<p>Chapter Thirty-Two: The Ability Unique to the Grand Knights</p>
<p>“Impossible!!!”</p>
<p>At the moment Shaya raised his right hand and spoke those words, Rod and Sital, who were seated in the corner of the spectator stands, suddenly stood up, their eyes filled with disbelief.</p>
<p>The two exchanged glances, seemingly asking: What kind of joke is this kid making?</p>
<p>Not just them, even Mevis, who was about to leave, stopped in her tracks, staring blankly at the scene unfolding in the arena.</p>
<p>This included Lucius, who was about to intervene, and Archbishop Edmund, who stopped him.</p>
<p>Furthermore, among the audience, there were a few students who vaguely understood what this meant.</p>
<p>Their eyes collectively expressed deep shock.</p>
<p>“Boom—”</p>
<p>“Boom boom boom boom—”</p>
<p>Accompanied by five consecutive loud bangs, the five Infernal Ice Wolves, which were about to pounce on Shaya, seemed to be pulled by some invisible force; they fell from midair to the ground in the next instant!</p>
<p>Ice shards splattered across the surface, and the Infernal Ice Wolves appeared to be crushed under a mountain, crouching on the ground, their bodies twisted and broken, trembling slightly.</p>
<p>Beneath them, spiderweb-like cracks spread out in all directions, sufficient to demonstrate just how powerful that invisible force was.</p>
<p>“Bang—”</p>
<p>With a muffled explosion, Shaya calmly moved his body, breaking free from the ice coffin and stepping onto the broken ice blocks.</p>
<p>Once free, Shaya looked toward Angelica, who stood dumbfounded in the distance, her expression remarkably calm, as if the life-and-death crisis from just moments ago was merely child’s play to him.</p>
<p>“What was that just now?”</p>
<p>Angelica countered.</p>
<p>Her eyes appeared unfocused, seemingly unable to accept such a reality.</p>
<p>If she initially approached the duel with a playful attitude, fighting somewhat casually, she had clearly used her full strength in that previous exchange, even using the [Blessing of the Forest Spirits] to restore her magic power.</p>
<p>And indeed, it was true; under such a powerful combination, even an Extraordinary Knight would be flustered and suffer significant injuries.</p>
<p>Yet Shaya, in this state, was hardly affected apart from some minor damage to his knight’s attire.</p>
<p>She took a deep breath, suppressing the shock and frustration inside her, and raised her head to look at Shaya.</p>
<p>At the same time, many doubts arose in her mind.</p>
<p>Gravity magic? Martial arts dual cultivation?</p>
<p>No, it can’t be.</p>
<p>But how could a knight possibly produce such an effect?</p>
<p>Angelica’s body trembled slightly.</p>
<p>Suddenly, another possibility struck her.</p>
<p>A similar situation… she seemed to recall witnessing it with her brother.</p>
<p>But why?</p>
<p>On what basis?</p>
<p>How could a lowly noble from the countryside ever be compared to the leader of the Holy Radiant Knights?!</p>
<p>Angelica raised her head, quickly scanning the audience for her brother, as if seeking an answer to her doubts.</p>
<p>Shaya did not attack at that moment; instead, he began to walk slowly.</p>
<p>On the ice, the five Infernal Ice Wolves trembled as if seeing a natural enemy, and as Shaya drew nearer, the ground sank again, spiderweb-like cracks rapidly spreading outwards.</p>
<p>The gnashing sound of crushing echoed incessantly.</p>
<p>What had just seemed powerful and intimidating, that summoned creature, now appeared like a newborn wolf cub, curled up on the ground and unable to move, letting out pitiful whimpers.</p>
<p>It seemed like there was a domain surrounding Shaya; anyone entering this range would feel the oppressive force, and even a mental deterrent.</p>
<p>“Actually, you should have some guesses in your heart,” Shaya said as he walked, smiling. “From the beginning, thinking I was just a little attendant you could easily manipulate, then investigating and realizing I might be a potential knight, to just now taking on your attack as a Grand Knight… the baseline keeps getting refreshed, so why does this seem so hard to believe this time?”</p>
<p>Angelica’s hands clenched into fists at her sides.</p>
<p>Although she longed to tear Shaya apart for his current demeanor, the development of affairs was evidently not going as she had imagined.</p>
<p>She fixed her gaze on Shaya and finally voiced her deepest curiosity: “Is that the Knight Power Field? A mere three-star, or perhaps four-star Grand Knight… how could you possibly master it?”</p>
<p>Angelica uttered a term that was unfamiliar to her.</p>
<p>From the ease with which Shaya broke free from the ice coffin, it was clear that his true strength was definitely beyond a one-star Grand Knight, likely at least three-star or four-star.</p>
