Chapter 409 - Duels
"Seraphina Frostborne and Irina Emberheart."
Possibly the two most known students of the academy when their names are called together.
The reason?
It is evident from their surnames.
Frostborne.
Emberheart.
Two legendary families who command the elements of ice and fire.
Eternal Rivalry, one might even say.
After all, they possess two opposite attributes.
Ice and fire have always been compared to each other, being used against nullifying each other. When there is ice, one always calls fire elemental, and when there is fire, one calls ice.
However, is it simply related to the elements?
Just because one possessed opposing attributes didn't mean that they would be required to be enemies.
And, well….The reason for their rivalry and hostility lay in….Slightly complex issues, let's say.
But at the end of the day, one thing was clear.
There, in the arena that would be housing the final day of the duels…Two heirs of these families stood face to face.
On one side, a girl with clear silver hair, an icy demeanor, and a cold, calculating gaze stood. Seraphina Frostborne. Her presence was regal and commanding, and each step she took exuded confidence and grace. She wore a special dress adorned with intricate silver ornaments and embroidery, reflecting the Frostborne family's traditional attire.
The gown shimmered in the light, the fabric seemingly woven with threads of ice, creating a breathtaking effect. The dress was not merely decorative; it symbolized the legacy and honor of the Frostborne family, a reminder of their storied history and unyielding resolve.
It was completely breathtaking.
"Wow."
Even if her reputation as the first-ranked student had already spread to the academy, that didn't mean everyone knew about her beauty.
And certainly, they were not expecting to see such a scene.
It was as if they had come to a beauty festival.
Her icy blue eyes surveyed the arena with a calm, detached intensity, calculating every possible move and counter. There was precision in her every movement, a testament to years of rigorous training and discipline. She was a true embodiment of her family's legacy, a beacon of the Frostborne's enduring strength and elegance.
–SWOOSH!
Suddenly, the wind moved, taking their gaze from her to the other side.
Opposite her stood Irina Emberheart, a striking contrast with her fiery red hair and hazel eyes that seemed to blaze with an inner fire. Irina's presence was equally commanding, her confidence radiating in waves. She wore a dress that was a testament to the Emberheart family's proud heritage. The gown was a rich, deep crimson adorned with gold embroidery that flickered like flames in the light.
It was a traditional Emberheart dress designed to symbolize the fierce passion and strength that defined their lineage.
Irina's gaze locked onto Seraphina, her eyes alight with a blend of determination and arrogance. A confident, almost smug smile played on her lips, befitting her usual demeanor. She stood with a poised readiness, every muscle coiled and prepared for the imminent clash.
But, inwardly, her eyes were looking across the stage, her mind thinking.
'Indeed, as I thought. She did such a trick.'
It was a move expected from Seraphina Frostborne. This whole rivalry had made them understand each other more, and Irina was certainly aware of the fact that Seraphina liked to resort to psychological tactics before fighting.
Thus, she matched her advances. By doing that, she somehow got praise from that woman.
Even though she hated doing what she desired from her, Irina wasn't stupid enough not to discern the priorities.
The amphitheater was buzzing with excitement as the crowd took in the sight of Seraphina Frostborne and Irina Emberheart. The sheer elegance and contrasting fiery presence of the two combatants captivated everyone.
"Wow," someone whispered in awe. "Seraphina is stunning. I had heard about her beauty, but seeing her in person..."
"She looks like a queen made of ice," another person added, their voice filled with admiration. "That dress is incredible. It's like something out of a fairy tale."
Even the girls in the crowd couldn't help but acknowledge Seraphina's ethereal beauty. "She's so elegant. It's almost intimidating," one girl admitted, her eyes wide with admiration.
But just as the praise for Seraphina reached its peak, eyes turned towards the fiery presence on the other side of the arena.
"Don't forget about Irina," another voice chimed in. "She's just as stunning in her own way. Look at her, standing there with that confident smile."
"Yeah, if Seraphina is a cold, elegant queen, then Irina is like a warrior princess. She looks like she could take on the world alone."
"Her dress is amazing, too," someone else noted. "The way it flickers like flames... It's a perfect representation of the Emberheart family."
'As expected, our miss is definitely improving.'
In the crowd stood a woman looking at Irina. She had a slightly proud expression on her face. After all, she was like a mother to this girl.
As the two combatants stood facing each other, the announcer's voice boomed through the amphitheater. "Ladies and gentlemen, the final day of the duel period begins now! Our first duel features Seraphina Frostborne versus Irina Emberheart. Let the duel begin!"
The crowd erupted into applause and cheers, the excitement reaching a fever pitch. The significance of this duel was not lost on anyone present. It was more than just a fight; it was a clash of legacies, a battle between two of the academy's most formidable freshmen mages.
