Moments later, Alan and the others vanished completely into the depths of the Imperial Capital's streets.
The onlookers, realizing there would be no duel to witness, sighed in disappointment and began to disperse, returning to their daily lives.
Stephen, meanwhile, raised his hand and gripped the back of Krom's neck with an ironclad grip. His voice was low, his tone cold as ice, and his reprimand cut like a blade.
"You're not young anymore, Krom. So why are you still acting like those hot-headed youths? Just a few provoking words, and you're already losing control of your temper?"
His voice grew even colder. "Let me tell you something, Krom. If I'd arrived even a few minutes later, you wouldn't be standing here in front of me, perfectly intact. You'd be lying cold and dead on the ground, do you understand that?"
