The hall settled, but tension lingered like smoke in the air.
Seoluke held Rosemary lightly in his left hand, eyes scanning every shadow.
The first wave of attackers had vanished—but something darker moved silently.
Black mist gathered at the far corners, forming dozens of shapes.
"Clones," Seoluke murmured, almost bored, recognizing the deception immediately.
They struck simultaneously from every angle, blades gleaming under the candlelight.
Seoluke stepped lightly, barely moving, yet each dodge redirected attacks effortlessly.
A dagger grazed his shoulder; a subtle aura pulse flared, absorbing the strike.
He spun, Hook Kick, launching one clone into a wall.
Another came from above. He twisted, Jumping Crescent Kick, sending it crashing down.
Three advanced in unison. He caught one wrist, Spinning Back Elbow, throwing another into a pillar.
The clones faltered but kept attacking, relentless and synchronized perfectly.
Seoluke's Essence Flow rippled outward, predicting each strike before it happened.
Mind Stream bent the attacks' momentum, making them crash harmlessly into each other.
He shifted his weight casually, Flying Side Kick, disarming two more simultaneously.
A shadow lunged behind him. He pivoted, Axe Kick, sending it sprawling across the hall.
Energy pulses radiated from his aura, subtle but devastating, shaking the floor lightly.
The clones screamed, slashing wildly, but their precision was meaningless.
Seoluke caught one by the chest midair, sending it smashing into four others.
Rosemary stayed calm, safe in his grasp, untouched by the chaos.
The remaining clones hesitated. Their perfect formation shattered under a single controlled motion.
Seoluke flexed his right hand, aura glowing faintly around his palm.
"…Is that all?" he asked softly, voice like silk over steel.
The clones charged one final time, desperate, reckless.
He pivoted, Triple Palm Strike, Flying Crescent Kick, Hook Kick, scattering them like toys.
The hall shook. Candles fell. Marble cracked under the force of his casual strikes.
All clones lay defeated, powerless, unbroken by even a fraction of his strength.
Seoluke exhaled slowly, lowering his aura. His eyes were calm, amused.
Aurelian watched silently, mind reeling. The true scope of Rose Garuda powers was now undeniable.
"Father… they're gone… and you barely moved?" Aurelian whispered.
Seoluke's lips curved faintly. "Observe carefully, Aurelian. True strength requires only minimal effort."
The shadows cleared. The hall remained silent. The storm had passed once more.