Yuki stood firm, her sand barrier still partially raised as dust settled around her. The Sand people, who had long dismissed her as an undesirable, could only stare in disbelief. The woman they once ignored, ridiculed, or pitied had just saved Kairoâone of the most feared and powerful figures in the worldâwith an instinctive display of elemental mastery.
The Sand warriors murmured among themselves, some in shock, others in denial. Could this really be true? How could their leaderâs bloodline produce someone they had always seen as weak? But the evidence was right in front of them. Yuki was strong.
Yuki, however, barely reacted to Kairoâs words. She was still focused, her breathing heavy. The will that had awakened her dormant powers had not faded yet. She could feel it burning inside her, a silent but firm resolve to protect.
Wine, on the other hand, was unfazed. He took a few steps forward, his smile widening. "Interesting. Very interesting," he mused. "So even a so-called blind girl can prove useful when desperate enough. But donât think a little sand trick will save you from me."
He raised his hand, signaling his remaining warriors.
"Continue the attack."
The Poison Tribe soldiers, though shaken by Yukiâs unexpected resistance, obeyed without hesitation. They rushed forward, launching waves of poison-infused attacksâclouds of toxic gas, venomous spikes, and even corrosive liquid.
Kairo, his amusement gone, instantly stepped in front of Yuki. "Stay back," he ordered, his voice lower than usual. His presence alone was intimidating, but the moment he lifted his hand, the battlefield shifted.
The air grew heavy.
The ground beneath them rumbled as Kairo unleashed a massive tidal surge, crashing forward like a living beast. The incoming poison attacks were swallowed by the water, neutralized on contact. The sheer force of the wave sent Poison Tribe warriors flying, their formation breaking apart.
Wine cursed under his breath. He had expected Kairo to be strong, but this level of dominance was troubling.
Kairo turned his head slightly toward Yuki. "You did great," he said, his tone softer, before facing forward again. "But let me handle the rest."
Yuki, still recovering from her own shock, clenched her fists. She had never wanted to be a burden, and now, more than ever, she wanted to fight alongside him. But she also knew Kairo was far more experienced in battle.
Wine exhaled sharply. "Fine," he muttered, raising his arms. "I suppose itâs time I stop playing around."
Dark, purple mist began to seep from his body, his poisoned aura spreading. The very earth beneath him withered, and even the strongest of his own warriors took a step back, wary of the toxins radiating from their leader.
Kairo narrowed his eyes. "Finally taking this seriously, huh?"
Wine smirked. "Letâs see how long that arrogance lasts."