Everything happened way too fast; the Priest’s fumble was beyond the Monk’s understanding, leaving him unable to cast any spell.

One must remember that their cooperation had always been seamless, even in life-and-death situations, capable of tackling the strongest of foes without crumbling.

Recall when faced with hundreds of Fishmen and over a dozen Elite Fishmen, they couldn’t capture them instantly, ending in heavy casualties, only penetrating their defenses using that special Extraordinary Equipment.

Fortunately, the Priest’s protection descended at the last moment, allowing him some room for maneuver.

But as the Mendicant Monk clambered up from the ground in disarray, he saw that man smiling.

Indeed, under the dim night, with wavering flames illuminating him for a moment, he saw a slight curve at that man’s mouth.

Seemingly mocking his overestimation...

But before he could react more, that man moved.

Lance wasn’t a foolish villain giving the opponent time to charge a big attack, he paused only briefly and then rushed forward again.

The armor protected wasn’t Lance, but his enemy, every exertion fearing tearing the armor apart.

And now shedding that armor, Lance could finally unleash his turbulent power unrestricted.

With a stomp, the ground ruptured into a pit, and his figure traversed that last stretch in a flash.

To ordinary eyes, it was as if he teleported before the Mendicant Monk, raising a fist for a punch.

Such a simple motion ripped the air with a roar, the already tattered sleeve burst open.

Before the fist arrived, its immense pressure had already engulfed him, fear surfacing in the Monk’s eyes.

What kind of power is this? A single punch might tear his aged body apart.

But the Mendicant Monk wouldn’t stand idle to be hit, he immediately raised a hand to cast a Divine Arts intending to interrupt Lance’s action.

Confident in his power, he had some disbelief Lance directly ignored holy power earlier.

Yet sadly, that attempt couldn’t halt the descending punch, which hit him directly.

This time didn’t send him flying, for Lance grabbed that Magic Wand the next moment, swinging it without reservation to slam him down.

The Monk’s aged body impacted the ground but he wouldn’t let go.

Won’t let go? Then continue smashing!

Pitiful Mendicant Monk?

But the Candlelight Priest bearing most of the damage suffered even worse!

Just adjusting to strike, but a suddenly descending terrifying force almost shattered his bones.

Then a continuous barrage, the Monk could still hold onto the wand, but he was suffering greatly.

Though the damage was endured by another, losing control of his body confounded the Mendicant Monk.

Finally releasing his grip, and the over-two-meter Magic Wand fell into Lance’s hand, causing him to pause.

"What a fine piece~" Lance felt the wand’s vigorous power and sunlight-like spiritual luster, no wonder the Monk is still so robust despite aging.

But why are you holding my item?

Taking this chance, the two continuously battered also caught a breath, but without the wand, the Mendicant Monk’s state plummeted.

Thankfully, the Protection Ritual kept him conscious, promptly grabbing the Holy Canon at his waist, using healing Divine Arts to bolster the Priest’s condition.

The book seemed infused with strong power, evident it’s also an extraordinary piece of equipment.

Simultaneously casting blessings to the tormented Candlelight Priest.

The damages endured by the Candlelight Priest were immense, yet didn’t rob him of consciousness; rather, he swiftly recovered after healing.

With the Holy Flame’s protection, I shall never fall!

Simultaneously, driving the Knight’s Oath further, enhancing the Monk’s guardianship.

Initially fragile ritual between the two re-ignites spiritual fluctuations, strengthening protective power.

Their maneuvering finally diverted Lance’s attention from the wand, noting their quick recovery within mere seconds.

But Lance was indifferent as always.

The wand vanished with a flip, and the next moment he swung a punch forth. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

This time the Mendicant Monk responded timely, refraining from attacking Lance like before, instead suddenly closing the book, presenting a hands-clasped stance.

Sanctuary!

Pious faith instantaneously bloomed with radiance enveloping him, transforming into a light ring protecting him within, Lance’s punch landed yet didn’t break through.

Yet witnessing the intense change, even abruptly dimming light ring indicated it couldn’t withstand another hit.

But it was enough, the Candlelight Priest charged back with shield, his heavily armored, huge figure akin to a roaring tank; colliding would crumble even brick-built walls.

But his motion was too sluggish for Lance, dodging his shield charge and strike with ease.

This also reunited The Church Duo, Priest standing shielded front, gravely marked visage loomed unprecedentedly solemn, treating foe not as a bare-handed human, but a monster disguised in human skin.

Monk rummaged the book, muttering incomprehensible prayers, channeling great power into the Priest.

Realizing Divine Arts couldn’t affect Lance, he directly strengthened the Priest to brawl down this freak.

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