Chapter 3. Stop... Froze N Time.

After the earth-shattering revelation, Hem couldn't endure so she fainted, causing Taki and Grace to panic. Fortunately for her, Grace was there to catch her while Taki was panicking if she was alright, luckily, a few hours later Hem woke up.

Taki seeing her wake up released a heavy sigh while asking, "Hem are you alright? If I knew you were going to faint then I wouldn't have done that in the first place."

Hem slowly getting up nodded her head while she thanked Grace for looking out for her. However, she felt a blow dealt with her when she heard Taki's words.

'YOU DIDN'T KNOW!!! it's a bloody spell that no one in this world can possibly accomplish, I swear this God is just making fun of me!' Hem angrily thought, but she knew she couldn't say such words in fear of disrespecting this mighty being.

"It's alright Taki... or should I call you something else?"

Taki quickly shook his head, "No, no, no. I don't mind if you call me Taki, in fact, I would like it very much if you do so."

Grace smiled brightly while Hem just sighed, "Okay.. but since we now know you're an actual God, what are your plans? or should I say, what are you going to do now?" Hem asked nervously. Her face seems calm but deep down, there was great fear just by facing this behemoth of a God. She knows that with one snap of his fingers he could kill them effortlessly, in fact, no one in this world would be safe from his wrath.

Hem wasn't the only one getting anxious, for Grace, on the other hand, her mind and heart were in chaos, 'What if he says he wants to leave and go somewhere else!! No! I can't allow him to leave me! Not right now when I've finally found the love of my life!' in deep frustration on her face, Grace formed hundreds of plans inside her mind onto how to keep him by her side.

One of these plans has her "accidentally" tripping on top of Taki, while she would secretly have his hand grope her breast and forcefully kiss him. As to how she was going to do this, only she knew.

If Taki knew such an evil scheme he would've sprinted like the wind. Fortunately for Taki, such plans weren't used.

Taki who obviously wasn't aware of her thoughts replied, "Good question... I have a lot of things I want to do in this world, and things I want to try out for the first time..." Hearing his words the girls gulped deeply while pouring all their attention towards him, especially Grace who was sweating buckets. However, Taki further continued, "But those are things I can do another time, for now, I've decided with your permission, I hope I can join your party?" Taki asked with a smile.

Taki knows he could do whatever he likes, but with just this first encounter with these two beauties, he decided that going on a journey with two beauties was a better idea.

Hem was greatly shocked as to why he would want to do such things when he could do anything he liked in this world, but before she could reply, Grace bet her to it, "Of Course you can!~ Please don't ever leave me Taki~" Within a second she quickly embraced Takis stomach in a hug like a koala.

Taki was speechless but quickly calmed down due to the other skills that allowed him to become immune to such actions. However, he was still nervous as he could see Hem with a troubled face as if she was deeply in thought about some serious matters.

"Taki, it's not that I hate your company, in fact, it's quite the opposite I would be honored, but I just don't get why such a great being like you would even consider wanting to join such lowly mortals?..." asked Hem in a slightly shaky voice, as if she was afraid to offend Taki.

Taki quickly frowned once he saw her reaction, causing Hem to immediately avoid eye contact. Grace was ignorant of her surroundings as she was too absorbed on rubbing her face on Taki's stomach.

Taki was reminded of when he worked in a company where he was treated like a slave, earning below minimum wage, while being treated like trash. He promised himself, in this new life he will not allow others to treat him as such, nor would he tolerate seeing others abused, because he knew what it felt like.

"Hem.. and Grace. I'll say this now and I hope you will engrave this into your souls forever. Don't ever, and I mean never, consider yourselves lowly even if I am a God. Particularly, when I have you two as my first friends I have ever made."

Hem felt as if a lightning bolt just struck her heart, causing her to feel a weird sensation running through all her being and tears to form in the corner of her eyes. 'So he has protected the universe for who knows how long, and he's never had any friends... Taki! I swear on my life that I will not disappoint you!! Even if you decide to form a relationship with me, I will humbly accept it with great honor!!!'

"Mhm... I will engrave every word into my heart Taki..." a deep blush flushed her face as she quickly looks at the ground.

Taki, unaware of her thoughts just happily nodded his head when he heard her accept him as a new friend. Grace on the other hand, just nodded her head vigorously onto Taki's stomach, secretly taking deep breaths of Taki's sweet and addicting scent.

