System vs Rebirth

"Quick Draw, Lightning Flash."

"Kh!" Yesley widened his eyes in shock as he immediately released his spiritual energy, trying to resist Anna's blade like earlier.

However, Anna cut through his barrier like butter. Yesley tried to get away at the last second, but Anna still managed to cut his left arm and hit his side. The wound was quite deep, almost hitting his heart. The blood was gushing out like a stream.

"What?" Yesley gasped. This was a power that Anna hadn't shown this whole time. While he was a bit late to put up his barrier, it should be enough to stop Anna's previous strongest attack.

Hence, the only reason he couldn't even resist that slash was because of the gap between their strengths.

"You—" Yesley wanted to shout, but Fradania snapped her fingers, causing Yesley to shut his mouth. Yesley struggled to open his mouth, but to no avail. He couldn't help but think, 'Is this the power of water? She is able to control the water inside my body.

'In addition, has Anna Stargaze actually reached the spirit transcendence rank? This is impossible. She is still so young, but she is able to achieve it. How about Noel Ardagan? No, no, no. Does this mean that no matter what I do, I can't exact my revenge?'

Yesley was showing a sign of struggle, trying to let the other guy know about it.

At the same time, Yesley was glaring at Anna, unwilling to die without bringing her down with him.

Unfortunately for him, Anna had already swung her blade.

Yesley used his power to form a sphere made of spiritual energy, pouring all the remaining energy into his body to cause a massive explosion.

"Oh?!" Fradania raised her left hand and formed a small bubble.

On the other hand, Anna simply slashed through this sphere and eventually sent his neck flying.

As expected, the sphere immediately exploded, causing a massive explosion of spiritual energy. Even the soldiers on the wall wouldn't escape unscathed from this… except for the fact that the Zaecuria Kingdom's guardian was here.

Fradania expanded her small bubble and contained the explosion inside it.

The bubble popped out, splashing all that water. However, it didn't produce a shock wave that would cause devastation to the surroundings. It could be said that the bubble contained the explosion completely.

Anna simply looked at the severed head, confirming that Yesley had died.

Meanwhile, Fradania stared into the distance before calling one of her bubbles. She pinched it and pulled it like drawing an arrow.

When she released it, the entire sphere flew like an arrow. On its way, the bubble gradually turned into a shark, as if it were about to swallow something.

As expected, there was a purple-colored energy that destroyed half of the shark but still got hit by the other half.

Fradania frowned, but before she could chase after this guy, Anna said, "It's more beneficial to let him tell his master."

"…" Fradania squinted her eyes for a moment before smirking. "I don't know what you guys are doing or who they are, but you do know that this is the Zaecuria Kingdom, right?"

"Of course, I know. However, it's in your best interest to cooperate with me now." Anna shook her head.

"Is this a threat?" Fradania snapped her fingers as if she were warming up for another fight.

"It's a matter of goodwill for the negotiation."

Fradania clicked her tongue. "So, that's how it is. It's no wonder why you requested a present from the captain of the royal guard. Spirit transcendence, huh?"

"We don't want it to look like we're threatening your kingdom." Anna confirmed it with a nod. "Nonetheless, we don't expect that you are the one entrusted with the task."

"Hoh? You know me?"

"Who doesn't know the genius of the Zaecuria Kingdom who manages to reach the Spirit Transcendence rank at the age of 38? The woman who is proclaimed to have the best in defense, Duchess Fradania Elison."

"Heh. Even if I can't defeat you two, I can still bring the king away." Fradania's hands ended up relaxing again, as if she had dropped the intention to fight. "Still, to think that you let that person go… And the fact that you lured them here… Were you hiding your power?"

"It couldn't be helped." Anna shrugged.

"I don't care about the Muivell Kingdom's politics. Still, it's ironic for you… or maybe you two, who have reached this rank, to not get recognized. Why don't you come to the Zaecuria Kingdom? Your family will instantly become a dukedom. Hahaha."

"I appreciate the invitation, but I'd like to refuse. The marquis and I have no intention to switch kingdoms." Anna shook her head. "Besides, allowing him to report about your appearance here is enough."

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"Just think about it, why would a guardian of the kingdom appear here? It might be an auction, but the items shouldn't be something that a person such as yourself will notice."

"So, you're saying that they will think I'm escorting an important person?"

"Yes. And there is only one person important enough to make you his escort."

"His Majesty, the King." The grin on Fradania's face disappeared. "Oi. Are you planning to die for trying to use my king?"

"Of course not. What I'm trying to say is that this secret meeting is important enough for you to get involved. We can make them guess about it."

"It only benefits you." Fradania frowned. "Since their attention will be shifted from you to us."

"And that's where this person comes in." Anna pointed at the corpse. "We can safely assume that this person is trying to cause a ruckus in the Zaecuria Kingdom. They'll definitely try to deny it, but it will allow your kingdom to get an upper hand during the negotiation."

"You might be right. Nevertheless, I'm not someone who is too keen on politics. I'll still tell my king about this."

"I understand. My dear husband will be personally discussing this matter with your king."

"Husband, huh? Now that I think about it, I don't see your husband around here." Fradania looked around. "Where is Noel Ardagan? Surely he's not doing something illegal in this kingdom, right?"

"Of course not. I can assure you. There are still two days before the meeting, so please don't mind about it." Anna extended her hand as if telling her to go inside the city together.