breakthrough. They can also take on new vessels or bodies even if it has a soul. The problem is they can't control the vessel if it has another soul.

Though its quite rare as there aren't that many Saint level individuals. An Arch level individual might undergo a premature "Soul Revolution" due to some circumstances but that's even rarer.

After hearing the words uttered by the blank-faced demon girl and thinking about stuff for a moment, I first looked at the girl with eyes full of pity for her upbringing, and then a crazy and devilish brilliant and amazing plan lit up in my brain. Kufufu... my inner chuuni, I leave this to you!

Thinking so, I willed my eyes to change into a prismatic color. After a quick contemplation, I decided to just screw it and unhesitatingly burned out my refinement base until it made me dropped down a stage and then a rank... after that my rank is no longer of the Magus level and instead back to the Apprentice Magus level. I'm just a late-staged Apprentice Magus now. But all is well despite the nauseating pain that I managed to hide with a carefree smile as I prepared to used the refined mana along with superficial assistance from my precious glaive to fuel up a hastily created spell I just thought of...

'Ahahaha! Krey onii-chan~ Meat, meat lightning meat! Ahaha!~' (Lisana)

| Kyuu~ Kyua~|

Lisana is nibbling my ear with her dull baby dragon teeth while using her legs to dishevel my damaged cloak in order to catch my attention. Unfortunately it only serves to annoy me further as her actions are similar to those of drunkards back on a Earth..

'Quiet!' (Krey)

Can't you see I am busy and dizzy? Stop being spoiled for a moment! Are you seriously a happy drunkard? I prefer a depressed drunkard! No wait, that's worse...

I argue inwardly with Liz as I enact my diabolical well-thought out plan. This is really hard. My thoughts might have been accelerated thanks to Liz but its still not fast enough. Maybe I'll hit her with [Water Spray} to make her sober up for a bit..

(Kiralne P.O.V.)

I can't move. I really cannot move... What is wrong with me... I feel weak and feeble... Pain... horrible pain. No, no I must endure. I tell to myself as I bear the sudden flashes of pain in my body as I watch helplessly from the side as Krey is being threatened by the demon girl.

I try to push myself closer to at least block Krey from her but found it difficult because of the decreased capability of movement due to the poison. More pain-flashes assaulted me as I close my eyes once more.

Earlier, I felt a strong jolt hit me and out of nowhere, pain blanketed me and I lost any semblance of strength in my body. Panicking, I looked over my surroundings while still sprawled on my back. I saw countless boulders and a few plants in my line of sight. Then I shifted it to Krey and the demon girl. Seeing this situation, I somehow grasped the gist of it.

Krey produced an amazing feat of magic to distract Bolg and his accomplices and tried to rescue me. I don't remember anything after that since the mana-binding viper poison made me half-conscious... it seems I failed in my mission. I sigh a defeated sigh. I keep failing even after all these years. Even though I promised myself... even though I swore an oath... even if I've reached the level I am in now... When it matters the most I fail miserably. I sighed a defeated sigh.

I force down a cry of anguish as another wave of pain assaulted me and focused on reaching out to my mana core.

...

...Nothing. I feel absolutely nothing from my mana core. The poison is too strong. Only more pain and frustration filled my entire mind as Krey is held at axe-point.

More flashes of searing pain cover me, making me sweat as I endure it. My inner blouse and skirt, are wet with cold sweat. Feebleness emanating from my body makes me want to laugh at myself. This is so frustrating!

I continued struggling pointlessly until my and Krey's eyes met. Eh? I was expecting him to have an urgent look in his eyes but its completely different.

I am surprised at this child's nerves. His eyes radiated a natural calmness of an adult, not like the innocent and carefree atmosphere a child like he has before His eyes are... eerily calm as he glanced at me before turning his gaze back to the demon girl, holding him at axe-point. Complex emotions surfaced in me but I stopped as another onslaught of suffering come over me.

Seeing Krey being like this made me dumbfounded. As a champion of a goddess, he will most likely be strong in the future. Yet... not enough to bridge the gap as far as the heavens and earth like the stage I am in. He has the right to be afraid of his adversary who is a bit weaker than me.

Fear is a natural instinct to stay alive but no signs of trembling nor submission can be seen on him. Is he confident of something? Perplexed and worried, I observe Krey and the demon girl while doing my best to endure the unceasing waves of pain.

