"Answer me! Why are you trying to stop us... Why are you stealing the Core Flames?!"
No matter how Phainon shouted, the Fire-stealer gave no answer.
After all, he was only a projection of the past that Yan Huan had brought back with the power of Years.
"He's in trouble! He can't hold on much longer!" Mimi cried anxiously.
Seeing this, Yan Huan waved a hand, and the Fire-stealer turned to ash.
"Hmm..."
It had happened so many times now.
Whenever Phainon saw that dark figure, he lost control and flew into a rage.
According to Phainon, the Fire-stealer had destroyed his hometown and killed everyone he loved.
His parents, his childhood sweetheart, his teachers, his aunt, his grandparents...
Nearly all of Phainon's extended family had lived in that one village.
But...
The Fire-stealer didn't seem to attack ordinary people anymore.
Yan Huan thought back. Every time that dark figure appeared, he went straight for a Core Flame, killing any Chrysos Heirs he happened across.
Going out of his way to slaughter a village didn't seem to serve any purpose.
Could everyone in that village have been a Chrysos Heir, guarding a Core Flame?
"Huff... huff..."
Exhausted, Phainon crouched on the ground and struggled to catch his breath.
The moment he faced the Fire-stealer, adrenaline had flooded his body, as though he had reached the edge of hell.
"Are you all right?" Mimi asked, deeply worried.
"I'm... fine." Phainon let out a breath. "I can withstand one of his attacks now."
"A few months ago, I probably would've been knocked unconscious."
"You did all right." Yan Huan scratched his cheek. "You've leveled up all your skills."
"If there's anything you still lack, it's probably physical strength."
"Keep training with what I gave you, and that'll improve in time."
"Or you