"I refuse!" roared the minotaur suddenly, slapping the sword aside. His massive hand shot out like an iron clamp toward Dean's neck.

Dean frowned slightly and stepped back, dodging the grip. Soldiers closed in again. "How dare you act brazenly? Surrender now!"

Dean raised a hand to stop them. Facing the leaping minotaur, he said softly, "Since you won't honor your promise, I must use force."

"I'm leaving the city! What right do you have to stop me?!" bellowed the minotaur, fists crashing down like a small mountain.

Dean didn't answer. Golden light flashed over him. He stood firm, taking the bone-shattering blow head-on amid shocked stares. Unscathed!

The minotaur froze, fists resting on the knight's head. He'd expected a human skull to shatter or a neck to snap. Yet this man stood unshaken, not a hair out of place. Pain throbbed in his own hands instead.

As Mushiyu gaped, Grace softly uttered, "Vajra Body."

"Vajra Body... that top-tier body enhancement? The divine skill that can topple a behemoth when maxed out?" Mushiyu realized instantly, amazed anew.

"You know much," Grace glanced at her. That "maxed out" likely meant perfected through training.

"Impressive..." Mushiyu murmured, ignoring Grace's probe. She watched Dean, thinking: No wonder he's a Royal Court Knight. Truly extraordinary.

Without pause, Dean seized the minotaur's wrists. A sharp "crack" echoed—bones broke. Agony ripped through the minotaur, forcing a pained howl.

Dean released him, stomping each leg. Two more "cracks" sounded. The minotaur crumpled, wailing.

"You'll be treated later," Dean said flatly.

Onlookers erupted in cheers. Ignoring them, Dean shouted, "Take him away!" He sheathed his sword, turning to leave.

"Tsk, that looks painful," Mushiyu had turned away, unable to watch. "So ruthless..."

Grace said nothing, gently patting Mushiyu's shoulder with soft eyes. "It's okay. Don't be afraid."

Mushiyu gave a low "Mm."

Grace's gaze sharpened on Dean. Sensing it, Dean glanced over, puzzled at Grace—then drawn to Mushiyu beside her.

As Grace moved to shield Mushiyu, a light, angry voice cut through the crowd: "What are you doing?"

Dean, Grace, and Mushiyu turned. The voice felt familiar—they'd heard it recently.

"Ata?" Mushiyu stared at the golden-haired girl pushing through, Bak half a step behind.

Two soldiers raised weapons. "Enforcing the law! Civilians stay back!"

"Law? What law breaks the limbs of an orc protected by the Peace Accord?" Ata demanded, eyes wide, stepping closer.

To everyone's surprise, the soldier flinched back, pressured by her aura. He tried to regain composure but faltered under her glare. "It's... orders from above. All non-humans banned from Suxi City!"

"Orders? Which orders? I wasn't told!" Ata pressed.

"Insolent!" a rear soldier snapped. "Brat, leave now or we won't hold back!"

Bak snorted, stepping before Ata, hand on his sword hilt. "I'd like to see who dares."

"My god, what are they doing?" Mushiyu whispered, face pale with shock.

Grace narrowed her eyes, studying Bak's sword against Dean's, thoughtful.

"Boy, you defy the Imperial Army!" soldiers surrounded them, weapons drawn, eyes cold.

"Imperial Army? So grand?" Bak gripped his hilt, slowly drawing his blade.

Just as tension peaked, a calm voice broke it: "Long time no see, Bak."

"Indeed, Dean," Bak replied evenly. "Didn't expect you here."

Soldiers exchanged suspicious glances at their commander.

"Stand down. Return to duties," Dean waved. Soldiers sheathed weapons, turning to the minotaur.

Bak resheathed his sword, watching Dean stride over.

"You know each other?" Ata asked Bak.

"Comrades-in-arms. Fought side by side once," Bak said.

"Comrades? So... a Royal Court Knight?" Ata eyed Dean.

"And who might this be?" Dean's gaze sharpened. This girl was no ordinary. Recent rumors clicked in his mind.

Bak stayed silent, turning to Ata. He placed his fist over his chest—a clear salute.

Dean's heart jumped. He mirrored the gesture, bowing slightly. "My apologies, I didn't recognize you, I—"

"No formalities. What happened here?" Ata cut in.

"You've been away. His Majesty decreed Suxi City closed. All non-humans forbidden entry or exit," Dean straightened.

Ata frowned. "He ordered this... Why?"

"Apologies. Confidential."

"Tsk, nonsense..." Ata fumed helplessly. "But did you have to cripple him?"

"Without this, my soldiers couldn't control him. Understand."

"Moreover—" Dean's tone shifted, gaze locking onto Ata's eyes. "You should return. His Majesty searches tirelessly for you, Your Highness."