The rampaging magic power finally subsided after an unknown amount of time.
In the square in front of the palace on the lake’s heart island, the scattered audience members still looked shocked and uncertain.
Lucy, Lia, Ancil, Aldia, Charl, Wolram, and the nobles hidden in the shadows stared intently at the stage.
There, Shien leaped back, the massive magic blade on his Holy Sword having dissipated.
Upon closer inspection, the stage hadn’t suffered any further damage from that astonishing strike, looking exactly the same as before Shien unleashed his [Demon Sword].
Harvis held his Thunderstorm broadsword defensively, as if he had been prepared to block Shien’s attack at the last moment, his face still tense.
Although Harvis had assumed a defensive stance in a hurry, he didn’t seem confident he could take Shien’s earth-shattering blow unscathed.
The only reason he was still standing there unharmed was that another person had suddenly appeared before him.
“Master Rockto?”
Harvis immediately recognized the figure from behind.
It was Rockto Bigusler, the Empire’s strongest knight, responsible for protecting Harvis.
This strongest existence of the Empire, at level ninety-seven, was holding a massive sword even larger than Harvis’s Thunderstorm, magic power flowing on its blade, shielding Harvis.
This scene made Shien narrow his eyes.
Because just now, it was this person who had suddenly rushed onto the stage, drawn that terrifying greatsword from somewhere, and with a single swing, dispelled his [Demon Sword].
Yes.
Dispelled it.
Shien saw it clearly. The moment his [Demon Sword] descended and made contact with the greatsword, the magic power gathered on the Holy Sword’s blade was dispersed by some mysterious force, vanishing without a trace.
Therefore, the stage wasn’t damaged because Shien’s [Demon Sword] had been dispelled, and only the magic power, like an avalanche, swept outwards, causing the tremors and roaring sounds. raNÔᛒĘš
Rockto shouldered the terrifying greatsword, gave Shien a deep look, then turned to Harvis behind him without a word.
“Your Highness, you lost.”
Rockto declared on behalf of his master.
Everyone present finally reacted. Some exchanged glances, some still looked shaken, and some stared at Rockto with serious expressions.
Ancil and Lucy, for instance, both had serious expressions.
Even Aldia’s eyes flickered slightly.
Clearly, these people had all seen Rockto block Shien’s [Demon Sword].
And they all felt threatened by the power Rockto displayed.
Harvis opened his mouth, as if wanting to say something, but then fell silent and exhaled.
The lightning on his Thunderstorm broadsword quietly disappeared.
“Indeed, I lost.” Harvis relaxed his body, looked at Shien, and said frankly, “I didn’t expect you to possess such astonishing magic power and strength. I almost couldn’t react just now. Therefore, I admit defeat wholeheartedly.”
Saying so, Harvis bowed to Shien as a sign of respect.
Seeing this, everyone’s gaze towards Shien changed.
“This guy…”
Wolram’s expression changed continuously.
“He… he’s actually this strong?”
Lia, Charl, and the others also stared at Shien, recalling that earth-shattering sword strike, unable to recover for a long time.
“Damn it…”
Edel’s face turned pale, cursing under his breath, but his eyes revealed genuine fear and apprehension.
Most of the nobles hidden in the shadows were the same, as if they had finally understood Shien’s strength, their gazes and expressions towards Shien different from before.
Until this moment, Shien had finally displayed some of his extraordinary strength in public.
Being able to defeat the Empire’s First Prince would undoubtedly greatly elevate Shien’s status in the eyes of many.
Only Lucy wasn’t surprised by Shien’s performance.
After all, only she knew that the strength Shien displayed now was just the tip of the iceberg.
No, not just Lucy, but there was another person who knew this clearly.
“He hasn’t even used his Holy Sword yet. The strength he displayed now is probably just a small part of it, right?”
Nadue, whose presence was undetectable, stared at Shien, admiring him inwardly.
Witnessing Shien’s strength firsthand, Nadue was quite satisfied.
Therefore, neither Lucy nor Nadue thought Shien’s performance was excessive.
Harvis’s performance, on the other hand, surprised them.
“Is Capeline’s older brother actually this strong?”
Lucy was quite surprised by Harvis’s strength.