Gina stepped forward, her voice sharp as she rebuked, “Magnus, you’re way out of line! You’ve betrayed the Supreme One, and now, you’re claiming he’s an imposter. You’re lying through your teeth. Kneel and beg for forgiveness from the Supreme One. He just might go easy on you.”
Magnus’ face twisted with disdain at her words.
“Hydra, spare me your theatrics. The Supreme One died half a month ago. The person before us is clearly an imposter you found. What are you really up to?”
“Nonsense! The Supreme One didn’t die!” Gina turned to Yale and Fernando, asking, “Both of you have seen the Supreme One. Tell us, is he real or fake?”
“Deputy Chief Thorne, mind your words. This is indeed the Supreme One,” Yale warned sternly.
Fernando nodded in agreement. “Indeed, we haven’t always been by the Supreme One’s side, but we’ve had several encounters. If he were fake, we’d be able to tell.”
“You’ve all heard of the Art of Disguise, haven’t you? It’s possible to deceive even the keenest eyes with a skilful disguise. But the truth always reveals itself in the end,” Magnus remarked cryptically.
“What are you trying to say?” Gina demanded.
Magnus smirked. “It’s easy to find out if he’s real. Everyone knows the Supreme One’s unmatched power. If he’s real, then I’m no match for him. But if he’s fake, then I’ll make him wish he’d never been born.”
“Magnus, how bold of you. You’re committing treason! You will face the consequences!” Gina reproached him.
Sebastian’s eyes flashed with cold light as he spoke icily, “Magnus, you were once a hero with great achievements. If you admit your mistake, I can show mercy and give you a chance to repent. But if you persist in your folly, I will have no choice but to kill you!”
After saying that, Sebastian took a step forward, his aura erupting with astonishing power. In an instant, everyone present felt an oppressive force bearing down on them. It was as if an invisible boulder were crushing them, leaving them breathless and shocked.
Magnus was momentarily shaken by the overwhelming pressure. Fear flickered in his eyes as he instinctively took a step back. However, it was only for a moment. After he quickly regained his composure, he sneered. “You’re quite good at pretending, impostor. But you’re far from scaring me.”
“It seems like you’re determined to die.” Sebastian’s eyes narrowed, his gaze filled with killing intent.
Magnus felt another wave of fear.
He was sure he had witnessed Sebastian’s supposed demise with his own eyes. Even if beasts hadn’t devoured Sebastian, he should have been a cripple. Yet the person before him looked exactly the same, from physique to demeanor.
“Elder Crane, I leave this impostor to you. Killing you will earn me great merit!” Magnus declared.
Nathaniel felt a twinge of apprehension, but like Magnus, he was convinced that the Supreme One was either dead or crippled. With this in mind, he approached Sebastian, emitting a formidable aura that made it difficult for everyone to breathe, forcing them to retreat.
“You asked for it.”
Sebastian’s eyes flashed with madness as he clenched his fist and launched a punch at Nathaniel, unleashing a terrifying surge of energy that sent shivers down everyone’s spine.
Feeling a sense of palpitations, Nathaniel quickly braced his core and counterattacked with a punch of his own, letting out a grunt.
“Let’s go!” Sebastian didn’t wait to see the outcome. After unleashing his punch, he grabbed Esme and fled, with Gina following closely behind them.
Despite now being in the Grandmaster Realm and capable of battling opponents above his level, the most he stood a chance against was a late-stage grandmaster.
Sebastian might have had a chance to put up a good fight against Nathaniel alone, but with the even more formidable Magnus in the mix, taking on both opponents simultaneously was a battle he couldn’t win.
Knowing when to retreat was a sign of wisdom and pragmatism. Therefore, Sebastian made the strategic decision to withdraw rather than risk a futile confrontation.
