The moment right after Arthur's last sentence seemed to stretch on to eternity. Aldrich's senses flared like flame fueled by gasoline, entering into his hyper focused 'zone' again. It was in this state of super sensitivity that he managed to take everything in.
Arthur's head opened up at the top of the skull now conveniently aimed at Aldrich with his low bow. It did not split apart with the fleshy rippling of blood and bone, but the clean disassembly of nanotechnology.
When the crown parted, it bared not a brain but a rotating sphere of charged blue metal, crackling with intense energy.
The entire process occurred nigh instantly, speaking volumes to how seamlessly Arthur could change from friendly butler to warbot.
But though it was a quick switch that could have given Aldrich a run for his money, it was not enough for Valera.