The black-robed woman turned toward Lucien.
She wasn't looking at anyone else.
Her head tilted slightly… almost like a puppet recognizing its designated target.
Outside the barrier, the crowd erupted in disbelief.
"W-What happened out there?!"
"She defeated all of them?!"
"Who's even left standing?!"
"Wait... someone's still moving!"
Dozens of eyes swept the platform...
...and found Lucien. And the black-robed woman.
Spectators gasped.
"No way the Verdant Veil boy can fight her."
"He's the weakest realm here!"
"He'll be crushed instantly... this isn't even a fair match!"
"Someone stop this! He'll die!"
But two voices refused to falter.
Marie gripped the barrier so hard her knuckles whitened.
"Luc… show them what you've got."
Eirene's gaze sharpened like a blade.
"…I believe he can persist."
•••
Back on the platform...
Lucien stood. His blood boiled.
He didn't know why.
'I wasn't like this before… Why is my blood burning?'
