When Durandal hurled her lance toward Esdeath's position, it sent earth flying into the sky. She had held back her strength, so while the attack still looked immensely powerful, it was actually weaker than her usual strikes.
But before the dirt and shockwave had fully settled, and just as the time-space fracture ended, rows of ice formed into arrows and shot from the point where the lance had struck toward Durandal.
Durandal showed no intention of dodging. She merely calmly raised her free hand, and Holy Spirit's Shield appeared before her once more.
Holy Spirit's Shield could completely defend against any single attack. Even at the center of a nuclear explosion, it could block the blast in that instant.
Thus, the incoming ice arrows were easily stopped. This time, however, she did not use Defensive Counterattack.
Durandal looked toward where her lance had embedded itself. Esdeath stood near the knight's lance, with walls of ice raised before her.
"You actually blocked it!"
Although Durandal's throw had not been aimed directly at Esdeath, but rather at a spot beside her, its power had still been considerable. It seemed she had underestimated Esdeath somewhat.
Esdeath truly was somewhat different after obtaining an Imperial Arm!
Though Esdeath had blocked the attack, her heart was anything but calm. Durandal was far more powerful than she had imagined.
Previously, before Esdeath had an Imperial Arm, Durandal had captured her before they could even begin fighting. She had known Durandal was formidable, but she had never had a clear understanding of just how formidable. Now, she had a much deeper impression.
Of course, she would not be discouraged just because her opponent was strong. Rather... the stronger her opponent, the more excited she became.
"Freeze!"
Esdeath dismissed the ice walls in front of her and pressed