The Final Chance

A Payback

" Cale " Talking
' Cale ' Thinking

The picture on the top doesn't belong to me, credits to the owner.

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Time seemed to freeze as everyone was caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, leaving Cale vulnerable to the impending attack...........

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But before anyone could fully grasp the situation, White Star's hand found itself ensnared tightly by none other than the individual he had targeted - Cale Thames.

The heroes stood in stunned silence, while White Star's expression shifted to one of amusement. In contrast, the children and Eruhaben beamed with pride.

"THAT'S MY STRONG NIXEE!" Raon exclaimed, his attempt to reach Cale falling short.

"Ho, as expected of a phoenix," Alberu remarked with a hint of amusement.

"Hmm~ you're stronger than I anticipated," White Star commented, attempting to retract his hand, only to find it firmly held in place. "Huh?" he uttered, a perplexed look crossing his face.

"Heh, do you truly believe I'd release you so easily, White Star?" Cale taunted with a sneer.

"Not only have you shattered my peace, but you've also brought destruction to MY LAIR," his voice grew deeper and more menacing. "And yet, you persist," he continued, his gaze piercing into White Star. "I shall mete out a punishment, don't you think?"

With those words, dark red flames tinged with black began to creep from Cale's grasp onto White Star's hand, still ensnared.

In mere moments, the fiery tendrils had crawled up to his shoulder, the ancient powers failing him upon Cale's touch, leaving him with only two grim choices. Surrendering to his fate and facing death, a fate he adamantly refused, or severing his own hand, which he swiftly opted for, retreating to safety as soon as the deed was done.

The heroes stood in disbelief, after two decades of war, barely scratching him, only for this individual to sever his hand at their initial encounter.

"Now, now, you seem to have grasped the situation, haven't you?" Cale remarked, rising and advancing towards the retreating masked redhead. "You won't find rebirth if I'm your end," he whispered into Barrow's ear with an ominous tone.

"How?" the White Star inquired, now viewing the figure before him in a new perspective.

"I am a phoenix. We are the closest to nature, to the World Tree..." he trailed off before continuing, "That's your vulnerability, isn't it? The World Tree..." His voice dropped to a whisper for the final revelation, "You underestimated me, and that will lead to your DEMISE..." As flames erupted from his hand, targeting the White Star, abruptly...

"MY LIEGE," exclaimed both Sayeru and Dorph, rushing to their leader after his sudden departure, only to discover him wounded, with an arm missing, facing a menacing young man.

"H-How dare y-you harm my liege?" attempted the bear king Sayeru, trying to appear brave, though failing visibly.

"It's not the time," Barrow interjected. "Teleport us away from here, quickly," he urged them upon seeing Cale and Eruhaben closing in, poised for an imminent attack.

Just as the trio of unexpected guests faced impending danger, they vanished into thin air, eliciting a scoff from Cale, who regarded the heroes with a questioning gaze.

"Is this truly the individual you want my assistance in eliminating?" he scoffed. "He appears feeble," Cale continued.

"Indeed, nixee speaks the truth," Raon affirmed, now standing beside the redhead, tightly hugging his right leg.

"Absolutely, did you witness his hasty retreat? Hahaha," Hong chimed in, following Raon's lead and embracing Cale's left leg, sharing laughter with Raon.

Meanwhile, Ohn sighed and approached Cale, who greeted her with a gentle smile as the three children encircled him.

"Hmm, as expected of a phoenix," Eruhaben remarked, a sense of pride swelling within him.

"Oh my goodness! How privileged we are to witness the might of such splendid beings," Pendrick and Tasha expressed in unison, seated on their knees, hands clasped in awe.

"Simply amazing!" Rosalyn exclaimed, her eyes gleaming as she gazed at the oblivious Cale.

"Truly the young master lives up to expectations," Ron proudly remarked, offering Cale a cup of lemon tea as he sat down earning a scowl, with Beacrox preparing dinner in what Ohn referred to as the kitchen.

' How did he find those ' Cale thought as he looked at the lemon tea as if it was his worst enemy

"This was truly remarkable," Lock murmured to himself, observing the redhead seated at the table.

Choi Han couldn't help but think, 'I knew it, Cale-nim is really strong,' as he stood behind Cale, observing him with a gaze reminiscent of a lost puppy.

"Time for dinner!" Beacrox announced, gathering everyone around the table as if the recent attack hadn't occurred just moments ago.

Cale, while wiping the mouths of his children, shifted the atmosphere back to seriousness, stating, "We still shouldn't underestimate him."

Eruhaben concurred, "Indeed, despite his current appearance of weakness, we must remember he had no plans here. His unexpected strategies and vast army were key to his success," earning nods of agreement from the group.

"Regardless, now that I'm involved, there's no point in refusing your initial request. I'll return to the capital tomorrow with you and the children," Cale declared, receiving grateful and respectful looks from those gathered.

Alberu began to express his gratitude, but Cale interrupted with a smirk, "Hold on, I'm not done. Who said I'm doing this for free?" His words elicited a sigh from his daughter, Ohn.......

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Bonus:

"I'll be sure to give you a good smack on the back of your head, you darn GOD," Cale muttered to himself, a wicked grin spreading across his face, as a certain God watched on, gritting his teeth and nearly passing out in frustration.

"Ahhh, look at that terrifying expression, I'm in trouble," the GOD lamented, while the GOS and the GOW observed, munching on popcorn and thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.

"Totally deserved," they chimed in simultaneously, only to be met with an even louder outburst of tears.