The Solar Lance Dick hurled traced a dazzling arc through the air before crashing into the Storm Greatsword Heimdall was swinging down. It knocked the blade aside, sending it scraping past XT-002, who had already dropped to one knee in standby mode, and into the ground.
Boom!
Charged with Heimdall's golden rage and the full force of his blow, the Storm Greatsword plunged straight into the earth. Starting at the point of impact, the tremendous force tore a fissure dozens of meters long across the ground of the Test Grounds-or rather, the scrapyard.
Had the Gatekeeper's strike not been deflected, it probably really could have killed XT-002 with a single blow.
"Phew... something's not right!"
Dick's body traced a dazzling arc through the air and appeared beside Heimdall's feet. Heimdall was fifteen meters tall now, looking as though he could lift a foot and crush Dick completely. Of course, we all knew that was impossible.
"Why did he suddenly stop?"
Heimdall took two steps forward, his body rapidly shrinking into a three-meter-tall giant. Dick shook his head. "I don't know either, but it might have something to do with my authority. And this fellow just said Mimiron... left a message with him. I need to take a look."
With that, the Paladin strode toward the motionless XT-002. Even kneeling on one knee, the enormous robot stood a full thirteen meters tall, truly resembling a small hill cast from steel. Heimdall hurried after him. He soon noticed that the sword on the Paladin's back was different from before. It looked... sharper, but also somewhat weaker.
"Your sword..."
"The Forge Master is a good blacksmith. He made a few modifications for me."
Dick waved without looking back, then removed the Red Gauntlet from his left hand, revealing his silver palm. He lightly