It was after a few silent minutes that Kairos finally turned his head to look at his enemies.

Everyone had been obediently waiting like school children, not daring to disrupt their embrace.

Who knows if the lass will suddenly get mad?

At least no one here is foolhardy enough to think they can survive a shout from her.

In the end, Exterminus did not leave. The elf’s heart pounded with regret, but he stilled his nerves and reminded himself of his loss.

Pride took over and he stubbornly fastened his feet to the ground for the coming battle.

Kairos did not release the girl from his embrace. Instead, he raised a hand in the air, and snapped his fingers.

Instantly, five hundred arrows made of mana materialised above.

They are almost in the exact replica as the ones that Exterminus used, except for being less detailed as though they were made through a mould.

The assassins were unnerved by this sight.

They cannot understand why the signature move of a Circle 9 Arcane Archer is now pointing at them.

The most rattled of them all is of course Exterminus. This technique is supposed to be unique to him alone!

From birthing the idea to designing the spell circle, this magic is solely his alone. Not even his disciple was taught its intricacies. This is a highly complicated, multifaceted spell that took him years to develop, not to mention the decades of accumulated wisdom and knowledge needed as foundation.

How could he allow another to learn of its secrets?

Yet, before his eyes, someone who seen it only once is using it immediately.

The archer could tell with one look that what Kairos conjured up is a repugnant, watered-down counterfeit, which he considers an abomination of his grand art.

“You charlatan!” Exterminus said hatefully between gritted teeth.

This replication of his spell is only a-fifth of the original’s strength, however, the magical energy radiating it caused the fine hairs on his arms to raise and made his skin crawl.

He looked at the arrows and blinked, turning his eyes purple with his mana-sight – a spell that allows him to see slightly into the abyss and view the arcane.

Buildings, trees, rocks, even the people here faded away before his eyes. In their places, mana in its raw and unrestrained form replaced everything of the physical realm.

The ground is still there, obviously stemming with mana. The mana outline of trees, animals, humans, as well as certain objects radiates with all colours tinged with the signature purple of the arcane.

The hue indicates the type of magic, and the more magical something is, the brighter its glow.

Above them, five hundred arrows appeared like orbs of sun, almost instantly blinding Exterminus the moment he activated his ocular spell.

He hurriedly deactivated his spell, fearing his eyes would be burnt out in their sockets.

Tears of blood fell from his eyes.

This is the first time he had faced such a potent magical energy. Each arrow held the mana that can power all five hundred arrows.

But what is more alarming is the purity and concentration from within each of them.

Mana comes from the life energy that seeped into the air, the ground, and the waters from living beings. As all life come in different size and colours, so are mana a swirl of chaotic mix.

When mages cast their spells, the magic circle is used to draw out the type of energy required but this does not mean that the mana they use is pure.

Most spells only need the required type to be the majority of the mana to be usable. Sometimes, in a single fireball spell, over thirty kinds of power are used, while the related heat, fire, and air elements may take up only two or three out of the thirty odd portions. Any less and the spell will fizzle out.

Of course, the other mana used will still fuel the spell but the mages regard them as impurities.

Though Exterminus only took one glance, the arrows that Kairos summoned had very clean colours which means that the type of mana used are refined to a frightening degree.

It isn’t that regular mages do not want to use mana as pure as this, but not many can. To extract the required mana types, the mage needs to have the affinity for them. Unfortunately, even exceptional spellcasters will end up with impurities in their magic because the chaotic swirl of raw mana is so closely intertwined. To purify it further talent in more than one area is unavoidable. In fact, the more affinities, and more attuned to each type, the purer the mana a spellcaster can extract.

Sometimes, in an area where the raw mana is made up of very few types and the mage’s talent coincides, it is possible to release magic very close to its ideal quintessential conception.

However, that is not the case right now.

In a city where many races and creatures live, the mana is remarkably chaotic. Besides the living things in this place, the dwarven mountain itself is filled with ancient wild magic.

He blinked away the tears in his eyes and looked at the arrows again. Looking at their crude forms, his lips twitched in annoyance and ridicule. If those arrows are made from iron, it will be iron of the highest grade, pounded into densely compacted forms but forged by amateur hands into crooked shapes with blunted heads.

Instead of darting straight and piercing through flesh and armour, they will twirl around in the air and land on their targets like little hammers.

Unfortunately, even if they are misshapen, it will still be dangerous to be caught in a rain of such arrows. The victim might survive longer, but just imagining the result caused shivers down his spine.

Proficiency with the spell circle makes the shape, while affinity determines the purity and concentration.

Faced with this attack that has purity and mana concentrations at levels higher than anything seen or heard before, Exterminus should be trembling.

Yet, the make of this spell is simply too miserable.

The archer could see weakness in every part of its structure and feel that it isn’t impossible to counter. Once again, he steeled his heart and did not flee.

Strangely, the regret he buried in his heart stirred.

Feeling Relestia’s quivering has stopped, Kairos slightly released her from his embrace.

Alas, the gentleman met a rogue.

The princess is not about to let Kairos off the hook. She cast off the royal etiquettes and grabbed him back into the embrace and whispered, “Don’t leave me here on Axis alone. I… I don’t know how to go home.”

Although she did not complete her words with what she was actually thinking of, her intentions are clear as day.

A warmth seeped into Kairos’ heart. The simplicity of this moment made it all the more beautiful.

He nodded and promised quietly, “I won’t.”

Then, the two parted but remained hand in hand.

Kairos Astroire, barely days older than seventeen, felt the first time in his life protective over someone. It is vastly different from how he can entrust his life with his buddies and comrades-in-arms. Likewise, different from the care, trust, and reliance towards Vouno or the companionship with Aisa.

It was a swirl of emotions not any less messy than raw mana.

Needless to say, his partner, the little princess of Saint Empire was feeling exactly the same.

A furious red glow flashed across her eyes.

Those that wants to harm the home of her heart should not continue to exist.

Unconsciously, Kairos tightened his grip on her hand and whispered, “Do not worry, no one can harm us. You should see how we conquered the Ku Kang Plateau. Everyone thought it was impossible, and we accomplished before the season changed what they couldn’t for millenniums.”

This is the first time Kairos tried to reassure someone. His face blushed but he made a serious expression as if to say ‘trust me’.

The red glow in her eyes softened, but she stood resolutely against the archer and anyone who dares raise their blades at Kairos, “I won’t let them take you away.”

As if to cover up his bashfulness, Kairos coughed and quickly looked at Exterminus asking, “This spell of yours, does it have a name?”

The archer felt that he is going to get a stroke and die.

This bountiful of lovey-dovey from Kairos and Relestia is smeared thickly onto his eyes and stuffed into his ears. This shameless couple. Is it such a big deal you have a loving partner?

Is it such a great thing you have to show off in front of me?

At least I am a Circle 9 Arcane Archer, I have many great mansions under my name, countless servants and money that cannot be used finished!

Wuu wuuu wuuuuu… Exterminus sobbed, feeling that his heart hurts a little.

“It is called the Arrow Tempest,” he said listlessly.

The rain of death, the army decimator, the ghost maker.

This legendary spell has many titles given to it from fearful souls that witness its destruction, but the most suitable name he felt is the Arrow Tempest, a simple name that fortunately he took the dibs on before some other inventor took it.

Heaven knows how many appeals were sent claiming that a magic spell should not use ‘Arrow’ as its core naming basis.

Even Magic Arrow had the word ‘Magic’ to indicate its proper classification.

He suddenly felt slightly proud that he is the creator and owner of such a spell. A medal those of the elven race fancied.

Kairos nodded cheerfully.

From now on he can use the Arrow Tempest – Mirrored – Spell.

Exterminus did not ask how Kairos replicated his magic because it is pointless to do so. No sane mage will reveal their secrets.

On the other hand, even if Kairos explained step by step what he did, no one here can learn it.

Using his Veritable Sight that can see through all illusions and the flow of energy, Kairos could understand the structure of a spell instantly. When he upgraded his ocular skill into Heavenly Sight that allows him to better see indicators and structural focal points of all Ki, Mana, or Physical combat techniques, Kairos realised that this might not only be a supportive spell.

The first active usage of the Heavenly Sight was soon developed. Kairos created a spell that made use of the information from the Veritable Sight and the classification from the Heavenly Sight to reverse engineer magic that he see.

This spell he named the Mirror Field can analyse any combat techniques, be it Ki, Physical Arts, or Spells, as long as his eyes can see the entire execution process. Different from his father, Vouno’s Chaos Sea Cultivation Method that completely engulfs energy techniques and stores it entirely, whatever he saw, he can learn it and make it his own. Granted, without the concept behind the techniques’ development and proper experience, the result will be inferior – just like why the Arrow Tempest he copied is merely a-fifth of the original’s strength.

The only exception to the Mirror Field, Kairos speculates, are Soul Arts – a mysterious and devastating type of skill that Kairos only dabbled in slightly thanks to Aisa’s teachings.

Of course, certain techniques that must be executed according to situation cannot be copied unless Kairos sees every single variation.

Naturally Exterminus did not know about the Mirror Field.

Decidedly not fleeing, he chanted softly below his breath, “Mana creations, I summon thee. Come forth the otherworld’s me, Maan C’ Ien tors De Vat!”

Around him, a dozen shadows made of dark magic seeped up from the ground. Black and purplish because of the tainted mana, they gathered into quivering mounds and slowly grew into barely human broken forms. Strange whisperings and eerie cries escaped their throats. Gaps formed at the part where their mouths should be, ripping open and stretching in all directions. A revolting and sickly thick presence washed over those in the area. Very quickly the shades seemed to stabilise and slowly turn into solid forms exactly like Exterminus’ figure.

