Chapter 236 "Goddess" Alice
Before Alice's sword had fully descended, Lucien hurriedly deactivated his Ninefold Stellar Sanctuary magic formation.
"This is a joke," Lucien thought. If his formation were broken again, he might sustain serious injuries and require several months to recover.
Knowing the capabilities of his opponent, why would he recklessly risk it?
"Miss, I think we can conclude this duel," Lucien said, retreating a few steps, genuinely intimidated by Alice.
He pondered why he hadn't seen it earlier,perhaps because Alice's sword techniques in the previous two instances were executed flawlessly, which appeared more potent than any sword technique he had witnessed.
"You may leave," William said, seemingly uninterested.
Perhaps, in the eyes of others, Lucien was formidable, but to William, he was still lacking.
Lucien bowed politely to Alice and asked, "Miss, may I know your name?"
"Get lost!"
"I understand," Lucien replied, quickly jumping away. But even as he did, his gaze remained fixed on Alice, murmuring in admiration, "Such an exceptional woman." A faint smile curled his lips.
Controlling Alice's body, William slowly approached Bryant. Seraphina, having halted her actions the moment Alice shattered Lucien's magic formation, stood still, doing nothing.
"Do you want to step forward on your own, or do you need my assistance?"
Bryant, somewhat awkwardly, responded, "Alice, this isn't right. We are originally on the same side. That lady is genuinely extraordinary. If we collaborate, perhaps we have a chance."
Bryant and Alice's grandfather, Charles Turner, were old friends. He believed their relationship was solid. But now, he was facing William.
William couldn't be bothered with idle chatter and directly lunged forward with his sword.
Bryant, startled, hastily picked up the large ancient bell, his entire body emanating a golden glow.
William's thrust wasn't particularly terrifying, especially since he hadn't used any energy behind it.
Clang!
Surprisingly, Bryant and his enormous ancient bell were both sent flying with the strike.
"It can't be!" Bryant could never have imagined that a casual swipe from Alice would be so potent.
Before he could react, Alice had leaped into mid-air and, using the flat side of her sword, she swung at him as if batting a baseball, sending him flying away.
Out of the game! nOve-lb/1n
Having been sent flying by a single strike, Alice returned to the arena, her gaze sweeping over the remaining contestants. Those Soulmancers who were still holding out hope were so scared that they immediately fled from the arena.
Under such circumstances, haven't they chosen to admit defeat yet?
Breaking Lucien's Ninefold Stellar Sanctuary with a single strike, then sending the extraordinary Bryant flying—her monstrous strength seemed to be on par with Zoey's.
Moreover, her aura felt even more intimidating than Zoey's.
Although Zoey was powerful, she looked somewhat naive. In contrast, Alice's gaze alone gave off an aura of invincibility.
Soon, only Alice and Seraphina remained in the arena.
Lucien, observing from above, couldn't help but exclaim, "Her presence is truly astonishing!"
Tristan, standing beside him, remarked, "Her sword technique is truly unheard of!"
Lucien glanced at him and scoffed, "Do you think you're in any position to comment?"
Tristan, looking embarrassed, chuckled awkwardly, "Lucien, there's no need to dwell on what happened during our duel. On the field, we were opponents, and it's understandable to do whatever it takes to win. Off the field, we're still friends."
Lucien smirked and said, "How do you think your family's 'Lancaster Ancient Fist' compares to this young lady's sword technique?"
Tristan took a deep breath and sighed, "As you said, the aura this girl displays is truly astonishing. Her sword technique isn't something just anyone can master. Combining strong willpower and faith with her soul energy, materializing it — even my ancestors couldn't achieve that!
If reaching the pinnacle of swordsmanship earns one the title of Sword God, then she indeed is that deity."
Lucien laughed, "Of course. But I wonder what this goddess is called and where she comes from. Could she actually be from the divine realm?"
Tristan replied, "I've asked. Her name is Alice Turner, a temp worker at the 13th Bureau. She's not from the divine realm, but that Sofia seems to be a demigod."
"A demigod?" Lucien glanced at Sofia and frowned, "In Tristan's opinion, what are the odds of 'Goddess' Alice prevailing against that demigod?"
"Well... I wouldn't dare to speculate rashly," Tristan pondered and said, "But from what I've seen, 'Goddess' Alice doesn't seem to be affected by Sofia's enchanting voice. If Sofia doesn't have any other tricks up her sleeve, then 'Goddess' Alice's chances of winning should be higher."
Lucien scoffed, "Isn't that obvious? 'Goddess' Alice will surely win!"
Tristan slowly turned his head to look at Lucien, thinking, 'What's going on here?'
Just moments ago, Alice bluntly told him to get lost in front of so many people, and he's still praising her as a goddess?
Is he completely smitten? How pathetic!
However, he dared not voice these thoughts aloud. Tristan had tried for two days, but he couldn't solidify any energy into a tangible form. In this weakened state, how could he risk provoking Lucien?
In the arena, Alice slowly approached Sofia with her sword in hand.
Now, both of them seemed to have brought in professional ringers.
However, while Alice had brought in William, Sofia had enlisted Seraphina.
"Will you concede or shall we determine the winner?" Alice's long hair flowed gracefully, her wooden sword slightly tilted as she gazed coolly at Sofia.
At this moment, whether it was Sofia or Seraphina, she sensed that something was amiss with the Alice standing before her.
How could a mid-level Soulmancer possibly exhibit such a terrifying sword technique?
In Seraphina's hand, a flute spun. She smiled enchantingly and said, "Master, it's you, isn't it?"
Instead of answering, William retorted, "Do you wish to continue?"
"No more! No more! How can I dare to show off my trifling skills before you?" Seraphina laughed, "Let me play a tune for you, and then I'll admit defeat. I just hope that when I visit the bookstore in the future, you won't turn me away."
"Suit yourself," William responded, succinctly withdrawing his strand of consciousness.
Alice regained full control of her body and gazed dreamily at Seraphina.
Seraphina picked up her flute again, slowly playing a melody.
The flute's sound rippled out, its clear notes seemingly able to cleanse the heart of its unrest, captivatingly melodious.
This time, the flute's music had no enchanting effect, it was simply a pure performance.
Once Seraphina finished playing, she quickly exited the arena and loudly declared, "I concede."
"She's conceding? Just like that, without even fighting?"
"It seems the demigod isn't all that powerful after all."
"No choice, her sword technique is just too fearsome. Just look at Lucien; a single strike shattered his magical formation. Even a demigod might find it challenging to counter."
"I heard this Alice is just a temp worker at the 13th Bureau? The 13th Bureau really has some talent. Apart from Zoey, they also have such a formidable individual."
"You guys are really naive. If the Hudson University area is taken by the Nostredame family or that demigod named Sofia, we won't be able to set foot there in the future. But if the 13th Bureau gets it, the situation will be different. Everyone can still visit."
...