After realizing that the Aozaki sisters were by no means weak, foreign sorcerers, the female knight of Ensis Castle immediately became serious. Aoko could sense the sudden intensification of the magical energy surrounding the woman.
The female knight charged at the golden wolf that Touko had transformed into, and as she swung her sword, dozens of blue magical swords appeared around her. Half of these swords shot toward Touko, while the other half targeted Aoko, who had reappeared behind the knight.
During the battle, Aoko did not deliberately conceal her magical aura, so a skilled opponent of the female knight's caliber would not lose her target lock just because Aoko was using her Mirage Step technique.
Since Aoko was not yet willing to use her Redshift ability, she had no choice but to conjure an equal number of magical bullets to counter the Carian Radiant Swords. At the same time, the female knight had already engaged in an intense and rapid close-quarters fight with Touko.
Touko had initially intended to use the Godly Regression ability of the Simulated Golden Wolf: Beowulf to enhance her mystery factor and partially negate physical slashes. However, this world did not seem to have a mystery system like that of Type-Moon's Earth, or rather, they had yet to understand how this world's mystery functioned. Ultimately, her attempt failed.
The female knight's sword slashed the right side of the golden wolf's body, leaving a long, narrow wound. However, no blood flowed from the wound—only scattered golden light particles.
The golden wolf blinked in a distinctly human-like manner, and the wound vanished instantly as if it had never existed. Then, with astonishing speed, the golden wolf lunged forward and struck the female knight's defending longsword with a powerful claw. The clash rang out with a crisp clang of metal, and the sheer force of the blow pushed the female knight back a few steps.
Since Aoko and Touko's goal was not to kill the lord of Ensis Castle, they did not press the attack. Instead, they regrouped and watched the female knight with composed expressions.
Seemingly understanding the Aozaki sisters' intentions, the female knight first raised one of her longswords vertically before her chest and then lifted it above her head. Her magical energy surged violently into the sword, which was embedded with radiant gemstones.
Carian Sovereignty!
This unique technique—combining radiant glintstone magic with swordsmanship—had always been an exclusive skill of Caria's knights. In the hands of this female knight, its power far surpassed that of an ordinary practitioner.
In an instant, an enormous ethereal sword of blue magical radiance slashed down toward the largest golden wolf. Touko had no choice but to transform her body into a stream of intangible golden light. The Radiant Glintstone Magic Sword cut through her form as if slicing through water, failing to make contact. Instead, it shattered a large section of the Moonlit Terrace floor.
However, the female knight's assault was far from over. The moment her vertical slash missed, she immediately spun around and delivered a horizontal strike. This time, even Aoko had to respond.
But Aoko had already anticipated this situation—or rather, she had begun casting her spell the moment the female knight launched her first attack.
She had realized that instead of merely countering with ineffective magical bullets, it would be better to go all out and demonstrate their true power to this female knight.
Mordenkainen's Sword!
With a single forward motion of Aoko's right hand, mimicking a sword strike, a longsword made of pure force materialized from the void. It effortlessly shattered the female knight's Radiant Glintstone Magic Sword and continued its relentless strike toward the knight, stopping just at her neck.
Aoko paused for a moment, then snapped her fingers, dispelling the Mordenkainen's Sword.
The female knight stared at Aoko for a while, then silently sheathed her twin swords at her waist and walked straight toward the large door leading to the castle's interior.
Seeing that the battle had ended, Touko flashed with golden light and reverted from her massive golden wolf form back into her human shape. She walked over to Aoko and gave her an inquisitive look.
Aoko did not respond, but at that moment, the female knight, now standing at the castle entrance, spoke to them in a cold voice:
"What are you standing there for? Didn't you come to talk to me?"
Aoko smiled and followed along with Touko, stepping into the castle alongside the female knight.
Upon entering, the Aozaki sisters immediately realized their actual position—it was the second level of the building's interior. About two meters ahead of them was a railing, beyond which they could see soldiers busily working on the floor below.
The female knight turned left upon entering, descending a stone staircase and leading Aoko and Touko into a room that resembled both a banquet hall and a study.
Inside the room, a blue-white magical flame burned in the fireplace, radiating little heat. Around the room stood two statues of robed women holding scrolls.
Directly opposite the fireplace was a fairly ornate wooden long table, upon which sat wine glasses, bottles, and empty plates.
Behind the table stood a high-backed chair with elaborate carvings, a candelabrum holding the same blue-white flames, and bookshelves stacked with numerous volumes.
Additionally, for some unknown reason, multiple weapon racks lined the room, holding numerous long spears, as well as black armor mannequins displaying suits of plate armor.
The female knight seated herself behind the long table, facing the fire. After a brief pause, she removed her helmet.
Seeing the face beneath the helmet, Aoko was momentarily stunned.
The woman's features were strikingly familiar—almost as if she were a younger version of the Full Moon Queen, Rennala.
"Huh? ...Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon?" Aoko tentatively asked, her expression tinged with uncertainty.
"I am not Rennala," the female knight replied after a moment of thought. "There are chairs over there. You may sit before we continue talking."
Aoko glanced around. Aside from the chair where the female knight sat, the only other seating options in the room were dusty wooden benches... which were far from appealing.
So, without hesitation, she cast Fifth Circle Conjuration: Greater Creation, summoning two plush, high-backed velvet chairs in the center of the room. She and Touko then sat down comfortably.
The female knight raised an eyebrow at this display, forming a new impression of these two foreign sorcerers.
"Let's continue our discussion," the knight said, pouring herself a glass of deep red liquid (presumably wine). "I may not be Queen of the Full Moon, but I am her younger sister—Rellana."
Huh? The Queen of the Full Moon has a sister? Why didn't I know that?
Touko remained calm, but Aoko's face was full of confusion.
"It's no wonder you don't know me…" The female knight, Rellana, said with a faint sigh. "I left Liurnia and Caria many years ago…"