The audience had blinking expressions as they looked at the two figures in the middle of the arena.
Maximus' eyes had widened to the extremities, and his pupils were quivering as he looked at his right hand. What he was looking at was more shocking than the fact that Godnim's sword was pressing against his neck lightly.
In fact, everyone was also staring at Maximus' right hand where he was holding his sword or…what was left of it anyway.
His sword was cleanly severed into halves, and only the remaining half was still in his hand, and all this happened within a blink of an eye.
But what really shocked everyone, including Maximus, was how Godnim actually cut his powerful sword into two halves.
Since both of them were not using any ethereal energy, the audience, especially the experts among them, was easily able to keep track of each and every moment of the two participants.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAnd in the split second, before Maximus' sword got cut into halves, they saw that it got cut without Godnim's sword even touching it!
How the hell was this possible?...This was the question that echoed in everyone's minds since what they saw was an impossible phenomenon, especially when he didn't even use any ethereal energy.
It was like cutting off the trunk of a tree by simply swinging the ax in the air instead of striking down on the tree directly.
How could the blade get severed without any contact with Godnim's sword? Even the fact that it got cut into two halves was shocking, especially since Godnim was using an ordinary sword, but this one was just too much to process.
Even the Gale Emperor and Ruthren couldn't help but knit their brows since they clearly saw everything and had the same question in their minds.
However, only the Lancaster Emperor had his eyes shake in shock and excitement because what he had just witnessed was the manifestation of the legendary Sword Will! It was a concept mentioned in the ancient records that were said to be written down by his earliest ancestors.
Unfortunately, nobody in his empire's history had ever been able to turn this myth into reality, making everyone, including him believe that this was probably just a myth and not something anybody could really manifest into reality.
It was said that those who mastered Sword Will would be able to project their 'Will' as pure energy as sharp as a sword and use it for daily tasks or even in battles. It was said to be a gamechanger since it was no different than having a pair of imaginary hands holding a sword that also has a good range compared to physically using a sword.
Even mastering sword intent was supposed to be a daunting task, and even to this day, many had failed to master it to the fullest.
So the Lancaster Emperor was now truly interested in Godnim more than he had ever been in any other genius. He was sure his eyes didn't play any tricks on him before and was thinking of a way he could rope in this genius.
Only at this time, he wished that he should have had a daughter as beautiful and talented as the other two stunning beautiful princesses in the hall. Only that way, it would catch the attention of those with great power even though it was an unfair reality.
Still, after his excitement settled down, he got worried, wondering if this monstrous genius was really loyal to the Gale Empire. If that was the case, then in the future, the Gale Empire would surely witness the ascend of a supreme swordsman who could probably even cut through mountains of steel without even using his hands or ethereal energy.
Just thinking about it made the Lancaster Emperor feel the chills. He thought at least he should tell his son to make him a friend and learn something from him as well. Just simply sparring with him occasionally would be more than enough as well.
Lily unconsciously covered her face with her hands, feeling awed by what she had just witnessed. It looked so impressive she was totally blown away by it and couldn't help but feel that the technique Godnim used was eerily similar to a certain someone.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBy now, she really couldn't help but form certain guesses in her mind, making her heart race even more in anticipation, wondering if she was really guessing things right.
Damien removed his sword away from Maximus' neck and put it back inside his soul space as he looked at him with his hands on his back.
Maximus had also read about the fabled Sword Will. Thus he could only guess what happened just now and couldn't help but inwardly sigh in admiration as he gave a slight bow, "Thank you for opening my eyes today and showing me how long the journey to achieve the Sword Way is. You really deserve this win. I hope we can have a friendly spar again some other time."
Damien slightly smiled and said, "Thank you for the opportunity, Your Highness. Of course…we can have a spar again if fate permits. Till then, I wish you all the best for your future endeavors."
Maximus smiled as he nodded before walking away with a refreshed look. Even if he lost, he didn't really feel like he did. Instead, he seemed to have comprehended something very profound that could skyrocket his progress in the Way of the Sword.
Damien also noticed this and realized that this guy was a legitimate genius, unlike most. He was sure that one day this guy might be able to manifest sword will no matter how long it takes.
Still, Maximus didn't forget about Yuria and gave her an apologetic look for failing her. However, he was surprised upon hearing her say that it was all good and even thanked him for the effort.
"I guess I will be the winner in five seconds since nobody seems to want to challenge me?" Damien said aloud as his eyes scanned the geniuses.
Indeed, everyone felt very apprehensive about challenging Godnim now since not only his strength but even his skills were abnormal and couldn't be comprehended. Most of them already felt discouraged to challenge him since they didn't want to make a fool of themselves and lose face, both literally and figuratively.
"No need to be so cocky. You are not the only hidden genius here with some tricks," A gruff voice sounded from within the crowd before a figure shot into the air and landed on the arena, making everyone look at him with raised eyebrows since his aura was clearly at the Heaven Ethereal Realm!!