But Lucas couldn't strike my neck right away.

A deadly blade shot in from both sides, colliding with the spot where Lucas had just stood.

The killing intent was real; if a person had been caught in between, they might have been torn to shreds.

It was completely different from Claire's attacks during our training.

“Tch…!”

As Lucas stepped back, making that sound, he slightly bent at the waist.

That’s— 

“Exactly.”

Noticing my gaze, the Emperor spoke.

“There was a reason he had to come prepared like that.”

Lucas was wounded. It meant he still couldn’t unleash his full power.