The realization struck the Emperor and the Grand Elder like a lightning bolt. Darius was not merely an Arch Knight, as they had initially assumed. The aura, the overwhelming power he displayed even after taking a direct hit from the Empress' phantom, confirmed a terrifying truth—Darius had surpassed the Arch Knight realm.
"He's… a being in the Mythic realm?" the Grand Elder murmured, disbelief lacing his words. The Grand Sovereign realm was a level few in history had ever reached. Those who did were legendary figures capable of bending entire empires to their will.
The Emperor clenched his fists, rage, and helplessness roiling inside him. "This wasn't just about the creature. Darius was toying with us from the start, testing our strength, measuring how far we could push him."
