The moment Lilith dashed off into her own deadly dance with the Sword Duke, the pressure in the grand throne hall changed completely.
Crackle!
The gilded floor beneath Aestrea's feet began to crack, lines forming like spiderwebs under the sheer pressure radiating from his body.
He took a single step forward.
CRUNCH.
The sound echoed through the hall, louder than it should've been. The Emperor, still seated on his golden throne, narrowed his eyes.
"…Aestrea."
The boy didn't answer.
He raised his right hand.
His breathing slowed, his muscles tensed, and his silver hair fluttered despite the stillness of the air, until...
FLASH.
His aura exploded.
'...Maximum Output.'
It was practically his final battle, and now, he needed to use everything he had.
At once, Aestrea's body pulsed with overflowing strength. His veins lit faintly beneath his skin, a pale silver glow coursing through him.
