A Man Like None Other (Jared Chance)

Teegan burst into laughter. "You're full of yourself! Aren't you afraid you'll bite your tongue?"

The more Jared spoke, the less seriously Teegan took him. To Teegan, only the powerless relied on bold words to bolster their confidence.

"Mr. Teegan, let me handle this," Riehl said, stepping forward. His hands itched for action. Jared's earlier remarks had struck a nerve, and Riehl was eager to prove himself. The loss of his arcane array had been a bitter blow to his pride, and now he intended to redeem Teegan gave a nod of approval. "Go ahead, Mr. Rundacel."

himself.

Riehl's expression turned deadly serious. He began forming seals with his hands, chanting an ancient incantation under his breath.

Two massive specks of light emerged in the air, spinning slowly as they grew brighter. They connected, forming an intricate arcane array that enveloped Jared entirely.

"Hmph, breaking one arcane array doesn't mean you can break them all," Riehl sneered. "I'll show you what a true arcane array master can do!"

Jared remained calm, unfazed by the dazzling display. His eyes closed briefly, as if feeling out the arcane array's structure. Then, with a flick of his fingers and a single word-"Release"-the arcane array shattered like glass, scattering into nothingness.

Riehl froze in disbelief as the remnants of his formation vanished. Jared stood unmoved, his expression cool and indifferent, as if nothing of significance had occurred.

"W-What?" Riehl stammered, his face pale. He tried again, pouring his spiritual energy into crafting another arcane array. But every time, Jared found the flaw and unraveled it with ease.

"Your formations are rather unimpressive, Mr. Rundacel," Jared said, his tone light but cutting.

Riehl's face turned ashen as he struggled to maintain his composure. Deep down, he knew pressing further would only make him a laughingstock.

Eventually he let out a long,

frustrated sigh, withdrawing all his spiritual energy. His body trembled slightly, a clear indication of how deeply shaken he was by Jared's strength.

"Mr. Teegan... I can't help anymore," Riehl admitted, lowering his head in shame, his voice heavy with defeat.

Teegan, observing the scene unfold,

was filled with conflicting emotions.

He had been so sure of Riehl's abilities, confident that defeating Jared would be effortless. The unexpected outcome left him stunned.

Billy and Ezio, meanwhile, were utterly astonished. It was now evident that Jared's array craft was far superior to Riehl's, a fact that neither of them could deny. Gordon and Elena, along with Mia, couldn't hide their joy as they watched Jared break through Riehl's arcane arrays with such ease.

For the first time, hope flickered in their hearts -they might have a real chance at salvation after all.

"Kid, you've got some skills," Teegan said, his gaze narrowing as he scrutinized Jared. His tone carried a grudging note of respect.

"This pitiful excuse for an arcane array, and you call yourself a master? What a joke!" Jared retorted, his voice calm and his expression one of cool indifference.

Riehl, however, didn't react to the

insult. Instead, he kept his gaze fixed on Jared, a complicated glint in his eyes. Slowly, a sinister smile began to mon his face.

"You've been duped," Riehl said suddenly, his tone brimming with malice.