CHAPTER 229: NOW WE ALL WAIT

"Finally, I’ve reached this step."

Inside the house of the Fenwick family, Carlotta sat alone, carefully observing her current physical state.

At the Weaver stage, everyone could gain a deeper understanding of their own magic power usage. Any technique, when executed at this stage, can be performed with far greater precision.

When Carlotta first became a Weaver, she had worried that this stage wouldn’t bring much improvement, after all, it only enhanced one’s understanding of magic usage, and she’d always considered her own understanding to be quite excellent.

But now, after truly stepping into this stage, she realized she had underestimated the advancement it brought.

Her proficiency in using magic power had indeed been high, but exactly because of that, when her strength improved and her understanding of magic usage deepened even further, her comprehension instantly soared to an almost unimaginable height.

"Elven Butterfly Dance!"

Carlotta activated the first movement of the Elven Knight path, her figure flickering forward in an instant.

Immediately, under this terrifying level of comprehension, her figure filled the entire room. Each image seems real, fluttering like butterflies dancing through a flower garden.

A simple first movement like Elven Butterfly Dance suddenly gained countless variations in Carlotta’s hands.

"I’ve become much stronger."

Carlotta murmured softly.

She continued practicing various abilities, one after another, mastering them with increasing fluency and complete control.

For the rest of the day, Carlotta submerged herself in refining her techniques and improving herself.

Especially the early tier Weaver Chapter of the Elven Knight path.

Within the Elven Mythic Battle Diagrams, the corresponding diagrams at the Weaver stage were the Star Goddess, Deep Moon Goddess, and Sun Goddess.

Carlotta had already gained profound intelligence about these three battle diagrams, so by simply reaching this stage, she could naturally grasp the unique techniques of her own within the Mythic Battle Diagrams.

In only a short amount of time, Carlotta had already mastered the technique she had comprehended from the Star Goddess Battle Diagram.

"It’s best to test newly acquired techniques in actual combat. Hmm, the First Sword Saint, just by the title, I know he’ll be a perfect target for practical application."

Carlotta muttered to herself.

She continued refining her abilities until another night arrived.

The time and location Carlotta had set were already publicly announced, long having stirred the entire capital into excitement. Countless people waited in the night, eagerly expecting the clash between these two renowned powerhouses of the continent.

This event, ever since Xavier announced his challenge several days ago, had already spread like wildfire. Anyone not too far from the capital, Kestholm, had been making every effort to come here, hoping to witness this world-shaking battle.

In many people’s eyes, this was destined to be an exceptionally spectacular and talked-about confrontation.

For a time, the entire empire’s attention focused on the capital, Kestholm.

Even the northern Velmoria Empire and the southern Sun Moon Federation had received news, many eyes now turned toward the Wendell Empire.

No one knew why Carlotta had chosen to set the battle time at midnight, but regardless of the hour, no one wanted to miss it.

Kestholm, the capital, was bustling no matter where one looked. Countless people tonight had no intention of sleeping, preparing instead to witness Carlotta and Xavier’s great battle.

Xavier was already waiting.

Atop a tall building, Sword Saint Xavier sat quietly. His age was no longer young; his thick, snow-white hair stood out, and he wore a pristine white robe. A sword hung at his waist.

Sitting there, his face bore the marks of time, his eyes filled with world-weary experience, having seen too much of life.

"Ah, people are always burdened by fame."

Xavier sighed.

The opponent had Exalted behind her. He truly didn’t wish to fight someone like that, yet there were some things that needed to be settled.

He was very concerned about the mysterious Exalted behind Carlotta, but as for Carlotta herself... he wasn’t particularly worried.

Although she was outstanding, with astonishing past achievements, she was ultimately only a peak tier Resonator.

He didn’t entirely believe her previous records, they sounded too unbelievable.

A peak tier Resonator defeating peak tier Weavers?

That just didn’t sound plausible. He himself was a peak tier Weaver, and it was hard to imagine what kind of means a peak tier Resonator could use to defeat him.

Therefore, he believed that the Exalted behind her must have secretly helped Carlotta, allowing her to achieve such feats.

"In the Wendell Empire, surely an Exalted won’t secretly attack me?"

Sword Saint Xavier murmured.

He had already met Elora Thorne, that Exalted, and discussed this battle. The other party had guaranteed the fight would be absolutely fair. Thus, there was no need to worry too much.

"I shall wait and see."

Xavier whispered softly.

...

Time gradually approached midnight.

On every street and alley of the capital, many people waited, each gazing expectantly into the sky, wondering where Carlotta and Xavier would begin their battle.

"Where exactly will they fight? Could we possibly miss it?"

Someone asked worriedly.

This question immediately drew laughter from many.

"You’re really underestimating Weavers. When Transcendents at this level fight, the spectacle will be earth-shattering, how could it possibly be missed?"

"Weavers are too high rank; many don’t truly understand them. But after today, you’ll all know just how powerful Weavers really are."

"Just now, I thought I saw the Sword Saint flash by. Is he already ready?"

Across the vast capital, every corner buzzed with excitement.

Carlotta now stepped out, accompanied by Amelia.

Many didn’t know why she chose to fight after midnight. Only she herself knew the answer, she simply wanted to observe the situation first, to confirm whether any unexpected incidents might occur.

After all, this matter had spread widely; it was inevitable that someone might try to interfere.

Being cautious was never a mistake.

Before midnight arrived, Carlotta leisurely wandered around until the clock tower in the capital showed the hour of midnight.

Carlotta stopped, silently calling up her information panel and taking a glance.