Soon, shocking news interrupted, Taki had a notification pop up inside his mind. A map appeared inside his mind while it showed the surrounding area of the Forest Of Death, however, a few miles off, he can see numerous red dots surrounding a town.

Taki can also see quite the number of green dots, most likely humans and others, but unlike the red dots, they were losing numbers quite rapidly. But what was really concerning to Taki was that there was a Big red dot slowly making it's way while an even bigger one was rapidly approaching. Taki knew that the bigger the dot was, the bigger the threat.

However, another shocking news appeared, within a second another notification popped up, this time in the form of a message.

[Buthrium is under attack from a horde of monsters]

'Damn it system I can see that!! How did this happen, and who caused such a disaster?!'

[It was caused by you...]

'Fuck!'

Without a second delay, Taki knew he had to save these people.

"Anyways Hem, I think you should stop crying because if you're up to it, why don't we rescue a town from a horde of monsters?" Taki asked with a smile. He knew he's never faced such monsters before, fortunately, due to the benefits of being a Supreme God, Taki has a shit ton of information and skills drilled into his soul to make his life a carefree one.

"Ehhh!?" Hem was dumbstruck from the out of nowhere bomb Taki just dropped. Taki saw her reaction and knew that she was confused, "I've told you just now that a horde of monsters are currently attacking the Town Buthrium, which unfortunately happens to be the closest town from here. And there is quite a few S ranked monsters, but the real threat is that there are actually two SS ranked monsters there as well. And please don't worry, I know this happened due to my fault scaring all the monsters away, but that doesn't mean I won't set things right." Taki said with a confident smile because he knows nothing in this world can be his opponent, and he was also excited to show off again.

Unfortunately, it's only Taki who was excited while a deep fear appeared on Hem's face, afraid of the damage the town and people will encounter. Most likely a complete massacre. Her fears were further increased as she heard Taki say the taboo words, "SS Ranked Monsters". What were these monsters? well, they are one of the apex predators in this world, each one fully capable of destroying cities and towns with a breath.

If one wanted to defeat such a dangerous threat, they would have to deploy a team of S ranked adventurers, however, they would still have a high chance of losing. If they wanted to secure a victory instead of a defeat, they will need the assistance of SS ranked adventurers instead, who were as rare as the hairs on a unicorns arse.

"Taki!! we need to immediately get there and save those people!!" Hem hurriedly said with a grim expression.

Grace who was absorbed before, had her fluffy ears perked up with interest, "Hm? Under attack? Are we going to raid for the first time as a proper team? Well, to be honest, it's just going to a breeze since I have such a capable and extraordinary husband~~" Grace teased, clearly unaware of how grave the situation is.

Seeing her best friend acting like a fool while so many lives are being slaughtered every second, Hem couldn't help but smack some sense into her.

Smack!

"Ehhhh...!? what the hell was that for!?" Grace roared tearfully while rubbing her head.

"Grace! Buthrium is under attack from a horde of monsters while innocent lives are being slaughtered! Even worse there are two SS ranked monsters!!!"

Graces face crumbled in an instant, immediately forgetting about before, "Nani!?! We need to start running there now! But it will take hours just to get there, we will be too late!! WHY ARE WE STILL STANDING FOR!?!'

While the girls were in chaos, Taki just sighed, "To think you girls already forgot about me, hahaha! It seems my show before didn't leave a permanent mark, now I will prove to you that since I'm here, there's nothing to fear." Taki said with a grin, instantly causing the girls to stop and daze at his handsome face.

Not wanting to waste any more time, Taki instantly cast [Supreme Teleportation Magic] a skill only Gods would have. Obviously, this was leaps and bounds more powerful than a typical teleportation spell.

Within a second, their bodies vanished completely.

-------------

Buthrium Town, on top of the massive tall walls, a fierce struggle was happening as numerous adventurers, town guards and even some brave civilians were desperately fighting off the endless hordes of monsters. They united as one for a greater cause, to live. They didn't fight for themselves, they fought for their friends, families and for their kingdom. Everyone knew if they fell today, the other towns or even cities wouldn't be safe either. It was a battle to the death with hundred of thousands of monsters versus thousands of defenders.

