Qingxiao spoke with utter sincerity.
He was genuinely curious about what the domain of the strongest Sorcerer from four hundred years ago would look like.
Lightning and hand-to-hand combat alone were already this interesting. Wouldn't opening a domain make it even more thrilling?
But to Hajime Kashimo, those words were nothing short of a bolt from the blue.
His face darkened on the spot.
The smile froze completely on his lips. His fingers rubbed back and forth over the iron staff, his knuckles turning white around it.
He fell silent for several seconds, his mind racing as he searched for the most suitable wording.
Domain Expansion?
He wished he had one.
His Cursed Technique, "Mythical Beast Amber," could only be used once in his lifetime. Once he used it, his flesh would collapse, and he would lose his life. How was he supposed to have a Domain Expansion?
He had never grasped a domain four hundred years ago. It was a sore spot he had hidden his entire life.
But how could he possibly admit that?
The strongest from four hundred years ago, yet he wasn't even as good as a stray dog on the roadside.
How could he ever show his face if word got out?
Hajime Kashimo forced himself to remain composed. Raising his chin slightly, he assumed the proud bearing of a veteran powerhouse and spoke unhurriedly:
"Domain Expansion is merely one manifestation of a Sorcerer's abilities. It doesn't represent everything.
"What truly strong fighters pit against each other is the essence of their Cursed Energy and their combat instincts, rather than confining themselves to some fixed Cursed Technique framework."
He paused, then added:
"There's no need to use a domain yet."
His words sounded lofty and perfectly reasonable.
Qingxiao lowered the corners of his mouth, a