The ominous hum of impending death clawed madly at Moen's nerves.

In his trembling vision, a colossal hand filled the sky, descending with oppressive weight that seemed to tilt the very world on its axis. The sheer pressure was so overwhelming that Moen almost felt his heart stop.

Through the mist seeping out between its fingers, Moen could clearly see the hand’s deep, groove-like fingerprints, and the countless scars crisscrossing its surface as though it had been forged through thousand of blades.

It was unmistakably a hand.

A hand that appeared utterly ordinary.

Yet, in this moment, it felt like a mountain crashing down from the heavens.

Moen's eyes were about to burst from their sockets. He could no longer care if his actions might upset the girl beside him. In one swift motion, he grabbed Lea, who looked equally pale and stricken, by the waist.

In an instant.

The Alchemical Core initiated.

And then.

Sixty-fold time dilation!

Ignoring the blazing pain burning through his back and the excruciating tearing of his muscles, Moen frantically poured his magic into the Alchemical Core, pushing the time dilation to its absolute limit.

His bones creaked under the pressure, and blood was squeezed out of his nearly-overworked flesh, causing Moen to instantly become soaked in red. But his face twisted into a grimace, his movements unwavering. In the fleeting moments of respite created by the extreme time dilation, he clutched Lea tightly and retreated at full speed.

Meanwhile, a roar surged from his lungs, shaking the heavens.

“Pink Bear—”

Boom!

The forest quaked.

Beneath Moen’s feet, the dense trees parted like tidal waves in an instant as Pink Bear leapt forward. In his grip was a massive spiked club pulled seemingly from nowhere, which he brought crashing down upon the giant hand.

“You son of a—get the hell out of here!”

With a deafening screech, as if blood were gushing uncontrollably under the suit of the pink bear, Pink Bear roared furiously. A blinding crimson light erupted from the spiked club.

Crack! A fresh scar appeared on the hand’s surface.

“Hmm.”

A cold and indifferent snort was heard as the enormous hand slowly retreated, vanishing into the sea of clouds.

Yet Pink Bear did not relax in the slightest, remaining tense as though faced with a mortal enemy.

Moen landed softly, taking a deep breath in relief. Still unable to suppress the turmoil in his blood, he coughed up fresh blood.

“You—you’re bleeding!”

Lea, still bewildered, rushed toward him in panic. Sacred light began to gather in her hands. “Let me heal you!”

“Thank you.”

Feeling the warmth brought by the sacred light, Moen exhaled deeply. His gaze shifted to the aftermath of the earlier strike—the forest, almost flattened. Eyes fixed firmly on the deathly still edge of the Deathbane Forest, he stared at the tranquil sea of clouds.

Amidst the pristine, unblemished clouds, a figure suddenly emerged.

It was a man—a decrepit old man.

The man’s body was as dry and weathered as a gnarled log, his deep-set eye sockets resembling those of a walking corpse. His frame was draped only by a tattered cloth, reminding Moen of the robes worn by monks from his previous life.

But within this man’s eyes lay an intimidating brilliance. His skin exuded a bronze-like luster, and from the edges of his joined hands, Moen could faintly make out a fresh wound.

A wound so inconspicuous among his already scar-riddled hands.

“Hey, you brat…”

Standing before him, Pink Bear gripped his spiked club tightly and suddenly spoke:

“Don’t tell me you’re actually some illegitimate kid of that rascal Aldrich.”

“What? Do I look like one?”

“Then explain to me why the one trying to kill you… happens to be a genuine Crowned!”

Pink Bear spun his head and shouted in fury. “Old bastard Pulan never mentioned anything like this! No way—I have to demand extra pay, otherwise I’m out!”

“…”

“Well, well—it’s been a while, Orlanriel.”

Not far away, the old man scrutinized Pink Bear. His eyes reflected a trace of nostalgia as he took the initiative to speak:

“To my surprise, you’re still alive. Though seeing you curled up in that suit is rather ridiculous.”

“And you—a supposed legend thought to be dead for a decade—alive and kicking. Now *that’s* unexpected.”

Pink Bear’s mouth twisted into a dry smirk, his expression as tragic as if someone had torn up his favorite smut manga right in front of him. He hunched his shoulders and said:

“I sure as hell don’t want to fight scum like you. The Desert Ascetic of Crimson Wastes—Indra King Nanurika.”

