Once Pallas gave the go sign, Rollingrock took the initiative by using Blitz Slash. Joe was taken by surprise but he still had time to cast Mana Shield. It was Mage Knight's level 35 spell. It was similar to Mage's Barrier. The spell created a shield around the caster, but this shield reduced all damage by 50%, and when Joe received damage from the blitz slash, he lost his stamina instead of HP. The shield would vanish if Joe's stamina dropped to zero or if thirty seconds passed.
Joe immediately cast Spectral Projection. Despite Rollingrock's lower level, he had the Blitz Slash, meaning he passed Blade Dancer's trial on the first try. Joe couldn't afford to underestimate him.
Joe sent his spectral projection to clash with Rollingrock while he cast Spectral Blade. Three spectral blades floated beside him. This showed Joe had max-leveled his Spectral Blade spell.