Seraphina's icy blue eyes met Irina's fiery gaze. There was no need for words; their determination and rivalry spoke volumes.
The announcer's voice rang out, breaking the tension. "Ladies and gentlemen, the duel between Seraphina Frostborne and Irina Emberheart is about to begin! Are both contestants ready?"
Seraphina and Irina nodded, their eyes never leaving each other. The air around them seemed to crackle with the intensity of their rivalry.
"Begin!"
CREAK!
In an instant, the arena was transformed into a battlefield of elemental forces. Seraphina moved first, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air as she summoned her ice magic.
「Frostborne Shards」
SWOOSH!
A flurry of ice shards materialized around her, glinting in the light as they shot toward Irina with deadly precision.
An innate skill of the Frostborne Family that each heir was taught the moment they learned how to use their mana.
Even if not for heirs, every mage under the Frostborne family would master this spell. Fast conjuring and least taxing on the mana circuits made this spell incredibly efficient.
SWIRL!
「Flame Barrier」
Irina responded with a wave of her hand, conjuring a wall of flames that incinerated the ice shards on contact.
The heat from her flames created a shimmering barrier, protecting her from Seraphina's initial assault.
The arena seemed to transform into a battlefield of ice and fire, the contrasting elements clashing in a mesmerizing display of power and skill. Seraphina's icy demeanor contrasted sharply with Irina's fiery presence, each movement precise and calculated.
–CREAK!
Seraphina continued her assault, her icy blue eyes focused and unwavering. She conjured an array of ice constructs, sending them hurtling toward Irina in a relentless barrage.
「School of Frostborne. Glacial Constructs」
Ice spears, shards, and even frozen winds swirled around her, each attack meticulously controlled.
–SWOOSH!
Irina, however, was not easily overwhelmed. She matched Seraphina's aggression with her own fiery resolve, summoning flames to counter every ice attack. The arena was filled with the sizzle and crackle of ice meeting fire, the air thick with steam and energy.
Seraphina's precision was remarkable. She conserved her mana with expert efficiency, never wasting an ounce of energy. Every ice shard, every gust of freezing wind was perfectly calculated to keep Irina on the defensive.
Whenever Irina tried to launch an attack of her own, Seraphina was ready with a counter, her ice magic smothering the flames before they could take hold.
"Tch."
Irina clicked her tongue as she couldn't help but feel frustrated. It was always like this when she went against this bitch.
There was something that made Seraphina different from other mages. As if she could foresee the future, she always efficiently handled the defense without leaving any opening.
But even to this day, she was never able to understand how she did it.
The crowd watched in awe as Seraphina maintained her aggressive onslaught, her control over her magic flawless.
'No matter what, I won't lose here.'
Irina, though struggling to break through, was not deterred. She met each challenge with fiery determination, her flames roaring in defiance.
"Haha….."
Irina took a deep breath, her hazel eyes blazing with intensity. She knew she had to turn the tide of the battle. With a powerful sweep of her arm, she conjured a massive wave of fire, aiming to engulf Seraphina in a fiery inferno.
「School of Emberheart. Draining Wave」
Seraphina's response was swift. She conjured a barrier of ice, the freezing temperatures countering the heat of Irina's flames.
「School of Frostborne. Frozen Bastion」
The clash of elements created a stunning display, the ice barrier shimmering as it absorbed the fiery onslaught.
Even though the barrier melted at the end, the amount was so accurate that almost no ice was left.
"Grr….".
Irina gritted her teeth.
'I need to change it.'
She knew she needed to change her strategy.
'I will move fast.'
She began to weave her flames with more finesse, focusing on precise, targeted strikes rather than overwhelming force.
She aimed for Seraphina's defenses, seeking out weak points and exploiting them with pinpoint accuracy.
Seraphina, however, anticipated each move. Her ice magic was like a dance, each motion fluid and graceful. She deflected Irina's attacks with ease, her icy constructs moving with a life of their own.
Whenever Irina attempted to gain ground, Seraphina countered with a flurry of ice shards, keeping her at bay.
*******
"She is not doing enough."
Irina was a strong student.
She was an excellent mage.
However, her opponent was strong as well.
'Seraphina.'
She had a special talent that was only mentioned in the game but not revealed. For the player who chose the Irina route and faced Seraphina, her patterns were a nightmare.
Since no matter what you do, her artificial intelligence is top-notch. She had almost the best input reading in the game.
Her patterns changed according to the movements you made, according to the spells you had chosen.
She was basically a cheat when it came to the mage one-on-ones. And, for the players who wanted to beat her, there was only one choice.
