"Afterimage."
Valerius' pupils shrank violently.
A chill rose along his spine.
He turned abruptly and retreated at the same time.
Ethan had already appeared behind him.
There was no pause, no transition, no mercy.
The long sword in Ethan's hand swept out in a ruthless arc, slashing straight toward Valerius' neck without giving him the slightest room to breathe.
Valerius leaned backward in an instant.
The sword wind scraped across his face like a blade.
Several strands of blond hair at his forehead were severed cleanly by the tip of the sword.
Without hesitation, Valerius mobilized the power within his body. He twisted his torso midair and slashed horizontally with the golden long sword in his hand, drawing out a brilliant arc of golden blade light.
Clang.
A crisp metallic collision resounded.
Sparks scattered in every direction.
Ethan retreated with his sword, sliding back three feet before stabilizing himself.
"Chief Palace Master."
"I told you."
