Golden Cicada nodded. “Yes. It was Zeke who partnered with Phoenix to slaughter my Centuria. He is undoubtedly
our greatest foe, but he is nothing compared to this powerful and mysterious warrior who just so happens to be at
odds with him. He had promised to help us get rid of Zeke. Without Zeke, the Southern Faction is a tiger without
teeth. We don't have to be afraid of them!”
Hearing that, everyone relaxed. “It's good to know that we have a warrior on our side. Commander Golden Cicada,
let's make haste and launch our attack. The moon is at its brightest so the condition is ideal for a successful attack.
Let's act now!”
Golden Cicada gave a curt nod. “Let's set out!”
Back in the Southern Faction's base, Zeke was being taught how to refine spiritual iron by Draco in the comfort of
his own room.
He was engrossed in learning when he sensed a faint, yet palpable, negative energy radiating in his direction, which
he found to be strangely suspicious.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAt once, Zeke's energy targeted the negative energy as he sneered, “Ha! Just look at that! I was just wondering
how I was going to find you, and here you are. You've saved me a lot of trouble.”
He “kept an eye” on the negative energy.
The negative energy crept slowly, as if it had a mind of its own, inching closer and closer to an unsuspecting guard,
trying to make its way into his body.
Before it could do that, Zeke channeled his energy into an intangible, yet powerful hammer and struck at the
negative energy with considerable force.
At once, the negative energy dissipated and nearly became transparent.
Shocked, it quickly made its retreat.
Zeke rushed out of his room to track it down. “B*stard! Stop right there! Don't you try to escape!”
The negative energy retreated with haste while Zeke went after it.
Half an hour later, the negative energy entered a dense forest and slowed down suddenly.
Without hesitation, Zeke shot out a burst of energy and destroyed the negative energy completely.
He then glanced around to locate the master of the negative energy.
Suddenly, an ethereal voice tinkled above him, laughing. “Zeke, it has been a while since we last met!”
Zeke didn't bother responding and glanced around warily.
“Zeke, it has been a long and arduous battle between us, so I think it is time to put an end to it. Take this!”
With that, a strong burst of negative energy surged in the air and suppressed Zeke.
Zeke immediately turned on his heels and fled the scene.
Erebus, who was hiding on a tree, couldn't help but gape in disbelief at the sight of Zeke running away.
Something doesn't seem right. I know Zeke well. Even if he knows he is no match for me, he wouldn't escape! Why
did he just run away without hesitation? The negative energy I released wasn't strong enough to harm him.
Erebus' goal was to draw Zeke over and hold him there so the Northern Faction could kill those from the Southern
Faction.
Since Zeke didn't fall for his trap and escaped instead of engaging in a battle with him, Erebus couldn't help but
wonder if Zeke had learned about his plan to stall for time.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHow did my plan get leaked? I must go after him!
However, Erebus hesitated before doing so.
Could it be part of Zeke's plan to pretend to escape? What if I fall for his trap if I were to go after him recklessly?
Erebus couldn't make up his mind.
After running away, Zeke realized Erebus didn't come after him and halted in his tracks to catch his breath.
He slowly took off his mask, and the face that was revealed was not Zeke's—it was Sole Wolf's.
In actuality, Sole Wolf was posing as Zeke. The real Zeke was still within the Southern Faction.
Sole Wolf turned over his shoulder to look at the tranquil expanse behind him, his voice a faint whisper as he
prayed, “Elder Erebus, don't give up on me. I'm not that far ahead, and I'm sure you can catch up.”
At long last, as “Zeke” had anticipated, a wave of negative energy quickly cascaded toward him.
Sole Wolf left a trace on the ground and sprinted away.
He did so because he was afraid the negative energy couldn't catch up to him.
At the border of the Southern Faction, guards were strategically stationed every fifty meters apart in order to
ensure the safety and security of the area.