Once the house settled into its familiar quiet, Levi took a deep breath and headed to his training room.

This was his sanctuary a place filled with the remnants of his training, where he had honed his skills and pushed his limits.

He had designed it to maximize his training, but it lacked the mana stones.

Mana stones were rare, and Levi had to be prudent with their use, especially now that Elora needed to absorb mana to recover.

As he entered the training room, Levi's gaze fell upon Elora, who was meditating in the center of the space.

The ethereal glow that usually dimmer but it's bright today, a testament to her need for mana vain injury.

Levii sees she almost absorbed the mana stone, and mana vain recoverd a bit. She looks better than before.

She just needs a boot to fully absorbed the mana stone, Levi took a seat nearby, hoping to lend her some of his energy through their bond.

He closed his eyes and focused on channeling his mana toward her, feeling the familiar warmth radiate between them.

The connection was fragile, but he felt it strengthen as he concentrated.

However, just as he began to relax into the meditative state, a shiver of unease coursed through him.

Levi opened his eyes, scanning the room. The sensation of being watched returned, stronger than before.

Just as he dismissed it as paranoia, a figure emerged from the shadows a cloaked figure dressed entirely in black, the hood concealing their face.

Levi's heart raced as the intruder stepped forward, a confident aura radiating from them.

He instinctively took a defensive stance, prepared for a fight.

"Who are you?" Levi demanded, his voice steady despite the growing unease in his gut. "What do you want?"

The figure chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that echoed ominously in the training room.

"I am known as Zarek," the intruder replied, his voice smooth yet threatening.

"I've come to deliver a message to hand over someone one… but I didn't think I will find what I was looking for.

"Levi echoed incredulously, eyes narrowing. "What could you possibly want?"

Zarek shifted slightly, the fabric of his cloak swirling around him as if alive.

"I seek the gatekeeper, Elora. Hand her over, and I assure you, no harm will come to you."

Levi's blood ran cold. "You think I'd just hand her over? You must be out of your mind."

Zarek raised a hand, his voice calm and calculated. "You misunderstand my intentions, Levi.

I am not here to kill you or to engage in senseless violence. My mission is straightforward.

If you cooperate, I promise to leave without further conflict."

"And if I refuse?" Levi challenged, muscles tensing as he prepared for the worst.

Zarek's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of amusement crossing his features.

"Then we will have to see just how strong you've become. I would rather not fight you, but I will if necessary."

Levi's heart raced. He knew that this was more than a simple confrontation; this was a threat that loomed over not just him, but Elora and his siblings as well.

"Elora!" he called, hoping she could hear him even in her focused state. "We have company!"

As Zarek prepared to unleash another wave of dark energy, Levii turned his attention back to the intruder. "I won't let you take her!"

"Very well, then," Zarek replied, shrugging off Levi's declaration. "I anticipated this response."

With that, the atmosphere shifted, thickening with tension.

Levi's instincts kicked in, and without hesitation, he lunged at Zarek, channeling mana into his fists.

He had faced foes stronger than himself before, but the threat of Zarek was different.

He could feel the weight of the impending fight, a gravity that pulled at him.

Zarek sidestepped Levi's initial attack with effortless grace, his movements fluid and precise.

"You're quick, but speed alone won't be enough," he taunted, striking out with a dark tendril that emanated from the depths of his cloak.

Levi barely dodged, feeling the rush of air as the tendril sliced past him, sharp as a blade.

Levi's mind raced as he refocused, scanning for weaknesses. He couldn't let Zarek overwhelm him.

He launched into a series of attacks, combining his speed with his space control. Levi distorted the space around him, creating openings and bending the trajectory of his punches.

With each strike, he aimed to break through Zarek's defenses.

Zarek responded with counterattacks that were both swift and devastating.

He wielded dark energy like a weapon, using it to reinforce his defenses and strike back.

Levi found himself on the defensive more often than he liked, dodging and weaving as Zarek's attacks came at him like a storm.

"You're strong for a child," Zarek remarked, his voice surprisingly calm amidst the chaos. "But your technique is lacking.

You need to learn control there's more to combat than just raw power."

Levi's frustration boiled beneath the surface, fueling his desire to prove himself.

He refused to back down, even as the fight escalated. "I won't let you take Elora!" he shouted, determination surging within him.

As the fight continued, Levi felt the mana around him responding to his emotions.

He channeled that energy, drawing upon the very essence of the training room.

With a burst of focus, he unleashed a concentrated wave of mana that surged forward, seeking to overwhelm Zarek.

Zarek smirked, extending a hand to absorb the attack. "Impressive, but futile."

He redirected the energy, sending it back at Levi. Caught off guard, Levi staggered backward, barely managing to deflect the incoming surge.

Regaining his balance, Levi's mind raced with strategies. He couldn't let Zarek get the upper hand.

He needed to find a way to outsmart him, to turn the tide in his favor.

