Chapter 874 202.3 - Artifact Training

Julia's eyes widened—just for a fraction of a second.

Behind?

Her instincts screamed at her. Something was there.

And yet—when she turned her head, she saw nothing.

Her mana senses weren't picking up anything, no flicker of energy, no shifting presence. The hallway behind her was exactly the same as before. Silent. Empty.

But she knew that was a lie.

Her tiger senses weren't wrong. Something— someone— was there.

Damn. That fast?

Her muscles reacted before her thoughts could catch up.

Without hesitation, she dashed backward, twisting mid-movement, her hand already drawing her sword.

She didn't wait for confirmation. Didn't need to.

Her blade slashed forward, cutting through the air—

CLANK!

Metal met metal. A clean, precise block.

Julia's golden eyes locked onto the person standing in front of her, their weapon held up in a perfect defensive angle.

A young man.

Black hair. Sharp purple eyes.

For a moment, there was only silence between them.

Then Julia's lips parted slightly.

".....Oh....."

Her grip tightened. Her grin sharpened.

"Astron."

The young man barely reacted, his gaze unreadable as always.

Astron stood there, calm as ever, his sword still pressed against hers. But then—

Tch.

A soft sound. Barely audible.

Julia's sharp ears caught it instantly—the faint click of his tongue.

Her gaze flickered downward for the briefest second, just enough to notice—

He was holding the artifact.

A dull silver orb, pulsing faintly with embedded runes, clutched in his other hand.

Julia blinked. Then she le