This 9th stage Adapter was a Lesser General.

"HAAAAAA!"

Mukeuk could not defeat Chunir 900 years ago. He had worked so hard to get revenge, but Mukeuk still could not overcome the 9th stage barrier. However, he couldn't give up now.

The two fought. Mukeuk tried his best and soon became fatigued but Chunir still seemed relaxed. After some time, Mukeuk's sword changed. It was his final attack, the most powerful of his skills, that was unleashed at his 900-year-old nemesis.

Yet the power was destroyed by the energy s.h.i.+eld from Chunir. It even went beyond defending, as it released energy that swept away all the others on the training ground.

Mukeuk was barely standing. The other Leaders stood up, but their confidence was shaken. This was the power of a Lesser General. Not even a Greater General, or Commander, or one of the twelve Lords.

Was this the enemy they needed to face?

Euren shook. He thought even the Master had no chance against such power. Were they dreaming of the Depth Expedition Team when they could not even defeat that one man?

"You cannot defeat me." Chunir spoke."False hope only gives you greater despair."

Mukeuk knelt. He had lost the strength to stand. Then, the door to the training ground opened. A ragged man was walking into the center. Chunir asked Hyeyoung, "…Is he the Master?"

"No."

The man went to the Leaders and spoke softly. "I'm late."

"Cayman."

Euren brightened as he was helped up.

"W-what of the Master?"

"He will be a bit late."

Late? Why would he be late? The Depth Expedition Team was at the brink of destruction. Cayman smiled, and clasped Euren's shoulder.

"It's okay."

Euren then felt something strange. Cayman's hand felt like Jaehwan's.

'Is he really the Cayman I know?'

Cayman was now a different man. He moved to the center and helped Mukeuk up.

"Cayman."

"Stand back. I'll handle him from now on."

"You can't fight him… he's too…"

"Don't worry."

The Leaders ran to help Mukeuk out as Cayman turned to Chunir.

"Long time no see, Pearl General."

"You look familiar."

"Yes. We meet again after 900 years."

"900 years? Oh, I see."

Chunir then scoffed. "You're the kid from 900 years ago."

"You are right."

"You're the kid who couldn't even join the Expedition Team 900 years ago!"

"That is also correct."

Cayman didn't bother one bit with Chunir's sarcasm. He looked very relaxed.

'He's okay against my pressure?'

Chunir asked as he increased the pressure on Cayman. "So, I guess you've been training? Seeing how you're trying to fight me."