“N-no way… it’s you!”

As Asa observed the being’s appearance, especially his face, he had no doubt in his mind as pertaining to this stranger’s identity

There was no way someone like him would be forgotten by the young boy.

“Y-you… you’re Lord Vaizer, aren’t you! Vaizer the Azure Dragon Of Crimson!”

Upon hearing this statement, the horned man stopped in his tracks and observed Asa. A smile crept up on his face instantly.

“Oh? It seems I have yet to be forgotten by my people.”

Asa couldn’t believe his eyes. He was standing before a legend… one who was said to be unrivaled before his father became Beast King.

An invincible Beast King in his own right… Vaizer the Draconic Warrior!

“T-this is Vaizer?” A hushed voice proceeded from Aloe’s lips as she stared at Asa, and then at Maro.

If Asa was right, and the men indeed responded to that name, it would mean his identity was the former Beast King. However, that would also mean…

“… He’s a member of the Cult.”

Asa snapped from his awe and glanced to his side. He noticed his comrades glaring at the one known as Vaizer, and it also started to dawn on him too.

“A-ah, sorry guys.” The boy muttered, flushed with slight embarrassment.

“Hahahaha! It looks like you know already. Very good. It makes this much easier and less awkward.”

Once the Beastfolk before them erupted in laughter, the three had to give all their attention to him.

Not only because of the dangerous energy he emitted, but because of the dangerous task he must have been entrusted with… the Arcanas.

“Just give it up. You can’t win.” He, having noticed their hesitance, responded with a wide grin.

His sharp teeth went on display, and a very bloodlusted gleam flashed from his eyes. Anyone could tell he meant business.

His sudden appearance, the immediate execution of their clones, and now his demand. It was plain to the three at this point.

“He’s the one, all right. What should we do, Maro?” Aloe glanced at her most reliable partner when it came to these things.

However—

“I… urgh…”

“Maro!”

The man collapsed. Fortunately, Aloe had noticed sooner, and she was fast enough to catch him.

She swiftly held his body, feeling it shiver in her grasp.

‘He… I see, the Mana Pressure.’ Her eyes widened upon realization.

Maro was the weakest among everyone in the room, in terms of Mana quality and Magic ability.

‘Why didn’t I realize sooner?’ The young woman bit her lip slightly.

“He fell rather quickly. Just how weak is he, to be affected by my Mana Pressure already?” Vaizer’s response angered Aloe, but she maintained her cool.

Placing the man’s body on the ground, she covered him with Light Magic. Not only would her Mana protect Maro from the adverse effects of the pressure, but it would allow him to recuperate.

“I don’t know why you bother with dregs like that. He’s weak, you know? I can sense that you’re strong, at least. Why waste time on someone like tha—?”

“Would you shut up, please?” Aloe Vida’s lips curled up in a dangerous smile, and her eyes sharply glared at the draconic beastfolk.

It felt like she was slowly snapping, and Asa beside her could also sense the same thing. The look in her eyes made it obvious—so much so that if scared the young one.

‘Miss Vida is upset. I’ve never seen her upset.’

The young lady stepped forward, her focused eyes remaining on her target.

“You’re a feisty one. Very well. I also believe in letting abilities do the talking, however…” Vaizer’s eyes narrowed as his grin widened.

“… I can promise you loss of you fight with me. You’re not strong enough to—”

>WHOOOOOSSSSHHHH<

In a flash—literally—Aloe lunged at her opponent.

Light surged from her body as she transcended the barriers of normal speed. With her fist thrust to give a deafening punch, she poured her Mana and—

>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!<

The environment echoed in shock, sending the echoes of the impact flying all around. The shockwaves devastated the area of impact—ice shattered and broke apart like rocks.

“Haha, see? Not string enough!” Vaizer’s voice surged through the air as he caught her blow with ease.

Even if his surrounding quaked due to the pressure, he seemed completely fine. He hadn’t even budged from his position in the slightest.

“I gave you your warning. Now… it’s time to make good on my word.”

“Y—”

Vaizer made his move—much faster than Aloe could perceive—and sent his blow flying in her direction.

In one swift attack, he aimed to blow her head apart, killing her instantly.

“Die.”

>WHOOOOOSSSSHHHH<

A sudden gust appeared beside him, and his body was slowly enveloped in thick ice.

“Huh?”

Fortunately, this distraction allowed Vida to break free, quickly retreating backwards.

>SHWOOSSHH<

She seemingly teleported back to her previous position, only to meet Asa appearing from thin air as he undid his invisibility.

“Thanks for back there.” She whispered to him.

Of course, Aloe meant what happened to Vaizer earlier. Asa had a specialty of using Ice and Water Magic. Sure, he was a Beastfolk, and they generally didn’t utilize Magic.

However, after Jared had observed his talents and the special Null ability in his possession, he decided to teach him some Magical arts.

Fortunately, he had an affinity for it.

“No problem. But you have to be very careful, Miss Vida. This one… he’s very strong.” The person Asa was referring to was Vaizer, who simply stood still and broke apart the ice that seemingly chained him down.

If the boy hadn’t used his Null to blend with the surroundings and attack Vaizer, there was no way he could have succeeded.𝑶𝔳𝗅xt.𝕔𝒐𝕞

‘He won’t be so easy to catch next time.’ Asa also thought.

Things had just gotten much more difficult.

“I’m sorry… it’s because of my selfishness that—”

“Miss Vida, please stop.” Asa gave a slight frown.

For a moment, the young lady was stunned. It had been a while that Asa had shown her this face.

‘… Asa?’