"Clang—!"
At that instant, a huge wide-blade greatsword swung down heavily from in front of Shane, crashing onto the Holy Sword that Shane had drawn, triggering an ear-ringing sound akin to a struck bell.
A solid gust of wind instantly exploded.
That terrifying power shattered the ground beneath Shane's feet.
The dust burst around Shane, spreading like a sandstorm.
Only then did Aridia's figure appear before Shane, maintaining the pose of a downwards slash with the greatsword, confronting Shane on equal footing.
That scene... it was exactly like the time at the Royal Palace Arena, when Aridia had suddenly launched a surprise attack on Shane after his intense fight with Luoqi had been interrupted.
The difference now was...
"You indeed have become much stronger than back then," Aridia stated, gazing at Shane, who was holding up the Holy Sword with an unchanging expression and even a hint of ease, showing no signs of strain.
