Li's heart sank. If what the system said was true, then this world could very well produce Saint-level powerhouses. If that happened, he might be in extreme danger.
In truth, Li had never considered Zeref to be on the same level as himself. He had never regarded him as a mortal enemy—at most, Zeref was a rather troublesome opponent.
At that moment, Zeref merely stared blankly at Li, looking utterly harmless and naturally airheaded.
"You dare oppose Lord Zeref! Die!" A streak of yellow light shot toward Li. Li was startled. To him, that person's speed was merely average; if Li made a move, he could send him flying with a single finger.
But Zeref moved first. He slowly raised a finger and pointed at the yellow light. "Bone and Flesh Separation." A trace of red mixed into the yellow light. Then, before Li's eyes, disbelief appeared on that person's face, and the flesh and blood all over his body exploded.
Only then did Zeref's voice sound. "I already said it. In my eyes, you are merely chess pieces. Even the Twelve Shields I envisioned would only be somewhat stronger chess pieces. I have no need for disobedient pieces."
Li drew a deep breath. "He was your companion, after all."
"A companion?" Zeref's eyes flickered slightly. "All my companions are already dead, because I am someone who devours the lives of those I cherish."
Li roughly understood what the system meant. It was not that Zeref unconsciously absorbed the lives around him whenever he cherished life. Rather, whenever he cherished life, he could no longer control his power!
Zeref slowly raised one hand. "What do you think? You cannot escape my attack."
Li raised an eyebrow. "What are you trying to say? That I should surrender without a fight? What