"You don't want to speak? Maybe you'd like to end up like the other two..." (Demon Girl)

"What other two?" (Krey)

"So you speak now? Hmph, very well. The two grand soldiers with me earlier, the ones who want that elf dead... I killed them. Well, I think you should know this by now, don't you? Esteemed Saint Magus?" (Demon Girl)

She killed them?! Well, it doesn't seem to be in opposition to the clan's rules so... its okay? I guess... Different complex emotions surfaced in me when I heard that this mercenary killed those two bastards. Although people like her work for money, with her employers dead, is she still gonna follow protocol and kill me? At least leave Krey out of this! I will definitely won't fail on this! Never again.

I was about to scream at the demon girl to leave Krey alone, although its pointless in this case, but the words got stuck in my throat when I heard her say 'Esteemed Saint Magus'. Saint Magus?

I looked at Krey deeply, trying to figure out what she meant by that. Clearly, based on the level of his mana core, he's just a middle-staged magus, the second level of a mages, albeit prodigious in . Unless he has... a trump card?

"Saint Magus? Me? I'm just a middle-staged magus!" (Krey)

"Not you brat! I am talking about the prismatic-eyed one! A child your age shouldn't have reached that stage as a magus and is not supposed to be that powerful! Someone must have helped you. And that someone... is in you. You have someone's soul inside you... someone powerful. Only a Saint Magus or a War Saint and above have the capability to separate their body and soul! Let me speak with the prismatic-eyed one, brat!" (Demon Girl)

"Huh?! What are you talking about?! There's no-" (Krey)

"Don't speak lies! I saw it. The prismatic-eyed one casted a myriad of spells that only an Archmagus is capable of... using your body. Although it can't be compared to an actual Archmagus's firepower, high-speed and chained is still a capability of an Archmagus. No child can do that. It has to be because of the Saint Magus! One resides within you. Let me speak to it!" (Demon Girl)

Wait, if its true then-!! Could it be that he's trump card is... a soul of a "Saint Magus"? I was hit hard by a sudden unbelievable thought when Krey became silent for a moment while his pet/little sister Lisana playfully nibble his ear, before something strange happened. I can feel that the mana around us is converging and surrounding Krey's body. Furthermore it emitted... a powerful pressure. I can't make certain of what level this pressure is but the unchangeable fact is that the pressure is there and makes me uncomfortable.

Krey's posture also changed. I always noticed that Krey always leans back slightly when he sits or kneels down and even when he is walking or standing. Always giving of a relaxed and lazy feeling but now its different. Right now he's back is ramrod straight as if he had been filled with confidence.

He feels like a different person... no. He's a little bit similar to the 'normal' Krey but more... powerful? This is what I feel about Krey as of right now. He suddenly spoke... in an overbearing voice not befitting of a child. This tone... is even colder and stronger than the first time we met.

"Hmph. The nerve of a mere Grand Soldier. Despite seeing through me, she doesn't see the distance between heaven and earth." (Krey)

Words containing disdain and sarcasm sounded around us, growing stronger as mana fuses into it, as if gladly obeying this voice. To think that his master would join him in his training... So his master really is indeed a Saint Magus. I breath a sigh of relief before looking back anxiously again at Krey, who I think is being controlled temporarily by his master. Is this what someone who has undergone a"Soul Revolution" is like? But its different from my father's. It's... severely weak...

""Wha-... are you... the Saint Magus?" (Demon Girl)

The demon girl asked this with a bit of fear and astonishment but also delight in her small voice. It seems she hasn't felt an aura of a Saint Magus before, unlike me. This aura is very, very weak but its similar to the War Saint aura that my father possessed. Unfortunately for her, 'Krey' didn't answer and the axe underneath his chin is pushed back by an unknown force. Then 'Krey' stood up, with glaive in hand and Lisana in tow and limped towards... me? Curious, I watched as he sat down and leaned against me, the abrupt contact caused more pain to flare up within me.

'Wha-what is he doing?!' (Kiralne)

I can't help but scream to myself as the poison continues to do harm to me while 'Krey' leans himself on my chest. 'Krey' then put Lisana on his lap, who looks sick for some reason and played with her wings and tail. Lisana continued playfully biting his finger before 'Krey' looked back at the perplexed demon girl and said with an icy tone containing ridicule-

" What do you want little girl? To have oppressed my sole apprentice to this extent... a bit over our heads now, aren't we?" (Krey)

Unexpectedly... it seems Krey's master only has him as his apprentice therefore he has taken this stage. No wonder a person higher in standing and strength than even a formidable Archmagus, would take action. I don't know what spell, magical item or divine art that his master uses to temporarily take over Krey but... with him here, Krey's safety is assured. My sigh of relief was halted by the increase of weight in my chest as 'Krey' supports himself, leaning his weight on me. Although I'm glad that he's comfortable, at least have a bit of compassion! I am poisoned and in excruciating pain over here! I complain in my head as I closed my eyes to endure and just listened to the conversation.

