The force that met the High Lord’s power did not waver. It held - firm and unyielding.

And then, it pushed back.

The corridor trembled as the two opposing energies clashed, distorting the very air between them. Warriors stumbled, forced to brace themselves against the pressure, their instincts screaming at them to either retreat... or submit.

But none of them moved. Because at the center of it all stood the High Lord. And opposite him stood the cloaked man.

For a long, suspended moment, neither side spoke. Then the High Lord’s low and controlled voice cut through the tension, heavy with recognition.

"...Carter Thown."

The name landed like a blow, and a ripple of shock and disbelief spread through the entire formation.

Every warrior present went still, their eyes locking onto the man standing at the far end of the corridor.

Some of them had studied his records while others had only heard stories. But every single one of them knew the name - Carter Thown - the most wanted man in the Magik Realm.

The traitor.

The fugitive who had vanished without a trace after slaughtering his own escort.

And now, he stood before them - alive, calm, and powerful enough to stop the High Lord himself.

One of the younger warriors whispered, almost breathless, "That’s... him?"

Another clenched his weapon tighter. "Impossible..."

But it wasn’t.

They were looking right at him.

Carter Thown tilted his head slightly, as if acknowledging the reaction. And then a faint smile touched his lips.

"So," he said, his voice smooth, almost amused. "You still remember me."

The High Lord’s gaze hardened. "You made sure of that."

A flicker of something unreadable passed through Carter’s eyes. Then it was gone.

"You have grown stronger," Carter observed casually. "Stronger than I remember."

"And yet," the High Lord replied, his voice edged with steel, "not enough to escape judgment."

A soft chuckle left Carter’s lips. "Judgment?" he repeated. "Is that what you call it?"

The tension snapped tighter.

Behind the High Lord, the warriors held their ground, but their focus had shifted entirely. This was no longer just a raid. This was a confrontation with a legend.

Outside the mountain, Grace stared at the projection. Her body had went still the moment she learned the identity of the cloaked man. And while her instincts had already screamed the truth at her, she still waited.

And then-

[Confirmation: Carter Thown has reached Supreme Warrior rank.]

2025’s voice echoed in her mind.

Grace’s jaw tightened slightly.

"So it’s true..." Davian murmured beside her.

Kian exhaled slowly, his gaze fixed on the screen. "That explains it."

Yes.

It explained everything - how he had blocked the High Lord’s power, how he had remained hidden for so long, and how he stood there now - unafraid, unmoved, completely in control.

He wasn’t just a fugitive anymore. He was an equal, and a man with real power. And that made this... dangerous.

Grace’s eyes narrowed slightly as she realized this was no longer a battle where victory was guaranteed.

This had become a war between two Supreme Warriors. And wars like that never ended cleanly.

Davian turned to her. "Are you going in?"

Grace remained silent for a moment... watching, analyzing. She felt the shifts in energy, the subtle patterns in Carter’s stance, the positioning of his forces.

Then, she slowly shook her head.

"Not yet."

Kian frowned slightly. "Why are-"

"He’s waiting," she said quietly.

That made both men pause.

"He’s too calm," she continued. "Too prepared. He knew we were coming. He set this up. And if he’s willing to face the High Lord head-on..."

Her gaze sharpened.

"Then he’s not done showing his hand."

Davian’s expression darkened. "You think he got more tricks?"

"I know he does."

Silence settled between them for a moment. Then Grace turned to him.

"Davian."

He met her eyes immediately.

"Take command of the remaining forty warriors," she said.

His posture straightened. "Understood." He agreed without a single question as always.

"They do not enter the base unless absolutely necessary," she continued. "No matter what happens inside."

Kian glanced at her. "You are expecting things to escalate."

"They already have," she replied as her gaze returned to the projection. "And we are the fallback."

Davian nodded once, already moving to relay the orders.

Next, Grace focused on her mind link with Rune, and the connection snapped into place instantly.

His presence answered without hesitation.

"He’s already at Supreme Warrior Rank." Her voice flowed through the link, steady and clear. "And unless there’s another Supreme Warrior hiding somewhere in this base, he’s the one behind this secret organization."

Rune was silent for a moment before he finally spoke through the link. "I’m sure he’s the one behind the organization. Someone like him would never work under another person ever again."

There was no surprise in his tone. Only focus.

"So he’s the one after your jade ring." Grace continued, "I might have a plan to make this work in our favor."

"Go ahead. I’m all ears." Rune replied immediately.

Grace didn’t waste any time and quickly told him what she had in mind. And though she knew Rune would agree, she was still surprised to see he didn’t even tense for a single second despite knowing the consequences. Instead-

"I trust you, Grace."

There was no hesitation, no doubt... just trust.

Grace closed the mind link with him and shifted her attention to her system.

"2025," she called softly.

[Yes.]

"Can you support me in executing this?"

There was a brief pause as the system calculated and then answered.,

[Previously, your body would not have been able to withstand the strain.]

Grace didn’t react as she already knew where this was going.

[But now, your current state has surpassed the limitations of this universe.]

[Execution is possible.]

Grace exhaled slowly.

"And what about Rune?"

[I might have a way to get it done for him too.]

"Good. Get to work already."

There was only one more person she needed to inform. So she rea he’d out and felt connection forming instantly.

The High Lord.

Inside the base-

The High Lord’s eyes flickered just for a fraction of a second. But it was enough to let Grace know he had recognized her presence in his head.

His body tensed slightly - not in fear, but in alertness.

"I have a plan."

When she finished, he didn’t respond immediately. But his gaze shifted briefly and subtly to Rune.

Their eyes met, and in that single moment, understanding passed between them.