Moreover, these people weren't blindly fighting just to lose their lives, they left a number of guards who were tasked to protect the retreating civilians while they fought desperately for the arrival of reinforcement from the capital, surrounding cities, and towns.

Due to the safety of the walls being so tall with a great amount of density, it made it difficult for the low and mid-ranked monsters to break through or climb over. Provided with the walls, that didn't mean that they couldn't climb up either, especially the monsters that can walk up the walls with ease. However, that wasn't the case for the higher-ranked monsters that acted as the spearheads for the relentless attack, they can easily punch a hole through the walls with a swarm of monsters behind them, while some flew over the walls, attacking from above making it more difficult for the defenders.

Despite all that, the defenders were prepared, immediately countless high tier adventurers would spring into action suppressing the higher-ranked monsters. Either by binding the flyers onto the ground or surrounding a monster then instantly bombarding it with countless magic spells. Naturally, the rest didn't stand idle either, as one second of delay could mean your life, they fought hard to delay their utter destruction. While the horde of monsters was a difficult task to accomplish, it was a far easier task when all they had to do is hold out for a few more hours until their reinforcements arrived.

Despite all their efforts for the hope they had, a far more disastrous danger had yet to make its appearance.

"ROAR!!"

With a roar that caused the ground to tremble greatly and the wall to shake, everyone started sweating buckets, praying that the Gods be merciful. Just when they thought they could hold out, a far more dangerous monster appears.

"O-oh my gods, we're doom..."

"Damn it! We just needed to hold out, now what!?"

"Lo-look! at the far back, there's a figure fast approaching!"

The people stopped their actions to complain while some noticed a dangerous figure fast approaching.

In the far distance, further in the backline of the horde, one can see a massive figure even when it was clearly miles away. If it were closer, the monster would no doubt be tremendous. If one looks closely, they can see the figure dragging a massive tree behind it, looking like it was a weapon. However, that wasn't the surprising part, it also looks like the figure had four arms. When they thought deeply, they instantly knew what type of monster that was making its way towards them.

"Fuck! we've already got our hands full! now a bloody [Four Armed Cyclops] is approaching!?" A handsome man with long blonde hair said in anger, as he beautifully spun around with his faintly glowing sword, instantly killing dozens of monsters in the process.

If people saw this man they would be shocked out of their minds as everyone within this kingdom knows of the famous genius, Sword Saint Luke. Who wasn't only handsome, or a genius by becoming one of the youngest to obtain such power, but, he was also well known for his mastery of swords which lead him to receive such a title. Throughout the kingdom, only a few experts could deal with him.

'Damn it... if I didn't come back to check on Grace and Hem, I wouldn't have known such dangers. Fortunately, I met the others on the way and we were able to hold out much longer. Now, however, with the appearance of an SS ranked monster, we can only retreat!...' Luke thought in a grim expression.

Currently, Luke was out in the heat of battle outside the walls with other experts, hoping to prolong their casualties just a bit more and to make sure the retreat of the civilians was successful. These few experts controlled the battlefield, as they swiftly and fiercely slaughtered numerous monsters. Proving that teamwork can make the dream work. Unfortunately, this proved useless as there were too many monsters, to begin with. Slowly but surely they were starting to get surrounded while they were also losing a lot of their mana.

"I believe we should retreat since now this town is beyond saving anymore. Fortunately, our plan to gain more time for a successful retreat for the civilians has worked. Now all we need to do is leave as well." said a gorgeous mage with pink hair, wearing a full dark blue robe that couldn't hide her seductive body. On her hand was a long and dark stick with a red crystal attached on top. Obviously, she is an S ranked Mage, Tremis Adrena. One of the few S ranks in this kingdom. However, only a selected few know that she is of demon descendants, making her control over magic and mana far superior compared to other races. However, despite a race advantage, she was only second after Hem who was a lot more superior to her in terms of magical control, power, and mana. Hence, promising that Hem was her rival.

Luke heard Tremis and couldn't help but nod his head in agreement, "Tremis, your right. I want you and the others here, to order the retreat for the brave people who are currently fighting. I on the other hand with Drex will stay to make sure these foul creatures don't have any thoughts of following you."

