Kartheon counted back from the moment the bolt struck his hand. It was exactly seventeen seconds, and so he turned back time by exactly seventeen seconds.

Whiiiing…! Pukeok!

The bolt that had been embedded in the back of his head slowly pulled itself out, and Kartheon regained his balance, observing the surroundings. A fiery bolt grazed past the ancient king’s temple in reverse, and he slowly sat down in place as the bolt in his hand pulled itself out and slowly flew backward.

Whiiing…!

[You have turned back time by 17 seconds.]

[You have used some of your temporal power.]

Piiing!

Kartheon moved his hand and avoided the bolt that flew toward it. He then picked up a stone and threw it at the bolt that was flying toward his temple.

Kwachik!

The stone collided with the bolt, shattering it into pieces. Kartheon slowly stood up and called out, “Is it not frustrating just hiding and shooting from the dark?”

A bolt flew toward the ancient king’s head, but Kartheon easily grabbed it and stopped it inches away from his face. His withered hands grabbed the bolt, and the flames engulfing it were quickly extinguished.

“Come here. Let us have a chat,” Kartheon said as he drew the sword on Katz’s waist.

Seventeen seconds had passed. Kartheon slowly started counting once again.

“Aigoo… Hehe… Stop tickling my waist, you cute little kitten.” Katz muttered nonsense as he tossed and turned in his sleep.

Kartheon walked into the darkness. He said playfully, “I will come to you if you do not want to come to me....