Chapter 5578

Onneas’ eyes flew wide, shimmering with wonder that bordered on devotion. She had believed Jared’s rapid growth would still leave him a step behind a Hall Lord. Yet the battle told a different story. Not only could he match Enaricus blow for blow; he had begun to push Enaricus back, inch by devastating inch.

“Jared, you’re incredible!” Onneas called, voice trembling with unfiltered awe.

She crushed her fists together so tightly her knuckles blanched. A fierce thrill surged in her chest, and with it an affection for Jared that flared hotter, brighter, harder to disguise.

Percival and Esorin watched in sullen silence, faces dark as storm clouds. Their tidy plan-let Enaricus finish Jared, then turn on the Guardians of the Celestial Palace-was crumbling before their eyes.

“What windfall did Jared stumble upon to rise this fast?” Esorin narrowed his eyes, greed licking at his thoughts. The raw sword intent spiraling around Jared was a banquet, and Esorin’s mind raced with visions of devouring that power for himself.

Percival bit down until his teeth threatened to crack. He had never tasted humiliation so bitter. As Jared’s blade sang through the air, Percival silently vowed that, given half a chance, he would kill the upstart with his own hands.

Panic spread among Enaricus’ attendants. They had marched to the Celestial Palace expecting easy spoils; now their commander staggered, blood on his lips, defeat looming. Uneasy whispers darted from one soldier to the next like startled sparrows.