<p>But at this moment, what astonished her wasn’t merely Shaya’s real rank, but the underlying significance of his mastery over this ability.</p>
<p>Knight Power Field?</p>
<p>Shaya was somewhat puzzled but did not respond.</p>
<p>At that time, the assassin from the Night Shadow Association, after seeing him use this power, had incredulously asked him if he was a Grand Knight, only to quickly deny the idea.</p>
<p>But the system referred to it as the [Knight Power Field], evolved from the skill [Knight Will].</p>
<p>There was no telling what the distinction was.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the vast majority of people in the audience were still in a state of confusion.</p>
<p>What just happened?</p>
<p>Why did the five giant wolves suddenly get pinned to the ground like dogs?</p>
<p>This was the deepest question in their minds.</p>
<p>They exchanged glances, conversed briefly, and some students who grasped the truth began to explain in a stuttering voice, still filled with disbelief.</p>
<p>Efi Dominic was among them.</p>
<p>His face was filled with incredulity: “What the hell… how is this possible? Him? A high-level Grand Knight?”</p>
<p>Even Efi himself, who had enjoyed the best resources from the Golden Griffon family all his life and was considerably talented, was merely a three-star potential knight at present.</p>
<p>The gap was as vast as heaven and earth.</p>
<p>Selly shot him a sidelong glance: “What’s wrong, jealousy? Jealous that Angelica cares so ‘much’ about him? Or jealous that as a man, he is far stronger than you?”</p>
<p>Next to her, Tilius wanted to laugh, secretly delighted, but thought better of it and remained silent.</p>
<p>It seemed the Blood Rose Association was not as united as one might think.</p>
<p>At least, the level of this purple-skirted girl’s sharp tongue was top-notch; perhaps Shaya could engage in conversation with her here.</p>
<p>At her words, Efi became quite furious, clenching his fists and excitedly retorting: “Him? Stronger than me?”</p>
<p>He had lost the grace of the noble man he once was.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, there was nothing to be done against this sharp-tongued fellow.</p>
<p>After all, she was the fiancée determined by His Highness the Fifth Prince, the eldest daughter of the Violet Family.</p>
<p>Frustrated, Efi finally punched his fist in resignation: “You all don’t understand what it means to comprehend such a power at the level of a Grand Knight.”</p>
<p>That signifies… he is very likely to become a Royal Knight in the future!</p>
<p>He kept this thought to himself, not expressing it due to some pitiful sense of pride.</p>
<p>Meanwhile,</p>
<p>Listening to the babble of discussions around her, Xivista exchanged excited glances with Deyora, their eyes gradually brightening.</p>
<p>Shaya, could he really be that powerful?</p>
<p>At this moment, an unprecedented thought arose.</p>
<p>Could he win this duel?</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>“Indeed, we old men really underestimated him.” At the highest point of the stands, Lucius, the dean, chuckled wryly as he looked at Shaya, as if observing some rare creature, “He actually possesses that kind of intimidation power that only Royal Knights are qualified to wield.”</p>
<p>Royal Knight was not a rank, but a title.</p>
<p>Those who held this title were the best among that rank.</p>
<p>In response, Edmund shook his head and said, “It’s not so exaggerated, this is clearly just a prototype; it does not possess the destructive power capable of collapsing a building like Royal Knights can.”</p>
<p>“Moreover, there are many who comprehend such a power yet cannot advance to Royal Knight; at least, we have some within our Vatican.” </p>
<p>As a member of the Church of Light, Archbishop Edmund clearly understood more than Dean Lucius.</p>
<p>Even so, it was already quite astonishing.</p>
<p>Not to mention what this signifies; even the threshold for comprehending this ability starts from Extraordinary Knights!</p>
<p>That’s a rank above Grand Knights, a realm that can lead to transformative changes in the cycle of life; even in the Royal Capital, it could be considered the first step toward becoming a powerful individual.</p>
<p>Although Shaya’s talent was equally unmatched, to grasp a mere hint of the field at his level… the term ‘monster’ no longer sufficed to describe him.</p>
<p>Because this required more than just talent.</p>
<p>After pondering for a moment, Archbishop Edmund then asked his greatest question: “Generally speaking, such a field can only be comprehended after undergoing countless life-and-death battles, repeatedly breaking through limits, and refining one’s will to the extreme. Yet this little guy is only 16… what on earth has he experienced?”</p>
