30 Years After Reincarnating, It Turns Out This World Was A Rofan?! novel Chapter 120

They had always known.

The power of Level 8 heroes was truly transcendent.

But...

‘Knowing is one thing. Seeing it for yourself is entirely different...’

CRACK!

BOOM!

The ground beneath their feet began to shatter, and the ceiling was on the verge of total collapse. No, over 90% of it had already crumbled, and it wouldn’t have been surprising if the entire structure gave way at any moment.

The realization that this was all caused by the mere clash of two people was utterly staggering.

Was this truly power wielded by humans?

“Hmm, I must say, I’ve got a good eye for strong opponents. You’re quite formidable. To think you managed to block my Thunder Drop.”

“What kind of childish name is that?”

“What? Isn’t it a good name?”

“Not really...”

“Hmm...”

Despite having caused what could only be described as a man-made natural disaster, the two knights paid little attention to the chaos around them. Their weapons remained locked in an unyielding stalemate.

That’s what happens when there’s no trust between combatants.

“Shouldn’t we stop this? It seems like our goals are somewhat aligned,” Ihan suggested.

“I see your point, but I don’t see why I should look favorably upon someone who threw the first punch.”

“...Fair enough.”

Ihan was right. Regardless of the reason, Maximus had been the one to display hostility first. Naturally, Ihan had counterattacked, meeting force with force. If Maximus hadn’t been able to defend himself, things might have turned out poorly for him.

“However, I have an explanation! Ihan—or was it Rihan?—your aura was so ferocious that I honestly mistook you for a monster. Surely you can show some understanding in light of that?”

“It’s true I’ve been a bit on edge lately... Wait, my name isn’t Rihan.”

“Ah, my apologies, Lihan.”

“...I’m going to lose my mind.”

There’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with someone who isn’t malicious but simply doesn’t make sense.

Maximus exuded no ill will. Instead, there was only a radiant innocence, coupled with a playful competitiveness that gleamed like freshly fallen snow.

But that didn’t mean the situation wasn’t infuriating.

Throb!

‘Damn, this hurts.’

The arm Ihan had used to clash with Maximus, as well as his shoulder, ached sharply. He frowned, unable to ignore the lingering pain.

‘A human gorilla... no, more like King Kong!’

Ihan grimaced.

Maximus.

The first time Ihan had seen him was during the mid-term evaluations at the academy. They had briefly crossed paths when Maximus accompanied the Duke of Lionel.

Even then, Ihan had thought to himself:

‘What kind of freak is this guy?’

The sheer threat Maximus radiated was overwhelming.

Though Ihan himself had gone through countless hardships and growth since that day, now that he was standing directly against Maximus, the knight’s immense strength was even more apparent.

‘What an incredible body.’

Even with just a glance, it was obvious how massive and finely tuned his physique was. It was the kind of figure that seemed sculpted by a master artisan—a perfect balance of form and function.

As someone who prided himself on physical strength, Ihan understood the truth:

No amount of effort alone could achieve such a body. One had to be born with a fundamentally different foundation.

‘He’s like a walking reminder of how unfair life can be.’

To someone like Ihan, whose body could be considered average at best, Maximus was a figure to be envied. Yet, this envy didn’t spark bitterness or inferiority—only admiration and a faint determination to push himself further.

Still...

‘He’s not someone I’d want to be friends with.’

Even back then, Ihan had known he wanted to keep his distance.

And now? Just look at him.

“You must understand my position. After fighting weaklings for so long, finding such a strong opponent was exciting. I couldn’t help myself and impulsively attacked. Rest assured, it won’t happen again. Hahaha!”

Was that supposed to be an apology or a provocation?

If Maximus had many enemies, Ihan suspected it was entirely his own fault. He seemed to be the type who could effortlessly earn grudges wherever he went.

Ihan sighed.

“...Let’s just stop this.”

“Hmm?”

“I’m in a hurry, and fighting you isn’t going to help. Let’s just go our separate ways.”

“Hmm, how cold.”

Maximus lowered his axe, though his expression betrayed clear disappointment.

‘He’s like a cultist... definitely someone to avoid.’

And yet, before Ihan could distance himself, Maximus spoke again.

“Still, I should make amends. How unbecoming of a northern knight to settle things with mere words. Hmm... Ah, I’ve got it!”

BOOM!

“I’ll take care of them.”

Even as Maximus finished speaking, shadows began to rise around them.

Whoosh!

Figures cloaked in black emerged, radiating lethal intent. As soon as they saw Ihan, they hurled daggers with deadly precision. The sheer number of blades cutting through the air was staggering.

But—

SWOOSH!

“How dare assassins target a noble knight!”

Maximus swung his sword with such force that a fierce gust scattered the daggers mid-air, sending them clattering harmlessly to the ground. It wasn’t some elaborate technique—just the sheer might of a single swing.

The display of raw power was astonishing.

BAM!

Maximus launched himself forward, leaving deep impressions in the ground as his massive frame moved with startling speed. For an instant, he disappeared from view.

Slash!

“One down.”

“!!!”

When Maximus reappeared, one of the black-clad assassins had already been bisected at the waist. The speed and precision of his strike were beyond comprehension.

What was even more remarkable—

“This sword is bothersome.”

Crack.

CRUNCH!

Whoosh!

SPLAT!

‘That acceleration must be well over 100...’

It was as if Maximus embodied Step of the Flickering God naturally. Ihan had to execute the technique deliberately, as a skill, but Maximus seemed to have it as a built-in passive ability.

‘Isn’t this exactly how everyone else feels about you, Instructor...?’

Thud.