Lilith's body was suddenly pushed from the right side, causing her to lean to the left. This was due to Flynn deliberately crashing into her quickly to avoid the electric current.
"!?"
The electric current went nowhere, and Flynn failed to touch Lilith at all.
They both fell and rolled on the ground, lying there feeling no pain—clearly because the Nephilim and Seraphim's bodies were strong enough to withstand such a powerful impact.
Soon after, Flynn got up and asked about Lilith's condition.
"Are you okay?"
"Y—yes—"
Their brief conversation was interrupted by the gauntlet striking the ground with lightning continuously shooting out from its artifact. Flynn saw this and had to act.
"So, this is what you were talking about, Infori?" Flynn stood completely in front of Lilith, tightly gripping the hilt of his massive sword—a two-handed claymore with a bold, knightly design. The blade was wide and straight, a clean silver-gray color. A small blue gem shimmered softly near the hilt—like the breath of a storm wind bound in steel. The hilt was sturdy and simple, designed for a stable grip during heavy swings.
"Alright, infori. Let's see how I accomplish this without harming innocent people!"
Flynn then moved the sword, his hands feeling its weight directly. But that didn't matter to him.
He then stopped it right in front of his face. He seemed to be praying to his sword, allowing him to fully utilize its abilities.
Flynn closed his eyes, chanting a mantra to his sword.
"Slash the darkness with a fierce storm, transform the storm's fury into infinite speed…!"
The winds began to move calmly toward Flynn sword. The sword was now enveloped in a strong gust, sweeping away even the dust on the ground.
Everyone present seemed compelled to move to witness the scene. The blade now glowed blue, with lightning bolts from the storm enveloping its entire blade.
Flynn suddenly opened his eyes and loudly proclaimed the name of his sword and its skill, "Let's go! Exceed The Storm — Exceed Slash!"
Flynn swung his sword behind him, the blade illuminating the surroundings. Even Lilith and everyone present were transfixed by Flynn's abilities.
Flynn's body bent slightly, before he took a step forward, shooting off at incredible speed.
WOOOSSSHHH!!
His speed even made the dust in the surrounding area freeze in Flynn's eyes. From his gaze—the world seemed to stop. As if forced to watch what was about to happen.
The electric current from the Gauntlet of Rebirth shot towards Flynn, but it didn't faze Flynn. He continued running at his speed, even breaking through space-time, he wouldn't stop.
When the electric current touched Flynn's body, it didn't shock him at all.
Flynn was able to withstand the various electric attacks aimed at him for several seconds, even dispelling them.
Then, at the right moment, Flynn swung his Exceed the Storm sword at the Gauntlet of Rebirth.
CLANG!
The sound echoed throughout the area.
The blade struck the steel of the gauntlet, forcing the gauntlet, seemingly forced to remain still. This allowed the overwhelming aura and energy emitted by the Gauntlet of Rebirth to subside.
The aura and energy returned to their normal state. Flynn, who had stopped in front of the Gauntlet of Rebirth, turned back to inspect the artifact. His sword had returned to its original state.
The glowing blade dimmed, and the electricity that had covered the entire blade also vanished.
Flynn released his sword from his grip, and the greatsword fell to the ground. It vanished before it could be summoned at any time.
He then stepped closer to the Gauntlet of Rebirth, which was no longer emitting any electricity or unstable energy. Flynn even held the artifact and walked closer to Jill and her companions.
Unexpectedly, Jill and the others became frightened when they saw Flynn approaching.
"..?!"
However, they were not Flynn's target. Instead, it was the bag in front of them. Upon arriving, Flynn took it and inserted the Gauntlet of Rebirth to block the artifact's aura.
Then, Flynn stared at them. This made them even more frightened, as they realized their position. Realizing they were truly terrified this time, their previously smug faces vanished.
At the same time, their boss couldn't protect them anymore. He lay helpless before them.
"The power of that rare artifact is no joke; it's even recorded in the history of all the races in Orleans. That's why it commands such a fantastic price. Not just anyone can wield it, or even withstand it."
"..."
Flynn turned around with the bag, and the knights approached him. Flynn ordered his soldiers to take care of the bandits.
"Capture them."
"Yes, captain!"
The Knightley Queen's knights approached the bandits to apprehend them, while Flynn breathed a sigh of relief.
"Haah..."
He then turned to Lilith, who Iris approached and helped her up. After that, he shifted his gaze to a nearby hill.
He saw Infori standing there, smiling, showing her his right hand, clenched into a fist with only his thumb raised.
(Haaah... I wonder how the shopkeeper would have such rare artifacts in his shop?)