Chapter 1258 - 425: Nether Sea Goddess

Rein had certainly considered transforming into the Second Stage Dragon-man General Form to confront his enemy.

But the issue was that, although the absolute strength and defense would increase dramatically after transformation, the movement speed wouldn’t improve significantly.

Moreover, due to the sheer size, quick maneuvers within a small area would be less agile compared to his human form.

This was a common problem after enlarging one’s form.

However, the opposing Lambert was exceptionally fast, and his sword speed was unparalleled—he was a top-level Sword Master who was extremely adept at exploiting his opponent’s weaknesses.

Therefore, in such circumstances, choosing to transform in order to fight Lambert would be unwise.

He might very well be caught by Lambert’s attacks.

Of course, this didn’t mean Rein was completely unable to use transformation against his adversaries.

Facing Lambert’s majestic peak attack, the muscles on Rein’s right arm swelled abruptly, his skin showing the faint presence of Dragon Scale. This local physical dragon-conversion was a new ability he gained after his bloodline concentration reached ’High Grade’.

"Clang!!!"

Rein’s immensely large right arm grasped the Greatsword and held it horizontally in front of him, blocking Lambert’s powerful killer move with a single hand.

At this moment, Lambert, in mid-air performing a Leap Slash stance, glared with wide eyes, his mouth wide open in a roar, and all his muscles tensed, as if he had poured his resolve, Original Force, and Power into this single strike.

Instantly, Rein felt a surging huge strength coming from the Greatsword, akin to tidal waves, layering and advancing towards him.

Yet Rein remained completely still, his body only slightly trembling—not as if he couldn’t sustain the pressure but as if it were a form of power release.

It seemed like the huge strength received was being conducted into the ground in some manner.

Beneath Rein, the ground suddenly sunk into a bowl-like depression, while the ground around his feet cracked like a spider’s web, extending outward.

But in the next moment, Rein’s counterattack arrived!

"Boom!!!"

Rein’s left fist, which had been empty all this time, struck out like lightning, immediately creating a bowl-sized indentation in Lambert’s abdomen, his back arching out a bulge. The Greatsword in his hand nearly slipped away, and his entire person was bent over, flying backward.

...

Imperial City Tamriel.

In the command hall on the second floor of the Star Mage Platform.

"Marshal Alfred, Lambert’s strength is remarkable. Is there a chance to have Lord Rein show leniency, perhaps allowing him to contribute to the subsequent encirclement operation?"

At this point, a nearby elderly Army General named Gobel coughed and spoke.

"General Gobel, may I ask how you ensure the opponent won’t suddenly set traps or go rogue against Lord Rein during the subsequent operation?" Augustus immediately retorted, frowning.

Why didn’t you mention this earlier, and now seeing Lambert at a disadvantage, you bring it up—it’s hard not to question the motivation behind this suggestion.

"Cough... General Augustus, Lambert’s background is relatively clear. He is the top disciple of the Empire Guardian Tide Sword Saint Leon. From this perspective, I believe there should be no reason for him to betray the Empire."

"Moreover, the conflict between him and Lord Rein is merely an internal imperial affair, isn’t it?"

Upon hearing "internal imperial affair," General Augustus swallowed what he initially intended to say.

In a certain sense, this statement is politically correct.

Facing external enemies, it’s essential to unite all available forces.

However, the most crucial aspect of this matter is to seek the opinion of the concerned person—Rein.

Contests and duels are sacred matters.

The victor holds the absolute right.

This is why the command hall here initially couldn’t intervene.

"Tatia, contact Baldwin and have him discuss with Lord Rein at an appropriate time, see if he’s willing to give Lambert a chance." Marshal Alfred pondered for a moment and then spoke to Tatia nearby.

At this moment, Rein is still battling Lambert, making direct contact unsuitable, so Alfred asks Tatia to contact Baldwin, who is on-site.

"By your order, Marshal." Tatia replied dutifully.

...

Meanwhile.

In the Dragon Valley Secret Realm, ever since Lambert’s Sword Shadow Clone Slash was intercepted by Rein, Lambert’s situation had become precarious.

"Crackling!"

Bone fracture sounds rang out!

After Lambert’s Greatsword was deflected, Rein followed up with a technique akin to Iron Mountain Lean, heavily shoulder-barging Lambert’s chest, causing him to fly backward like a cannonball.

And as Rein’s form flashed, intending to thoroughly settle Lambert, suddenly, Captain Baldwin of the Military Department shouted: "Show mercy, Lord Rein."

This made Rein pause, looking at Baldwin in confusion.

Baldwin quickly approached, whispering a few words in Rein’s ear.

"Lord Rein, the command hall indicates that ultimately it still hinges on your judgment."

The final sentence from Baldwin wasn’t particularly hushed, allowing Areda, nearby, and another to hear it clearly.

Rein glanced at Lambert, who was lying on the ground, vomiting blood profusely, thinking, ’In such a state, could he even be of any help?’

However, Rein reconsidered that since Marshal Alfred had spoken, he ought to show some respect to the Marshal.

"Lord Lambert, if you’re willing to assist the Empire in accomplishing an important task, then this contest can end here." Rein proposed thoughtfully.