"Joe, Sisi!" Kaia shouted excitedly from afar upon spotting them. Sisi responded, "Is that Kaia? They're finally back!" After the hero team reunited, Kaia said, "Thanks for holding the line and buying me precious time." Emily asked, "What's the situation here? Any enemy attacks?" Joe replied, "The forces led by Dinger captured Babig and are now heading this way. The three of us fought desperately to hold off their vanguard. Jude was injured in the battle against Dinger and is recovering in the medical ward." Sisi added, "While you were gone, Jude was the only one strong enough to stand up to Dinger, but he got badly hurt in the fight. Emily, please hurry and use your healing magic on him. We have no mages left in the unit, and while we know some magic, we don't know healing spells." "Got it," Emily said, and she and Kaia headed to the medical ward.In the medical ward, Kaia and Emily found Jude lying on a bed, covered in bandages. "Jude, it's me. I'm back," Kaia called softly. Jude slowly opened his eyes, looking at his comrades with a relieved expression. "Quick, Emily, heal him," Kaia urged. Emily immediately cast her healing magic, enveloping Jude in green light. After a few minutes, Jude regained his strength and sat up energetically. "Thank you, Emily," he said gratefully. "No big deal, just glad you're recovering," Emily replied before heading off to tend to other wounded soldiers. "What happened? How did you get hurt so badly?" Kaia asked. Jude explained solemnly, "After you left, Joe, Sisi, and I moved to defend Edoru Town, the next target of the demon army. As expected, Dinger showed up. His power overwhelmed us, and we suffered heavy losses. I barely managed to drive him off by risking my life." Kaia nodded, "I see. This time, I've gained new powers from my master. I'm confident I can stop Dinger. Rest up, I'm heading back to the command post." With that, Kaia went to find Joe and the others.At dusk, just as the town was settling down for dinner, the sentries rang the alarm bell—enemies were attacking. Kaia, the team, and the garrison commander rushed to the town gate. Kaia's eyes locked onto Dinger, leading another assault. Clenching his fists, Kaia was determined to settle old and new scores. "Look who's back, the little coward who fled last time," Dinger mocked. "You'll pay for that! This time, I'm taking you down!" Kaia shouted. "Let's see you try," Dinger sneered. Before the words even settled, a black fireball shot from Dinger's palm toward Kaia. Kaia drew his holy sword and sliced through the fireball, dispersing it. "Not bad, you've improved. Guess I won't hold back either," Dinger said, drawing his sword and charging at Kaia. Kaia met him head-on, their blades clashing fiercely. Meanwhile, Joe and Sisi launched an attack on the Fourth General, Jinoed. The battle erupted as evening fell. Soon, Jude and Emily returned to join the fight.Kaia was no longer the same. He matched Dinger blow for blow, perhaps even gaining the upper hand. "So, you vanished to train and boost your strength? No wonder I can't overpower you," Dinger remarked, surprised. "But don't think this is all I've got!" With a roar, Dinger clenched his fists, black energy swirling around him. His shirt tore apart, his body grew more muscular, two horns sprouted from his head, and his eyes glowed red. "Now, let's continue!" Dinger declared, instantly closing the distance to Kaia. Kaia barely blocked a devastating strike. "Tch," Kaia grunted, struggling to hold his ground. But he wasn't backing down. A white light began to radiate from his body—he was about to unleash the fruits of his training.
