Fragments of the greatshield scattered in all directions, exposing Rayne's body.
Driss pulled back his longsword, quickly retreated two steps to widen the distance between himself and Rayne slightly, and unleashed Flame Charge again without hesitation.
Flame Charge was his most powerful move. It activated quickly and had a long reach. Its only flaw was that he had to maintain an appropriate distance from his target. Around ten paces was ideal, allowing it to unleash its greatest explosive force. Too far or too close, and its power would be diminished.
Although there were only three paces between him and Rayne now, far too close for Flame Charge to retain even half its power, he could no longer worry about that.
Driss's longsword became scorching hot, as though forged from lava, and stabbed straight at Rayne, who was right before him.
Hiss!
The sword tore through the air with a piercing shriek. In an instant, it reached Rayne, its scorching heat nearly setting his clothes ablaze.
The surrounding spectators could not bear to watch.
They did not know what grudge lay between Driss and Rayne, but judging by that strike, Driss clearly intended to kill Rayne on the spot.
"Stop..."
Davenrach and Pollock shouted at the same time. Neither wanted to see such an outcome. Pollock even swiftly drew his Soul Gun, but he was already half a beat too late.
Yet what happened next was completely beyond everyone's expectations.
Rayne seemed caught off guard. He stood frozen in place without dodging, allowing the flaming sword to drive straight into his chest.
Seeing that victory was at hand, Driss felt a surge of satisfaction.
Suddenly, he felt resistance from the sword, as if he had struck not flesh and blood but a steel plate. There was even a strange sound of