Chapter 24: Comfort (Rewrite)
[: 3rd POV :]
As Vasquez's ominous words echoed, a heavy silence settled over Zuke's mansion.
From out of the window, Elizabeth and Zuke exchanged a glance filled with fear and despair.
The pressure of a Transcendence Realm cultivator, the backing of a Saint Realm Guardian, and the support from the backing left them feeling helpless.
"Father, what do we do? This is beyond anything we've faced before,"
Elizabeth whispered, her voice laden with anxiety.
Zuke, who was the pillar and strength of his own city, struggled to contain his despair.
As Daniel observed the events, he maintained a calm composure, sipping his tea with nonchalance.
The threats from Vasquez seemed to him like the tantrums of a mere child.
However, a subtle concern crept into Daniel's thoughts.
'Even though she has yet to be my disciple, shouldn't I, as her master, lend a helping hand?'
He pondered, shifting his gaze towards Elizabeth.
She trembled visibly under the oppressive pressure, tears welling in her eyes.
It became evident that if this continued, she would be consumed by the overwhelming force bearing down upon her.
Moreover, I should at least show them what I'm capable of,'
Daniel formed a smirk as he gazed towards a certain spot beside Vasquez.
Perhaps, it was a spot where the Saint Realm Guardian was hiding.
"Are you alright, Elizabeth?" Daniel questioned in a gentle tone.
"I-I'm fine...eh? The pressure is gone...?"
She stammered, attempting to convey that she was unaffected.
However, a few seconds later, she realized that the oppressive force surrounding her had disappeared.
Baffled and stunned by the sudden change, she looked at Daniel's gentle smile, and it didn't take long for her to understand that it was his doing.
"It's good that you're fine" Daniel chuckled as he sighed in relief.
"I know you're scared and worried about whoever that man is"
Daniel said as he understood her emotions.
"But don't worry, Elizabeth, as I'll make sure that no one could harm you,"
Daniel assured her that, at the same time, his words contained hints about his treatment towards her.
Elizabeth hesitated, her worry evident in her eyes.
"But...Daniel has a Saint Realm Guardian. It's too dangerous for you to face him alone."
Elizabeth's mind was in deep confusion.
She didn't know why his words felt personal.
However, she couldn't risk the life of her benefactor.
Daniel placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"I appreciate your concern, but I have my ways"
"You may not believe it, but trust me, this is a battle I can handle"
"Your safety is my priority."
With a gentle smile, he continued.
Hearing his words, Elizabeth was touched.
She knew somehow that it would be hard to convince him.
Moreover, if nothing is done, her father's life would be in danger.
After all, she knew how wicked and dangerous Vasquez could be.
Eventually, even though, Elizabeth hesitated, she decided to trust in him.
"Please be careful, Daniel. We can't afford to lose you."
"I will feel guilty if something happens to you who had saved my and my father's life"
She clenched the edge of her clothes with her finger and she bit her lips.
"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to me,"
Daniel replied, his tone filled with confidence.
As Daniel exited the room, Elizabeth never anticipated that gazing at his departing figure would provide her immense comfort.
It granted her a feeling that nothing in this world could ever harm her when she was by his side.
It was a peculiar sensation that she had experienced ever since meeting Daniel.
'Why do I feel this way?'
She questioned, her hand touching her heart, which pulsated with a different rhythm than usual.
"Please return safely..."
Her words resonated in the room, akin to a wife wishing her husband good luck.
Even so, she never expected Daniel to hear her words.
Yet in the opposite room, Daniel turned his head, and with a smile, he responded, "I'll be back."
Afterwards, he faced forward and exited the room.
As Daniel left the room, he made his way towards Zuke.
Once Daniel had reached where Zuke was, he approached him.
"Zuke, you need a help?"
"Young master!?" Zuke was surprised to see that Daniel had approached.
However, knowing Daniel's attention, he quickly refused it.
"Young master, I appreciate your aid, but this is an incredibly dangerous situation. I don't want you to put yourself at risk."
Daniel, unfazed, responded, "Zuke, moments like isn't where you should be hesitating"
"Even if you surrender to him, do you think he's going to let you or even your daughter go in peace?"
Daniel questioned as he pointed towards Vasquez.
"What is this ant talking about...?" Clearly, Vasquez was pissed off.
"This is a world where strong people would rule over the weak, and without any shred of doubt, the fate of your daughter won't be a pleasant one"
Daniel exclaimed, reminding Zuke how cruel the fate of the losing side would be.
"I know I know! But what can I do!? He has the backing of the Imperial Families and even the guardian of a Saint Realm, what can a mere foundation realm like me do...?"
Zuke, torn between fear and anger exclaimed.
"Then, don't you have me?" Daniel declared with a smile.
At this point, Zuke was stunned and baffled.
'Didn't I mention that they have the backing of Imperial Families? Does he not know the meaning of it...?' Zuke thought.
However, before Daniel could even convince Zuke to help him, Vasquez, growing impatient, decided to interrupt.
"Enough!"
He declared while spreading his aura and oppressing both Daniel and Zuke.
"Since you can't decide, then I'll decide for you!" Vasquez smiled devilishly.
In an instant, Vasquez gathered Spiritual Energy into his palms, creating a massive swirling wind orb.
"HAHAHA, TAKE THIS!" he laughed maniacally, hurling the orb toward them.
The swirling energy could have extended into a massive tornado, capable of destroying at least 1/3 of the city.
However, to his surprise, it didn't happen.
The swirling winds dissipated abruptly as if an unseen force had neutralized Vasquez's attack.
"It only amounts this much?" Out of nowhere, a figure raises his hand and neutralizes as it dissipates into essences.
"What...? It's you...?" Vasquez couldn't believe that the person he greatly underestimated as an Ant had stopped his stack, and it was none other than Daniel.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone