English is the language of magic

The man's long white beard flows gently in the breeze, and his sharp, piercing eyes seem to radiate authority.

His hair, equally white, cascades down his back, and he holds a gleaming sword in his hands—the very weapon that intercepted Sinū's strike.

For a moment, the battlefield is silent, everyone frozen in shock.

Sinū stares at the old man, recognition dawning upon him. Slowly, he kneels, bowing his head low. "Lord…" Sinū's voice trembles with a mix of fear and reverence.

The old man's gaze remains fixed on Sinū as he speaks, his deep voice resonating with power. "This village and this child are under my protection. If you wish to harm them, you must first go through me."

Sinū cannot refuse his offer, as he knows who the Old Man is and what he is capable of.

Sinū's hands shake as he grips his katana tightly. Despite his earlier bravado, he is now visibly terrified.

Sweat beads on his forehead as he stammers, "L-Lord, the clan has been searching for you. And here you are, hiding in this village…"

Before he can finish, the old man interrupts sharply, "Did you not hear me?"

Sinū immediately falls silent, lowering his gaze. "As you wish, my Lord," he whispers, his voice barely audible.

Sinū slowly rises to his feet, his movements hesitant and submissive. He sheathes his katana, signaling his defeat.

Turning to the remaining samurai, he commands them to gather their fallen comrades. The two surviving samurai move quickly, collecting the lifeless bodies of their comrades and piling them together.

Sinū retrieves a scroll from his robes, its surface etched with intricate runes. He unfurls the scroll and chants softly, causing the bodies to vanish into its glowing parchment.

Lastly, Sinū approaches Mark's lifeless body, his movements deliberate and careful. With a flick of his wrist, Mark's body disappears into the scroll as well.

The villagers watch in stunned silence as Sinū prepares to leave.

The old man, his expression stern and unyielding, watches him closely, ensuring no further harm comes to Adam or the village.

With a final bow to the old man, Sinū mutters, "I will deliver your message to the clan." He then turns, his surviving samurai following closely behind, and disappears into the distance.

As the tension begins to fade, the villagers remain rooted in place, their minds struggling to comprehend what they have just witnessed.

Rachel and Ricky press their hands against the barrier, their tearful eyes fixed on Adam's still form. The old man stands protectively over Adam, his presence a shield against any remaining threats.

As Sinu began retreating with his subordinates, the elder swordsman, who had saved Adam from Sinu's fatal attack, stood still, observing the scene with an intense gaze. Sinu, carrying a tinge of frustration and confusion, suddenly came to a halt.

Before him, the shimmering barrier blocked his path, glowing faintly with a translucent hue. His sharp eyes scanned the barrier, frustration visible even through the mask covering his face.

The elder man, still calm and composed, lowered his sword and returned it to its scabbard. Turning his attention to Sinu, he spoke in a voice deep and resonant, "Do not worry. I will dispel the barrier."

From the folds of his robe, the elder drew a pristine white card. The card gleamed faintly under the sunlight, and intricate black symbols, almost like ancient runes, were etched across its surface.

As the card left his hand, it began to float in mid-air, capturing everyone's attention.

Sinu's eyes widened in shock as he recognized the object. "That's…" he murmured under his breath, but before he could finish, the elder released the card.

The card, now suspended in mid-air, burst into flames of white light. The fire consumed it entirely, leaving behind only a faint trail of ash that dissipated before touching the ground.

At that moment, the barrier dissolved with a soft hum, vanishing into thin air. The path was clear once more.

As the barrier disappeared, Adam's parents, Rachel and Ricky, wasted no time. They rushed toward their son, followed closely by his siblings, Yami and Eric, and his closest friend, Sophia.

Rachel reached Adam first. Dropping to her knees, she turned him over gently, pulling his unconscious body into her lap. His face, pale and streaked with dirt, was a heartbreaking sight.

"Adam! Wake up, my child!" Rachel cried, her voice trembling with desperation. She cradled him, her tears streaming down her face as she rocked him back and forth. Adam's nose continued to bleed, the crimson droplets staining Rachel's hands and clothes.

Behind her, Ricky approached, his expression hardened with worry. Yet, there was a helplessness in his eyes as he crouched beside Rachel. "Rachel, he will be fine. Hold him steady," Ricky said, though his voice wavered slightly.

Rachel, still overwhelmed, shouted toward the approaching crowd. "Komal! Hurry up!"

Komal, the village healer and Sophia's mother, pushed through the group of concerned villagers. She knelt beside Rachel, her breathing slightly labored from running. "Don't worry, Rachel. Let me look at him."

Komal gently placed a reassuring hand on Rachel's shoulder before inspecting Adam. She pulled a soft cloth from her pouch, dabbing away the blood from Adam's nose. Her movements were swift yet careful, her expression calm despite the tension around her.

Rachel, clutching Adam tightly, sobbed uncontrollably. "Please… please save my child, Komal. Do whatever you can. I can't lose him," she pleaded, her voice cracking.

Komal glanced at Rachel, her calm demeanor unwavering. "Trust me. He'll be fine," she said softly but firmly.

Sophia stood nearby, her eyes glued to Adam's motionless body. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

She clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms. Eric and Yami stood close, their faces etched with fear and helplessness.

The villagers, who had gathered in a tight circle, watched in silence. Many turned away, unable to bear the sight of the lifeless boy. Some whispered among themselves, their voices filled with both sympathy and fear.

The elder man, standing a short distance away, observed the scene with an unreadable expression. His sharp eyes never left Adam. A long sigh escaped his lips as he murmured under his breath, "So… you are the chosen one."

His words, though quiet, carried a weight that seemed to ripple through the air. He began walking toward Adam, his gaze fixed intently on the boy. His movements were deliberate and measured, exuding an aura of authority.

The villagers, noticing his approach, quickly reacted. Some stepped forward to block his path, their expressions a mixture of defiance and fear. "Who are you? What do you want with Adam?" one of them demanded.

The elder did not respond. His pace remained steady, his piercing gaze never faltering.

Then, in an instant, he vanished.

Gasps erupted from the crowd as they looked around frantically, searching for him. The next moment, he reappeared—right beside Adam. The suddenness of his movement was disorienting, leaving the villagers frozen in place.

The chapter ends with the elder standing over Adam, his presence commanding attention, as the village stared in shock, unsure of what would happen next.