Inevitable Clash

The High Priestess, was momentarily stunned, she released Seraphine, but she remained on her feet, the looks of shock could clear be seen on her face.

Around them, the knights paused for a brief moment, then erupted into cheers, convinced the tyrant emperor had met his end.

"Finally, he's gone!"

"We're free!"

"Celebrate, comrades! Today is ours!"

"Long live our new era!"

"The tyrant emperor has perished!"

But the moment of celebration was cut short as Nythralis let out a pained roar that echoed across the battlefield, silencing the crowd.

All eyes turned toward the swirling dust, a look of confusion etched on their faces.

The knights, mages, and archers stood frozen, many collapsing to their knees in shock.

"No... It can't be!"

"He should be dead!"

"What just happened?"

"Is this a trick?"

"It's impossible!"

Seraphine's face lit up with hope as she watched the dust begin to settle, her heart racing.

The High Priestess, her voice filled with awe, spoke softly, "By the gods... how is he still standing?"

As the dust began to slowly settle, the battlefield suddenly became silent. The knights watched in awe, their eyes widening as the swirling debris revealed Arkanos standing completely unharmed.

His green eyes glowed faintly in the dust. But that wasn't the most shocking part—before him lay a severed portion of Nythralis' massive tail, cleanly cut off, still twitching as black blood spilled from the wound.

All the knights were shocked. "How... How did he manage to hurt the beast?"

"The arrows couldn't pierce its scales... Our swords couldn't even scratch it!"

Suddenly, a knight near the front pointed eagerly at Arkanos' arm, his eyes wide. "Look at his hand! He's holding a sword radiating holy power!"

"By the gods!" another knight gasped, his mouth agape. "Is that a holy—"

"A Holy Sword!" the Head Priestess interrupted, her eyes locked onto the glowing weapon in Arkanos' grasp.

"Impossible…"

Seraphine, still stunned by the sight, turned to Isolde, sounding confused.

"What... what is a Holy Sword?"

Isolde looked surprised that Seraphine, who came from a long line of swordsmen, didn't know the answer. "You don't know?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Seraphine shook her head, eyes still fixed on the radiant sword.

Sighing softly, Isolde finally explained, "A Holy Sword is a weapon bestowed upon humans by the gods themselves. There are only five of them in existence across the world."

Her tone grew more serious, "To wield such a sword, one must either be a hero chosen by the gods or a swordsman who has mastered the art of holy power, becoming what we call a Holy Swordsman. But even then, it requires more than just skill—a pure heart is essential."

Seraphine's eyes widened further, as she heard Isolde's words. "A pure heart?"

Isolde nodded, her gaze shifting back to Arkanos. "I'm not sure how, but anyone who wields a Holy Sword cannot be evil or unclean. Tue sword itself would not allow sinners touch it, much less the gods would never bestow such a weapon upon someone unworthy."

Hearing this, several of the nearby knights began to murmur amongst themselves.

"Could it be… that the emperor has truly changed?"

"Has he gained the favor of the gods?"

"Perhaps they now see his potential?"

Seraphine, her surprise turning into pride, lifted her chin slightly. "I always believed in him,"

"Our liege is destined for greatness."

Meanwhile, in Arkanos' mind, the system's voice echoed in his thoughts.

[Congratulations! You have achieved an incredible feat: wounding a mythical-class monster! +356XP +100UP.]

[Your fame has risen slightly. Some gods are beginning to take an interest in you.]

Arkanos felt a small pulse of satisfaction, causing him to smile slightly. But the messages didn't stop there.

[The loyalty of your troops has increased by 10%.]

Arkanos, raised the holy sword, pointing it toward the wounded Nythralis. A faint smirk on his lips as he spoke, "Is this all the strength a mighty creature like you can muster? I've seen hatchlings with more bite."

"Don't tell me..."

"Your excuse now will be that you had fallen from grace?"

"You insolent wretch!" The serpent's voice boomed, shaking the very ground beneath them.

"I will ensure your end is agonizing. You will regret your arrogance, mortal!"

Arkanos smiled, a dark glint in his eyes. He slowly raised the holy sword, pointing its gleaming blade directly at Nythralis. "Do your worst then, creature of darkness."

"Let's see if you can back up those words."