With a single exchange, Lakyus was forced back.
Kode immediately retrieved his greatshield, shifting his stance seamlessly, and blocked Gaguran's follow-up hammer strike head-on.
Gaguran, realizing the situation was worsening, didn't hesitate. Using the recoil from her previous blow, she surged forward once more and unleashed a chained composite martial skill—her hammer moving in a rapid, crushing rhythm reminiscent of legendary warhammer techniques.
This relentless assault completely cut off any chance of Kode pursuing Lakyus.
Not that he intended to.
As a true vanguard, Kode never forgot his role—to be the shield protecting the squad's core. Chasing enemies was the behavior of mediocre frontliners, not elite Tiger Knights.
Boom! Boom! Boom!!!
Dull impacts echoed through the courtyard as Gaguran's hammer smashed repeatedly against Kode's shield.
Yet Kode did not retreat a single step.
The force wasn't even enough to numb his arm—and even if it were, his passive skills designed to negate muscle interference would have erased the effect instantly.
The difference between Tiger Knights and ordinary warriors wasn't just their level.
Each of them had acquired multiple rare-item-granted special skills, granting them resistance approaching that of dragons.
"Ibiruei!"
She noticed it immediately.
The Priest Knight behind Kode had begun casting again.
"Gaguran—retreat, now!"
At the same time, Ibiruei clapped her hands sharply. Lightning erupted between her palms, and she hurled it forward.
A Dragon Lightning streaked toward the Priest Knight.
The instant she heard the warning, Gaguran used the rebound from her hammer to leap backward, cleanly opening a path for the spell.
But—
The Priest Knight didn't even flinch.
Holy light shimmered in his grasp as three massive lightning arrows formed above his head.
"Magic Triple Maximize · Lightning God's Arrow!"
The arrows screamed through the air, locking onto the largest and nearest target—Gaguran.
At the same moment, the mounted archer beside him drew his bow once more.
But this time, his aim wasn't any member of Blue Rose.
He aimed upward.
"Scattering Arrow Rain!"
The arrow shot skyward, detonated, and split into countless shards of energy that rained down, blanketing the entire Sand Domain.
Kode raised his shield again.
A hemispherical barrier of light enveloped the knight squad just as Ibiruei's Dragon Lightning struck.
The spell exploded violently—
—but the barrier held without even a crack.
"Ibiruei—cover Gaguran!" Lakyus shouted.
"Magic Tier Enhance · Crystal Shield!"
Ibiruei instantly placed herself in front of Gaguran. A crystalline barrier enveloped her entire body just as the three lightning arrows slammed into it.
Crack!
Crack!
Crack!
The shield shattered under the third impact—but the two survived unharmed.
Unfortunately, not everyone was so lucky.
Within the area covered by the arrow rain, two figures reappeared.
Tia and Tina.
They had attempted to approach under concealment magic, but faced with such dense area coverage, they were forced to erect defensive ninjutsu shields.
To their shock, the tiny energy arrows were slowly eroding their defenses.
The moment their shields collapsed, they abandoned the approach and retreated decisively.
Though several arrows pierced their bodies and blood flowed freely, they escaped the domain and vanished from the Knight squad's sight.
"Mass Healing!"
Lakyus immediately cast recovery magic and rushed to them.
"Are you two alright!?"
"We're fine, Demon Leader."
"No fatal injuries, Boss Ghost."
Their responses were calm—but their eyes remained fixed on the battlefield.
Both knew the truth.
Against this squad, ninja tactics were nearly meaningless.
And Lakyus understood something far worse.
Even she—armed with relic weapons and priest-warrior training—could barely threaten any member of the Knight squad.
Kode's defensive coverage had no blind spots.
Ibiruei… Gaguran…
Just as Lakyus's concern peaked—
Thud! Thud!
Two figures were violently flung from the sandstorm, like pedestrians struck by a charging carriage.
"Ibiruei! Gaguran!"
The Sand Domain collapsed instantly.
What stood revealed was not only the intact five-man knight squad—
—but two towering summoned beings.
Fervent Angel.
Encased in radiant armor, wings blazing with holy light, and wielding a greatsword taller than a man, the angel radiated overwhelming pressure.
Gaguran rolled across the ground and barely managed to stand.
Her hands trembled violently as she gripped her hammer.
She had blocked the angel's strike with the hammer shaft—
—and nearly lost her arms.
Ibiruei fared slightly better, having used Damage Transfer to mitigate the blow.
Lakyus, Tia, and Tina immediately moved in front of them, weapons raised.
"Are you two still able to fight?"
"Still alive." Gaguran spat blood and grinned grimly.
But the truth was obvious.
The battle had only just escalated—and Blue Rose was already at its limit.
Continuing would only end in defeat.
Lakyus clenched her teeth.
We have to withdraw—
"That's enough."
The voice cut through the battlefield like a blade.
It was Lock.
He stepped forward calmly, as if the overwhelming clash moments earlier had been nothing more than a rehearsal.
"Kode. You've done well," Lock said, patting the Sword-and-Shield Knight's shoulder with satisfaction. "Take your squad and rest."
"Yes, Lord Lock."
Without a single question, Kode withdrew and led his squad away from the courtyard.
Lakyus stared, stunned.
"…Baron Lock? What does this mean?"
Victory had been within reach. A few more exchanges and Blue Rose would have been crushed.
Nobles often valued such public victories above all else.
She had assumed Lock was no different.
"It was only a friendly spar," Lock replied calmly. "There's no need to go further."
More and more guards, servants, and palace staff had begun to gather, drawn by the commotion.
Lock continued evenly, "Miss Aindra, this isn't a place for prolonged conflict. I also have something I wish to discuss with you—privately."
"…You wish to speak with me alone?"
"Yes. Would you mind?"
All of Blue Rose turned toward Lakyus.
After a brief pause, she nodded.
"Very well."
"Please, follow me."
Behind the Strength
Lock led Lakyus into the tower and up to the second floor.
Her original intention—to observe the Tiger Knights—was fulfilled immediately.
The training hall was filled with Knights engaged in intense close-combat drills.
Sword-and-shield knights.
Mounted archers.
Even Priest Knights—training blade work sharper than most warriors she knew.
Her breath caught.
Even their support units…?
She now understood.
The squad she had faced earlier was not exceptional.
It was standard.
Lock did not stop.
He led her through the hall and out onto the city wall between two training towers.
Here, no one could approach unnoticed.
"Baron Lock," Lakyus finally asked, "what did you wish to discuss?"
Lock gazed out over the Royal Capital.
After a long pause, he asked quietly,
"Miss Aindra… do you think the Kingdom, as it is now, is good?"
"…It isn't perfect," she replied carefully, "but without ambitious schemers, it could improve."
"Ambitious schemers?" Lock glanced sideways.
She met his gaze directly—unafraid.
"You already know why I came," she said firmly. "It's about Princess Lana. I will not stand by and watch her fall into your hands."
Lock chuckled softly.
"Then you greatly overestimate how much she matters to me. My objective was never Princess Lana."
"I know," Lakyus replied coldly. "You intend to seize the Kingdom's throne. But even with overwhelming military power, the people will never accept you. I urge you to abandon this delusion while you still can."
Lock turned to face her fully.
His eyes were calm.
Dangerously calm.
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A/N: Advance Chapter Has Been Uploaded. Please Check It Out. It will really help me out and will keep me motivated to continue.
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