In Hand

Strictly speaking, Kane's plan had been quite good, and its execution had matched his usual decisive style.

But... considering that the Mad Knight's opponent was the cautious Legendary Mage Punk-Sean...

Did his plan really have any chance of succeeding?

Obviously, it did not!

Since Punk had already decided to claim the Bright Moon Staff, how could he possibly have failed to prepare a thorough plan in advance?

Thus, when he noticed Kane hurtling straight toward him like a meteor, the expressionless spellcaster did not lower the arm reaching for the staff. He merely cast a spell directly before himself—one he had prepared long ago and that was perfectly suited to the present situation.

"Legendary Level Abjuration Spell—Time Stasis"!

Screech!

In the next instant, the savage-looking Mad Knight crashed into the magical area formed by Time Stasis, with no way to avoid it...

Battle aura ranked second only to Abyssal Energy in destructive force and lethality, so after Kane activated Charge, the energy level he carried was extraordinarily high. Even Time Stasis could only halt him briefly.

However, in a clash of speed at the Legendary tier, even a momentary pause was enough to decide the outcome of many things.

For example, making use of that safe instant, Punk viciously snatched the staff into his hand with Mage Hand. Then, when the enraged and ferocious Mad Knight broke through Time Stasis and charged out again, the ever-composed Whisper of Destruction had already activated the Ruby Necklace once more and teleported away.

Thus, amid a flash of radiance, the spellcaster and the Bright Moon Staff in his hand vanished from where they stood, while Kane's sharp lance could only pierce a gaping hole into the empty Astral Plane space, sending shockwaves spilling outward.

The hollow opening was filled with a battle-aura storm