A Filler Before The Twist

"Bro? *chuckle* You coming?" 

Marcus could only chuckle at the teared-up Sean Guster who was virtually on his knees because of the sudden surprise.

How did he know?. Well... Marcus read his mind. He discerned Sean's suffering and to help him like this was the right thing and the only thing he could do. 

How did he think of aiding Sean?. Simple. He just thought about his own family. 

Marcus shook his head, it wasn't the time to trash talk or even waste time reasoning. There's someone who is waiting in the shadows, lurking in the dark, idling for the right time to pounce on him. 

And ... He moreover had the otherworldly hero to look after. If what the system said was true (which it is) then he had another powerful rival to face, that is if The Flame Emperor succeeds in his mission first, which Marcus thought was remotely possible with the old-timers' abilities lost.