<p>“Perhaps it is related to his background.” </p>
<p>Dean Lucius recalled rumors surrounding Shaya and said.</p>
<p>Both of them remained restless inside.</p>
<p>Of course, for Lucius, it was more of a heavenly surprise.</p>
<p>Norton Academy seems to have stumbled upon a treasure?</p>
<p>Dean Lucius’s white beard twitched, his eyes filled with joy, and he had already decided that no matter the cost, he would secure this youth in the future.</p>
<p>Then, he looked toward the distance.</p>
<p>In another corner sat several members of the Algeria family, the leader being a handsome young man with long golden hair, sitting silently in the stands, quietly observing the situation in the arena.</p>
<p>The leader of the Holy Radiant Knights, Angelica’s brother, and also one of the Royal Knights mentioned by Lucius and Edmund.</p>
<p>A strategic-level existence comparable to that of Sorcerers.</p>
<p>Of course, this doesn’t refer to a newly emerged Sorcerer like Mevis, but to one of the elite, as even the same rank has its distinctions.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>“I see, now I understand why you wanted me to witness this duel.” </p>
<p>Back in his seat, Rod seemed still lost in shock.</p>
<p>But the surprise exhibited by Sital next to him was equally profound.</p>
<p>You understand?</p>
<p>Damn it, I don’t understand at all!</p>
<p>How did this kid inexplicably become a three-star or four-star Grand Knight and even comprehend the prototype of the Knight Power Field?</p>
<p>What does this say about my pride as a teacher?!</p>
<p>“You… comprehended that?” </p>
<p>After a long silence, Sital spoke.</p>
<p>“No.” Rod sighed, shaking his head, “I’m among the weaker judges here; I still have some distance to cover to reach Royal Knight, plus having stayed in the Royal Capital means I’ve missed out on far too many life-and-death battles.”</p>
<p>“And the few Royal Knights renowned throughout the empire mostly rose to prominence over a decade ago, during the time of constant warfare. Which of them didn’t battle through a sea of blood to get where they are?”</p>
<p>Ignoring his friend’s latter sentiments, Sital breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing he hadn’t comprehended this power.</p>
<p>Thank goodness, it’s not overly embarrassing.</p>
<p>“Impossible!!!”</p>
<p>At the moment Shaya raised his right hand and spoke those words, Rod and Sital, who were seated in the corner of the spectator stands, suddenly stood up, their eyes filled with disbelief.</p>
<p>The two exchanged glances, seemingly asking: What kind of joke is this kid making?</p>
<p>Not just them, even Mevis, who was about to leave, stopped in her tracks, staring blankly at the scene unfolding in the arena.</p>
<p>This included Lucius, who was about to intervene, and Archbishop Edmund, who stopped him.</p>
<p>Furthermore, among the audience, there were a few students who vaguely understood what this meant.</p>
<p>Their eyes collectively expressed deep shock.</p>
<p>“Boom—”</p>
<p>“Boom boom boom boom—”</p>
<p>Accompanied by five consecutive loud bangs, the five Infernal Ice Wolves, which were about to pounce on Shaya, seemed to be pulled by some invisible force; they fell from midair to the ground in the next instant!</p>
<p>Ice shards splattered across the surface, and the Infernal Ice Wolves appeared to be crushed under a mountain, crouching on the ground, their bodies twisted and broken, trembling slightly.</p>
<p>Beneath them, spiderweb-like cracks spread out in all directions, sufficient to demonstrate just how powerful that invisible force was.</p>
<p>“Bang—”</p>
<p>With a muffled explosion, Shaya calmly moved his body, breaking free from the ice coffin and stepping onto the broken ice blocks.</p>
<p>Once free, Shaya looked toward Angelica, who stood dumbfounded in the distance, her expression remarkably calm, as if the life-and-death crisis from just moments ago was merely child’s play to him.</p>
<p>“What was that just now?”</p>
<p>Angelica countered.</p>
<p>Her eyes appeared unfocused, seemingly unable to accept such a reality.</p>
<p>If she initially approached the duel with a playful attitude, fighting somewhat casually, she had clearly used her full strength in that previous exchange, even using the [Blessing of the Forest Spirits] to restore her magic power.</p>
<p>And indeed, it was true; under such a powerful combination, even an Extraordinary Knight would be flustered and suffer significant injuries.</p>
<p>Yet Shaya, in this state, was hardly affected apart from some minor damage to his knight’s attire.</p>
