The silence afterwards was absolute.
Even the cloaked leader didn't answer right away. His fists clenched under his robes, and yet he said nothing. Because deep down — even with his twisted power — he knew he'd made a miscalculation.
Just from the short clash of their auras, he could tell he wasn't a simple opponent, and attacking directly might not be of any advantage.
Across the banquet hall, the ancient races were exchanging glances once more. The dynamics had changed. What was meant to be a grand show of ancient resurgence had turned into a silent acknowledgement of a new threat.
Emperor Darius's expression also changed, as he was the one who invited him; however, he didn't expect the current situation. In fact, he wanted to overwhelm Apollo by using the strength of the cloaked leader, but now it seemed to have the opposite effect.
Princess Diana was also shocked and could help but ask the ancestor within her, "Ancestor, you were really right; he is very strong."
