Vanguard
If he had any mouth to do so, Vanguard would have grinned as well at his opponent's response. He was truly enjoying himself, even as Empress used a blow of all her might, he responded with glee.
He had just enough time, an instant was all it took and the metal warrior manifested a barrier of sorts, his hands held towards the direction the blow was to land as intricate signs and inscriptions were carved in the elaborate shield of light, Vanguard's mightiest defence.
Meeting the almighty punch with all it's monstrous force, a mighty shield crated by the hero's very essence illuminated the sky like a second sun as it met the punch.
The barrier barely held on, the blast shook even the skies and tore at the clouds, but even so it managed to protect him just enough for his body to hold on in one piece.
That is to say, aside the multiple cracks that formed on his body with the sheer impact. Gusts of wind shattered windows and blew cars away as the knight was launched to the ground like a comet, just to crash onto the earth with such force, all that stood in the landing's spot's proximity crumbled down.
Luckily, none were nearby, not a single soul was harmed by the exchange in the skies. A gigantic crater was where Vanguard now stood, his metal body dug into the ground, it took him about a second to rise back up and look at the outcome of the clash.
For the first time since millenia ago, Vanguard laughed in the face of battle, in the face of destruction. A heartily laugh echoed as the warrior clapped his hands in joy, as if applauding his opponent.
Yes, even with the countless cracks on his body, he still stood as proudly as ever, his figure almost a dignifying paragon of existence itself.
"Magnificent, truly magnificent.", he roared happily, his shattered hands still holding form even after what his body had gone trough. "You are truly the strongest opponent I have ever fought, I can tell, your might can even surpass the warrior god Yole's!"
Vanguard couldn't help but look up at his opponent in admiration. Looking at his hands, he realized the damage they took was more severe than he thought. Even so, he kept on laughing in glee.
But then he took a more somber tone, in respect, he bowed before the champion that stood before him, almost in shame.
"I am sorry, Empress, I have sullied this bout. I have underestimated your might far too much, It grieves me to say so but I have not given my all, and disrespected the warrior you are by doing so."
Holding his hand towards her, he resumed.
"Look at this hand. While still uncrippled and unbridled by your blow, it has now suffered far too much damage for me to withstand another of your powerful attacks. I ask you, would you find in your heart of hearts the grace to let me call forth my master and ask her to heal my wounds?. We may resume afterwards, this time I will not disappoint your might."
