An Increasingly Intense Battle

"You've already lost, Second Apostle. Surrender, or you won't survive."

The Second Apostle snapped out of his reverie and turned his head to the side, where the tall and striking Leon stood, aiming the sharp blade of the Holy Sword of Zenith at his neck.

His expression darkened as he asked, "Was that your doing? When did you launch that illusionary attack on me?"

As he had mentioned before, he hadn't sensed any flow of mana or formation while fighting Leon. Everything had happened so suddenly that it felt completely illogical.

Leon chuckled softly, pausing as if deciding whether to answer. Then, with a playful smile, he pressed the blade a little deeper, drawing a thin line of fresh blood from the Second Apostle's neck.

"Yes, it was me," Leon said casually. "I used my hero technique in secret—right when you launched your surprise attack on me."