Eria / Back of Palace of Moccus

"Mother!"

Jeanne was knocked back by Blade. She got slashed a few times in the process. Several cuts could be seen on her body. The fight is one-sided.

"You have become weak, Spear Saint."

Blade, with his Silver God Eyes, overwhelmed Jeanne. 

In contrast to Frida's Golden God Eyes, which could see everything but was useless in battle, Silver God Eyes could see and learn every move of fighting style his opponent has. 

Silver God Eyes able to make Blade instantly learn the way his opponent fight. It makes his win certain in the next round if he cannot kill his enemy in the first round. 

At one glance, this ability was incomparable. Blade is invincible in combat with those eyes.

However, he could not use his eyes to deal with a one hit lethal blow. That was why he avoided a fight with the Sword Saint's and Troy's like class.

The two of them had a one-hit, lethal attack move that Blade couldn't withstand.

On the other side, Jeanne's fighting style is consecutive hit. 

"Haaaaaaaa!"

She was slashing and thrusting her spear at high speed that only few people could see her movement. 

"It's useless."

She sends three thrusts in one second. Three hard thrusts in one second. Normally, anything that becomes its target will scatter in the next second. 

However, Blade – "Has seen all your trick."

He casually blocked the three thrusts with just one blade. 

"[Consecutive Hallow Slash]!"

Jeanne performs consecutive high speed slashes. That technique could turn a giant rock to dust within seconds. 

However, Blade – "This trick won't work for the second time."

Just like water stream passing a giant rocks obstacle, Blade repelling Jeanne's consecutive slash smoothly, with just one blade. 

A blade against long-hard spear. Normally, the spear will win because of its weight and length. Meanwhile, a blade is just a one meter long and thin. 

But Blade's Silver Eyes and hand could make use a short-range weapon to its fullest potential, and win against a spear. 

"Gaahhh!"

Jeanne once again was pushed back and slashed in the stomach. 

"Mother!"

But she quickly keeps her stand with her right feet, then drawing her spear to perform a fast stab.

One hard stab pointed right at Blade. 

The stab was faster than before. Blade had no choice but to parry the stab with two blades.

Unexpectedly, Blade couldn't withstand the attack and got knocked back. 

The attack just now was the first to succeed even though not injured him.

"I'm surprised. I thought you had rust over the past four years."

Blade had the upper hand, even though it was his first time fighting a Saint. However, it was also the first time that someone had been able to stand up to face him after a few rounds.

"As expected from a Saint. Looks like you can still make me develop my abilities even further."

"I'm glad I can be a figural example to a fast learner student like you."

Jeanne has already taken several wounds, while her opponent is still looking fresh, ready for the next round. 

When her mother is fighting for her, Frida was not just remain silent. 

She has regained her focus and is commanding the kingdom.

"Don't bring the people too close to the palace. There is currently a fierce battle between the royal officials and the Virtues."

Frida was speaking with the Commander of the Army that is in the Guild. 

After leaving the soldiers commandless, Frida finally gets in touch with them. 

["Are you okay, Queen?! Do we need to send our army there?!"]

"There is no need for now. Secure the kingdom and fight the enemy army first. If our soldiers are not enough to resist the attack, make the newcomer hunters move. Troy will reward them for their services later."

["Yes, Queen!"]

Even though the kingdom was behind her, Frida could see the condition clear enough with her Golden God Eyes. 

A horde of Black Wyvern were coming from the sky and the Valkyries oppose them. With the Typhoon Valkyrie with them, the Valkyries got no problem dealing with the wyvern. 

On the ground, a heavily armored army of Black Knight was coming from the empty building. Frida suspects that they came via teleportation.

The attack was thoroughly executed. With Troy and Ars absent, nothing would prevent the Virtues from taking over the kingdom. Though it should have been prevented if Shiva didn't betray the kingdom's side.

"That's useless!"

Back to Jeanne and Blade's fight, Jeanne was once again being pushed back. 

"The same attack won't work even if you strengthen it!"

Blade started to lose his temper, then he couldn't finish off Jeanne, even though it was their third round.

Jeanne, on the other side, started to lose balance with a cut leg. 

"[Wind Art – Healing Soul: South Breeze]! [Fire Art – Divine Protection: Aslan Grace]!"

Frida cast few Art to support and heal Jeanne. So Jeanne could stand once again, although it is uncertain whether she will be able to survive the next round.

Just when the atmosphere getting hotter, a rumble occurred. It came from the castle to the south Palace of Fafnir.

It seemed that something had happened in there. 

"It seemed that Cinderella has gotten serious."

Alexander and Ars' wives guard the Palace of Fafnir. Their enemy is Cinderella, a strong Arts user.

"I see you worried about them, Horus."

"Can't say I'm not."

Of course Frida is worried. Alexander is not the right Sin to face Cinderella. 

Ars' wives might could assist him. Huxian was even there to support him. But Cinderella is something else. 

In the Virtue order, Cinderella's strength is on par with Troy. 

Maybe they should come up with a better pair to fight the Virtues. Like changing Alexander's position with Jeanne. 

Because Jeanne can beat Cinderella easily, and Alexander most likely can beat Blade easily too.

"Want to change position? Try it. The time you move your feet from this place, I will make my way to your palace and killed everyone there. But, you can go alone, Spear Saint."

Blade only wants Frida's life. Other than that and the promised they made before is not a matter to him. 

"I won't go anywhere."

Jeanne will not go anywhere from the battle. Despite her winning chance is getting thinner the longer the battle.

"This time I won't fail to finish you off."

"You better did that." 

As Jeanne fiercely stands still, her spear shines brighter than before. As it answers the spirit of its user.

"Because if you leave me alive for the next two rounds, I am going to win this fight."