'Overpowering her with firepower.'
Irina was such a character. Rather than always thinking about the details, she innately controlled the fire. The fire was her servant, and it served her. That was it.
She would beat Seraphina by commanding the fire and using one of the strongest spells, just like Ethan did.
'But not the current one.'
After all, she was bound to lose this fight from the start. This was not a changeable option in the game.
Since Irina doesn't have the power to empower Seraphina at this point in her life.
But does that mean she can't win?
'Show me if you really have changed.'
All the times we had spent together, after all those times, she became different.
She became someone who could apologize, who could listen to others, and who knew how to open herself up.
And most importantly.
She became someone who understood the importance of learning from everyone and that pride is useless if it is holding you back.
As I was thinking to myself, suddenly, I felt a presence beside me.
"What do you think?" A familiar voice that made me want to facepalm. However, her disguise was pretty good, so I held it back.
"Seraphina is pretty good, isn't she?" Lilia analyzed the fight, her eyes darting.
"She is."
"It seems Irina still can't beat her rival."
"I wouldn't be this sure."
"Hmm....Why? From how I see, Seraphina is never going to give Irina a chance."
Lilia's thoughts were correct. From how the fight was playing, it was evident that Irina wouldn't be able to overcome Seraphina.
"Wait and see."
"Haha....I can't wait to see."
With a smile, she turned to face the fight, and I did the same too.
And I slowly started understanding how Seraphina's special ability worked.
Chapter 410 - Duels (2)
Irina knew she had to break through Seraphina's defenses.
To do that, she did it the only way she had fought before.
'Burn.'
Summoning all her strength, she conjured a pillar of flame, the heat intense enough to melt steel. She directed it at Seraphina with a fierce determination, hoping to overwhelm her opponent.
「School of Emberheart. Flame Pillar」
Seraphina's eyes narrowed. She channeled her mana into a powerful ice barrier, the air around her freezing instantly. The pillar of flame met the barrier with a tremendous explosion, sending shockwaves through the arena.
The crowd gasped as the two elements clashed in a spectacular display of power. For a moment, it seemed as if neither combatant would yield. The ice barrier held firm against the flames, the air crackling with energy.
Yet, this time, it was evident that Seraphina was also having a hard time. A bead of sweat fell down to the ground from all the heat and humidity in the air.
But suddenly, an enormous mana expanded from the tip of her fingers.
With a surge of mana, Seraphina pushed back. The ice barrier expanded, driving the flames back toward Irina.
「School of Frostborne. Expanding Glacial Shield」
Irina was forced to retreat, her eyes blazing with frustration.
'Got you.'
Seraphina seized the moment. She summoned a barrage of ice spears, each one aimed with deadly precision.
「School of Frostborne. Ice Spear Barrage」
Irina tried to counter with her flames, but the onslaught was too much. The ice spears broke through her defenses, striking with a force that sent her reeling.
Seraphina saw her opportunity and decided to exploit the opening she had created.
After all, once the pain entered one's mind, their thoughts would slow down, making it nearly not as fast as before.
And this was a detrimental fact for mages who needed to focus constantly to form their magic as fast as they could.
With Irina reeling from the force of the ice spear barrage, Seraphina pressed her advantage. She moved swiftly, her icy demeanor unwavering as she conjured more ice constructs to keep Irina off balance.
「School of Frostborne. Frostbite Strike」
Aiming to catch Irina while she was still recovering, Seraphina launched a series of rapid ice strikes. Each attack was precise, targeting Irina's defenses with the intent to overwhelm her completely.
SWIRL!
However, she forgot one thing. No, she didn't forget but rather failed to account.
Irina had been training not only on her control of fire but also on her direct combat efficiency.
She had been facing the strongest monsters in the simulations and in dungeons.
And the pain was something she had already been accustomed to, while the way she had used her fire wasn't exactly like a normal mage's either.
As the icy strikes bore down on Irina suddenly, flames began to swirl around her, forming a protective barrier.
「Flame. Protect me.」
The swirling flames fended off Seraphina's ice attacks, creating a temporary reprieve for Irina. The flames danced and flickered, their intensity growing as they absorbed the impact of the ice strikes.
Seraphina, undeterred, pushed forward. She knew that when a mage was in pain, their thoughts would slow down, making the formation of magic slower. She intended to capitalize on this, aiming to keep Irina on the defensive.
However, as Seraphina prepared to unleash another barrage, suddenly, the air around her intensified.
'Huh?'
The numbers rose rapidly, and she couldn't keep up.
'No!'
A sudden, powerful explosion erupted right before her face.
