Unable to use Escape Technique to dodge, Leo had no choice but to summon the Nine Abyss Suppresses Evil Peak, enlarging it to shield himself.
Even with the Nine Abyss Suppresses Evil Peak as a barrier, the massive energy surge left Leo in discomfort.
In contrast, Cedric appeared much calmer. He stood still, holding a Bible in his hands, his face serene and eyes slightly closed, as if he were enjoying something, despite the energy surge having torn his red robe to shreds.
Eventually, everything settled. The Divine Dragon Sword and Sovereign’s Blade fell to the ground, embedding themselves in the soil. Both swords lost their luster, appearing ancient and worn.
The Nine Abyss Suppresses Evil Peak shrank and fell to the ground, and Leo collapsed onto the ground. His chest ached, and a metallic taste filled his mouth as a trickle of blood escaped his lips. Wiping the blood away, Leo felt a sense of dread.
Struggling to stand, he surveyed the scene. The place resembled ruins, with only a solitary castle standing amidst the rubble. The three vampire dukes were nowhere to be seen, and the bodies of nine knights were buried under debris.
Turning back to find Cedric, Leo saw that Cedric had vanished from the chaotic battlefield. This puzzled Leo; Cedric had seemed so steadfast with his Bible in hand during the energy explosion. He thought Cedric could withstand it completely, but it seemed he had overestimated him.
Gaining some strength, Leo walked forward and pulled the Divine Dragon Sword from the ground. Meanwhile, several piles of rubble in the castle courtyard began to move as a few knights slowly stood up. Six knights in total rose, their clothes tattered, faces bruised, and dried blood at the corners of their mouths. They coughed up red phlegm, looking utterly miserable.
They looked around anxiously, searching for their beloved Mr. Cedric. “Cedric, where’s our promised duel? Did you run away?” Leo taunted loudly despite his chest pain.
For a proud person, these words were harder to accept than a physical blow. Just as Leo finished speaking, a loud “bang” echoed from ahead, like a grenade exploding in the dirt. Amidst the flying dust, a figure emerged straight up-Cedric.
Holding his Bible with closed eyes, Cedric floated slowly from the ground before landing gently. Despite his tattered clothes, he looked immaculate, exuding an angelic aura.
It seemed that Leo had been at a disadvantage in their earlier clash. Although far away, the knights who had just stood up saw this scene and momentarily forgot their pain, cheering uncontrollably. To them, Cedric was their spiritual pillar and source of strength; as long as Cedric stood, victory would belong to the knights.
Seeing Cedric’s Bible, Leo realized its significance. The Bible seemed to possess immense defensive power; not only did Cedric have one, but Berger and Bill also held them.
Cedric opened his eyes and looked at Leo with a calm gaze. “Young man, complacency is the fuse of failure. As your Atrarian proverb goes, ‘it remains to be seen who will win.'”
“What power is protecting you?” Leo couldn’t understand how Cedric remained unscathed after such a powerful attack.
Cedric smiled proudly. “The great and almighty Lord protects me. With the Sovereign’s Blade’s sheath guarding me, I never bleed!”
It sounded impressive, but not bleeding didn’t mean he couldn’t be injured or killed. Leo noticed that Cedric’s face was slightly paler than before; the energy surge must have caused some harm, though not severe.
“Holy Grail, grant me healing power!” Cedric shouted as a golden cup appeared above his head, pouring down milky white light. In this light, Cedric’s torn clothes and red robe rapidly mended. Within seconds, he looked as good as new, just like when he first entered the castle; even his pallor had vanished.
Leo was stunned by such formidable self-healing ability. The thought of fleeing suddenly crossed his mind. If he couldn’t harm his opponent at all despite exhausting himself, it was pointless to continue.
No wonder Ecclesia held such a lofty position in the Western world; they indeed had terrifying power and often bullied vampires with it.
As Leo brooded, the previously dark sky brightened gradually. Sunlight bathed the earth, driving away the gloom. He remembered that there were still three vampire dukes on his side. With the knights severely injured, it was time to join forces with the vampire dukes to fight Cedric.
Looking around, Leo couldn’t find any trace of the dukes. Retrieving the Holy Grail, Cedric looked at Leo arrogantly and said loudly, “Young man from Atraria, return what you stole from Westminster Abbey and come with me to the church for confession. I believe the great Lord will forgive your sins.”
Leo’s anger flared upon hearing this. “Cedric, do you think you’ve already won?” Leo raised his head proudly. “I’ll give you two choices: leave with your knights or prepare to face my wrath. Your legend will end at my hands!”
Cedric laughed wildly as if hearing the funniest joke in the world. For this stubborn and overconfident boy, only force could make him submit!
A shadow flashed by as Duke Deane appeared beside Leo. Cloaked in black from head to toe, Deane’s face was hidden.
“My esteemed guest, I didn’t expect Cedric to be this strong. It seems I underestimated him,” Deane said in a low voice as if speaking through a veil.