"The little hero, the young guard captain, and a blonde girl – these three are hardly a challenge. Galo has overestimated you," boasted the armored lion-man, parting the crowd to make his entrance. His huge axe, attached to a chain with a massive iron ball at its end, was an excessively dramatic weapon.
"Since the hero is personally named by my lord Galo, I invite you to the hall. As for these two young ladies, surrender, and I promise your safety." His arrogance and condescension irked Zhang Fan and his companions.
"Imbecile," Zhang Fan sneered. "An overconfident old lion-man, thinking he can intimidate us with mere posturing and threats."
"I'll handle this fool," declared Zhang Fan confidently, finding the lion-man's lack of awareness absurd. He was ready to show this buffoon, who underestimated them so greatly, a lesson.
"No, let me!" Eclair interjected, equally irritated by the lion-man.
"I believe it's time for me to stretch my muscles. He seems like a suitable target," Holo added, eager to join the fray. The lion-man's ability to irritate everyone was indeed remarkable.
"Deluded fools, you'll soon learn your lesson!" The lion-man swung his iron ball towards them. With its massive size and weight, a direct hit would be devastating, especially since Zhang Fan lacked the protection of Florinelde's divine power.
"Be careful!" Zhang Fan quickly transformed his sword into a shield to block the iron ball, sparks flying upon impact. The lion-man's strength was formidable.
Ready to defend, Zhang Fan activated the Holy Word inscription. A golden magic circle appeared underfoot, enveloping him in light and significantly strengthening his shield. He effortlessly repelled the lion-man's attack.
"What power is this?" The lion-man was taken aback, struggling to regain control of his iron ball. Zhang Fan's capabilities clearly surpassed his expectations.
"You couldn't learn it even if I taught you," Zhang Fan shrugged, seizing the moment of surprise to attack.
"Emblem Technique—Sky Splitter: Single Slash!" His sword glowed as he unleashed a powerful strike, transforming more enemy soldiers into beast orbs. The tide of the battle was turning in their favor.
"Damn, don't get cocky!" Frustrated by the loss of his soldiers, the lion-man abandoned any strategy, charging wildly. Zhang Fan wisely avoided direct confrontation, waiting for the right moment to strike.
"Let's hit him hard during his next attack," Zhang Fan proposed. The two girls agreed, ready to join forces for a decisive blow.
The lion-man's uncontrolled swings of his iron ball caused as much harm to his own troops as to his enemies. In his blind rage, he was an easy target.
"Here's our chance," Zhang Fan said, readying for the final blow.
Suddenly, an arrow, glowing green, shot towards them. But it wasn't aimed at Zhang Fan—it targeted Holo.
Holo reacted swiftly, conjuring an orange-gold magic shield that effortlessly blocked the arrow. Her abilities were impressive.
"Let's settle this once and for all!" Three figures appeared: the bumbling trio that had kidnapped Princess Mishiore. The first, a rabbit-eared girl named Veil, was clearly the archer. Her audacity to call for a fair fight after a sneak attack was almost comical.
"Novaru Cocowine, at your service!" The cat-eared girl, emotionless and dangerous, stood ready.
"Let's have some fun! I'm Jonu Clavati!" The energetic tiger-girl brandished a massive anchor, her strength a stark contrast to her petite frame.
"Great, the Three Fools are here too," Eclair groaned, massaging her temples.
"Who are you calling fools?" the trio retorted. Their actions, however, only reinforced their nickname.
"What now, Hero? Have you thought of a plan?" Holo asked, unfazed by the sudden increase in opposition.