Their facial features became defined as if a potter finished his final touches, each of them a perfect replication of the archer’s face.

Like dolls, those ‘creatures’ slowly opened their eyes.

Their pupils narrowed to a point, then all at once, every single one of them looked towards Kairos.

These beings smiled all at once, then out of thin air, bows appeared in their hands.

Of course, their weapons are summoned using mana, but their looks are no different from actual crafted ones.

Kairos took one look at this spell and realised that wicked spirits were drawn into solidified mana and chained to become puppets.

Each of them are strong enough to match the strength of mana given them and will do Exterminus’ bidding until dismissed.

They are able to use all of the archer’s skills and even some of the powerful self-harming techniques that he would otherwise be unwilling to use.

In return, the spirits – wandering vengeful ghosts of the deceased – will be able to tether to him and absorb some of his life force.

Spirits that came from below the ground are filled with ghastly underworld yin. They have no future nor potential, and are doomed to scream soundlessly for all eternality.

Natural Yang like the sun and the vitality of living things are both attractive and destructive to them.

However, if a ghost could procure some yang, their yin could grow and make them stronger.

Furthermore, to glance the techniques of a Circle 9 Arcane Archer is just as alluring.

Of course, as one of the top fighters of this realm, Exterminus did not care that for a few apparitions. His life force is exceptionally strong and will erode the chains that allows spectres near him and eventually they will all fade away or be erased.

Kairos, however, shook his head. It is too arrogant for one to think he is above those from the spirit realm. At least the devils that came from the astral was enough to terrorise the three realms that made even godlings fear.

With five hundred arrows still hovering above him, Kairos snapped his finger again.

This time, a hundred glowing orbs floated out from his body.

Just like the shadows that Exterminus summoned, those spheres grew and solidified. However, the process was not unnatural and revolting but gave off a sense of consecrated saintliness that washed away everyone’s darkness.

Even Relestia who is undergoing her trial felt her heart lightened, as she took another step firmly forward.

Her thoughts to eradicate all who stood between her and happiness disappeared like the mist before the morning sun.

Her pursuit did not stop, nor did her goals change, but she felt strong… risen above her obstacles.

The one she looked up to, Kairos Astroire, had always faced his foes while standing high above them. No matter how powerful they seemed, he always manages to outclass all that dared point their knives at him.

He is like the single candle flame. No matter how vast the darkness is, they cannot extinguish light.

Relestia, too, wanted to be like him. The more she knows him, the more she wants to go closer. Therefore, she cannot allow herself to fall into darkness.

At this time, a terrible screech came from within the princess.

The death throes of an enraged unholy creature.

Relestia had unknowingly reached the final step of her trial, and she affirmed her heart and took the straight path.

In an instant, she too had received Heavenly Dao like Kairos and his brothers.

The devil that had gambled everything and all its plans failed. It could not accept this result. It had done everything to corrupt her, never did it expect to fail at the last part.

It felt its soul shatter, turning into powerless tiny bits. Souls can never be destroyed, not even by Kairos who is destined to vanquish evil.

Yet, there is something worse than destruction. A state of eternal feebleness and complete helplessness that can make the strongest devil beg for mercy.

Time in itself is a punishment.

Time did not exist before the world was created.

It is formed so that some creatures may forever regret their wickedness.

Therefore, Time has always been relative.

This devil, knowing its ending, roared impotently at Relestia.

Then, with its last strength it cursed, “With my last power, you will always be drawn to evil, to be curious about the darkness. It will seduce you, it will tempt you, and it will try to claim you. Struggle, sweat, but never let your guard down. In my eternal tomb I will await you.”

As it spoke its last words, the devil prepared to completely fade into the void. It had been hurt gravely by the many sanctification spells casted on it before and decided to bet all its last powers by corrupting the girl whose soul is pure. Alas its plans were unwrought and its powers spent.

Suddenly, the world greyed.

Everything froze, even the playful wind and the stirring leaves.

In this world, only this devil with a last breath frozen in its throat and one other person could move.

Kairos Astroire turned around facing Relestia.

With golden eyes that shone like fiery suns, he looked straight through her at the devil about to fade away.

The soul parasite burned as it saw his eyes, then it heard his words.

“Evil will always try to cling to her heels, but I shall make its days short and blessings long. Darkness will try to claim her, but I will come for her and snatch her away from your grasp. And you will regret your words, as all who tried to harm her shall.

For you were unwilling to grant her peace, you shall have no rest.”

The devil that burned felt the fire worm into its soul, restoring it and destroying it, forming a perfect perpetual cycle.

Alas, it faded to a place no one could find, and there it continued to scream soundlessly.