Amidst a knightly charge, Galo, wielding a long lance, commenced his attack in the confined twenty-meter corridor. His steed, a Xengrab, moved swiftly, and Zhang Fan, mindful of Holo's safety, transformed his weapon, the Holy Stir Latian, into a pair of wings. Carrying Holo, he took to the air—not quite flying, but more akin to gliding. For short distances, this mode of travel was feasible, but for longer journeys, the surfboard mode was still preferable.
"What are you doing, Hero? Dodging and flying?" Galo expressed his dissatisfaction as Zhang Fan evaded his attack by ascending mid-air.
"Don't worry, your turn is coming," Zhang Fan replied with a faint smile, finding a safe spot to set Holo down. He then began to channel his Qi rapidly, as a golden emblem appeared, signaling his full strength being unleashed.
"Wait, shouldn't I be the one to launch a powerful, flashy, and grand move first? How come it's your turn?" Galo was panicked, realizing Zhang Fan's rising momentum did not bode well for him.
"Too late to escape now! Emblem Technique—Mount Hua: Shattering Fist!" A brilliant golden light illuminated the scene. First, a sword radiance flashed, stunning Galo instantly. Then, a massive fist struck right on his nose. While Zhang Fan controlled the force of the final punch, Galo inevitably turned into a silver beast ball.
Just like in an RPG game, the final boss always seemed the easiest to defeat. The boss barely made an impression before the game ended, leaving one feeling a bit unfulfilled.
"Let's go, Holo. As for Lord Galo, let him rest here a while." Picking up Holo, they headed for the final stage.
"Princess!" Reaching the top room of the castle, Zhang Fan burst in, finding Mishiore sitting calmly on a sofa, surrounded by delicious pastries and tea—more like a distinguished guest than a captive.
"Hero!" Mishiore lit up at Zhang Fan's arrival, delighted that her chosen hero had come to her rescue.
All's well that ends well! Having successfully rescued the princess, Zhang Fan knew they needed to hurry back to the music hall. With about forty minutes left, they could make it in time if they hurried.
"Are you alright, Princess?" Just as Zhang Fan prepared to leave with Mishiore and Holo, Eclair burst into the room, her voice preceding her arrival. Her anxious demeanor was quite evident.
"I'm fine, Eclair," Mishiore reassured with a wave, signaling her well-being.
"Good to hear." Eclair sighed in relief, checking the time to ensure they could make it to the opening.
"Apologies, Princess Mishiore," a voice followed Eclair, and to everyone's surprise, it was Leong Mishuri, the ruler of Galat. She had arrived just in time. Seeing an old friend, Mishiore was eager to greet her, but Mishuri quickly cut her off.
"I apologize for my unworthy brother's impudent act of abducting you, which disrupted the victor's celebration banquet. I will consider a suitable compensation for this war. Now, please return quickly, Princess."
If Zhang Fan hadn't seen the anime, he might have mistaken Mishuri for a typical icy beauty. But now, he was eager to engage in a meaningful conversation with her.
"Wait, Lady Mishuri, may I have a word with you in private?" Just as Mishuri was about to leave, Zhang Fan called out to her.
"A private talk?" Mishuri frowned, curious about what the hero might want to discuss. How could he possibly understand her struggles?
"Yes, a proper discussion, perhaps about something like the Star Chanting Prophecy?" Zhang Fan chuckled inwardly, certain this would pique her interest.
"What? Alright, then let's talk," Mishuri responded, visibly shaken by the mention of Star Chanting. How could the hero know of such secretive matters?
"Eclair, please escort the princess. I have some matters to discuss; I'll catch up soon." Knowing time was of the essence, Zhang Fan was reluctant to keep Mishiore and the others waiting.
"Be careful," Eclair said, seeing the seriousness in Zhang Fan's demeanor.
"Please hurry back, Hero," Mishiore said, her fondness for her rescuer evident.
"What do you know? Speak up, Hero from another world," Mishuri demanded, alone with Zhang Fan. It was her first time in a private setting with a male peer, especially one as unique as him. Her admiration for him was now mixed with curiosity.
"What do I know? Quite a lot, actually. For instance, Lady Mishuri, you foresaw through Star Chanting that the princess would perish within thirty days," Zhang Fan casually revealed, watching Mishuri's reaction closely.
"What else do you know? Tell me!" Overwhelmed, Mishuri grabbed Zhang Fan's shoulders, demanding answers.