Don't confiscate my identity as a human race

"I will not let someone like you continue to harm the innocent people of the South Continent."

The void shattered, a loud noise accompanied by a dazzling light echoed within the barrier.

Loren's profile was drawn in sharp black and white shadows, his short brown hair flying in the fierce wind; it was the gaze of an absolute power overseeing the ground.

"Oh?"

Hesintos lowered his sword sheath, looking at the Ninth-order powerhouse appearing in the distant direction,

"You put in so much effort, turns out it was just to save you."

Hesintos seemed to find it somewhat absurd and smiled.

He didn't seem angry about it either.

Because in his view, it doesn't matter whom he fights, the ultimate outcome will surely be cut by his hands.

In the next breath, Loren's figure had already flickered to Cret Memorial Square, standing beside Lanci.

"Lanci, step back a bit. Leave the rest to me."

Although Loren felt complex after understanding the situation, it was a routine entrance exam. As the Dean of the Sage Academy, he inspected a freshman exam as he did every year, and since then, the destiny gears turned by the Goddess of Destiny began to flare.

But at this moment, Loren had no other thoughts to consider the future.

Behind him was the myriad household lights; so the only right thing for him to do was not to let down everyone's efforts to rescue him—to defeat Hesintos and stop this madman.

"Teacher, go for it."

Lanci had countless things he wanted to say; he thought he'd never see the person again, and now the one beside him seemed unreal. Yet all words ultimately converged into this sentence, patting Loren's shoulder firmly before turning and walking away.

"Mm."

Loren nodded slightly, no longer focusing on Lanci walking away behind him but only watching Hesintos in the distance.

He believed Lanci could retreat safely and didn't need his protection.

Lanci was now stronger than Loren imagined, able to maneuver with ease with such a formidable opponent for so long.

Or to say, Sage Academy's initial evaluation of Lanci was correct—his intellect was truly monstrous, as long as there's Lanci, an overwhelming scenario could be turned around.

"Goddess of Destiny, thank you for keeping Lanci on the path of righteousness."

Loren silently prayed to Lady Goddess.

Lanci's excessive talent and extreme thinking often put him on the boundary between good and evil—any slight deviation might lead him down a path akin to Hesintos's evil.

But Lanci holds a steadfast mind, always clearly knowing which lines cannot be crossed. He won't lose himself, which is why Loren is willing to let Lanci grow freely and trust him.

...

Ichrite Academy, not long past ten in the morning.

At Jera Memorial Square, the open-air giant screens and surrounding steps basked in sunlight.

Unlike usual, the students watching the images on the open-air screens seemed ten times more than normal, the noise and discussions never-ending, making streets near Jera Memorial Square impassable.

"What's going on? Wasn't the white-robed pope just Dean Loren?"

"Though the White Robed Pope seems even more like an expert than Dean Loren, only defending without attacking is odd. Logically, Dean Loren's fighting style is also defensive-counterattack, yet not purely defensive like that."

"No matter what, the strongest has finally met with the strongest!"

"Surely, it's the result of all their strategies succeeding."

"Defeat Hesintos!"

The People of Ichrite not only didn't feel shaken by the sudden changes but instead shouted even louder.

At this moment, to them, Hesintos was no longer the invincible existence without solutions.

Because on their side, there also existed a reassuring ultimate power.

...

Bulida Mafia Harbor District, the battle scene images projected onto containers by Abigail's mechanical assistant lightened the psychological pressure for Talia and Isatia during combat, even made them feel invigorated.

Lanci had successfully completed his mission, so Talia could fight without any concerns.

Migaya looked contently towards the direction of Bulida Center in the distance and at the strongest friend appearing on the screen.

"Go for it?"

"Don't die?"

Everyone in their communication channel knew the plan's success, feeling the excitement of Ninth-order Loren successfully confronting Hesintos in battle.

Even though today the biggest gamble within their perilous plan was betting on Ninth-order Loren defeating Ninth-order Hesintos.

But at this moment,

No one worried about Loren or felt the need to cheer for him.

Because he always was the one who should, without exception, win.

"Win it, friend."

Migaya tightened his grip, watching the battle on the screen and blessing the scene.

Wind swept across the vast Cret Memorial Square.

Hesintos and Loren stood facing each other from opposing sides, the mere encounter of Ninth-order aura and magic power cracked the Canopy Barrier, snowflakes slashed and scattered, causing trembling among the two only Divine Realm powerhouses of the South Continent.

The ultimate duel was about to begin.