「School of Emberheart. Inferno Blast」
The explosion was so fast and unexpected that even though Seraphina saw it coming, she couldn't completely defend herself in time. She conjured an ice barrier to shield herself, but the force of the explosion blasted her backward.
「School of Frostborne. Ice Wall」
Despite the ice wall absorbing much of the blast, the sheer power of the explosion sent Seraphina skidding across the arena floor. The crowd gasped as the two powerful mages clashed, their elemental magic creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Seraphina gritted her teeth as she regained her footing after creating a brick of ice behind her heels. She could feel the sting of the explosion, her eyes teary.
RING!
Her ears were also ringing as if to remind her that her body was shaken.
'What happened?'
Seraphina asked herself, her thoughts moving in every direction. How could such an explosion occur this fast without her knowledge?
She would have seen the numbers rising.
"Heh…."
However, her thoughts were stopped by a laugh as she turned to face the source.
Irina stood amidst the swirling flames, her hazel eyes blazing with renewed determination. The flames around her flickered and danced, a testament to her fierce spirit. Her eyes ablaze with fire, as if she was the empress of the flames.
"I see now…."
There was a crazed smile on her lips. Even though her clothes were burned thanks to her own fire.
Even though her bare skin could be seen from some of the holes in her clothes, even though she didn't retain her elegant presence….
She felt like a fierce Hunter who found her prey.
'No, it can't be.'
For a split second, Seraphina almost broke down her expression.
For a split second.
After that, she realized who she was against.
'No. There is no way.'
Seraphina took a deep breath, her mind racing. She realized that Irina was playing for a psychological edge, trying to break her mentality and then exploit her.
Seraphina had seen enough of such scenarios in her life that she had already become accustomed to such tactics. After all, she had been fighting with other heirs of her family for years. Contrary to a certain person, she wasn't the sole heir, after all.
She straightened her posture, her icy blue eyes locking onto Irina's blazing gaze. "Now you're trying to mask your confidence with that smile of yours?" Seraphina called out, her voice steady and unwavering.
Irina narrowed her eyes, her expression turning serious. "Frostborne. I am not someone who will resort to such puny tricks, and you know that."
Seraphina's lips curled into a slight smile. "Perhaps. But you're certainly enjoying this more than usual."
Irina's flames flared up around her, the heat creating ripples in the air. "Because this time, I am sure." She smiled, her eyes burning. "I am going to win."
"Really? How many times it has been?"
"If I were you, I wouldn't smile." At Irina's words, a certain emotion awoke in Seraphina once again. She didn't know the reason why.
She couldn't completely understand why, but it was as if her instincts were informing her.
"….."
She still smiled, but her smile was stiff this time.
SWIRL!
She saw the numbers around Irina rising incredibly. The numbers indicated that a strong attack was coming.
""Come!""
With that, both mages prepared to unleash their full power. Seeing Irina's spell from the numbers, Seraphina instantly visualized what was about to come.
Her mind, innately gifted at calculations, could interpret the numbers to reality. And that reality showed her a bird.
'Heh.'
Thus, she created the counter magic to what Irina was using.
「School of Emberheart. Inferno Phoenix」
And just as she expected, Irina conjured a massive spell, calling forth a phoenix made of pure flame. The phoenix screeched, its fiery wings spreading wide as it soared towards Seraphina.
「School of Frostborne. Ice Dragon's Breath」
Seraphina responded with a summon of her own, conjuring a massive ice dragon, its breath a freezing gale that surged toward Irina. The dragon roared, its icy breath creating a path of frost in its wake.
The two elemental constructs clashed in midair, the ice dragon's breath meeting the phoenix's flames. The arena was filled with the sound of roaring fire and cracking ice, the sheer power of their magic creating shockwaves that rippled through the stands.
Seraphina and Irina stood their ground, each channeling their mana into their respective constructs. The ice dragon and the phoenix battled fiercely, neither willing to back down.
The crowd watched in awe, the tension in the arena palpable. It was a battle of wills as much as it was a battle of elements. Both mages pushed themselves to their limits, their determination unwavering.
Seraphina could see that Irina wasn't using any other magic. The numbers didn't reveal anything else, only showing changes around the Phoenix Bird.
"It is my win, little Emberheart."
However, she was different.
–Second Memory.
Since she had such a special ability to cheat.
Though her mana reserves were depleted, she had secured the win for herself. As the strongest and ultimate spell of her family was conjured.
「School of Frostborne. Pseudo Absolute Zero」
The world seemed to come to a halt before her as every particle slowed to the maximum. Though her spell was not the real one and the degraded version of the true Absolute Zero, it was still a level-7 spell. Everything in the arena froze.
