Dustin exhaled sharply, relief washing over him. He had finally dealt with it. Facing an opponent at his own level for the first time was no easy task.
Even stranger, there was some peculiar power inside Thymaleon’s body, much unlike a grandmaster’s internal energy. It was a completely different kind of energy, something that defied description. Either way, the threat was eliminated.
Footsteps sounded in the distance. Grace and the others emerged cautiously from the edge of the forest. Their eyes swept over the devastation, and fear lingered in their expressions.
The clash of lightning and sword aura had been so intense that even distant observers felt as if their hearts were being crushed.
As they approached the battlefield, they saw scorched earth still warm beneath their feet. The lake water along the shore had been stained red, and the metallic tang of blood hung in the air. Everything spoke silently of how brutal the fight had been.
Judith hurried to Dustin’s side. She stared at the scattered chunks of flesh on the ground, her voice still shaking.
“Mr. Rhys, who… Who was that man? How could he summon lightning and wield such terrifying power?”
She recalled the crane that had exploded into bloody mist. Even now, cold fear crawled down her spine. If Dustin hadn’t intervened, their entire group would already be dead at Thymaleon’s hands.
Dustin sheathed his sword and frowned.
“I don’t know his exact identity,” he replied. “But judging from his words and the nature of his power after he woke, he is most likely a guardian of Elysium Isle.”
“A guardian of Elysium Isle?” Grace repeated the words quietly, her delicate features growing serious.
She had to admit, Elysium Isle was crawling with danger. When they first landed on the western shore, they had come across a seemingly harmless field of pale pink flowers. The petals danced in the wind, releasing a sweet fragrance.
But two of their guards had accidentally inhaled just a few breaths and immediately froze in place. If they hadn’t been carrying antidote pills, both men would have died.
Last night, they heard children’s laughter echoing through the trees while camping in the woods. Following the sound, they found only a few plants called “Wailing Soul Grass” that could mimic human voices.
The sounds from the plants could trap people in illusions they couldn’t break free from. Even Grace had almost fallen for it. If Dustin hadn’t been there to protect them, they would all have become fertilizer.
“Elysium Isle is full of mysteries. No one knows what lies on the island,” Dustin warned.
He added, “We need to be even more careful. This place just witnessed a major battle. The fluctuations in spiritual energy will attract other dangerous creatures. We can’t stay here. We need to leave quickly and find somewhere hidden to make camp.
“Mr. Rhys, you’re right,” Grace agreed. She immediately ordered the guards to pack up the remaining supplies from their camp.
As Dustin turned to leave, his gaze drifted unconsciously toward the northeast. With his spiritual sense, he could clearly detect the location of Matthias’ group.
He had intervened for two reasons. First, he had sensed powerful fluctuations in energy. Second, he recognized Matthias and his two brothers.
Dustin had conned quite a bit of money and treasure from them in the past, which left him feeling slightly guilty Seeing them in danger now, lending a hand seemed harmless enough.
However, he had underestimated Thymaleon’s strength. If he had to choose again, he wasn’t sure he would interfere.
Once the camp was cleared, Grace’s group quickly departed. After everyone had gone and the sky darkened, the lakeside fell silent again.
Evening wind swept across the grass, lifting a few blood-stained leaves. They drifted to rest near the scattered remains of Thymaleon’s body. Then something bizarre happened.
Chunks of flesh and bone fragments, scattered on the ground and in the lake, began moving as if drawn by an invisible force. They slowly converged from all directions.
Small pieces of flesh stuck together first, followed by the bones. Even the fragments floating on the lake drifted toward shore with the current, merging into the body as it took shape.
Moonlight filtered through the trees, illuminating the form as it was reborn. Flesh and bone healed visibly. Skin grew over the skeleton. Torn fragments of his white robe came together, weaving back into complete garments.
About 15 minutes later, Thymaleon, whose body had been utterly obliterated by Dustin’s sword, now stood whole once more upon the scorched earth. Compared to before, his face was as pale as paper, and he looked completely drained.
The secret technique he had used to revive himself had nearly drained his vital essence. He wouldn’t be able to recover for at least ten years. It was a crushing humiliation.
“Just you wait,” Thymaleon muttered through clenched teeth, staring in the direction Dustin’s group had gone. Cold killing intent flashed in his eyes. “I will have my revenge for today’s disgrace.”
After a short rest, his form flickered. He became a beam of white light and vanished into the depths of the forest.