An old but huge and muscular man with a large battle axe on his shoulder couldn't help but laugh excitedly, "Hahaha! It's a shame we will lose this beautiful town, however, I deeply approve of this idea! Kid, you've got a great head on ya. Go on boys n girls, shoo! run along! Hahaha!!" said the black-haired man with a scar on his right cheek, who was only inferior to Takis height by a few inches. This large man was none other than the Berserker Drex, from the giantmen tribe, he is lightly armored only protecting his private parts, however, to Drex this was enough due to his superior strength, endurance and dexterity. He is also known for his ferice and brutal attacks that would turn his victims into paste, which earned him the title Bone Breaker. Causing him to be feared by all and respect by some. Even Luke would have a hard time fighting this old monster.

"I wish you both are fortunate enough to live through this whole ordeal and make sure to retreat when there is a chance," Tremis said solemnly. To Tremis, although they weren't a party, that didn't mean they weren't friends. Including Hem and Grace, everyone has known each other for a very long time, they usually helped each other from time to time or just chilled out. So to her, she wished her friends could make it out alive.

Luke lightly smiled while Drex just laughed heartily. They both knew she was greatly concerned for them which only added fuel to their desire to live. If they were going to die, they would do their best to avoid it, but if they had no escape route and the only option was death, then they would fight to the death.

Afterward, the other experts followed Tremis as they rushed to pass the order for retreat. Luke and Drex looked at each other and nodded, surrounding them was a horde of vicious monsters that would make even seasoned veterans pee themselves. However, for these two they didn't care one bit, especially so for Drex as he showed a toothy grin.

"Luke... just know that you're a good kid."

"Eh? Gramps, save your dying words for another time because we're not dying here. Not on my watch!! Phantom Slash!!" Luke said as he swiftly rushed towards the surrounding monsters, once he approached them he instantly slashed out twenty times, causing golden arcs to fly through the surrounding monsters. Instantly cutting them into pieces.

"Hahaha! Good Lad! It's time for these old bones for a warm-up as well! Berserker's Wrath!!" Drex roared out as his body grew larger while his strength drastically increased. Dark red aura enveloped his whole body, giving off an intense and fiercesome pressure. Immediately, he also rushed out towards the crowd of monsters, starting his one-sided slaughter. Slashing, hacking and chopping away.

Luke, who was also in the midst of battle couldn't help but smile towards this old companion of his. "Old man, I think you're getting stronger!"

"Hahaha! Really? Now that you mentioned it, I think I am. Hahaha!!"

"haha, gramps don't die now okay!"

"Lad, I believe you should worry about yourself!"

Throughout their casual conversation, they never ceased their massacre. Drex with his vicious and violent attacks, leaving most his victims into a paste of blood and bones. Meanwhile, Luke's attacks were swift and graceful like a gentle river, but also as dangerous as Drex.

When A ranked monsters attacked them, they were instantly destroyed. And if S ranked monsters attacked, they would attack with of their might, sometimes teaming up with the harder monsters. In a few minutes, Luke and Drex have Massacred a quarter of the hordes numbers. Of course, this led to all the monsters focusing all their attention on the dangerous threats.

Meanwhile, on the wall, the survivors noticed the change in most monsters.

"Is that Luke and Drex! By the Gods they're as mighty as they say!!" someone shouted in the crowd, making the rest focusing on the fearsome warriors fighting against all odds. They all couldn't help but be amazed by Luke's graceful attacks, and Drexs violent attacks. It was like water and fire, both have their own beauty.

Unfortunately, their daydreaming was snapped back to reality by a fearsome voice.

"Be quiet! Now isn't the time to be amazed, if you've forgotten, a greater calamity is almost in front of our doorsteps. Unless you want to die, I suggest we retreat immediately!!" shouted Tremis towards the foolish people.

Everyone shifted their gaze towards the great beauty and experts behind her, when they heard her words they knew she was right. They almost forgot about the dangerous monster slowly but surely making its way towards them.

"But Miss Tremis, what about Luke and Drex, and also, what about the Buthrium..." A young adventurer asked with an ashen face.

Tremis frowned when she saw this young boy battered and bloody appearance. 'This child is no less than 12, yet he also bravely fought to protect his home...' In the battlefield age is just a number, what really matters is whether one can fight to survive, or die.

With a heavy sigh, Tremis replied, "Child, there is nothing we can do about it. Even if the reinforcement arrives we will still be slaughtered... Don't worry, it's not the town that makes it Buthrium. No, it's the people."