The ice dragon. The flame phoenix. And Irina herself. Everything stopped; only Seraphina remained.
"Wow…..This is beautiful."
"To think we would live to witness such a duel."
"Though it is sad that it is over."
'No matter what you do, Irina Emberheart. You will never beat me.'
She stood there, looking at Irina with a cold smile of victory. The crowd held their breath, believing that Seraphina had won since Irina was not moving.
CRACK!
"Huh?"
But suddenly, she heard a cracking sound. The ice around Irina's face began to break, and Irina turned to face her. Seraphina's eyes widened as she sensed a sudden rise in numbers once again.
At that exact moment, Irina mumbled with a smile, "Taste my own magic."
「School of Irina. Nuclear」
A blinding light erupted from Irina, shattering the ice that encased her. The intensity of the light and heat was overwhelming, and Seraphina's eyes widened in horror. The numbers were off the charts, far beyond anything she had calculated.
A massive explosion followed, the force of it obliterating the ice and creating a shockwave that rippled through the arena. The audience gasped, shielding their eyes from the blinding light and the sheer power of the explosion.
Seraphina tried to conjure another ice barrier, but the heat was too intense. The ice melted almost instantly, leaving her vulnerable to the blast. The force of the explosion sent her flying backward, crashing into the arena's edge.
When the dust settled, Irina stood in the center of the arena, her flames flickering around her.
She looked exhausted but victorious. Seraphina lay at the edge of the arena, battered and struggling to rise.
The crowd was silent, the tension thick in the air. They had just witnessed a clash of titans, and it was clear that both combatants had given everything they had.
Irina took a deep breath, her voice echoing through the now-silent arena. "This duel is over. Do you yield, Seraphina?"
Seraphina, struggling to her feet, nodded slowly. She had to admit defeat this time. "I yield," she said, her voice barely audible.
The crowd erupted into applause, the noise deafening. Irina had proven her strength and resolve, and Seraphina had shown her exceptional skill and control. Both mages had earned the respect of everyone present.
********
'You really did it, didn't you?'
Looking at the girl whose first thought was to find me in the crowd, I nodded my head.
"Heh...."
I could imagine her making this expression right now, though she must be too tired to let out a sound.
"It seems this is my win."
As I mumbled, I turned to look at Lilia, who was focused on the arena alone.
"...."
Her expression was filled with surprise.
"Yeah, it is your win."
Sometimes life was like this.
One needed to put their faith in others.
Or their own efforts.
'You grew up.'
Just as I thought about that, suddenly, I sensed a disturbance around me.
Disturbance of mana.
'What? Now?'
–BOOM!
Chapter 411 - Duels (3)
The moment the fight between the two students reached its pinnacle, everyone held their breaths.
After all, they were witnessing the true history unfolding right before their eyes.
Emberheart and Frostborne.
Ice and Fire.
Ice Dragon and Fire Phoneix.
The epic of the fight was so clear that the audience felt like they were in a play written by an author. This wouldn't make sense otherwise.
Two heirs were parallel, each having their own strengths and own styles. Even those styles represented their family, somehow matching the lore metaphorically.
However, in the end, they were all sure of one thing.
Seraphina won.
Her abilities were superior. The fact that she was able to Dual Cast two complex spells alone showed her talent, and Irina fell short of that.
At least, that was what they had believed.
Until the last second.
The amphitheater buzzed with murmurs of disbelief and awe. The duel between Seraphina Frostborne and Irina Emberheart had left everyone stunned. The fact that Irina had unleashed such explosive magic was mind-blowing, and the intensity of the clash had exceeded all expectations.
"I can't believe what we just saw," one spectator whispered, still in shock. "Irina Emberheart's magic… it was like nothing I've ever seen before."
"That explosion! It was like a nuclear blast," another person added, their voice filled with amazement. "How did she do that?"
"I've seen many duels, but this one… it's on a whole different level," a seasoned observer remarked, shaking their head in disbelief.
In the audience, Esme, who had been sent by the head of the Emberheart family to observe Irina, narrowed her eyes. The magic Irina had used just now was unlike anything she had ever seen.
'Miss….Just what were you doing all this time?'
Esme thought, trying to analyze the intricacies of the spell. That spell was unfamiliar to her, who had already integrated herself into the family.
The fact that she was unable to analyze it meant the spell was developed by Irina alone. But, it was complex and hard to see through.
'You are changing so rapidly…..But, this change….Will Matriarch be happy with that?'
She couldn't help but think to herself since she could easily envision the past where Irina was scolded after doing such acts.
"That magic was complex, wasn't it?"
At that exact moment, she heard a voice right beside her. "Isn't that right, Miss Esme? Or should I say, the Sister of Fire Emblem?"