[ 1: The battle between Carlotta White and Xavier Jeffrey has already drawn odds from thirty-five casinos. The betting methods are...]

[ 2: Xavier Jeffrey practices the Holy Sword Knight Path. His known abilities include...]

[ 3: Elliot Lade of the Sedaia Empire plans to assassinate you during your fight with Sword Saint Xavier. He is a peak tier Weaver and close friends with Toby Diamond. Having learned through certain channels that Toby was killed by you, he is now seeking revenge. Elliot’s known abilities include...]

"How interesting."

Carlotta couldn’t help but smile.

So someone actually intended to take advantage of this moment to attack her? Did they really think she was an easy target?

She had initially gathered intelligence to guard against any Exalted descending upon her without warning, but the one making a move was merely a peak tier Weaver?

Even before her recent advancement, she hadn’t feared peak tier Weavers. Let’s be alone now.

The intel was brief, but useful.

Satisfied, Carlotta closed the panel and said to Amelia beside her, "I’m going in."

Amelia nodded. "Go ahead. I’ll keep watch around us. No one will interfere with your battle."

Carlotta hesitated for a moment, nearly thinking Amelia knew about the assassination attempt. But then she realized Amelia was simply being cautious as a matter of course.

She smiled. "If anyone really tries to move against me now, they’re just seeking their own death. Don’t stop them. Let them come. I’ll handle it myself."

Amelia looked at Carlotta seriously, then nodded. "Okay."

...

High above the capital, Sword Saint Xavier soared into the sky. An intensely radiant white light erupted from his entire body, instantly scattering the surrounding darkness. A vast, overwhelming aura swept across the city, causing every citizen of the capital to instinctively look upward.

"I am Xavier Jeffrey. Carlotta White, the time we agreed upon has arrived. Where are you? You should appear now."

Sword in hand, he shone like the midday sun, emanating boundless light by himself alone, making the vast capital Kestholm seem as if it had returned to daylight.

This display left many who had never seen a Weaver in action utterly stunned, feeling as though such power couldn’t possibly be human, like a deity descending into the world.

Carlotta, of course, wouldn’t keep people waiting. The moment Xavier’s voice faded, she pulled the Rose Cross from her necklace.

"I forgot to upgrade the Rose Cross first... Ah, well. A Superior Artifact should suffice. I’m not too picky about weapons."

Carlotta muttered.

She then took out the Concealment ring and slightly concealed her aura, not wanting others to know she had become a Weaver.

The purpose, naturally, was to lure out whoever was hiding in the shadows. What if they backed down upon learning she was now a Weaver?

Carlotta sincerely hoped the man would find the courage to attack her, so she could crush him on the spot.

But for now, she had to deal with this First Sword Saint.

"Whoosh!"

Carlotta slashed through the air. A dazzling blade of light splits the open sky.

No, more precisely, it cleaved through the holy light Xavier had released, revealing the dark night sky behind it. To the onlookers, it appears as if the heavens themselves had been split in two.

"I’m here."

As she spoke, Carlotta flew forward, her red hair fluttering in the wind, beautiful, yet sharp.

Seeing the main figure appear, many in the capital couldn’t help but cheer.

Xavier’s gaze immediately locked onto Carlotta.

That she could separate his holy light with a single slash surprised him. So this woman really was this strong.

’Hmm? Why can’t I feel any magic fluctuations? Did she conceal it with an alchemy item?’

Xavier wondered.

He didn’t know why she was hiding her rank, but he didn’t care either.

"Miss Carlotta White, although your strength isn’t high, your record is astonishing, comparable even to peak tier Weavers. Challenging you isn’t beneath me. Let us have a fair and honorable battle."

Shouting, he lunged forward with a thrust.

The Holy Sword Knight Path unfolded. The sky and earth filled with blinding white holy light, as if aiming to purify all filth in the world, carrying a strange and terrifying dissolving power.

With a faint smile, Carlotta charged straight in. Her sword danced around her body, forming a domain unique to herself. No matter how fierce the external attacks, within her domain, she remained unharmed.

This was merely the Fourth Movement, Elven Dance, displayed in its current form, yet it was exquisite beyond words.

Amid the white light, Xavier attacked quickly, moving like lightning. In an instant, he closed the distance. His sword flashed chaotically, appearing at first glance as if thousands of blades were thrusting simultaneously, impossible to defend against.

Carlotta likewise thrust forward with her sword, seeming to mirror his technique. Countless blade afterimages emerging, blooming like flowers. Each afterimage met Xavier’s strike, clashing and neutralizing them one by one.

Sixth Movement, Elven Blossom!

"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The collision of blade afterimages echoed throughout the heavens and earth.

To them, these were the sounds of metal clashing. But to the countless citizens in the capital, it was thunder, continuous, deafening thunder rolling across the sky.

"Is this the fighting power of a Weaver?"

"Before them, I felt like an ant, utterly powerless."

"Is Carlotta White really just a Resonator?"

Countless people looked up, their faces filled with awe.

Carlotta and Xavier exchange rapid blows, each countering the other’s moves, neither using their full strength.

Xavier tested Carlotta. Carlotta, meanwhile, was waiting for the hidden assassin to strike, so she needed to stay low-key for now.

Back and forth they went, their movements appeared effortless, yet the killing force in their attacks was exceptionally fierce. Even a slight stray blow into the capital could cause massive destruction.

But since both were holding back, no one was harmed, for now. Only if they let loose completely and fought with everything they had would innocents be endangered.

Of course, Carlotta wouldn’t let such a thing happen.

Since she had chosen the capital as the battleground, she would take full responsibility for her choice.