Inside the palace, Lucas clenched his fists, feeling the immense power coursing through his body.
His gaze shifted to John, his lips curling into an exaggerated grin.
Licking his sharp teeth, Lucas sneered, "Your strength indeed took me by surprise, forcing me to activate the blood crystal secret technique. I admit I underestimated you, but sadly, you no longer have a chance to leave here alive!"
Spreading his arms wide, Lucas laughed maniacally, "Now, the real game begins!"
As his words faded, the blood light around his sword intensified.
In an instant, Lucas vanished from his spot, reappearing beside John, his blood sword slicing through the air towards him with ferocious speed.
"Bloodshadow Slash!"
Lucas's speed was astounding; many in the audience could only catch a fleeting glimpse of a blood light before he reached John.
John's eyes remained calm, his body suddenly radiating a ghostly blue light and becoming ethereal.