Esme turned to see a blonde-haired woman with a stern but somehow familiar face. It was Eleanor, a renowned figure known for her prowess.
Esme's expression remained composed as she replied, "It's nice to hear that I am known by the 'Invoker.' I'm flattered." Her words were polite, but her eyes did not smile at all.
Eleanor shrugged her shoulders. "Was it not a splendid display?" she asked. "Were you able to see what happened in there?"
Esme shook her head, still trying to piece together the details of the complex spell. "Please, do enlighten me, Miss Invoker."
Eleanor smiled, her eyes twinkling with intrigue. "What you witnessed was no ordinary spell. Irina's 'Nuclear' was a fusion of different elements, a definitely unique combination." Eleanor explained, looking at the scene.
"…."
Esme waited for her to continue, but Eleanor had already entered her teaching mode. Seeing that she had no intention of speaking, Esme finally realized what she needed to do.
"What elements?" She asked, like a student listening to her teacher.
Eleanor raised her hand, her three fingers pointing up. "The spell had three fundamental elements that composed most of it. The first one is, of course, utilizing fire psions and manipulating them. This was the core of the explosion."
Esme nodded, understanding that much. "And the second?"
"The second was immense mana control," Eleanor continued, her voice steady. "Irina precisely controlled the mana to create the magic circuit. The circuit had to be perfect to channel the energy into such a powerful explosion without it backfiring."
Eleanor stopped, her eyes glinting with anticipation. Esme, recognizing the cue, asked, "And the third one?"
Eleanor's smile widened. "The third one is precisely the most important block. Telekinesis."
Esme's eyes widened in surprise. "Telekinesis?"
"Yes," Eleanor confirmed. "Irina used telekinesis to manipulate the flow and pressure of the mana within the magic circuit. This allowed her to maintain control over the immense energy and direct it precisely where she wanted it to go. By using telekinesis, she could stabilize the spell and prevent it from exploding prematurely."
Esme stopped for a second to imagine what had completely transpired.
Telekinesis to use control mana flow and pressure the mana within the magic circuit?
It was a concept she wasn't too familiar with, but at the same time, she had heard about this before.
Many psychic mages would do this to cover their lack of mana control. But was there a need for Irina to do such a thing?
"I don't completely understand. Why did she need to use Telekinesis to control mana precisely? Our Young Miss is talented enough to control mana precisely."
Eleanor nodded her head with a smile as if she had been expecting this question. She raised her hand and asked Esme, "What differs an Archmage from a normal mage?"
Esme answered simply, as this was a well-known distinction. "The Archmage occupation is the evolution of the Mage occupation. The condition for evolving is to merge one's consciousness with the will of the world to some extent. Once one does that, they become an Archmage and gain the ability to manipulate psions at the particle level."
As Esme answered this question, she suddenly widened her eyes. "That spell that Miss had used... it was only possible if the user was an Archmage." She realized this since the spell used energies at the atomic level. And then she answered her own question. "She used telekinesis to manipulate the mana like an Archmage on the psionic-particle level."
Eleanor's smile deepened a glint of pride in her eyes. "Exactly. Irina might not be an Archmage yet, but she has found a way to mimic their techniques using her unique blend of skills. By using telekinesis, she compensates for the finer control that only an Archmage would normally have, allowing her to execute incredibly complex and powerful spells."
It didn't make sense. How could it?
The fact that there was someone there who could use Telekinesis in such a manner that was comparable to an Archmage's mana control….
It was not logical at all.
The reason?
To achieve such fine control of Telekinesis, one needed to spend at least a hundred, maybe more years.
And they also needed talent.
Then, why did this not make sense?
One could already become an Archmage if they could train for such a long time while also having such a talent. Thus, it was practically impossible and meaningless.
But Irina achieved such a feat.
Esme took a deep breath, her mind racing with the implications. "This means....."
'Something happened….Something that we don't know.'
This was not normal, yet Esme didn't know. If she had reached such a conclusion, it would have been evident that the matriarch could have done the same.
Since she was an Archmage herself.
"Yes," Eleanor confirmed, misunderstanding Esme's mumbling. "Irina is pushing the boundaries of what's possible with her magic. She's not just relying on her natural talent; she's innovating and finding ways to transcend the limitations of her current abilities. This is the mark of a true prodigy."
The audience's discussions continued, filled with awe and respect for the duel they had just witnessed.
The names Frostborne and Emberheart would echo in their minds for a long time, a testament to the incredible display of power and skill they had just seen.
Suddenly, Eleanor, who had been explaining everything with a smile, narrowed her eyes, sensing something amiss. Her eyes widened for a split second as she felt a disturbance in the mana around them.
