The first clash of swords sent a shockwave through the air.
Adam stared at the bandit's smile, noticing his misshapen, yellowed teeth. His arm trembled from the force he was exerting, but he didn't budge an inch.
Instead, he spat out with contempt:
"To think you'd be the kind of bastard who'd use demonic energy to rob merchants."
The bandit leader let out a disgusting cackle:
"Kakakaka, don't give me that typical knight's lecture—you lot think you're so noble when you're all just trash, driven only by money."
"..."
Adam didn't answer; only a faint smile touched his lips.
Their mana collided like invisible bolts of lightning, generating electric crackles that filled the road with a vibrant, oppressive atmosphere.
Adam felt the bandit's weight growing; he knew it was due to the demonic energy.
His feet sank a few millimeters deeper into the ground. However, not the slightest trace of discomfort appeared on his face.
