Shalot smiled faintly, seeming utterly self-assured as he spoke, “All of you, stop for a moment. Answer me one question!”

“What question?” Douglas asked coldly.

“How strong is the Tiana you know?” As soon as Sharlot voiced this, she couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Douglas couldn't fathom why Sharlot asked such a peculiar question, much less why she was laughing. What was so funny about it?

Despite his thoughts, he still answered honestly, “Tiana is now an ‘Apprentice Mage.’” He spoke this with a hint of pride, as it was rare for someone so young to reach the rank of ‘Apprentice Mage.’

The reason he cooperated with Sharlot was that he desperately wanted to know how she intended to prove herself. He needed to gauge this woman’s true capabilities first, and ideally, understand why the little princess had changed so drastically, so they could prescribe the right remedy.

Hearing Douglas’s answer, the smile on Sharlot’s face grew more pronounced. She spoke unhurriedly, “Actually, my method of proof is very simple. I can tell you with full responsibility that this is definitely not the Tiana you are looking for. She is our Robin. And…”

Pausing slightly, Sharlot glanced at the group with a hint of playful mischief before continuing, “And our Robin’s strength has already reached the realm of ‘Saint Archmage.’ She is nothing like your Tiana.”

“What?”

It wasn’t just Douglas who was stunned; all the guards widened their eyes, staring at Sharlot in disbelief!

“Saint Archmage.” That was a level unattainable by ordinary people. Even if their little princess possessed unparalleled talent, reaching that realm was impossible. It was simply too fantastical; even cultivating from the womb might not allow her to become a ‘Saint Archmage’!

What they didn't know was that Sharlot had deliberately understated Robin’s level for fear of frightening them. If described accurately, Robin’s current power was comparable to dozens of ‘God-Demon Mages’ combined!

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that even gathering all the experts from the Four Great Empires could not defeat Robin. The current Robin was already a being of ‘non-human’ caliber! How could mere mortals compare to an immortal cultivator on the verge of tribulation?

Sharlot was quite pleased with the astonished looks on Douglas and the others’ faces. Having spent time with Kaine, she had picked up some of her habits.

“That’s why I say you have the wrong person. Our Robin is not the Tiana you seek, because the difference in their power levels is too vast!” Although Sharlot tried to maintain a serious demeanor, she simply couldn’t suppress her laughter, as if watching their reactions was a profound pleasure.

“That is absolutely impossible!” Douglas stated firmly, glaring at Sharlot once more.

He felt Sharlot was merely toying with them. Such a genius could not possibly exist in this world. No one could reach the rank of ‘Saint Archmage’ before the age of thirty, let alone a child around ten years old!

He would sooner believe the sun was square than believe Sharlot’s words. This woman must be stalling for time, surely waiting for reinforcements!

Douglas recalled the other two young women who had been with Sharlot yesterday, which only strengthened this conviction. However, this thought didn't last long, as Sharlot’s next words shattered it.

Sharlot calmed her mind and then said, “Whether it’s possible or not isn't just up to me. I will have Robin demonstrate, and then you will understand.”

Demonstrate? Douglas and the others were momentarily taken aback again. They hadn't expected Sharlot to be so confident. Wasn't she afraid of her lie being exposed?

“Are you going to use some kind of prop?” Douglas sneered, thinking this kind of trick wouldn’t fool him!

Yet, Sharlot’s reply exceeded his expectations, causing him to momentarily forget who he was!

“She won't borrow any props, you can rest assured of that. Robin’s magic casting is always instantaneous!” Sharlot felt, for the first time, that being with Robin could be so exhilarating, especially seeing the disbelief in their eyes, which made her want to laugh again.

“Fine. If she is truly as you say, we will admit we were mistaken!” Douglas suddenly declared.

“Captain!” The other guards were startled and wanted to protest, but Douglas waved them silent.

“You may begin now.” Two bolts of lightning flashed in Douglas’s eyes, and a surge of imposing aura abruptly burst from within him.

This aura might have had some effect on others, but Sharlot and Robin were hardly ordinary—each was exceptionally formidable. If Robin were to release her true aura, it would likely crush them on the spot!

Sharlot stopped wasting words and leaned down, speaking gently to Robin, “Robin, can you cast some magic for them so they can understand your power? Then they won't be able to say anything more. Niuniu is waiting, and you want to get back quickly too, right?”