"I'm sorry for my earlier words, exalted Saint Magus. This lowly one only wanted to ask you, who is full of wisdom about this child's identity and why he had a divine aura but I had no idea that this child was your beloved apprentice. I swear that I have no intention of further causing harm to him." (Demon Girl)

"Hmph. Paltry words to gain favor. Twice have the precious treasures been used today, because of you. You do not need to learn of his or my name. I may not be able to utilize my full power but it doesn't mean your little life is safe. Go, speak. After this, do not show yourself in front of my apprentice again." (Krey)

This Saint Magus clearly treasures Krey very much. Well, who wouldn't? He probably figured out that Krey was a Champion so even a strong expert like him would be this careful. The gods are the real sovereigns of Salratia. Many people think that they are myths or religious figures but they are definitely real. He didn't even give heed to flattery of the demon girl.

"Yes. Esteemed Saint Magus... are you allied with the Tolkium Kingdom?" (Demon Girl)

When she asked this question to Krey, I opened my eyes with difficulty and looked at the leaning 'Krey' and then at kneeling girl. I can't see her face but I think she is sweating. A Saint Magus is indeed another existence. But this question... it makes me baffled. It also gives me a feeling of anxiety.

As she was kneeling, her tattered leather armour, obviously made with high-tier materials, shifted to show a familiar looking clothing. This is... Lumen Isles Union! A high-ranking military uniform of the Union's army, is being worn by this girl.

When I saw this, things started to make sense as I make out why strange things are happening around me...

"Hooohh... what's this? A little girl going up against an entire kingdom? No... I see. Ahaha... so this is what's happening. Little girl, you wish to know if I have any important relations to this Kingdom? I say... no. I don't have any relations at all. Now tell me why you asked this of me. This old man here has gotten curious... I hope you won't leave any important details." (Krey)

The demon girl became tensed right after 'Krey' said this to her. Clearly, from 'Krey's' words, he wants to know everything. She is producing beads of cold sweat over her forehead. While I piece the puzzle together. Lumen Isles Union. A lot of Mana-Binding Viper Poison... Bolg and Folrido's sudden move... the demon girl killing them... and her me. Grand Soldiers... poison. Support from behind...

As I came to an answer, the demon girl raised her head, her face no longer blank like before but still shows nervousness.

Her response confirmed my suspicions.

"Esteemed Saint Magus.... I am from the Lumen Isles Union. I have other comrades in this country with me. We are here to fulfill the mission given to us by the Council of Lumen. Eliminate all the Grand Soldiers and Grand Magus in this country." (Demon Girl)

Her words are already tantamount to treason but... it is understandable. You should not offend a strong individual. A Saint Magus is at the peak of the world of mana manipulators. They have the strength to overturn, even a big country. Strength is everything. Without it, you will be trampled upon.

"Oh? And why is that?" (Krey)

"To pave the way for the conquest of Tolkium Kingdom. This is the wish of the Council of Lumen." (Demon Girl)

As I thought... its really that huh? The tides of war once again will befall this land.

In the East, countless islands, some equivalent to that of a continent in size while many others are only as spacious as a city are ever present. In these islands and mini-continents, states and countries are abound. There are two major countries and a handful of mid-sized countries. The mid-sized countries, even if they were to band together, won't be a match for the two countries. The first power is the Tolkium Kingdom. Its territory encompasses the entire Tolkium Continent, the only recognized continent in the East and the smallest continent in all of Salratia. The second power is The Lumen Isles Union. Its territory consists of ten massive islands and hundreds of other smaller islands. All the other mid-sized countries get what's left of the landmasses of the East.

The Tolkium Kingdom is an special state since it is recognized worldwide as kingdom without discrimination in race. It has allies but also enemies. One of them is the Lumen Isles Union. The union is a coalition of six stronger mid-sized countries. Each country has a different race and their unity is also questionable yet it is still a strong force. It is governed by the Council of Lumen. A council of six leaders of each race.

The Tolkium Kingdom and the Lumen Isles Union has always have had a strained relationship. They have a long history of war and conflicts but for now, they all conceded for peace.

Until now...

This Kingdom holds a special place in my mind. I've traveled from the South and to the East of Salratia, where I settled on this kingdom. I have connections with some nobles here and it is what I would call home. But... clearly my allegiance should lie with Krey. He is the only connection I have to my fallen clan. He is my objective now. Whatever he chooses I should follow as his less-than-perfect protector. And besides... having two cute companions will liven up anyone's day~. I just hope I could remove this accursed poison before I become entirely useless to him...

