The Star Gazer's True Strength

"Ah, so it is Star Gazer Brentz, His Eminence. I am Anvis—Anvis Carlras Carrot Elena Lo Olyvendi—the direct descendant of Duke Carrot Carlras Dramon Niya Winter's Chill Lo Olyvendi of the Gloria Empire. It is an honor to witness Your Eminence's arrival. May I ask what guidance you have for me?"

Keeping a wary eye on the phantom before him, Anvis did not respond directly. Instead, he changed the subject, intending to stall for time.

After all, Gray Mist was undoubtedly among the most knowledgeable when it came to the Star Gazer. Since he had dared to attempt a breakthrough now, he must have had some confidence that he could contend with the possibly awakened Star Gazer.

In other words, the Star Gazer confronting Gray Mist should not have been able to spare much power to deal with him.

But that was only the ideal scenario. If Gray Mist had underestimated the Star Gazer's current strength, or if the Star Gazer had some earth-shattering trump card up his sleeve—

Then, once Gray Mist was dealt with, the freed-up Star Gazer would probably soon discover Anvis's problem.

At that point, he could only hope that dealing with Gray Mist would drain enough of the Star Gazer's power, then summon a few more Ninth Ranks and make a desperate final stand.

"There's no need to be nervous, child. At least for now, I am not your enemy."

Glancing at Anvis, who was talking nonsense with a straight face, the Star Gazer stroked his strange beard and got straight to the point.

"Just as you expected, having only just awakened from slumber, I have recovered only part of my strength. I must use my full power to deal with Gray Mist in his current state.

"This projection has appeared before you merely because