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“Hahaha… They’ve known each other for all of five seconds and they’re already battling,” Rafinha laughed nervously.
Eris shrugged. “I suppose birds of a feather flock together. Who would’ve thought that the top Highlander would be one of them?”

“Well, it’s still preferable to Ymir being invaded, right?” Rafinha attempted to make light of the situation.

Eris raised an eyebrow, “Do you think he came to investigate her after hearing about her defeating the Prisma? Could that be how he found out about her engagement?”

The pair knew very well that any royal notification wouldn’t reach the three Highland Archdukes. And even if it did, it would be ignored. The Highlanders were in an unassailably superior position.

Caraldo, with a chuckle, said, “The Duke of War is always in search of a worthy adversary. It’s all well and good to train alone, but a true opponent can show the fruit of one’s training. Upon hearing the rumors about Lady Inglis, he could barely contain his excitement. It brings me great joy to see him having such fun.”

“Hahaha…” Rafinha and Eris had certainly heard similar remarks before. All they could muster in response was a hollow chuckle, their dismay evident.

Right before their eyes, a fierce exchange of blows ensued between Inglis and Jeldegrīva.

The echoes of their violent clash filled the air as Inglis’s small fist met with the hulking man’s again and again. Despite her smaller stature, it was clear to the onlookers that Inglis was holding her ground, even if she seemed to be slightly pushed back.

With each successive punch from Jeldegrīva, her arms were forced further back, until she was finally unable to parry his blows and had to resort to shielding herself with crossed arms.

Inevitably, a blow from Jeldegrīva landed, sending Inglis flying. “Just as I expected… Such powerful strikes!” Inglis exclaimed, clearly impressed.

Even if she were in her typical 16-year-old form, the strength of that blow would have been overwhelming.

“Is that all you got? Is this the strength of someone who has defeated a Prisma?” Jeldegrīva taunted as he pursued her.

“Let’s see…” With a mischievous grin, Inglis freed herself from her self-imposed gravity constraints. Then, she met his fist with one of her own.

This time, it was Inglis who took the upper hand, if only just.

“I wanted to extend you a proper welcome since you came all this way,” she said.
“I like your style!” Jeldegrīva exclaimed, taking a few steps back and smiling at Inglis. He was aware of Inglis’ triumph over the Prisma.

Jeldegrīva, one of the elite Highlanders, one of the Three Archdukes, wouldn’t propose to Inglis for something as trivial as increasing influence in Charalia. He had come to engage Inglis in combat; her strength was the true object of his visit.

Therefore, Jeldegrīva, the Duke of War, must have been certain he could compete with the one who bested Prisma. This implied he was far from reaching his maximum potential, much like Inglis, who had not yet unveiled her full power.

“Now it’s your turn… Show me what you’ve got!”
“Certainly, WATCH CAREFULLY!”

Well, that’s quite accommodating. Inglis mused as the Duke of War’s muscles began to expand at an unnatural rate. His arms, legs, waist, and chest seemed to grow by approximately 50%.

“Ooh…! Impressive…” The increase in his strength was not just noticeable, it was off the charts.

“SORYAAAAHH!!!” With a loud clash, Inglis found herself unable to counter and was sent flying at an incredible speed, rapidly closing in on the training ground’s wall.

“HYAAAHHHH!!” And just before impact, she shouted and enveloped herself in Ether Armor. The wall burst outward, not due to Inglis’ impact, but due to the sheer force of her kick. In a split second, she corrected her posture.

“OOHHH?!” Inglis returned to her initial position quicker than she was blown away, leaving Jeldegrīva utterly baffled. By the time he realized it, she was already launching another attack. He quickly assumed a defensive position, bracing his arms.

Inglis wasn’t surprised by his quick reaction. With her Ether Armor active, she moved faster than the Hyrule Menaces, and even Abel the Archlord.

This time, it was Jeldegrīva who was sent flying with massive force.

“HAHAHAHAHA!!!” He was laughing heartily as he was propelled through the air at a great speed, and his muscles expanded further, and his body grew larger.

“Fufufufu…!!” A cheerful laugh escaped Inglis’ lips as well. He could still grow stronger! This was a joyous occasion indeed!

There was an explosive sound as Jeldegrīva smashed through a wall. Much like Inglis, the Duke of War returned to his initial position faster than he had left it.

“DORYAAAHHHHHH!!”
“HYAAAAAHHHHHH!!”

As they connected with their kicks, the resulting shockwave was so intense that it knocked Rafinha to the ground, cracked walls, and snapped tree branches.

Regaining their balance, the pair continued their vigorous exchange of blows, each one sending tremors through the entire castle.

“They’re evenly matched…” Eris commented, helping Rafinha back to her feet, her hair fluttering in the shockwaves from the ongoing duel.