The kid didn't reply for a few seconds, before a determined glimmer flashed in his eyes, "Your right Miss Tremis, I'm sorry for being so immature!" said the boy full of determination.

The crowd nodded towards the kid who had bravely fought alongside them while Tremis smiled.

"Good, now I need you all to gather around and hold hands, for I'm about to use Teleportation Magic."

Gasps and shock echoed throughout the crowd as they couldn't believe they would live to see one of the rarest magic. Despite their amazement, they still carried out the order. With this kind of magic that can transport the few survivors, they couldn't help but be grateful to leave this godforsaken place.

Unfortunately, life doesn't always go your way.

Before Tremis could chant, a thick and immense horrible pressure assaulted everyone, including Luke and Drex. Causing all to tremble in fear.

Luke and Drex halted their onslaught when they felt the new presence of the disaster approaching.

"Old man... I know you just felt that horrible aura just now." Luke says fearfully.

"Ha-haha, it seems this is the right time for our last words... But, the believe this is when we retreat..."

Luke nodded, "I couldn't agree more, we need to leave now. However, considering this new enemy's strength, I doubt it'll let us leave with all our limbs intact."

"Hahaha! Right, right! This day is one hell of a day! hahaha!!"

After feeling the new enemy unfathomable strength, they knew they needed to leave now. Immediately, they quickly killed a dozen more monsters before hastily retreating away.

Meanwhile, on the walls, someone was having the hardest time yet.

"Wh-what sort of disaster has been released upon us..." Tremis said with a face full of fear and disbelief, struggling to stand straight. Due to having such a superiority over magic, she's far more sensitive towards magic than other races. And she knows that this being was no ordinary being, this very being could possibly obliterate multiple kingdoms without a sweat.

Throughout her life as an adventurer, no monster could emit such a terrifying pressure. Not even SS ranked monsters could produce it. Moreover, this leaves her with one conclusion, this was a realm above SS ranked monsters.

"We're doomed... not even an SS rank can help us..."

"ROAAR!!"

As if the gods were listening to her words, a mighty roar frightened everyone out of their souls. They all turned towards the sky, and there it was.

A massive western black dragon, covering the sun like an eclipse. Covered in dark shiny scales, which one can tell was possibly more sturdy than any metal, two large black wings on each side, bigger than the body it's self. Moreover, the dark red eyes with the rows of sharp teeth completed its terrifying appearance. However, it wasn't just the appearance that made everyone cower in fear, no, it was it's cruel and unruly aura that was far greater than any monster would possess.

In conclusion, everyone understood one thing about this unknown and fearsome dragon; This was a Dragon Of Death.

Instantly the dragon landed on the ground with a loud impact, killing a lot of monsters as if they were ants. Slowly it looked towards the frozen duo of Luke and Drex, who were in front of the walls, then it gave a large grin before it opened its jaws wide.

Instantly a large ball of raging magic gathered inside its mouth, slowly but surely the size grew at a frightening rate. Of course, anyone with a mind knew what this was... it was death. Rightfully so for the duo.

"Well... I guess this is where we die gramps. I hope we're still friends in the next life..." Luke said sadly. He knew there was no escaping this, for them and the others retreating.

"Hahaha... you got yourself a deal, in the next life we can still be mates lad!" Drex heartily said as he hit Lukes's shoulder, in order to cheer him up.

Meanwhile, on the top of the wall, everyone was saying their last goodbyes to each other. They might not of known each other, but during this battle, they knew that every here was a great person who needed to be respected for their sacrifice.

Tremis was of no exception, she hugged the little boy from behind tightly as if she could protect him that way. However, she knew they were all going to die any second.

"M-miss Tremis... I'm scared..." the boy said shaking. This was his first time seeing such an overwhelming creature, even during the battle against the horde of monsters they weren't as scary as this one. Just it's size alone can destroy any veteran's confidence.

Tremis shook as she heard the child, but she then steeled her heart and wiped the tears away, "Don't worry child... I promise you, you won't feel anything if you just close your eyes..."

The child briefly smiled, took a deep breath and tightly closed his eyes. Tremis seeing the child's reaction couldn't help but smile as her hug tightened.

Deep down Tremis hated herself, if only she could have enough time to finish her chant then she could save a few lives, but now it was obvious the dragon would kill them any second.

When the raging fireball was enormous, the black dragon didn't hesitate to fire away.

