I'll do what I can do to Freedom

Linggis tried to sit comfortably on the rubble when suddenly, a magic circle appeared in the air, glowing brightly with intricate patterns. Without any warning, a massive energy orb shot out from the circle, striking Linggis with overwhelming force.

"BOOM!"

Linggis was sent flying backward, crashing into the already cracked arena wall. His body slammed hard against the ground, dust rising into the air. He lay there unconscious, blood slowly dripping from the corner of his lips.

Everyone was shocked. They turned toward the source of the attack, and there stood an elderly woman—but her appearance was far from frail. With long, silver hair shimmering under the light, her face remained beautiful and elegant, as if she had defied the passage of time. She wore a dark purple gown adorned with golden ornaments, and the aura of her magic was utterly intimidating.

The woman stared sharply at Linggis, lying motionless, before speaking in a cold tone. "What have you done to my grandchildren, you filthy creature?"

Arcelia, Nyra, and Elira immediately stood between the woman and the unconscious Linggis.

"Grandmother! Stop! He's not an enemy!" Arcelia shouted in panic.

The woman, who was their grandmother, raised an eyebrow arrogantly. "Not an enemy, you say? Then why do I sense thick, dark energy from him? Why did Kaelen have to fight him? Why is the arena in ruins? Explain, Arcelia!"

Nyra tried to calm the situation. "Grandmother, this is all a misunderstanding. Linggis isn't evil. He's just... too sarcastic and annoys everyone. But he's not dangerous!"

Their grandmother, whose name was Mireille, narrowed her eyes at Nyra. "Not dangerous? That energy cannot lie, Nyra. I will not allow someone like him near our family."

Elira added firmly, "He may seem suspicious, but he just surrendered. He even offered to help Arcelia become the best at that game. Linggis hasn't shown any intent to kill."

Mireille let out a small scoff, her gaze returning to Linggis, still unconscious. "Then why does his dark energy feel so strong? I won't be convinced by mere words."

Arcelia looked at her grandmother with determination. "Because it's not evil energy. He's just a retired man with a dark past—maybe he's been involved in many wars against demons, which caused that dark energy to fuse with his body. He's not a demon or an enemy. If you don't believe us, at least give us a chance to prove that he's innocent."

Mireille remained silent, her eyes fixed on Linggis. After a few moments, she finally lowered her hand, dispelling the magic circle in the air. "Very well. I will give him a chance. But if he shows even the slightest sign of betrayal, I will personally end him."

Arcelia let out a relieved sigh. "Thank you, Grandmother."

Mireille stepped closer to Linggis, staring down at him with a cold expression. "This creature should be grateful that my grandchildren defended him. But I will not forget the ominous aura he carries."

With that, Mireille stepped back, leaving Linggis still unconscious. However, deep inside, she remained wary of the man whom she believed was hiding dark secrets yet to be revealed.