Zarn turned to his left, his gaze locking onto the masked blue-haired woman standing just a few paces away.

  She had appeared so suddenly, right after he crouched, that he hadn't even sensed her presence until now. The eerie stillness of the warehouse contrasted sharply with the chaos that had unfolded moments ago.

  "Are you her boss?" Zarn asked, his voice calm but firm.

  The woman nodded slightly. "Yes, and I would like to take her with me if you don't mind." Her tone was gentle, yet there was an unshakable authority in her words.

  Zarn studied her for a moment longer before shrugging. "Take her. I won't interfere," he said, glancing toward the unconscious purple-haired woman. "But leave Arth out of this. He is not to be touched."

  The masked woman tilted her head, as if contemplating his demand, then gave a slow nod. Just before she turned to leave, she cast a glance at Mico.

  "You have a nice beast."

  "Uh? Thanks, I guess," Zarn said, caught slightly off guard. Despite not being able to see her face under the mask, he had the distinct feeling that she was smiling.

  Mico, on the other hand, scoffed. "Hmph." Her compliment is so dry.

  Without another word, the blue-haired woman moved, swift and silent, her movements almost unnatural. Before Zarn could register the full extent of her actions, she and the purple-haired woman were gone, vanishing into the night.

  Zarn exhaled, turning toward Mico. His partner stood a few meters away, licking its lips, a faint glow illuminating its mouth.

  "Hm, I'm guessing that's a beast core?" Zarn asked, stepping closer.

  Mico gave a low growl of affirmation, revealing the orb between its teeth—a condensed essence of the gorilla-type beast it had defeated.

  Zarn raised an eyebrow. He knew beast cores had various uses—fueling artifacts, rune treasures, alchemy, and even beast enhancement—but he had never personally handled one before.

  Through their telepathic link, he asked, "You know what they're used for?"

  Mico snorted. "You're such an irresponsible guardian. I won't tell you. A quick search would be enough for you to learn about them."

  "Hmph, rude." Zarn gestured to the orb. "Give it here. Consider it punishment for your rudeness."

  "You want to take this away from me? No way."

  "Now you're being disobedient."

  "You're the one trying to steal something I worked for."

  "Tch, never mind. I'll find another way to get back at you for school-shaming me."

  Their mental conversation ended as Zarn stretched his arms. "We should get going before more trouble shows up," he muttered, but just as he took a step forward, he halted. "Tch, too late, I guess."

  A powerful gust of wind swept through the ruined warehouse, rustling the broken beams and stirring up clouds of dust. Above them, a large falcon descended, its majestic form outlined against the night sky. A man, clad in sleek protective gear with an emblem on his left shoulder, leapt from the bird's back, landing gracefully amidst the debris.

  A Protector had arrived.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  His sharp eyes swept across the battlefield, taking in the destruction—the shattered walls, the smoldering ground where Mico had unleashed its flames, and the frozen form of Nathaniel, who had not moved since Zarn's overwhelming display of power.

  His gaze carefully moved over each person. That should be the Phoenix Lord's nephew—the world prodigy, Arth. His beast. His two bodyguards and their respective beasts. Huh? His eyes narrowed slightly. What is the City Lord's daughter doing here? Then, his attention shifted to the blue-flamed lion. A bonded beast? Which means… His gaze fell on Zarn. Him… What... is he?

  A low-level Class 1.

  That was what a Senar report would say. That was what his aura projected.

  But that wasn't the truth.

  The Protector's eyes narrowed slightly. A Class 1 could never do this. Could never stand unshaken in the aftermath of such destruction. Could never emit the presence he had felt, even for a brief moment, before the energy vanished as though it had never existed.

  His mind raced through possibilities. Was it an artifact? A hidden technique? A temporary enhancement? If he had truly been Class 1, then what the hell had just happened here?

  Before the Protector could step forward, another presence made itself known. A middle-aged man entered the wreckage, walking with unhurried confidence. A huge phoenix followed closely beside him, its golden-red feathers flickering like embers in the dim light.

  Arth's expression shifted immediately. "Uncle Isaac."

  Isaac Rudrug, one of the pillars of the Rudrug, barely acknowledged the destruction as he surveyed the scene. His gaze lingered on Arth and Kendrick before he nodded.

  "You two did well," he said, his deep voice carrying authority. "Come. Let's talk."

  The Protector, upon recognizing Isaac, finally spoke. "Elizabeth."

  Zarn's eyes flicked toward the girl. Elizabeth? Now that he thought about it, she looks familiar. I think I have seen her on screen before.

  Elizabeth flinched at the call of her name but quickly straightened herself before walking over. The Protector began questioning her, though Zarn paid little attention. His focus remained on Isaac, who now approached him and Mico.

  "Zarn, was it?" Isaac asked, stopping a few feet away.

  Zarn inclined his head slightly, watching him closely.

  "I appreciate what you've done here tonight. You protected Arth and Kendrick, and for that, you have my gratitude." Isaac's tone was measured. "I'd like to extend an invitation. Come with us to the Rudrug Family estate. You'll be safer there."

  Zarn hesitated. He had never been one to accept help, especially from nobles. "I'd rather not. I don't belong in a place like that."

  Isaac chuckled. "After tonight, your life in Drenda will never be the same again. Whether you want it or not, people will come looking for you. It's better to be prepared."

  Zarn frowned, considering his words. He hated the idea of being tangled in noble affairs, but Isaac had a point. The aftermath of this battle would undoubtedly bring trouble his way. With a reluctant sigh, he relented. "Fine."

  Satisfied, Isaac shifted the conversation. "Tell me what happened here."

  Zarn shook his head. "Ask Arth. He'll fill you in."

  Isaac raised an eyebrow but let the matter drop. Instead, he posed another question. "That blue-haired woman who appeared at the end—who is she?"

  Zarn thought back to their encounter. "I don't know who she is. I just know she's stronger than the current me." He offered nothing more.

  Before Isaac could press further, a swarm of officials arrived, assessing the damage and tending to the injured. Some moved toward Zarn, but Isaac stepped in their path.

  "The Rudrug Family will handle this," he declared, his tone brooking no argument. "That includes the costs and the aftermath."

  Even the Protector, who had clearly intended to question Zarn, found himself blocked. "If you need anything, speak with me first," Isaac stated.

  The officials exchanged uneasy glances but ultimately backed off, unwilling to challenge one of the seven ruling families.

  Meanwhile, the matter of Nathaniel arose. The officials attempted to arrest him, but Isaac once again intervened.

  "He's coming with us," Isaac said, his voice carrying finality.

  The officials hesitated but ultimately relented.

  With the situation now firmly in Isaac's hands, Zarn exhaled slowly. He cast one last glance at the ruined district of the slums before turning to Mico.

  "Guess our quiet life is over, huh?" he muttered.

  Mico let out a low rumble in response, flicking its tail as the last embers of its flames danced in the night air.