Julius collapsed onto the ground, his body battered by every strike Enrik had delivered. His condition was critical—if he didn't receive treatment immediately, survival would be nearly impossible.
But one question remained—how was Enrik still standing as if nothing had happened?
At the moment their swords were about to clash, Julius noticed something. In an instant, he realized his uncle had already prepared a spell, waiting for the perfect moment to interfere.
Tsk… If I use my full power to defeat this guy, my uncle will definitely kill him. This isn't an ordinary attack. If our blows collide, one of us will die… maybe both. And Uncle… he never spares those with real potential. This guy is strong—but not stronger than me. Still… I need to think.
As their blades met, something unexpected happened.
The powerful strike from Julius' sword veered past Enrik, missing him entirely.
At first, Enrik thought Julius had miscalculated—but no. It was intentional.
Moments later—
A devastating attack struck Enrik directly. The impact was terrifying. Blood splattered everywhere as his body trembled under the force.
Meanwhile, Julius' body was thrown far away. He struggled with everything he had to stand, but his limbs refused to obey.
Still… he couldn't give up.
Enrik frowned, confusion clouding his thoughts.
Just moments ago, everything felt under control. And now—
An attack had come from behind?
Through telepathy, Julius heard his uncle's voice.
"That's enough."
"Who was that guy?"
"That's none of your business."
"Didn't you hear me? I'm going to kill that bastard."
"For what?"
"Didn't you see? If our attacks had clashed—someone would have died!"
"Is that what you think?" his uncle replied coldly. "I think that boy is capable. And more importantly—this is a duel. Third-party interference is unacceptable. Besides… that boy is from the House of Valerian. If they find out you killed him, things will get… complicated."
Ignoring everything, Charlee Anthony Octavius stepped forward.
"Absolute Zero: Extinction."
Everything froze.
Even time itself seemed to stop.
Then—
"Law of Erasure: Null Existence."
The target would be completely erased from reality.
Silence.
The world stood still.
Julius and Enrik were inches away from their swords colliding—but both of them could feel it.
Something was terribly wrong.
Without hesitation, Julius abandoned all thoughts and focused entirely on breaking the spell.
If he failed—
Enrik would cease to exist.
Enrik, however, knew nothing of this. His attention remained fixed solely on Julius.
With his divine power, Julius shattered the spell—
—but not completely.
The devastating force of both Absolute Zero and Null Existence crashed into him instead.
His body took everything.
Every last bit of it.
Though his existence couldn't be erased due to his bloodline connection, the damage was catastrophic.
Yet even then—
Charlee raised his hand once more, preparing another attack.
Enrik's condition worsened.
His body had nearly shut down. His armor was shattered, his entire form soaked in blood.
Still—
He forced himself to stand.
Step by step.
Julius looked at him—
—and froze.
For a moment, everything else disappeared.
Enrik's appearance… it was surreal.
Long white hair flowing down, crimson eyes glowing faintly, and a face so ethereal it felt as if it didn't belong to this world.
Julius had never seen someone so beautiful before.
Before the next attack could be unleashed—
Julius stepped in front of Enrik.
Charlee's expression darkened.
"Why did you do this? Move aside. I don't care who you are."
Julius didn't flinch.
"And I don't care who you are."
His voice turned cold.
"Today, I finally understand… you're a coward. Just like father."
Charlee's fury erupted.
"How dare you… I'll kill—"
He raised his hand.
"Titan Breaker—"
"Stop."
A new presence appeared.
It was Valerina's mother—from the House of Valerian.
"What exactly are you planning to do, Your Highness?" she said calmly. "They are children. They followed the rules of the duel. So tell me… on what grounds are you attacking my daughter?"
Charlee paused.
For the first time—
He realized he had gone too far.
Without another word, he withdrew.
Valerina's mother slowly approached Enrik.
Silence fell once more.
"Why did you do that?" Enrik asked weakly.
"Do what?" Julius replied.
"Don't act like a fool. You knew I'm not as strong as you… yet you held back. And then—you blocked that attack meant for me."
Julius looked away.
"I was fighting you. That doesn't make me a monster. Yeah… I have pride. But I'm also responsible for your life. I was the one who invited you to this duel."
Enrik narrowed his eyes.
"I don't understand you."
"No need to."
A faint smirk appeared on Julius' lips.
"But you're lucky."
"Lucky? Who?"
"You."
Enrik scoffed weakly.
"I don't think so."
"Why?"
"Because… you're the lucky one."
Julius frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"If I were in my full form… you wouldn't even be on my level."
"…Is that so?"
Enrik's body swayed.
His strength finally gave out.
Slowly—
He collapsed onto the ground.
Julius rushed forward, catching him before he hit completely.
"You fool…" he muttered under his breath.