Warden's full-power attack earned him an A-grade when he just advanced to Iron rank. Although not much time had passed, his power had greatly increased, and it wasn't simply in attribute points. His Void energy capacity had been raised to 15%, and he had awakened his Intent.
With everything considered, it wouldn't be wrong to say he was more than twice as strong, with more cards in his hands to play.
As he worked on the barrier himself, Warden knew exactly what he was dealing with. It wasn't his best work, but it was certainly the grandest. It would have been too easy if he were to use runes to dismantle the barrier. Instead, he put his void energy and intent to use.
Finding harmony within the two powers didn't come easily; Warden was far from gaining complete mastery over it. However, he could showcase their brilliance together if he had a few seconds to prepare himself.
"Is he going to stand in that pose all night?" Jenni yelled.
"Yeah, get it over with," Caleb said.
Warden ignored their voices; his concentration was absolute. Dark tendrils of power swirled around the blade as he made contact with the barrier. He didn't need any flashy sword moves or to yell out the technique name. His move was simply a basic slash polished to mastery.
The dark power plunged into the barrier and broke through the three intricate shells one after another, with only the final shell posing a little obstruction in his path. The void energy destroyed the formation from within, and the intent only made it easier, until an eight-foot-tall cut appeared on the barrier.
Cool wind blew from the crack he created as the chilling void energy still bit through the crack to make it larger. Warden didn't move into the crack he created but instead turned to the crowd.
Some of the soldiers gasped as they watched the crack appear, unable to believe their eyes, while the elite Iron rankers were still gawking at the crack, as if trying to interpret the mystery of the attack.
"You were saying something?" Warden grinned at Jenni.
The girl had her mouth hanging open. She wanted to reply, but no words escaped her lips.
"Was that your full power?" Agnes said. "If so, you're still lacking..."
"To you?" Warden snorted but agreed. Agnes possibly didn't have a stronger attack, but her darkness power had progressed far ahead. She might not win in attack power, but her power didn't lose out in intensity or control. "This is about 60, 70% of my power, perhaps."
Cassandra congratulated him for winning the prize he himself was giving and departed after giving a studying gaze. The other group also left with them, looking far less eager than when they came.
Warden shook his head. "You couldn't be more wrong than that."
"Wait, don't tell me you've enchanted some innocent girl with those delicious desserts?" Jenni raised her voice. "Hmm, I don't know if it's better or worse. On one side, she would get to eat those desserts daily, on the other side, she would have to deal with you."
Jenni shuddered for dramatic effect.
Warden groaned inwardly, wondering how she could get under his skin, unlike anyone he had ever encountered. Perhaps because both of them were somewhat alike in their personalities. Thankfully, he didn't show it on his expression, because she'd become even more insufferable if she knew it bothered him.
After all, he would do the same.
"I can't wait to see the look on your face when you finally meet her," Warden said.
"You're raising the bar too high," Agnes said. "Now even I'm intrigued."
"Hmm, after all this is over, maybe we should go out for dinner together," Warden suggested to his former captain. "I think she'd like you very much."
"Everyone likes me," Agnes said, blowing air out of her lips to wave her hair.
"If I can get those desserts, I'm in for the dinner," Jenni said, licking her lips.
"Who invited you?" Warden chuckled.
She glared at him.
"On an interesting note," Warden said. "What's your deal with Elder Ming? I learned he's your father... but..."
"It's complicated," she said and didn't explain any further.
Warden didn't push her. "I think there's some leftover dessert in the second container, you can take them before--"
Before he finished, Jenni shot towards the runic container.