Sky Qi had been shouting for ages, but the only response from the other side was a ripple of commotion.

Was his intimidation really that weak?

“Your Highness, what should we do?”

Tina’s soft, glossy lips shimmered with a captivating sheen. “No matter what,” she whispered, “for the honor of the Bloodline, we must fight on.”

Her words ignited the Bloodline army like an adrenaline shot. Roars erupted:

“For the Bloodline’s honor!”

“For the Faith of Blood!”

“Long live the Princess!”

“Long live the Crimson Kingdom!”

“Long live Princess Tina!”

Sky Qi froze. So the enemy had their own unyielding pillar of morale. Instead of cowering, the Bloodline grew even more frenzied.

*Must be their princess. Just kill her and be done with it,* Sky Qi thought, scowling.

“Seems threats aren’t working,” William remarked lightly.

“My fault?” Sky Qi shrugged helplessly. “Guess we’ll have to fight.”

“Heh. I’m no good at much,” Lin Yanfeng swung his massive sword, whipping up a gale that sent leaves swirling, “but brawling? That’s my specialty.”

“Then let’s slaughter these darkspawn!” William roared with laughter, drawing a rapier. Its tip glinted coldly under the blood-red moon.

“Uh… who’s handling the enemy princess?” William instantly regretted asking.

Every eye snapped to Sky Qi.

*Screw this! Me again?*

“Why stare at me?” Sky Qi snapped. “Why am I always stuck with the dirty work? Do I look like a janitor?”

William nodded firmly. Lin Yanfeng chuckled awkwardly. Black just smiled. Vicky watched him silently.

Sky Qi shook his head, utterly defeated. “Fine. I’ll clean up the mess.”

He soared toward the Bloodline ranks on his Soulsever Sacred Sword.

“He’s coming!” Panic rippled through the army.

“Stop him! Now!”

Tina now wore crimson plate armor over a long gown, gripping a blood-red longsword. This was Bloodkiss—a blade that siphoned strength from any wound it inflicted. She stroked its blade gently. “Fight well. We face the Continent’s Strongest.” The sword shuddered, emitting shrill metallic shrieks as if answering her. Satisfied, Tina nodded. “We *will* win.” She locked eyes with the approaching golden light. “I will not break.”

Sky Qi hovered above the million-strong horde, night wind whipping his face. “Ha! Darkspawn! Your nightmare has arrived!” He weaved through the ranks, swatting aside arrows raining from below. Golden light danced effortlessly through the storm as he whistled a jaunty tune.

“Bet that stings, huh?” A tiny fireball sparked in his palm. With a flick, it arced downward.

*Inferno Blast!*

The explosion tore through the ranks. Dozens of Bloodline warriors flew skyward. Screams of agony rose. Others frantically beat out flames clinging to their bodies.

*Too easy.* Sky Qi hummed, gliding into the Bloodline castle.

A figure awaited him. Tina turned, crimson sword raised, her armored gown flaring defiantly in the wind.

Sky Qi’s expression twisted into utter shock. *Maiden. Maiden. MAIDEN!* He nearly had maidenphobia.

Horror struck him—his power was *ebbing away*. The golden glow of his Soulsever Sacred Sword flickered, dimming steadily.

*What’s happening?!* His strength drained uncontrollably. This girl? Barely A Rank in human terms. No threat at all.

But after that wish… whenever he faced a beautiful maiden, his power vanished. At this rate, he’d become utterly powerless.

Tina watched his face shift from arrogance to panic, then despair.

*I’m done for!* Sky Qi leaped backward out of the castle. He barely guided the sword back to the forest with his fading magic. *No time left.*

He closed his eyes, focusing on the last embers of his power.

His eyes snapped open—golden pupils blazing with divine authority.

*Heavensfall Sword!*

Light-swords materialized around him, shooting skyward. More gathered, swirling faster. Thousands converged into a colossal blade the size of a castle, blazing like a miniature sun.

“What… is that?!” True fear gripped the Bloodline army. That sword’s fall would annihilate everything. None would survive.

*Opportunity!* William sneered. Sky Qi was wide open.

A shadow darted from the bushes. Before Sky Qi could react, a black dagger pierced his back, erupting from his chest.

“Y-You…?” Sky Qi gasped, blood trickling from his lips.

William shoved harder, burying the blade to the hilt. “Blame your Soulsever Sacred Sword. Too tempting.” He shoved Sky Qi down, snatching the fallen blade. “You planned this?” Sky Qi choked.

“So what if I did?” William wrapped the sword in cloth, smirking. “Bleeding out, you won’t escape. Will the Bloodline devour you alive? Or will you just bleed dry?” He waved dismissively. “Not my problem.” He strode into the forest without looking back.

*Dammit!* Sky Qi summoned his last dregs of magic. Gritting his teeth against the agony, he forced the dagger out. His power drained even faster now.

*Healing Light!*

Miraculous energy sealed his wounds. William hadn’t counted on this—the Continent’s Strongest could resurrect the near-dead.

But stripped of all power, escape seemed impossible.