Jared accompanied Jemima in feeding the carp. When saw grinning like a child, a corner of his heart, which had been frozen for many years, began to soften.
He had never imagined that, beyond battles, there could be such a scene that seemed to slow down time itself. However, that serenity was soon broken by a surge of lethal intent. It tore through the air, dimming the shimmering lights by the lakeside.
“Jared Chance!” With a thunderous roar, Eustace, with his black armor stained with blood, emerged, aiming the Bloodbane Sword right at Jared’s back.
It was clear had been following them for a long time. His aura was tempestuous, like a volcano on the brink of eruption.
Staring at Jared with bloodshot eyes as if wanted to tear apart, Eustace yelled, “How dare you kill my brother!”
“Who are you?” Jared asked as looked at Eustace.
“I’m Eustace Hoff from Bloodbane Palace. Jack Hoff, whom you killed, was my younger brother!” Eustace swung the Bloodbane Sword right after speaking.
The color drained from Jemima’s face in an instant. Instinctively, pushed Jared away, but herself got struck by the sword energy, and sleeve was slashed in a split second.
Jared‘s gaze hardened. He shielded Jemima with one arm and wielded the Dragonslayer Sword with the other to meet the Bloodbane Sword head-on.
Clang!
The resounding clash of metal echoed through the air, causing the lake’s surface to ripple tumultuously. Startled, the carp dove to the bottom of the lake.
Eustace staggered three steps backward from the impact. Despite the wound in his hand, his gaze became even more frenzied. “Hmm… So… You’ve got skills, but unfortunately, you have to die today!”
His sword energy shifted, transforming into a sky full of sword shadows. Each strike carried killing moves secretly passed down from Bloodbane Palace. Every move was deadly.
Jared moved with ghostly footsteps among the sword shadows. He hadn’t given his all, partly because was mindful of Jemima’s presence, and partly because wanted to gauge Eustace’s abilities.
However, Eustace’s attacks became increasingly reckless, completely exposing his own vulnerabilities. It was clear that was resolved to perish together with Jared.
“You’ve got a death wish!” Jared sneered, deciding to stop holding back.
The Dragonslayer Sword shone, its gold light transforming into a Golden Dragon, which charged straight at the Bloodbane Sword.
With a whoosh, the sword energy effortlessly sliced through the Bloodbane Sword’s light, continuing its momentum to strike Eustace’s shoulder. Eustace’s black armor shattered, and blood gushed out profusely.
Following a cry of agony, Eustace dropped to one knee and stared at the wound on his shoulder in disbelief.
He had devoted many years to cultivating, believing himself to be the best among his peers. Yet, was injured by Jared so easily.
“Eustace!” Nymeria’s alarmed cry rang out from afar. She rushed over with Godric and the others, only to find Eustace severely wounded.
Godric’s eyes widened, and his aura intensified in an instant. An invisible pressure enveloped the entire area, seemingly freezing the air in Glass City solid.
He stared at Jared and uttered in a voice as cold as ice, “Jared, I’m impressed by your courage, but should you dare to injure Mr. Eustace further, I’ll have you face a tragic and even if it means Bloodbane Palace has to go all out!”
Feeling a sudden tightness In chest, Jemima instinctively gripped Jared’s hand.
Godric’s abilities were unfathomable. If a confrontation were to occur, they might not be able to escape unscathed. Yet, all Jared did was to offer a faint smile, one that carried a hint of mockery and disdain.
Jared looked down at Eustace, who was kneeling on the ground. He then slowly raised his sword, aiming the tip of the blade at the latter’s throat.
“You’ll have me face a tragic end?” Jared echoed.
His voice was soft, yet it reached everyone’s ears clearly. “I, Jared Chance, have never been afraid of threats in my life…”
Fear flitted across Eustace’s eyes. He wanted to beg for mercy, but the murderous intent in Jared’s gaze silenced him.
“Your brother, Jack, provoked me first. He was asking for trouble and got what deserved.” The tip of Jared’s sword quivered slightly. “You aim to avenge his death today, but like him, you’re only courting your own destruction…”
“No!” Nymeria shrieked. She tried to intervene but was held back by Godric.
Godric’s face went livid with rage. He hadn’t expected Jared to disregard his threat so blatantly.
“This isn’t a threat. It’s a warning…” snarled, looking at Jared coldly. Undisguised contempt filled his gaze.