'No!'
She didn't have much time to react.
"Everyone, get down!" she shouted, but it was too late.
The world went white.
–BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Countless explosions erupted all across the arena and the seats. The shockwaves from the blasts sent debris flying in all directions, and the sound was deafening. Screams filled the air as people were thrown from their seats, the once peaceful and awe-filled atmosphere now a chaotic nightmare.
Eleanor instinctively threw up a barrier of pure mana, shielding the people around her from the immediate blast. The force of the explosion slammed against her barrier, but she held firm, her eyes scanning the arena.
There were countless other barriers that had already been formed. The professors of the academy, who had been watching the fight unfold, quickly reacted, forming protective barriers to shield as many civilians as possible. They strained to maintain these defenses amidst the chaos.
Amidst the chaos, inside some of the barriers, an ominous energy began to ooze out. Coupled with the sounds of roars and howling, the atmosphere grew even more terrifying. In an instant, some of the civilians began to change, their eyes turning a menacing red.
Corrupted by the dark energy, they lost themselves and instantly attacked the people surrounding them, becoming feral and violent.
Eleanor cursed to herself, activating her communication device.
'Damn it, we expected this to happen during Victor Blackthorn's duel. They've caught us off guard.'
However, even if this was the case, it wasn't like the situation was too bad.
She issued orders instantly, her voice steady despite the pandemonium. "Amelia, Callum. It is starting. You know what you need to do."
Since she was the professor of the academy, she needed to play her own part while the unit she called was going to play the other.
Callum and Amelia, who had been nearby, sprang into action. Callum's expression hardened as he drew his weapon, ready to face the threat.
Amelia, her eyes fierce, activated her own communication device, rallying the nearby hunters.
"Everyone, we are going to proceed as planned. Form squads and follow the plan. No unnecessary risks," Amelia ordered, her voice cutting through the noise.
The amphitheater had turned into a battlefield. The professors and hunters fought to protect the innocent, their barriers shimmering against the onslaught of corrupted civilians.
Chapter 412 - Duels (4)
From the moment I entered this world, I knew the storyline had changed, or the story of the game wasn't to be completely trusted, just like what was happening right now.
The attack was supposed to happen when Victor was dueling, interrupting the most important duel.
But that didn't seem to be the case any longer. And that was to be expected.
'Disgusting.'
Still, the atmosphere was filled with a disgusting demonic energy. I hated this to my core.
–THUMP!
My trait was acting already, making my heart beat fast.
I had already protected myself from the initial explosion with fast reflexes, a barrier of mana forming instinctively around me.
I activated my trait [Perceptive Insight], channeling mana into my eyes. The world shifted, and I saw it clearly. Many civilians were slowly turning into corrupted forms, their bodies tainted with demonic energy.
The demonic seeds inside their bodies began to act, and they started rampaging. Chaos erupted around the arena as screams and shouts filled the air. The once orderly crowd became a sea of panic and violence.
I watched all this while preparing myself.
'This is how it was supposed to be. The natural order.'
I had no intention of interfering with what was happening.
These corrupted people were irrelevant to my goal, and they would stop once the demonic energy in the environment disappeared.
'This is how they operate,' I thought, observing the unfolding chaos. 'Spread corruption, cause panic, and weaken the resolve of the masses.'
My eyes scanned the crowd, noting the transformations, the corruption spreading like wildfire. The arena that had been a place of competition and camaraderie had turned into a battlefield of survival.
In the midst of this turmoil, I remained a detached observer. My purpose was not to save these people. My purpose was to hunt the demons responsible for this, to exact my vengeance.
Though, in a way, saving these people and not letting them get what they wanted was also a form of vengeance since they would stop once the demonic energy disappeared, killing demon contractors was also a way to save them.
'There,' I sensed a stronger presence, a concentrated source of demonic energy. My gaze locked onto the target, a figure moving through the chaos with a purpose.
'First one.'
From how he moved, the speed, the success rate of his erasing his presence, and the amount of pressure he gave, basically everything, I could predict his strength to some extent.
In this chaos, nobody would be here to check on me. Nobody would see what I would be doing unless I deliberately caused a strong disturbance.
Therefore, I was free to go all out slightly.
'Right.'
I instantly blended into the shadows, using [Shadowborne] to mask my presence. Since Lilia was in close proximity, I needed to be quick with my acts.
I mustn't make her suspicious of me while gathering attention. It is annoying when it happens, and I hate it a lot.
–Eyes of the Hourglass
The world slowed down. I didn't want to waste any time.
The more enemies I killed, the better it would be for me.
'Not even one person will escape here.'
