The moment Duke Ambonar moved, Brando reacted. The Sword of Earth in his hand was already drawn, its dark blade blocking Winter Wolf's Bite's path. At the same time, layers of Time-Space Element densely filled the air, and the Law Lines were so concentrated that they formed a mercury wall. This was the manifestation of a higher-level elemental power. Even Duke Ambonar was astonished by such intensity. This was the manifestation of the highest-grade Elements. Throughout Vonder's long history, countless heroes had filled the sky like stars, but those who could comprehend such Laws were all the brightest stars of their time.
He seemed to understand something, but this hesitation alone was not enough to make a veteran who had endured brutal wars throw down his sword and surrender. He might have foreseen defeat. That defeat was much like the premonition of his own death on the battlefield of the Second Holy War decades ago. There were no immortal soldiers in this world, but there were also no soldiers who would turn their swords aside and surrender.
Although Brando had long anticipated the stubbornness and strength of this "Ghost Wolf," he had still underestimated his opponent. The densely layered Time-Space Element redirected most of the energy of Duke Ambonar's attack into a twisted spacetime, but the remaining portion still broke through layers of defense and struck the spine of the Sword of Earth he held across his body.
A terrifying force still traveled through the Sword of Earth. Before he could react, his vision blurred, and his back slammed heavily into the wall.
"Lord!"
He vaguely heard Yuta, Mel, and the others cry out in alarm. The fierce pressure before him surged in again. The icy aura seemed to have come alive, spreading along the fibers of the thick carpet