How did he block that?0

In that fleeting moment, Ian's gaze scanned the grotesque sword. The peculiar shape of the blade seemed designed to cause maximum bleeding, even from shallow cuts or stabs. The fact that the sword didn't immediately shatter upon clashing with Ian's steel blade, despite the cracks on its surface, showed that it was made of high-tier Imperial steel. But that was all there was to it.0

Shraaak—  0

The assassin couldn't withstand or deflect Ian’s strength and slid back, unable to shake off the locked blades.0

However, the widening eyes beneath the assassin’s hood weren’t because of Ian’s strength. It was because gray magic flickered in Ian’s eyes. And that became the assassin’s last memory.0

Clang!0

An invisible explosion erupted silently from Ian’s sword, shattering both the grotesque sword and the arm holding it. Shards of the broken blade embedded themselves into the assassin’s face. 1

Ian pushed the assassin away, spinning his body.0

Shweeek—  0

Another assassin had crept up from the side, thrusting another grotesque sword forward.0

Slash.0

However, the white trajectory was faster, slicing off the assassin’s extended forearm....0