At this point, Douglas found this woman increasingly incomprehensible. He had just released his aura hoping to catch her in a slip-up, but not only was it ineffective, but she remained calm and composed. What baffled him even more was how respectfully she spoke to the little princess, almost as if she were pleading!

Robin remained silent, instead raising her head to glance at Douglas and the others, leaving them guessing what she was thinking.

“Robin, please, just this once, can you do it for your sister?” Sharlot gave an embarrassed smile, genuinely fearing Robin might not cooperate, which would leave her truly without an explanation.

Seeing that no movement occurred after such a long pause, Douglas couldn't help but laugh, thinking inwardly, It’s exposed now. I knew what you said was impossible!

“Robin, I know I shouldn’t have…” Sharlot tried to continue, but she was cut off by Robin.

“It’s done!” Robin’s voice was as flat as ever, like that of a childlike immortal untouched by worldly concerns.

Done? Sharlot was momentarily stunned, then she understood, quickly flashing a happy smile.

It seems Robin has changed a lot too! Sharlot thought to herself, her smile growing brighter. In truth, Robin had cast a spell the moment Sharlot started to speak. But because it was instantaneous and produced no visible phenomenon, none of them noticed!

“What’s wrong? Didn’t you say you would prove it to us?” Douglas pressed urgently.

“It has already been proven. Didn't you see?” Sharlot countered. In fact, she hadn’t noticed either, let alone the guards.

Proven?

Douglas burst into a fit of angry laughter, thinking, This woman is truly shameless, telling blatant lies! We didn't sense anything or see you do anything, yet you claim it’s proven? Do you take us for three-year-olds?

“When did you prove it? Stop trying to argue now, quickly tell us what you did to Tiana?” Douglas seemed to have lost all patience.

It was at this moment that Robin’s voice rang out again, though this time she addressed the guards directly: “Didn’t you see clearly? Was it too fast?”

Douglas and the others turned their gazes toward Robin. To be honest, they were unaccustomed to Robin’s tone, but this wasn't the time to pursue that; the question was what Robin meant.

“Tiana, what are you trying to say?” Douglas asked somewhat anxiously.

As they all stared at Robin in confusion, Robin finally gave them a hint, though it was extremely brief—just four words: “Your swords.”

Our swords? What about our swords? Douglas and the others instinctively looked toward their waists, and upon finding their longswords still safely sheathed, they became even more perplexed.

Douglas, taking Robin’s words seriously, moved to draw his sword to inquire further about the reason. But the moment his hand touched the hilt, he froze. The others, as if struck by lightning, also stopped dead.

Following their gaze, they saw that the sword hilts had disintegrated into fine powder, scattering on the wind.

W-what was that?

This event was utterly bizarre to them. A sword at one’s waist turning to dust—how could this not shock them? They couldn't comprehend what had happened in such a short time; just moments ago, it was perfectly fine!

Involuntarily, cold sweat beaded on their backs. Because if the target hadn't been their swords but themselves, the consequences would have been unimaginable!

Perhaps they too would have scattered into dust like the hilts!

Fear, an inexpressible terror, instantly swept over their hearts!

While they were still frozen in shock, Robin’s voice came again: “If that was too fast, I can slow down this time!” Sharlot understood Robin; she knew Robin meant she intended to cast it again. Sharlot tried to quickly warn the guards to pay attention, but she was a step too late.

Suddenly, a thick layer of ice instantly formed on the guards’ feet, spreading upward at a speed visible to the naked eye. In mere moments, it had frozen the guards’ legs.

This was no ordinary freezing. By the time the guards reacted, they were horrified to find they could not move! Furthermore, they couldn't summon any strength; their inner Dou Qi felt sealed, impossible to summon. Their entire legs had gone numb!

How could this be? What is happening?

Because the events happened too suddenly and too bizarrely, the guards simply stared blankly at Robin, as if looking at a complete stranger.

“Do you see clearly now?” Robin asked blandly, and without waiting for a reply, she said to Sharlot, “Let’s go!”

“But they…”

“The ice will dissipate in fifteen minutes.” Robin finished, turning and walking away without a backward glance, leaving behind a figure that seemed remarkably tall to the stunned group!