"Elora!" he called again, desperation creeping into his voice. "I need your help!"

In response, Levi felt a flicker of energy behind him. Elora, having sensed the disturbance, emerged from the training room, her eyes wide with concern.

"Levi!" she exclaimed, taking in the scene before her. "What's happening?"

"Zarek is trying to take you!" Levi shouted, sweat trickling down his brow. "We need to work together!"

"Levi, 'I' Elora began, but her words were cut off as Zarek seized the opportunity.

He lunged at her, dark tendrils reaching out like grasping claws.

"No!" Levi roared, rushing forward. He couldn't let Zarek lay a finger on Elora.

Just as he intercepted the attack, a searing pain shot through his shoulder as one of the dark tendrils found its mark.

He gasped, staggering back but refusing to fall.

"I won't let you go!" Levi grit his teeth, forcing himself to stand tall. The pain was sharp, but it fueled his determination.

He could feel Elora's energy fluctuating, and he knew she was still weak from her previous injuries.

Zarek's expression shifted from amusement to annoyance as he assessed the two of them. Experience exclusive tales on empire

"How quaint. You think you can defeat me together? Very well, let's see what you've got."

As Zarek prepared to unleash another wave of dark energy, Levi and Elora exchanged a quick glance, their resolve unyielding.

They would protect each other at all costs. Drawing upon their combined power, they launched an assault against Zarek, a coordinated attack fueled by determination.

Levi focused on his space control, manipulating the battlefield to create openings while Elora conjured powerful bursts of energy.

But as the clash began, Levi noticed something alarming Elora's movements were slow and sluggish, her energy wavering.

She was not fully recovered, and every blast of energy she sent out seemed to sap her remaining strength.

"Loira, are you okay?" Levi shouted over the chaos, concern flooding his mind.

"I'll be fine!" she insisted, though the strain in her voice betrayed her. "

Levi heart raced as he looked at Zarek, the looming threat before him.

The battle had escalated quickly, and he could feel the weight of their situation pressing down on him.

Every fiber of his being urged him to fight, but the pain in his shoulder throbbed painfully, a reminder of the dark tendril that had struck him moments ago.

Elora stood next to him, her aura flickering like a candle in the wind.

The worry etched across her face reflected his own fears.

They were at a significant disadvantage, and the urgency of their situation weighed heavily on him.

Levi reached into his pocket, pulling out the one-time healing item he had obtained during a level 80 mission.

It was a rare treasure, infused with powerful energy capable of restoring vitality.

"Elora!" he exclaimed, holding it out to her. "Use this. It'll help you recover."

Elora hesitated, her eyes scanning the item as if weighing its worth. "But Levi i, what about you? I can't let you sacrifice your resources for me."

"Just take it!" Levi insisted, pressing the item into her hands. "We need you at full strength. If you can regain your mana, we might stand a chance against Zarek."

Elora nodded, her resolve shining through her momentary doubt. She uncorked the healing item and lifted it to her lips, swallowing its contents in one swift motion.

Almost instantly, a soft glow enveloped her, and Levi could see the mana flowing through her, gradually stabilizing her energy levels.

"Let's check our statuses," Levi said, reaching out to the system interface that hovered in his mind. He focused, pulling up Elora's information.

Elora's Status:

Condition: Injured

Level: Unknown

Mana Vain Recovery: 10% ( 90% Damage)

Battle Power: Level 150

Levi's breath caught in his throat as he processed the information.

Despite being a custodian like himself, Elora was still at a significant disadvantage.

Zarek, on the other hand, was no ordinary opponent. Dabi quickly pulled up Zarek's status.

Zarek's Status:

Level: 188

Role: Servant of Unknown

Power Boost: By the Master

Levi's mind raced as he compared their levels and abilities.

Zarek was not only one rank above him but had an overwhelming level advantage as well.

He could feel the weight of the fight bearing down on him.

The stark realization that they were facing someone far stronger sent a chill down his spine.

"Elora," Levi began, trying to keep his voice steady, "Zarek is level 188.

He's an Abyssal Knight, which means he's skilled in battling within chaotic dimensions. We're going to have a tough fight ahead of us."

Elora's expression hardened, her determination resurfacing as she processed his words.

"I can handle it, Levi. But we need a strategy."

Levi nodded, appreciating her resolve. "Here's the rank system we should be aware of."

Rank System:

1. Gatekeeper (Level 50–99): Mastery over basic dimensions and portals. Ability to open and close minor gates and navigate simple dimensional spaces. Foundational skills in dimensional magic.

2. Rift walker (Level 100–149): Ability to traverse dimensional rifts with ease. Can manipulate dimensional energies to create paths through space, allowing for quicker travel and evasion.

3. Abyssal Knight (Level 150–199): Skilled in battling within the depths of dimensional chaos. Possess advanced combat techniques and are adept at surviving in hostile dimensions.

