Draince shouted, "Now, Flame Magic: Fire Fist!" Just as the fiery blow was about to hit Lucifer, he calmly said, "Freeze," and the entire attack froze instantly.
Draince stared in disbelief. "No wonder you're the strongest."
He followed with, "Now—use Mask of Ifrit, Mythical Model! Wind × Fire Magic: Condensed Fire Path!" A powerful beam of condensed flames surged toward Lucifer.
Lucifer countered with, "Ice Wall!" but the attack pierced through, grazing his right cheek. He calmly wiped the blood away. "That was indeed hot. For that, I must congratulate you."
Draince smirked. "That was just the beginning. I will defeat you—no matter what!"
Lucifer nodded. "As a reward, I won't dodge any more of your attacks. But remember—you brought this upon yourself."
He extended both arms. "Summon: Glacier Rose. Summon: Ignis Rose."
A frozen rosebud bloomed on his left, a blazing one on his right.
"Duel Swords!" Two blades emerged from the shadows: a crimson sword to his left and a blue one to his right, each opposite its corresponding rose.
In the audience, Licht muttered, "Damn that idiot… why is he holding back?"
Alysa yawned. "Well, this sure is boring."
Elsewhere, among the Existforger and Corefury members, Astrea looked around. "Where did the vice-captain go?"
Masaki replied, "Vice-Captain Elizabeth said she had something urgent to take care of. She won't be around for the start of the battle."
Astrea nodded. "Ohhh, okay."
Klaus added, "Damn… is your captain always this strong? He's got the enemy cornered."