A few minutes ago...


    "So, the attack on the main gate was just a diversion for their entrance, huh?"


    "Summoning and using the devils as distractions so that the group could discreetly infiltrate the prison. What a clever move they could have done."


    Lucy and Michael praised the suspicious group as the live feeds showed them the scenes of the Archdevils'' attack and the group''s sessful infiltration, respectively.


    "But to think that they have items like that."


    "And they just consumed those valuables as a distraction. This group is not your ordinary group at all."


    "Surely."


    But what surprised them more was that they had magic items that contained high-level magic spells, such as data crystals that were enchanted with Dark Magic Level 8 Great Devil Call. Data crystals certainly could load almost every spell, but a Level 8 spell was too much for an average enchanter to cast.


    The level of magic proficiency in this world was not that high. Generally, the average magic proficiency of mages in this world was around Level 4. If someone else out there could endow a Level 8 spell on an item, they must be above themonce.


    "Speaking of powerful groups, could it be that they were involved with the Five Headed Hydra?"


    "Possibly." Michael provided his opinion on Gabrielle''s question. "But let us talk about itter, we have to do our part right now."


    "Yes, sir."


    Thedies agreed uniformly before they vanished from their spots.


    ◆◇◆◇◆◇


    Upon their arrival at the spot where the group had previously transferred, Michael''s party immediately ran their way toward maximum security. They could not just show themselves to the knights since they entered the premises without permission; rushing to the scene was all they could do.


    On their way, the bodies of either dead or unconscious guards shed before them. The dead could not be helped anymore unless they cast Resurrection upon them, but there was no way they could perform such aplicated spell.


    But Gabrielle healed a few of the injured, especially the critical ones. By doing that, the knights would at least owe them some favors, which they could use once the problem was settled.


    Following the trail of blood, Michael and thedies ultimately reached the maximum security. The scene there was more bloody and gory; one could guess that a massacre was held there.


    The ones responsible were still on the run, but Michael and thedies were able to incapacitate four of the six outsiders and were currently facing the remaining two that were tasked with looking outside.


    "Oraa!!!"


    Cling! Cling! Cling!


    A series of metallic sounds rang out of the area as a saber and a pair of gauntlets repeatedly and rapidly shed together. The battle between Michael and Faust had started.


    They were exchanging blows for every open opportunity, but almost all of those were blocked or parried. It seemed that both of them were serious, but they also seemed to be in a stalemate.


    "Power Combo!"


    Upon casting a Level 4 Close Quarter Combat technique, the uracy and power of Faust''s punches improved significantly, as did his footwork. In that state, he could execute perfect sequences of punches that every boxer could only dream of.<novelsnext></novelsnext>


    But all his perfections were denied by Michael and his saber.


    Cling! Cling! Cling! Cling! Cling!


    For every blow that Faust wanted to deliver to his opponent, his gauntlets were deflected by Michael''s weapon of choice. Scrapes of shing were left on his gauntlets after Faust finished hisbo.


    "Hmph! You are strong; I give you that. But how about this?!"


    Faust jumped back for several meters and thrust his right palm forward. In a sh, his fighting spirit was gathered around his palm, and then it was emitted from it.


    "Palm Force!"


    The unleashed Level 5 Close Quarter Combat technique flew at extreme speed in the air and was aimed at Michael. Palm Force was a technique that conjured powerfulpressed air pressure to crush almost everything, even rocks.


    It was a move that should be avoided since it would cause massive casualties once it was hit. But Michael was not taken aback by it and just steadily stood on his spot with his sword.


    Swoosh.


    As if cutting the air itself, Michael shed his saber at tremendous speed and effectively severed the iing Palm Force of Faust. Michael did not just sh his sword randomly; he had calcted the appropriate speed for his de to cleave the technique.


    "What?!"


    The oue of the counterattack distorted Faust''s face in humiliation. Perhaps due to the absence of hair on his head, his veins were literally popping out of it. He had never been so agitated until he tasted the humiliation that he had been giving to his opponents tonight.


    "Come on, egghead, give me more."


    "How dare you call me that?!!"


    The mockery of Michael seemed to be effective as Faust furiously rushed toward him. Suddenly, Faust''s whole body glowed a pale light.


    That was because he activated a Level 9 Martial Art technique called Folded Strengthening to boost his strength and speed by several folds. But with great poweres a grave toll. The more Faust used it, the more his body would bear the burden afterwards.


    In an instant, Faust used Martial Art Level 6: Dash to lessen the proximity between them in a short time. With his absurdly enhanced stats, Faust went so fast that Michael barely perceived his movement.


    "Take this!"


    Once he was in front of Michael, Faust bent his knees and prepared his left fist for his trump card.


    "Sky Punch!!!"


    After he shouted the name of the Level 9 CQC technique at the top of his lungs, Faust swung his left fist, his dominant hand, upwards at an imperceptible speed, aiming at the chin of the tunned Michael.


    His fist traveled at a speed surpassing high-hypersonic speed. It was so fast that the air waspressed around his gauntlet, and it glowed red from the air resistance. In short, his punch was practically unavoidable.


    Not only the speed, but the momentum of the punch was frightening as well. Given that Faust exponentially strengthened himself, his punch could even pulverize a huge boulder.


    With great confidence in his move, Faust did not mind the pain he suffered as long as his punch would deliver sessfully. Later on, the oue of their battle was decided.