As I was about to self-depreciate, 'Krey' laughed dryly and said

" Aha... what an ambitious and shallow wish. Very well, if the reason you asked if I had allegiance to this country was to ascertain its war potential, then you can rest assured little girl. Worldly matters such as these are already beyond me. As long as no harm from your so-called council's wishes, will come to my apprentice and this... elf with him, then I won't bother with your war." (Krey)

As he said that, he turned his head towards me and the first thing that caught my attention were his eyes... beautiful. Two colorful orbs are in my view. His eyes have the color of a rainbow. So this is how Krey looks like when he is temporarily possessed by his master. To think Krey was hiding this trump card... crafty kid.

Heeh... so his master knows my and Krey's situation huh?

The demon girl looked a little dissatisfied but nodded her head nonetheless. As she was about to get up and leave, I who was still affected by the poison wanted to ask her for an antidote but was not able to... because pain even more excruciating than earlier made me gasp and breath heavily, my face a bit red. The reason was... 'Krey' stood up and lightly tapped the butt of his glaive on my chest. But this action of his only increased my suffering.

'Wuwuwuwu... Please be considerate to the injured...' (Kiralne)

I cried inside my head as I breathed heavy breaths. Through my teary eyes I could faintly see puffs of steam forming from my hot breaths as it meets the cool air of the mountain.

"One more thing before you leave. My apprentice here has yet to see the divine art of a Grand Soldier, "Aura Domain". It would be beneficial for his growth to observe it in detail. I would like it if you show it to him, seeing that you are a Grand Soldier yourself." (Krey)

"... As you wish, exalted Saint Magus..." (Demon Girl)

As those words came out of his mouth, I panicked at this order. A divine art shouldn't be used in the Magic Mountain Range! More so if it comes from the later levels of a mana manipulator! The lordly being of the mountain range will definitely not like this!

There's a reason why many people die here unknowingly as they all keep using divine arts. Anyone who used a divine art will perish at the hand of an unknown being. This being is incredibly strong... an Archmagus or an Archknight can barely fight it but definitely not head-on.

And this girl agreed?! Wasn't she warned beforehand by those two bastards not to use divine arts here?! Oh no... this is not good. Fear seeped out of my consciousness as I watched this inauspicious exchange. This mana-binding viper poison already weakened me this much... I won't be able to escape with Krey if this goes on.

Hearing words the of acknowledgement from her, 'Krey' slightly nodded his head, hoisted Lisana over his back and turned once more to the demon girl. This made me panicked even further but I am not able to warn them as I don't have the strength to speak...

"Now... I will be off. Little girl, I hope you won't go back on your words otherwise... there will be consequences and I assure you that they are not light." (Krey)

Saying that, the prismatic color of his eyes faded and once more became blue. Krey suddenly collapsed and by reflex, stood up and caught him safely though it came with a price. I did catch him but I also collapsed in pain and fell down on my butt and leaned on him and Krey also leaned on me. Sweaty and breathing heavily, I vigilantly stared this demon girl as she nonchalantly prepared to activate her "Aura Domain". I pleaded with my eyes to stop her actions but its too late.

"Watch carefully kid. This is the "Aura Domain" of a warrior. I will only do it once as I have other things to do. You elf... I won't touch you this time around but it doesn't mean others will also." (Demon Girl)

"*breathing heavily* Sure... go for it..." (Krey)

Losing almost all hope and cursing Krey, his master and the demon girl altogether, I hugged Krey and Lisana to protect them from what is about to come and ignored the waves of pain and Krey's protest as the lightning-type mana continue to congeale into a small domed area with the demon girl in the center. Its a perfectly good "Aura Domain" yet I can't but feel despair as this girl just dug our graves...

(Third Person P.O.V.)

A 10 meter in diameter "Aura Domain" was formed. Lightning faintly crackled in the vicinity as more tendrils of shocking energy gave of short explosive sparks as it danced around the demon as the elf, young human and young dragon were huddled up. It was an incredibly beautiful scene. An Aura Domain is a divine art that mana manipulators (I.E. warriors and mages) naturally receive upon breaking through the Grand level.

This divine art gives of an A.O.E. effect and has many types. The attribute or elemental affinity that the user has also corresponds to the element an "Aura Domain" possessed. The profound truths comprehended by the mana manipulator in their elemental affinity. The profound truth comprehended by the person also has ties to what kind of Aura Domain forms. An Aura Domain is the Grand Soldiers and Grand Magus's bread and butter. Without it... they can only be slightly better than Elite level mana manipulators and never stand above them.

