[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-journey-to-become-the-zenith":3,"chapter-journey-to-become-the-zenith-journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-104":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Journey to Become the Zenith",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1828441,2432,"Chapter 104: The Queen’s Three Strike","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-104",104,"\u003Cp>The Queen’s Three Strike\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A loud, thunderous laugh shattered the tension that had begun to gather in the throne room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen Amara wiped lightly at the corner of her eye as if she had genuinely been amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young knight... you truly are straightforward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her crimson eyes shimmered with curiosity and appreciation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the first time this Queen has dealt with someone as direct as you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice remained soft—almost melodic—yet every word carried the weight of a monarch who had ruled Skyfall Kingdom for nearly three decades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is no need to worry, young knight. This is not a curse. It has something to do with the royal bloodline.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She slowly lifted the massive sword resting beside her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You see, young knight... all the rulers in my family possess god-like physical strength. In exchange for that strength, the mana we possess is lower than even that of ordinary children.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword rose effortlessly in her right hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is no need to worry about this Queen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her red eyes sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So defend with all your might, young knight. And if you can find an opening, I allow you to strike me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The giant blade pointed forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It does not matter if you attack this Queen or simply defend. As long as you last three moves, it will be your victory, young knight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The throne room fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hidden guards on the rafters leaned forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knights standing along the walls tightened their grips on their weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knew what was about to happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing her words, Queen Amara raised the heavy sword with one hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air around her changed instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pressure she released was fierce—like a mountain suddenly dropping onto the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a brief moment, Videl felt a strange sense of familiarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This pressure...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It reminded her of her daily spars with Victor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That same calm yet overwhelming presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same feeling of standing before someone far stronger than herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without warning—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amara moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no signal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No countdown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword descended in a brutal downward slash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speed shocked Videl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the weapon’s enormous size, it cut through the air like lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too fast!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no time to evade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade was already falling toward her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instinct took over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl raised her sword, angling the blade carefully as Victor had taught her countless times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead of meeting the strike head-on, she attempted to redirect it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steel collided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CLANG!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the Queen’s sword struck Videl’s weapon—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her arms exploded with pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact felt as if a giant hammer had smashed into her bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers went instantly numb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a terrifying moment, her grip almost failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword nearly flew out of her hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Videl clenched her teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her muscles screamed as she forced her body to hold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With sheer stubborn willpower—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She twisted the blade just enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Queen’s strike slid off to the side instead of crushing her directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heavy sword slammed into the marble floor beside her, leaving a deep crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl staggered half a step backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That strength...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shock flooded her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was already using [Boost] to strengthen her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet even with the enhancement—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her arms felt like they had been struck by a charging monster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had always thought Eon’s unnatural strength was strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But witnessing Queen Amara’s strength firsthand was something entirely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amara’s crimson eyes lit up with approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excellent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lips curved into a satisfied smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she didn’t stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Videl’s arms could fully recover—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Queen moved again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time her sword swept sideways in a brutal horizontal slash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade screamed through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl’s pupils shrank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her arms were still trembling from the first attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had no choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"[Enchant].\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana surged into the sword she was holding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade shimmered faintly as the spell reinforced it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl dropped into a deep horse stance, grounding her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She positioned the backside of the sword near her left shoulder—Victor’s defensive technique for absorbing overwhelming force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The attack arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact hit like a charging beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strength behind the strike was twice the first one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shockwave blasted through Videl’s arms and spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her feet lost traction against the polished stone floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She slid backward across the throne room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of metal scraping stone echoed loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though she had successfully blocked the attack...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though her weapon had been enchanted...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though [Boost] was still strengthening her body—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her stomach churned violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nearly vomited from the shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl forced the sensation down with sheer willpower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across the room, Queen Amara lowered her sword slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She did not pursue immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, she watched the young knight carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl’s hands were shaking now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers trembled uncontrollably from the accumulated impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet she was still standing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amara spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was very good, young knight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice carried genuine admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This Queen is truly impressed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She slowly raised her sword again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now is the moment of your victory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her crimson eyes gleamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you are able to receive the next attack without fainting or dying... then this test will be your victory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere in the throne room tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amara continued calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, this Queen must warn you, young knight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The next strike I make... will use roughly ninety percent of my full strength.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massive blade tilted slightly downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The next strike might actually kill you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So we will allow it if you do not wish to continue. This Queen is already pleased witnessing the strength of the next generation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone waited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl listened to the Queen’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the exact same smile Victor always showed whenever a battle became difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fearless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, she felt something boiling deep inside her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice carried quiet determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will not falter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her blue sapphire eyes burned with resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I did... my man Victor would laugh at me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Victor’s name appeared again in this situation—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen Amara’s curiosity deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if this boy Victor turned out not to be as powerful as Videl believed...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Queen was still intrigued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of person...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could train a seventeen-year-old sword master like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amara slowly lifted her blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well, young knight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword rose above her shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brace yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For this... is the last strike.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1076,"2026-06-09T06:06:36.927Z",1,"novelbin.me","f9199ce6d570e911f87390121ee10873de8f8725922c24dc74bf5a38c73e8408","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-105","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-103",253,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fjourney-to-become-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]