The Battle Begins

Even having anticipated the worst-case scenario, Grina's sudden outburst still exceeded all projections.

The Dragon Language Forbidden Spell had completed its chant in merely three seconds. That was no longer simply absurd—it was surreal.

However, compared to Long Yuqiong's shock, Lioz reacted immediately. Without even activating his protective aura, he stamped off the floor, unleashed his full power, and shot toward Grina.

The reason forbidden spells were forbidden lay in their absolutely unshortenable casting windup. In essence, they were a trick employed by mages: continuously linking spell sequences to stack their power, trading time for might.

—Three. Clouds rapidly gathered in the sky. The laws of the world were stirred by Dragon Language. This method resembled string theory, using unique Dragon Language to touch and alter the vibrations of "strings," triggering different physical effects.

Which meant...

—Two. Even through suppression and obstruction, Dragon Language still effortlessly stirred the world's strings. Nature's power began to manifest in an overwhelming torrent, and pure destruction spread wantonly through the arena. In the blink of an eye, everyone present felt the desolation and grief of a post-apocalyptic age rise within their hearts.

The power of the apocalypse had been summoned.

If anyone claimed they could shorten the casting time of a forbidden spell, then there was only one explanation: what they were chanting was not a forbidden spell—or rather, this so-called forbidden spell was absolutely below standard in power.

All in!

I'll bet this forbidden spell can't kill both of us in one hit!

—At the very instant the countdown reached "one," Lioz arrived!

Smack.

The moment his front foot touched down, he twisted at the waist and turned. His right fist finished gathering power, then drove straight ahead, carrying burning aura as it smashed viciously into Grina's face! Dark Form Fist! Grina stared