Unfortunately, a calamity will descend upon this mountain because of it...

At this moment, boundless destruction-type mana erupted from under the massive mountain range.. It gave off a feeling of being divine yet also devilish in nature. It was on the scale that covering the entire mountain range would not be impossible. It formed a distorted figure of a person that cannot be seen by others. It flew over to where Krey and the others are and situated itself in the air above them. Seeing the imposing "Aura Domain" in its sight, it coldly snorted. This grunt instantly made the mountain where they stand seem dangerous. Then, a cold and deep voice sounded from the invisible figure and spread to the entire mountain. It was an unbearably sinister and archaic voice. As if the bane of the ancients was awakened.

"A follower of Norvalia... or is it Azeroth? It actually dares to use their filthy, phony divine arts on one of my territories... how amusing."

All manner of beasts fell into submissive positions, shaking in fear and reverence when this voice sounded. Clearly, this voice was already imprinted deeply into their racial memories. Even the mountain itself seems to be on the verge of collapse as the voice blanketed it. Kiralne hugged Krey and Lisana tighter while Krey stared blankly at the mountain wondering whose voice resounded.

Although Krey seems to be unaffected, Lisana, Kiralne and the demon girl are filled with great fear. Lisana woke up from her drunk stupor and immediately hid between Krey and Kiralne. The demon girl on the other hand is frozen. Not only with fear but its as if the voice compels her body not to move. Her "Aura Domain" was instantly quelled when the voice sounded, as if it was a tiny spark blown over by a hurricane.

The invisible figure pointed with its hand and instantly, the boundless destruction-type mana gathered into its hand. It formed a gigantic sphere of destruction-type mana. It gave off a crimson violet light yet it does not shine brightly. Instead, light in the surrounding seems to be drawn into it, giving the entire mountain a dark and desolate look.

Krey saw this sphere, and was instantly filled with apprehension, his face grim. Lisana cowered in fear between Kiralne and Krey while Kiralne held him closer, as if to shield him... which is impossible.

The demon girl even more so was horrified. She clearly senses that that this baleful globe is directly aimed... at her. Her pretty face is no longer expressionless but has already twisted into that of immense fear.

"Be grateful. Even though this is merely a sliver of my power... it is more than what you can ask for. I am not in a good mood... curse your unlucky selves for this blunder you have committed."

As it said that, the sphere of mass destruction shot off to them. In a space of single breath, a large explosion that emitted crimson violet light covered the entire mountain. It was very strong and the entire Magic Mountain Range seemed to shake,no it did shake immensely under its mighty yet horrifying scale.

After the long and drawn out flashing of crimson violet light, what appeared was a sorry sight. The former 3000-meter tall mountain, a marvel created by nature... was reduced to nothingness. What's left is a deep and wide crater all filled with small and large cracks alike.

It was very wide indeed. Almost 4 miles in diameter and the deepest point of its unstable structure is 40-meters, and the large cracks seemed even deeper, as a blackness that cannot be fathomed is seen inside of it. It was like a broken, rough, bowl. The invisible figure nodded deeply and was about to leave when it felt a certain energy in the air.

"Oh... Frelinia's mana... her champion is here?... No... he seems to be caught in the blast. If he has perished... then I merely helped Frelinia get rid of a weak pest. No matter... "

The invisible figure muttered to itself as it slowly disappeared. The Magic Mountain Range and the newly formed gigantic crated, still seething with destruction type mana was once again quiet.

....

Deep under the Earth, inside a vast cavern with a big unaligned crack on top with uneven surfaces in all directions and stalagmites and stalactites all around, two people were huddled up together in front of a small fire. It was a human boy and a female elf. They were Krey and Kiralne. They have light injuries in their bodies and relatively unharmed but Kiralne's beautiful face is twisted in pain and is filled with sweat as she slept. Krey let Kiralne's head rest upon his small lap, her silky blonde hair flowed down to the ground while he continued to meditate. A small serpentine creature, Lisana can be seen on his back, occasionally letting out 'kyua' sounds.

Krey opened his eyes and said to no one in particular in a bitter voice filled with annoyance-

"Oh I'm not dead asshole... but you will be... soon." (Krey)

Krey said with a tone that didn't seem to be joking...

Another Author's Note: I want to make some changes but I need your opinion. Please fill in the poll with your best interest. This is the 18th chapter! Hope you enjoyed it...