Huaa!!

The dark flame of beam shot out of the dragon's mouth, traveling rapidly towards the defenders while burning anything in its way into ash. Even leaving a deep trail on the ground. However, before it could reach the survivors... Time stopped.

Time stopped for everything, monsters and even the black dragon and its fearsome flames were stopped. Excluding all the survivors. After a few seconds of complete silence, everyone roared out in deep shock and surprise!

"I don't dare believe my eyes... i-is this reality... or did we already die...."

"By the Gods! It's a miracle!!!"

"What!? we-we're still alive!"

"All the monsters are frozen in time!! How!?"

The survivors were in complete confusion, not only was this magic extremely power but it was also rare. Only heard in legends and myths, but now they have seen it themselves, as to who could accomplish such a feat... they instantly looked towards their Mage.

However, the person herself was literally about to pop her eyeballs out while her mouth is wide open in utter shock. Everyone almost fell over when they realized it wasn't their mage, but were still in deep thought as to who did it.

'W-what sort of being is capable to cast this long forgotten and ancient magic, that dates back to the time of Gods...' Tremis thought trembling uncontrollably.

On the ground.

"Kid... I-I'm not seeing things right..." Drex said

in sweat, just a second ago he was about to die, but right now the time has stopped and so has the black flames. Obviously, anyone would doubt their eyes.

"Old man... I think we both died..." Luke replied in the same response as Drex. They both can't believe this development, no matter how hard they tried.

"I might sound crazy but I think the time has stopped..."

"That... I think your right gramps.."

They say so in disbelief, however, in front of them was solid proof it's self. Monsters have frozen in time, the black massive dragon with its flames also stuck in time.

However, a cheerful and playful voice slapped them back to reality,

"Oiiii!!! Sword freak! Gramps!! Book worm!! Up here!~~"

Everyone immediately looked above the dragons' head to the source of the sound. There they can see a group of three people, floating effortlessly. Two great beauties on each side of a behemoth of a man, who wasn't wearing any clothes but a fur acting as a skirt around his waist. When they looked closer they noticed this man was extremely beautiful, long white hair braided like a vikings, sexy tanned and muscular body, making the women gulp in temptation while the men gulped in admiration.

However, people also noticed his aura was very calm and comfortable, nothing they've ever felt before. Which made people wonder who the mysterious man was.

Tremis slapped her face doubting what she was seeing before her, then she glared at the people again until she was shocked out of her mind, "Hem and Grace!!!! What the actual fuck!!!? How are you floating!?!" Tremis lost her mind just seeing them casually floating as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

However, what ticked her off, even more, was a stupid fox woman who was excited while waving at her.

The surrounding crowd was also surprised upon hearing such famous names. Even more so when they saw them floating, they felt like they've seen two amazing spells only heard in myths in just one day, causing their brains to go haywire. If someone told them that they had two bum holes they would believe it.

"Heyoo!`~ Are you grateful that I saved you!~" Grace shouted teasingly while wrapping her arms around Takis. Taki just sighed in relief that he made it in time. He knew that there was a greater threat than an SS rank.

"Grace, how can you be so shameless. This wasn't your feat but Takis!" Hem scolded Grace.

"Heyy~ He's my husband so we share everything~"

Hem deeply blushed, "Y-you! Stop forcing someone to marry you!!"

"Naaaw~ Lil Hem is jealous, don't worry I can share~!"

"T-that's not for you to decide!!" Hem roared with her face deeply flushed.

However, in between these two, Taki just stood like a plank not daring to move.

'I feel like I have no say in this matter...' Taki thought fearfully.

While the two are fighting over Taki, everyone else watching couldn't help but drop their mouths in utter shock, some even fainted not being able to stand so many surprises in one day. Especially the ones who were closer to the two.

"Lad... I believe we're actually dead, to see the most feared Flame Demon and Hurricane Disaster acting like this..." Drex said with a blank expression. He didnt know what to make out of this event, even these two would wipe the floor against him.

Luke, on the other hand, sighed heavily, "Haaa... I knew we died, I just didn't want to believe it. Only now do I truly believe it" He said with a smile on his face as if he's finally accepted death.

Hem and Grace hearing such insults couldn't help but retaliate, "You really want to die!?" they shouted in unison. Luke and Drex hugged each other in fear.