Chapter 321.1. Duke Kanna’s Trump Card

-Emperor’s POV-
Their mighty mana clashed with each other, causing the space to warp under its power. 
Discharges occurred, and the air quivered as dust scattered around.
“Nuuuuh!”
“Haaaaah!”
Touya’s sword and Duke Kanna’s blade intersected, leading to an intense clash. 
They continued to attack without giving an inch, descending in the process.
With each strike, shockwaves emanated, debris flew, and thunderous roars echoed.
“Your Majesty, we’ll lend a hand!”
Ouga noticed the situation and entered the arena. Duke Kanna briefly glanced at them and lightly waved his index finger.
A magic circle appeared in the sky, and warriors emerged from it. They were men dressed in iron breastplates and fur cloaks like Vikings, wielding rugged axes and round shields. 
Their massive, almost bursting-with-muscles bodies were covered in frost, generating a chill.
Their numbers quickly swelled, summoning nearly 30 of them. All of them hovered in the air, never falling.
“You all shall engage these Frost Soldiers.”
In response to Duke Kanna’s words, the Frost Soldiers raised their axes and charged at the Royal Fangs.
“Out of the way!”
[Flash]
Ouga struck the summoned warriors with their deadly blows. Light streaks raced through the space, seemingly about to cut the unknown warriors in half. However, the warriors remained silent, holding up their round shields.
[Palace Shield]
A magic circle appeared, creating a barrier that intercepted the streaks of light.
“…”
[Frost Axe]
“Nuuuh!”
The warriors withstood the blows of Ouga and quickly retaliated, enveloping their axes with cold. Ouga parried with their swords, but the attacks were straightforward, fast, and heavy, making it difficult to defend against them.
The silent warriors continued their relentless assaults, using a strategy of blocking with their round shields, waiting for openings, and attacking, leaving no room for counterattacks. Moreover, other warriors joined in, delivering synchronized attacks, leaving no openings.
“Father! These warriors are strong!”
“Kuh, I didn’t expect him to have such an ace up his sleeve…”
In a one-on-one battle, they can defeat them. Even though they were strong, they weren’t at Ouga’s level. However, the enemies were numerous, and attempting to defeat them while defending was impossible. 
Additionally, when they got close to the warriors, the magical barrier that protected them against the cold from the warriors’ bodies started to weaken, and blocking the cold-infused axes with their swords caused their blades to freeze.
The strength of these warriors was comparable to that of the Royal Guards’ captain. Struggling, Ouga gritted his teeth.
Yamiyo and the others were also in a tough situation, with some of their subordinates wounded and pushed back.
“We should have bought enough time. During that time, Your Majesty, I shall take your life.”
“Targeting an old man’s life is in poor taste, isn’t it?”
“Your life is more valuable than you think.”
Duke Kanna smiled as he watched the warriors’ performance and then turned his attention back to Touya. Despite his lighthearted words, Touya feels impatient with the situation.
“I need to change the course of this battle.”
[Light Ring Sword]
Touya uses his signature technique. His sword disappears, and a ring of light is directed towards Duke Kanna.
“Countermeasures against that technique have been prepared.”
[Mirage Fog]
A sparkling mist, like glass powder, forms around Duke Kanna. The supposedly deadly light ring easily dissipates when it touches the glittering mist.
“Your light sword isn’t swinging at the speed of light. It is undoubtedly fast, but it doesn’t reach the speed of light. It’s just a magic trick, creating a laser from your sword.”
“I’d rather not have my magic tricks spoiled.”
“That’s why [Mirage Fog] can weaken the power of your laser magic.”
“Seems like you have a complete countermeasure.”
[Light Sword Frenzy]
Touya responds casually but uses his technique once more. Countless beams of light are emitted from his sword, heading toward Duke Kamnashi.
However, just like before, the light swords are blocked and extinguished by the mist. It appears that the light swords are ineffective.
“There shouldn’t be mist strong enough to block the light sword. You’ve practiced quite a bit.”
The mana infused into the light swords is extraordinary. Even ordinary mist, or in this case, mirror-like mist, should be forcibly cut through by the power of the mana. 
The fact Touya couldn’t do it suggests that Duke Kanna has practiced this magic extensively, specifically to counter the light sword, and for that purpose alone.
“Remarkable determination. I’ll give you credit for that.”
[Tempest Storm]
“Thank you, Your Majesty. It wasn’t easy to ensure that it wouldn’t get dispelled by wind magic.”
Even when attempting to disperse the mist with a violent storm, it neither scatters nor dissipates but lingers in the air. It seems that this is not something that people can easily dispel with half-hearted magic.
“Why are you so fixated on the position of Emperor? Speaking from experience, it’s not the most comfortable seat.”
“It’s my fate to fulfill. I hold a strong will.”
“That’s a romantic notion!”
Amidst the intense clash, they continue to fight in mid-air. The sound of metal reverberates endlessly, and the air shudders in ripples due to the collision of mana.
“I have the power too. The power befitting an Emperor.”
[Summon Magic Sword]
As the distance between them widens for a moment, Duke Kamnashi waves his hand. Several magic circles appear in the air, and this time, several dark knight swords are summoned.
“Dance, my magic swords!”
The magic swords, each containing powerful mana, approached Touya rapidly under Duke Kanna’s command.