"Lord Hinata, the opponent looks like they won't be easy to deal with."
The speaker was the 'Noble Son of Light' Renard, the Vice-Captain of the Holy Knight Order.
Unlike the 'Three Martial Immortals,' they wouldn't contradict Hinata; in their eyes, there were only Lord Hinata's orders, and subjugating monsters or whatever didn't matter.
Seeing that her instigation was ineffective, Glenda shifted her target to the Holy Knights behind her, speaking with impassioned fervor.
"Everyone, your mission is to protect the human nations and fight against evil monsters, not to fear strong enemies!"
"You should bravely stand up and use your swords to slay those terrible, evil monsters!"
These encouraging words didn't get a response from the Holy Knights, but they struck a chord with the twenty thousand Temple Knights behind them.
"For Goddess Luminas, for the glory of the Holy Church, eliminate all enemies!"
The twenty thousand Temple Knights raised their weapons high and shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens and earth.
Seeing this scene, the corners of Glenda's mouth couldn't help but curl up, her face full of the smile of a successful scheme.
Now, let's see what you, the Saint, will do.
Hinata frowned slightly, a flash of displeasure crossing her heart.
Why did this Glenda repeatedly instigate an attack on the Monster Country? Even if she wanted to oppose her, there was no need for this, right?
Could it be... Hinata couldn't help but grow secretly wary, and her expression as she looked at Glenda became uncertain.
"Lord Hinata, what are you still hesitating for?"
Glenda continued to incite the Temple Knights behind her.
Hinata took a deep breath and finally nodded in agreement: "Fine, since you are willing to sacrifice yourselves to protect humanity, then..."
Hearing Lord Hinata relent, Glenda immediately showed a triumphant expression.
However, Hinata's next answer left her instantly stunned.
"I will go meet them first. You are not to act without authorization."
After saying that, ignoring everyone's objections, Hinata went to the center of the battlefield.
Opposite her, seeing this, Benimaru turned to look at the executives behind him. As the Grand Marshal, he primarily started to command the battlefield and coordinate the entire army; at a time like this, it was no longer his turn to personally take the field.
He saw Shion behind him drawing her greatsword, looking eager to give it a try.
"Lord Benimaru, let me go out there!"
Shion rubbed her palms together and said with great excitement, "I've been wanting to test just how strong I've become!"
Benimaru pondered for a moment and made a decision in his heart.
"Hmm, then I'll leave it to Hakurou."
Benimaru turned his gaze to Hakurou beside him. Hakurou looked calm and composed, with a kind smile on his face, and nodded slightly.
"Ho ho ho, leave it to this old man."
Just as Hakurou was about to leave, Shion's indignant voice came from behind him.
"Eh, why isn't it me?"
"Because..."
Benimaru paused, needing to find an excuse to brush her off, then said seriously, "You have a more important mission. You need to keep a close watch for any sneak attacks from the opponent."
Shion was taken aback. "So that's it. As expected of Lord Benimaru, I understand."
"...As long as you understand."
...In the center of the battlefield, Hakurou approached Hinata with a kind expression.
"The strongest human of the Western Nations, Saint Hinata. This old man would very much like to experience your strength."
(Please feel free to attack, Your Excellency. This is part of the plan.)
The voice transmission, achieved through Ki Manipulation, bypassed detection skills and entered Hinata's ears directly.
"In that case, please enlighten me."
Hinata drew her moonlight rapier and assumed a combat stance.
Hakurou smiled slightly, knowing Hinata had understood, and immediately struck a stance.
A strange aura emanated from both of them.
Although they hadn't truly clashed, everyone around them sensed an inexplicable pressure.
This aura seemed even more terrifying than they had imagined.
A contest between the sword demon and the Sword Saint.
An earth-shattering battle was about to unfold between them.
The two stared at each other, intense fighting spirit burning in their eyes.
Suddenly, Hakurou launched the first attack, drawing the tachi from its Sheath—a strike that eliminated sound, taste, temperature, and air—slashing toward Hinata with lightning speed.
Hinata shifted her footwork, evading the fatal blow.
Hakurou's speed was extreme; almost as soon as Hinata dodged, he closed the distance again and fiercely slashed at Hinata.
Their battle rhythm was as fast as a sudden squall; in just a few seconds, Hakurou had struck over a dozen times, each cut fierce and aiming for a fatal wound.
Fortunately, Hinata possessed the predictive calculation of the Mathematician, allowing her to barely discern the trajectory of Hakurou's moves.
"Ding! Clang—!"
Hakurou's moves became increasingly swift and fierce, and each one was silent and unpredictable, causing Hinata to fall into a defensive state in swordsmanship for the first time.
Amidst the flashes of blades and swords on the battlefield, ordinary people couldn't clearly see the exchange of blows, only several afterimages crisscrossing.
However, anyone with a slight understanding of combat theory knew that the danger contained within far exceeded an ordinary person's imagination.
The tachi in Hakurou's hand was elusive and strange, making every strike seem illusory.
But this was merely an illusion.
Truth and falsehood, reality and illusion, making it impossible for you to judge what is real or to find a flaw.
Should Hinata show even a hint of relaxation, Hakurou would find a weakness, and a single mistake would lead to her death.
The two continuously clashed on the battlefield, Blade Aura crisscrossing and slicing the air with hissing sounds.
A thin layer of sweat appeared on Hinata's forehead, and she was equally surprised inwardly.
Her Unique Skill Usurper displayed, "Target is outside the scope."
Hinata knew very well what this meant.
The skill judged that the opponent's strength was far below her own, making Usurpation unnecessary.
For the first time, Hinata felt like swearing.
This is what you meant by "strength is too low, no need for Usurpation"?
Can't you see I've been beaten into submission?!
"Clang!!"
Following a roar of clashing metal, Hinata and Hakurou both retreated.
They stood about five or six feet apart, gazing at each other.
"Not bad, not bad. The name of a Saint truly lives up to its reputation."
Hakurou's tone remained kind and amiable, giving the illusion that the tyrannical and unmatched Swordsman from moments ago never existed.
"I believe Your Excellency is mocking me."
Hinata snorted coldly and made a decision that went against the ways of a Swordsman.
She was seen throwing out a large number of Talismans to delay Hakurou's offensive while she clasped her hands together and began chanting a Spell.
"I offer my prayer to God!"
"I beg for the Power of the Holy Spirit to be bestowed!"
"Please transmit it, my wish!"
"Annihilate all things!"
"Spirit Particle Collapse!"
The Power of the Holy Spirit began to gather, Foundational Formations unfolded layer by layer, brilliant Magic Circle Patterns covered the area, and the entire space trembled.
A massive imposing aura enveloped the battlefield, making people tremble uncontrollably.
"It's the Strongest Holy Magic, Spirit Particle Collapse!"
"That person is definitely going to die."
"As expected of Lady Hinata, to be able to use this move so quickly."
Everyone on the battlefield believed that the power Hinata summoned was enough to destroy everything!
"Oh, is this your strongest Ultimate Move?"
Hakurou stood in the center of the battlefield, his gaze calm and unwavering, slowly sheathing the tachi in his hand.
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