“Hand over the duke’s son behind you, and we’ll naturally avoid conflict.”

Indra King smiled calmly. “As old friends, why not do me a favor? I’ll credit you with a third of the effort, and the reward will, of course, be negotiable.”

“Ugh. I’d love nothing more than to tie this ungrateful brat up and hand him to you. But unfortunately, the kid happens to be engaged to my spoiled-rotten niece. And if I dump her fiancé, she'll come back and ask me for trouble which I can't tolerate.”

Pink Bear narrowed his eyes and said, “Not to mention, his Father is *someone* you don't wanna mess up with. Are you really sure about this?”

“Hmph. That young Lion King truly is remarkable, and even his son—escaping my earlier ambush—proves he’s not as pathetic as rumors suggest.”

Indra King shot Moen a penetrating glance and said, “But having accepted payment, I must fulfill the task. Besides, as you pointed out, I’m already nearing the end of my life. Why should I fear these roaring tides of youth anymore?”

“Fair enough.”

Pink Bear’s expression turned solemn. “In that case, if you break your bones, don’t blame me!”

“Whatever suits you.”

Indra King gave a respectful bow.

“Whenever you’re ready.”

“Take this!”

Pink Bear shouted boldly, releasing a terrifying aura that surged out from his absurd suit.

The dense crimson glow grew even more intense, dimming the daylight in the sky and emanating a power that seemed overwhelming.

“Never thought Pink Bear could be *this* ferocious?”

Seeing that Pink Bear wasn’t backing down and even gaining the upper hand in aura, Moen’s face froze in shock, his admiration showing.

So, he really had misjudged this bear after all.

Maybe he ought to show some respect toward this potential elder in the future…

“Get ready to run!”

Just then, Pink Bear’s smug voice revealed itself, whispering urgently into Moen’s ear.

“Huh?”

“Run. I can’t beat him.” Pink Bear’s tone was tinged with panic.

“…But aren’t you allied with the Crowned?”

“Damn it, being ‘allied’ and being able to win are two different things, alright? He's obviously more powerful than me—what am I supposed to do?”

Facing the awe-inspiring presence of Indra King, Pink Bear kept his face composed with a smug sneer, exuding the vibe of a profound master.

But the private transmission to Moen told a different story.

“This Indra King isn't just any Crowned; his skills and experience are on another level. Honestly, even your dad coming here might stand a chance. Me? A lovable and harmless teddy bear? I'm just a mascot—how could I possibly take him down?

Besides, I haven’t even found a girlfriend yet—nor had I saw enough pretty legs. Dying here? Out of the question!”

“…” Moen’s mouth twitched.

Give me back the admiration I just had for you, you fraud!

“Let's go!”

But seeing as Pink Bear was dead serious, Moen wasted no time. Grabbing Lea’s delicate hand, he ran without hesitation.

“This won’t do.”

Indra King narrowed his eyes sharply, his five fingers bending slightly as he clawed in the direction of Moen’s escape.

The ground trembled violently, as if an invisible beast had swiped its claws across the earth. Five deep, bottomless chasms merged into a cage, chasing after Moen as he fled.

Yet in the next moment:

*Clang!*

A screeching sound like metal scraping exploded into the air.

Pink Bear hurled his wolf-fanged club in a vicious smash. The invisible claws and chasms shattered on impact. He lunged forward, planting himself firmly before Indra King.

“Is this REALLY the way to play fair? I *did* say I’m ready first.”

With the club swinging wide again and crimson light surging, Pink Bear let out a wild, contemptuous laugh, bringing down the weapon with all his might.

“You think you can push ME around, old bastard?”

Below Indra King’s feet, a massive dented crater appeared, resembling the aftermath of an asteroid collision. The storming winds whipped his tattered cloth robe, making him look like a flickering candle on the verge of extinguishing.

But his expression remained unchanged.

Still... eerily tranquil.

“Looks like… peaceful negotiations are out of the question.”

The elderly man sighed deeply.

Fingers clenched together.

A fist raised.

And with a devastating strike,

The fabric of space twisted instantly.

Then.

A radiant crown soared into the air, as dazzling as the rising sun!