It was shocking, but Rex shook that moment off his mind as there was nothing he could do.

No need for him to worry about something that was way out of his hands.

Despite how unexpected and terrifying that moment was, for that Executor to sense them probing the past like that, there's still no direct contact. He didn't attack Rex and Kei Xun, but only gave a warning that he would not stand being probed again.

Rex wasn't that worried about what happened.

Considering the method of contact, there should be no chance for the Executor to attack him right now.

In fact, Rex was rather thankful for what the Executor did.

Above all, that incident reminded him that there are still many enemies out there that he needed to deal with before the pack and the people he cared for can finally be safe. Healing Nivellen would not be the finish line; there's still more.

Rex exhaled roughly through his nostrils.

Just the thought of his enemies alone—the Lunirich Gods, the Fourthborn, the Angels, and, along with more unfinished businesses he made along the way and that lie in the future—such as the approaching catastrophe made his head throb.

Seems like I can't meet you guys soon. But don't worry, the story I'd bring will be spectacular.

As he thought of that, he could feel fingers grasping his chin.

Before she could react properly, Kei Xun already forced him to look at her with a gentle pull.

Both of their eyes met squarely.

"Do you understand now?" Kei Xun asked, the streaming dark blue lines that marked the activation of her Invincible Apparition's power flowed harder—amplified by her won, real tears. "Just stop here while you still have the choice… still have a chance…"

Rex's expression tensed as he stared at Kei Xun's face, which was filled with worry and anguish.

It was almost like she was looking at a stubborn man who voluntarily walked towards death.

He wanted to believe that the concern etched on her face was fake.

A fluke to make him drop his guard, since after all, their first encounter wasn't that pleasant.

But for some reason, Rex felt like her emotions were genuine.

Is she really warning me not to continue on this path? Why? She had shown me what would happen to the Scions that couldn't succeed through—the Great Filter solely because of our deal, right? Why does she care that much about me?

Even from the start, Rex knew that Kei Xun was hiding more things.

She has an ulterior motive.

Deciding to help him learn more about being a Scion out of nowhere for the sake of letting bygones be bygones is hardly believable. Kei Xun was far stronger than Rex, which was blatantly clear, so she, right now, has the upper hand against him.

Only a fool would think she had no ulterior motive for offering the deal that benefited Rex more.

Rex was sure about that since if he were in her position, he would do the complete opposite.

He would be the one asking for compensation to let bygones be bygones.

She did abruptly leave back then… Is she in trouble? But still, that doesn't explain her worry.

"Every step ahead of you can only be paved with blood and death," Kei Xun said softly, her voice rich with sorrow and quiet strength. "The Highseat of Invincibility shaped this path to break Scions, to test their will, to test how badly the Scions wanted to reach the apex. No light, no mercy—only suffering. I can tell that you understand this perfectly."

She cupped Rex's face gently between her palms as she floated before him.

Her flames didn't burn him; it was warm and pleasant.

"Let me help you walk away from this race, Rex. Please." Her voice was breaking—sad to see another one falling into this hellhole that has no end in sight. "There are other roads to face your burdens. Other roads that won't destroy you."

Naturally, her words were pleasing to hear.

Another road that would destroy him sounded a lot better than the road Rex was walking on right now.

But even then, Rex's heart never wavered.

Nevertheless, he could help but ask the question that lingered in his mind.

"How do I leave this path?" He asked.

Upon hearing this, a surprised glint crossed Kei Xun's eyes, but she quickly recovered.

"Just say that you wanted to abandon this path, and I'll help you get rid of it. I can call someone to take the Highseat of Invincibility's attention from you," She answered, smiling assuringly. "You can end this suffering. All you need to do is say the words."

Just then, Rex smirked inside.

He got the answer he wanted, and that's enough.

Pulling away, Rex pivoted around and took a couple of steps away—his back facing Kei Xun.

"Even if I do that, my current enemies wouldn't stop."

"I can help you deal with them. Let me help you, and you can leave this all behind."

"Sadly, I can't trust you. And I have things that I need to do."

All the excitement that could be seen clearly on her face was drained completely as she realized that it wasn't that easy to change Rex's mind. But then again, she wasn't expecting it to be easy, as every single Scion has their own story that pushed them into this path.

Rex has it, and she also has it.

"Besides, I'm more than a Human…"

"Hmm?"

Kei Xun blinked and focused on Rex's back, tilting her head in confusion.

It was then that Rex turned, each movement deliberate—almost theatrical in its slowness. His crimson eyes burned with a savage hunger, malice, and bloodlust coiling within their depths like a living thing. The line of his lips, usually cold and still, twisted upward into a grin so sharp and wicked it felt less like a smile and more like a predator baring its fangs.

A promise of violence and carnage yet to come.

One so wicked that Kei Xun's brows dipped into a wary frown.

"Did you forget? I'm also a Werewolf," Rex said, his smile grew more maniacal. "I'm made for this."

Upon hearing this, Kei Xun's eyes widened slightly before she sighed.

