Reborn: Earth Online-Chapter 96 97: I am Rafael. The Savior.

Kaden broke through the tree line, his feet crunching against the dry earth as he emerged from the dense foliage. His breath was steady, but his mind raced—still partially stuck in the volcanic region, in the heart of that molten abyss where a mystery egg sac pulsed ominously beneath the watchful eye of its monstrous guardian.

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But now, his focus shifted.

The settlement stretched out before him, and something was different. His eyes flicked over the wooden barricades, reinforced with sharpened stakes, and the armed patrols that had not existed before. The settlement had changed.

And judging by the group of men charging toward him, so had its leadership.

"Stop! Stop! Stop!"

The guards ran toward him, their boots kicking up dust, weapons at the ready. They were armed. That alone was a sign of how much had shifted in his absence. Before, these people were scrambling for survival, barely able to defend themselves. Now they had proper weapons, armor—discipline.

Kaden ignored them.

If they wanted to stop him, they could try and catch up.

He didn't break stride, brushing past them like an afterthought. Their voices faded into the background as he approached the heart of the settlement—the small pond where the settlement core rested. He only stopped when he reached it, his sharp gaze flickering across the now-fortified surroundings.

Naturally, everything looked different.

And now, he could finally see why.

Several armed men were rushing toward him, not in fear, but with purpose. Their grips on their weapons were firm, their movements practiced. They surrounded him in a loose but strategic formation, trapping him on all sides.

Kaden didn't move. He smirked instead, watching them with mild amusement. How interesting.

Then, a figure stepped forward.

A man clad in thick plate armor. His presence radiated authority and strength. His armor was polished and heavy, built for battle rather than intimidation. Broad shoulders, muscular build, steady steps. The way he carried himself screamed warrior. He wasn't here to beg or plead—he was here to assert control.

Four other fighters flanked him, standing in disciplined formation, their eyes locked onto Kaden like they were waiting for the order to strike. They weren't just standing guard. They were protecting something.

And behind them all, Kaden spotted a familiar face.

Niera.

She hesitated, her expression unreadable. Then, as her gaze met his, her eyes widened. Shock. Guilt. Uncertainty. A mix of emotions flickered across her face as she instinctively stepped forward.

"I—"

She started to speak, only for the armored man to cut her off smoothly.

"No need for pleasantries." His voice was deep, steady—a leader's voice. He took another step forward, squaring his shoulders as he addressed Kaden directly. "Mr. Kaden, we need to talk."

Kaden remained silent, watching him.

The man continued, his expression unwavering. "I am Rafael. The Savior."

Kaden blinked once, then twice. Did this guy just call himself 'The Savior'? Yet another Savior?

He barely held back a scoff, instead tilting his head slightly, eyes locked onto Rafael. The man was solid, strong, and exuded an air of control that Kaden could appreciate—but challenging him?

Still, he didn't react immediately. Instead, he let the silence stretch, studying Rafael the way a predator might size up another hunter in its territory.

Not understanding the reason for his reaction, Rafael continued. "I am the one who has officially challenged you for the position of settlement ownership."

"I see," Kaden said at last, his tone casual. Too casual. "You've 'challenged' me. And now what? You expect me to just hand everything over because you slapped on some armor and called yourself a savior?"

A flicker of irritation crossed Rafael's face, but it disappeared just as quickly. He was disciplined.

"This settlement is no longer the chaotic mess you left behind," Rafael replied smoothly. "It has order now. Leadership. Stability. And the people need a leader who is present. Not someone who disappears for days on end."

Ah. There it was.

Kaden's absence had given them the perfect excuse. He had left. And in his absence, someone stepped in to 'fix' things. To make the people feel like they had control again. It was an old tactic—one that worked well in groups of scared, desperate people.

Kaden chuckled. "And you think that's you?"

Rafael straightened. "I don't think. I know."

One of the armed men behind him shifted slightly, gripping the hilt of his sword. Kaden's sharp eyes caught the movement.

He sighed, rolling his shoulders like he was bored. "You know, I was really looking forward to a warm welcome after nearly getting burned alive for three days straight. But instead, I come back to…this." He gestured vaguely at the men surrounding him, at Rafael's self-important stance.

"This isn't personal," Rafael said, though his tone made it clear that it absolutely was.

Kaden chuckled darkly. "Oh, it's always personal."

Niera finally stepped forward. "Kaden—"

He raised a hand, stopping her. "No, Niera. Let's hear him out." He locked eyes with Rafael, his smirk widening. "You challenged me. Fine. Let's play. What's your move, 'Savior'?"

Rafael's expression remained cool, but Kaden didn't miss the way his jaw clenched slightly.

"There will be no unnecessary bloodshed," Rafael said. "The system allows for an official challenge. A trial by combat. One-on-one. Winner takes ownership of the settlement. If you truly believe you are still the best leader for these people, then prove it."

Kaden raised an eyebrow. Oh, this was going to be fun.

"You sure about that?" he asked, his tone almost playful. "A one-on-one fight with me? You don't strike me as the suicidal type."

Rafael's eyes narrowed. "This isn't about ego. It's about who is best suited to lead."

Kaden exhaled through his nose, rubbing his temples. "I swear, I leave for three days and suddenly everyone thinks they're kings."

He took a step closer, and the air around him shifted. The men around Rafael tensed. They felt it.

The presence.

Kaden might've been calm, even playful—but the weight of his strength was undeniable.

"Alright," Kaden said, voice dropping slightly. "You want a fight? You got one."