<p>She took a deep breath, suppressing the shock and frustration inside her, and raised her head to look at Shaya.</p>
<p>At the same time, many doubts arose in her mind.</p>
<p>Gravity magic? Martial arts dual cultivation?</p>
<p>No, it can’t be.</p>
<p>But how could a knight possibly produce such an effect?</p>
<p>Angelica’s body trembled slightly.</p>
<p>Suddenly, another possibility struck her.</p>
<p>A similar situation… she seemed to recall witnessing it with her brother.</p>
<p>But why?</p>
<p>On what basis?</p>
<p>How could a lowly noble from the countryside ever be compared to the leader of the Holy Radiant Knights?!</p>
<p>Angelica raised her head, quickly scanning the audience for her brother, as if seeking an answer to her doubts.</p>
<p>Shaya did not attack at that moment; instead, he began to walk slowly.</p>
<p>On the ice, the five Infernal Ice Wolves trembled as if seeing a natural enemy, and as Shaya drew nearer, the ground sank again, spiderweb-like cracks rapidly spreading outwards.</p>
<p>The gnashing sound of crushing echoed incessantly.</p>
<p>What had just seemed powerful and intimidating, that summoned creature, now appeared like a newborn wolf cub, curled up on the ground and unable to move, letting out pitiful whimpers.</p>
<p>It seemed like there was a domain surrounding Shaya; anyone entering this range would feel the oppressive force, and even a mental deterrent.</p>
<p>“Actually, you should have some guesses in your heart,” Shaya said as he walked, smiling. “From the beginning, thinking I was just a little attendant you could easily manipulate, then investigating and realizing I might be a potential knight, to just now taking on your attack as a Grand Knight… the baseline keeps getting refreshed, so why does this seem so hard to believe this time?”</p>
<p>Angelica’s hands clenched into fists at her sides.</p>
<p>Although she longed to tear Shaya apart for his current demeanor, the development of affairs was evidently not going as she had imagined.</p>
<p>She fixed her gaze on Shaya and finally voiced her deepest curiosity: “Is that the Knight Power Field? A mere three-star, or perhaps four-star Grand Knight… how could you possibly master it?”</p>
<p>Angelica uttered a term that was unfamiliar to her.</p>
<p>From the ease with which Shaya broke free from the ice coffin, it was clear that his true strength was definitely beyond a one-star Grand Knight, likely at least three-star or four-star.</p>
<p>But at this moment, what astonished her wasn’t merely Shaya’s real rank, but the underlying significance of his mastery over this ability.</p>
<p>Knight Power Field?</p>
<p>Shaya was somewhat puzzled but did not respond.</p>
<p>At that time, the assassin from the Night Shadow Association, after seeing him use this power, had incredulously asked him if he was a Grand Knight, only to quickly deny the idea.</p>
<p>But the system referred to it as the [Knight Power Field], evolved from the skill [Knight Will].</p>
<p>There was no telling what the distinction was.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the vast majority of people in the audience were still in a state of confusion.</p>
<p>What just happened?</p>
<p>Why did the five giant wolves suddenly get pinned to the ground like dogs?</p>
<p>This was the deepest question in their minds.</p>
<p>They exchanged glances, conversed briefly, and some students who grasped the truth began to explain in a stuttering voice, still filled with disbelief.</p>
<p>Efi Dominic was among them.</p>
<p>His face was filled with incredulity: “What the hell… how is this possible? Him? A high-level Grand Knight?”</p>
<p>Even Efi himself, who had enjoyed the best resources from the Golden Griffon family all his life and was considerably talented, was merely a three-star potential knight at present.</p>
<p>The gap was as vast as heaven and earth.</p>
<p>Selly shot him a sidelong glance: “What’s wrong, jealousy? Jealous that Angelica cares so ‘much’ about him? Or jealous that as a man, he is far stronger than you?”</p>
<p>Next to her, Tilius wanted to laugh, secretly delighted, but thought better of it and remained silent.</p>
<p>It seemed the Blood Rose Association was not as united as one might think.</p>
<p>At least, the level of this purple-skirted girl’s sharp tongue was top-notch; perhaps Shaya could engage in conversation with her here.</p>
<p>At her words, Efi became quite furious, clenching his fists and excitedly retorting: “Him? Stronger than me?”</p>
<p>He had lost the grace of the noble man he once was.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, there was nothing to be done against this sharp-tongued fellow.</p>
<p>After all, she was the fiancée determined by His Highness the Fifth Prince, the eldest daughter of the Violet Family.</p>