4. Master (Level 200–299): Command over complex dimensional energies. Can create and control advanced constructs and manipulate time and space to a greater extent.

5. Grandmaster (Level 300–399): Command over entire dimensions. Can reshape realms and influence their laws.

6. Voidbreaker (Level 400–499): Breaks through the void's boundaries, nearing transcendence. Manipulates chaotic energies.

7. Saint (Level 500+): Transcendent beings that can alter reality and possess mastery over all dimensions.

"Based on this system," Levi i continued, "Zarek is one rank higher than us.

Although your battle power is formidable, there's a significant level difference.

We need to play smart if we're going to win this fight."

"I understand, Levi i," Elora replied, her voice steady now, filled with newfound resolve.

"I'll hold my ground and support you. Together, we can take him down."

As Zarek watched them, a twisted smile played across his lips. "Are you two finished with your little pep talk? Because I've had enough of this banter."

His voice dripped with condescension, and Levi could see the flickers of dark energy beginning to swirl around him.

"We need to be careful," Levi whispered, watching Zarek closely. "He's ready to attack."

"Let's move!" Elora shouted, and they both sprang into action.

Levi charged forward, channeling mana into his fists. He aimed to close the distance between them and Zarek, hoping to land the first blow.

But Zarek was quick, his dark tendrils flaring to life as he countered Levi's approach.

Elora followed closely behind Levi, gathering energy for a supportive spell.

Her form flickered with light, and Levi could feel the warmth radiating from her as she prepared to unleash her power.

"Get ready!" Levi shouted as he launched a punch aimed at Zarek's face.

The tendril met him mid-air, colliding with his fist and sending shockwaves reverberating through his arm.

Levi staggered back, pain coursing through him, but he didn't let it stop him.

"Now, Elora!" he called, urging her forward.

With a quick motion, Elora unleashed a burst of mana energy toward Zarek.

It surged forward, illuminating the dimly lit room in a brilliant light.

Zarek was caught off guard for a moment, the energy slamming into him and sending him staggering back.

"Nice hit!" Levi cheered, adrenaline pumping through his veins.

But his celebration was short-lived as Zarek quickly regained his composure, shaking off the effects of the attack.

"Impressive, but you'll need more than that to defeat me!" Zarek snarled, his dark energy swirling ominously around him.

He thrust his hand forward, releasing a wave of chaotic energy that surged toward them.

"Dodge!" Levi yelled, and they both leaped to the side just in time.

The energy wave slammed into the wall, leaving a scorch mark that blackened the training room.

"We can't let him control the battlefield!" Levi shouted, determination igniting within him.

He could feel his mana reserves dwindling, but he refused to back down. "Elora, keep the pressure on! We need to push him back!"

Elora nodded, gathering her strength once more. "I'll try my best!"

With a fierce resolve, Levi moved in again, closing the distance. He ducked beneath a tendril aimed at him and delivered a swift kick to Zarek's midsection.

Zarek grunted, stumbling back but quickly retaliating with a dark arc that caught Levi off guard, throwing him against the wall.

Levi felt his breath escape him as he crashed into the solid surface, the impact reverberating through his body.

"Damn it," he muttered, forcing himself to stand.

He pushed against the wall, drawing on his remaining mana to stabilize himself.

"Levi!" Elora shouted, panic lacing her voice. "Stay focused! You need to "

"I know!" Levi snapped, cutting her off. "I just need a moment."

But Zarek wasn't waiting for them to regroup. He lunged forward, dark energy coalescing into a dagger-like form.

"Enough of this!" he roared, aiming directly for Elora.

"Loira, watch out!" Levi shouted, feeling the panic rise within him. He summoned what little mana remained to propel himself in front of her, ready to take the blow.

Suddenly, Elora's eyes blazed with determination. "I won't let you hurt him!" she shouted, her voice ringing with conviction.

Gathering the remnants of her strength, she unleashed a powerful beam of energy directly at Zarek, who was momentarily taken aback by her fierce resolve.

The beam struck Zarek squarely in the chest, knocking him back several paces.

"You little" he growled, struggling to regain his footing, but the attack had clearly injured him.

"Dabi, we're safe now!" Elora said, panting heavily. "We can turn this fight around!"

"Not so fast!" Zarek snarled, pushing himself back to his feet. "You think you can take me down with mere luck?"

Levi clenched his fists, his body trembling with exhaustion. "Elora, don't push yourself too hard," he warned, concern flooding his thoughts.

"You're still injured, and it's hard to find mana stones. They're costly, and using too much mana could damage your mana veins further."

"I know," she said, her voice wavering. "But we can't let him win. We have to end this fight."

Levi felt the weight of their predicament.

It was a delicate balance of power, and they were both teetering on the edge of defeat.

He looked at Elora, her determination fierce despite the toll the battle had taken on....

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