No use in saying anything more at this point.

I can't show weakness. Rex thought firmly. Besides, it's not entirely a lie.

"Bring me back," Rex turned again and crossed his arms. "I still have to deal with a rat."

Even though this visit was sudden, it was nonetheless fruitful—Rex now knew what to expect from the Great Filter and the weight it bore upon the Scions. He'd been reminded of the enemies lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike, and, more importantly, he also had learned that the 'connection' a Scion has to the Highseat of Invincibility could be absorbed or devoured.

But what good does it bring? Does it improve their Absolute Effect? Hmm, I still need to probe more.

Regardless of that, from how she talked, it seemed her connection was already taken.

It was probably why the System didn't recognize her as a rival to invincibility—when even the Fifthborn had been recognized. Which means… she's under someone. Rex's lips twitched—into a subtle, inward smirk. I don't know yet if that Scion ordered Kei Xun to make this move… or if she is playing her own dangerous game. Either way, this is a start.

Now, the veil had begun to be lifted enough for Rex to glimpse what was hidden behind it.

A good progress that he'd take with open arms.

"Fine," Kei Xun shrugged her shoulders, seemingly undisturbed by his decision. "I'll wait for the day that I can bury you, then. Very soon, you'll be a dead man."

"I appreciate the concern, but I'm not planning to die yet." Rex cackled as he watched Kei Xun float above, preparing to send him back to where she had kidnapped him from. "Oh, by the way, I have one last question."

Rex turned to look at her, "Did you call me here because you knew my turn was approaching?"

"Yes," Kei Xun nodded. "And I'll be watching."

Once again, Rex's entire body burned in flames as he was teleported out of the Sun Domain.

Soon enough, Rex blinked his eyes and realized that he was back to reality again—time was still slowed down around him—but it was gradually returning back to normal. As he waited for time to turn back to normal, he looked at the other side, at Haxel.

Chances are, the Great Filter would be tied to his plan.

Rex's eyes squinted, staring at Haxel intensely.

Since the threat level stated in the Killing Intent quest was very high, it must be. No doubt about it.

Swish!

"What's this?" Ethan smacked his lips—uncomfortably. "What's this taste in my mouth? It almost felt like I ate burning coal."

"Bleh…" April also took out her tongue, tasting the same thing. "It's bitter."

Seeing them tasting something bad, Rex raised a brow, knowing that it must be Kei Xun's doing.

Even though she could summon him like that and even slow down the time, an ability that allowed her to talk with anyone without worry—it has its own side effects. And from the looks of it, the side effect was quite evident.

"Focus," Rex muttered, looking ahead again. "We can't let our guard down."

Hearing this, Ethan nodded and went ahead to manage the legions.

Since he now knew that Haxel was the traitor and would certainly do something to sabotage the mission, he decided to focus hard on the legion and let Rex focus on anticipating whatever Haxel was planning to do along the way.

It was the best course of action from his point of view, and he's not wrong.

"Oh, I saw Princess Davina was looking at you earlier, before we departed, like she had something to say. What's that about?" Rex asked, noticing Princess Davina's gaze lingering longer than normal earlier, before they departed. "Did you give her the message?"

"Really? I didn't realize it." April shrugged. "As for the message, I told her exactly as you said."

"That's good." Rex nodded.

On the other hand, April was smirking inside as it was obvious to her that Princess Davina was pissed.

Earlier, when they were talking in secret, Princess Davina had urged her to stay close to the nobles and lend her support instead of sticking close to Rex—another watchful pair of eyes would be invaluable when facing a Voidal Monarch.

Yet now, despite that counsel, April stood at Rex's side.

Princess Davina was pissed, understandably, but April didn't care.

'Don't be mad at me, princess,' April covered her mouth with her hand and sneered, finding delight in stressing Princess Davina. 'It was Rex himself who asked me to stay close to him, so how can I refuse him? Besides, you're not worthy to stand beside him just because of your reputation and status.'

"What are you smiling for?"

Rex's voice snapped her out of her daze.

She quickly shook her head and smiled, "Nothing. I'm not smiling."

"Hmm," Rex hummed, though there was doubt in his eyes.

Just then, April stumbled in her steps.

Rex immediately caught her waist before she could fall in reflex, his eyebrows raised.

"What's wrong?"

"It's fine…"

Her words didn't sound convincing at all.

Rex squinted his eyes and remembered that she had done something extreme not too long ago.

"Did you forget to replenish your life energy?" He asked, remembering that she had only made her own Spiritual Vessel, imbalanced. A bold and extreme move on her part. "You need a lot to sustain your strength. I can give you some of mine."

"No, you don't have to. My body is still adjusting to it." April pulled away and stood on her own.

She raised her hand in an assuring gesture, telling Rex that she was fine.

Rex looked at her smile and shook his head.

"Say, you haven't explained to me why you made the decision to alter your Spiritual Vessel. You say that it's because of me, but I seriously doubt it."

"Well, you are a part of the reason, but not all. It's because of my grandfather…"

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