<p>Frustrated, Efi finally punched his fist in resignation: “You all don’t understand what it means to comprehend such a power at the level of a Grand Knight.”</p>
<p>That signifies… he is very likely to become a Royal Knight in the future!</p>
<p>He kept this thought to himself, not expressing it due to some pitiful sense of pride.</p>
<p>Meanwhile,</p>
<p>Listening to the babble of discussions around her, Xivista exchanged excited glances with Deyora, their eyes gradually brightening.</p>
<p>Shaya, could he really be that powerful?</p>
<p>At this moment, an unprecedented thought arose.</p>
<p>Could he win this duel?</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>“Indeed, we old men really underestimated him.” At the highest point of the stands, Lucius, the dean, chuckled wryly as he looked at Shaya, as if observing some rare creature, “He actually possesses that kind of intimidation power that only Royal Knights are qualified to wield.”</p>
<p>Royal Knight was not a rank, but a title.</p>
<p>Those who held this title were the best among that rank.</p>
<p>In response, Edmund shook his head and said, “It’s not so exaggerated, this is clearly just a prototype; it does not possess the destructive power capable of collapsing a building like Royal Knights can.”</p>
<p>“Moreover, there are many who comprehend such a power yet cannot advance to Royal Knight; at least, we have some within our Vatican.” </p>
<p>As a member of the Church of Light, Archbishop Edmund clearly understood more than Dean Lucius.</p>
<p>Even so, it was already quite astonishing.</p>
<p>Not to mention what this signifies; even the threshold for comprehending this ability starts from Extraordinary Knights!</p>
<p>That’s a rank above Grand Knights, a realm that can lead to transformative changes in the cycle of life; even in the Royal Capital, it could be considered the first step toward becoming a powerful individual.</p>
<p>Although Shaya’s talent was equally unmatched, to grasp a mere hint of the field at his level… the term ‘monster’ no longer sufficed to describe him.</p>
<p>Because this required more than just talent.</p>
<p>After pondering for a moment, Archbishop Edmund then asked his greatest question: “Generally speaking, such a field can only be comprehended after undergoing countless life-and-death battles, repeatedly breaking through limits, and refining one’s will to the extreme. Yet this little guy is only 16… what on earth has he experienced?”</p>
<p>“Perhaps it is related to his background.” </p>
<p>Dean Lucius recalled rumors surrounding Shaya and said.</p>
<p>Both of them remained restless inside.</p>
<p>Of course, for Lucius, it was more of a heavenly surprise.</p>
<p>Norton Academy seems to have stumbled upon a treasure?</p>
<p>Dean Lucius’s white beard twitched, his eyes filled with joy, and he had already decided that no matter the cost, he would secure this youth in the future.</p>
<p>Then, he looked toward the distance.</p>
<p>In another corner sat several members of the Algeria family, the leader being a handsome young man with long golden hair, sitting silently in the stands, quietly observing the situation in the arena.</p>
<p>The leader of the Holy Radiant Knights, Angelica’s brother, and also one of the Royal Knights mentioned by Lucius and Edmund.</p>
<p>A strategic-level existence comparable to that of Sorcerers.</p>
<p>Of course, this doesn’t refer to a newly emerged Sorcerer like Mevis, but to one of the elite, as even the same rank has its distinctions.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>“I see, now I understand why you wanted me to witness this duel.” </p>
<p>Back in his seat, Rod seemed still lost in shock.</p>
<p>But the surprise exhibited by Sital next to him was equally profound.</p>
<p>You understand?</p>
<p>Damn it, I don’t understand at all!</p>
<p>How did this kid inexplicably become a three-star or four-star Grand Knight and even comprehend the prototype of the Knight Power Field?</p>
<p>What does this say about my pride as a teacher?!</p>
<p>“You… comprehended that?” </p>
<p>After a long silence, Sital spoke.</p>
<p>“No.” Rod sighed, shaking his head, “I’m among the weaker judges here; I still have some distance to cover to reach Royal Knight, plus having stayed in the Royal Capital means I’ve missed out on far too many life-and-death battles.”</p>
<p>“And the few Royal Knights renowned throughout the empire mostly rose to prominence over a decade ago, during the time of constant warfare. Which of them didn’t battle through a sea of blood to get where they are?”</p>
<p>Ignoring his friend’s latter sentiments, Sital breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing he hadn’t comprehended this power.</p>
<p>Thank goodness, it’s not overly embarrassing.</p>
