Clash!

Silence.

For a brief moment, no one spoke.

Then, Norton Blade's brow furrowed. Ralph Thorne exchanged a glance with Garrison Ashford. Kate's lips parted slightly, caught between skepticism and disbelief.

"No one in the entire Valora Continent?" Kate muttered under her breath, barely concealing her shock.

To claim that no one—not even the strongest figures on the continent—could breach a barrier protecting a mere villa was beyond arrogant. It bordered on insanity.

And yet…

The weight in Lucas's voice made it clear—he wasn't boasting.

If he said it, then it must be true.

Aurelia's gaze lingered on the massive sphere of black flames above Max's head, watching as it continued its transformation into a World Destruction Flaming Lotus. Her expression remained unreadable, her thoughts hidden beneath her calm exterior.

Then, a sharp voice cut through the tense air.

"The red lightning bolt is acting up!"