In the darkness, I transformed the Celestalith into its rifle form. My eyes, enhanced by [Perceptive Insight], analyzed the mana flow and body structure of my target.
'Right shoulder. Cephalic Vein and Sternocostal head.'
I pinpointed a weak point on his right shoulder, where his cephalic vein connected to the sternocostal head of the pectoralis. The mana nerves were concentrated in that exact location.
–PIU!
In an instant, I aimed the rifle at the identified weak point. The compressed magic bullet flew through the air, nearly silent, and pierced the skin with unparalleled speed. The target had no time to react. Pain surged through his body as his mana flow was disrupted.
Before he could comprehend what was happening, I materialized from the shadows, my cold purple eyes locking onto his.
My black mask, adorned with golden ornaments, reflected on his fearful eyes. He recognized me as the attacker, but there was no time to respond.
'Fear me more.'
His body was paralyzed, not because of the pressure I was emitting or anything, but because of the pain he was experiencing.
But there was quite a high chance that he was feeling my killing intent as well.
STAB!
A moment later, my dagger pierced his liver, sending waves of excruciating pain through his body. The agony was unlike anything he had ever experienced, as it seemed to me.
Being a demonic human must have made him feel like the strongest in the world, and it seemed he had faith in his organization, too.
"Pain. Do you know how it feels?"
His eyes widened in terror as he felt me grasp his demonic core. At this moment, he must have understood what I was going to do.
SMASH!
With ruthless precision, I crushed it, savoring the pain reflected in his eyes.
"AAAAAAARGH!"
This sound was supposed to come out of his mouth the moment he opened it. Letting out a sound is the first human reaction when the person experiences pain.
The reason?
To survive. We humans have always been social creatures. When we do things, we always do it with other people. If not, we wouldn't survive against all those animals and monsters.
Therefore, once the pain receptors are triggered, we seek our companions, aiming to alarm them and alert them of the danger we encounter.
This stupid demonic fucker did the same. His eyes were filled with fear and pain, and he tried to scream, but his vocal cords had been seared, preventing any sound.
Because I had burned them.
Since I already knew he would try to scream.
"In this place. There is only darkness for you. No one is going to save you; no one is going to listen to your pleas. You are going to die here alone, without achieving anything. Do you know the reason why?"
His eyes were unfocused; he looked like a lifeless shell. The small flame danced at the tip of my finger, the source of his silent torment. A basic spell named [Ignite] ranks one spell. But, if utilized precisely well, even that can become lethal from a short distance.
"Because I will never let you."
–THUD!
The light in his eyes dimmed as the last of his strength left him. I let his lifeless body fall to the ground, the demonic core crumbling in my hand.
I could feel something entering my body, and I also felt my energy increasing.
Bloodline Resonance.
It seemed that passive skill was doing its work.
Even though I hated getting stronger over the energy of a demon, for the sake of my vengeance, I could do anything.
"One."
It was the start of my hunt.
*******
–BOOM!
Lilia was suddenly blasted by the explosion, her mind not focused. The force sent her crashing into one of the chairs from a faraway distance. Fortunately, she managed to avoid any serious injury, her body rolling to a stop against the wreckage. She quickly gathered herself, shaking off the disorientation and scanning her surroundings.
The situation was chaotic. Smoke rose from the ground as explosions erupted all around, the acrid scent of burning debris filling the air. Lilia's breathing became rough, and a strange feeling in the air affected her body, making it harder to focus.
She looked around, her eyes widening in horror as she saw civilians attacking others. Their bodies showed signs of monstrous transformation, though they retained their human form and most of their body structures. They looked like mindless beasts, their eyes glazed over with a savage hunger.
"What is happening?" Lilia muttered to herself, trying to make sense of the chaos. The term 'demonic corruption?' flashed through her mind, but before she could ponder it further, she was attacked.
A transformed civilian lunged at her, its mouth twisted into a grotesque snarl. Lilia instinctively raised her arm, channeling her mana to create a protective barrier just in time to deflect the attack.
–THUD!
She countered with a swift strike, her training kicking in as she fought to defend herself. Even before everything, she was a hunter. Though the course of subjugating other humans was for higher classes, that didn't mean she didn't know what to do.
'Strike efficiently and make them lose their consciousness.'
No matter what, the corrupted civilians were nothing but mindless monsters, and their strength increased a lot.
–Slingshot.
And then, after she had attacked her enemy, she sent a quick dart to the monster. The dart contained a paralysis potion, and it took effect instantly. She always carried things like these so that for the positions when she couldn't draw her bow instantly, she could still protect herself.
But then she realized something.
"Astron."
She called for the boy who was just beside him a second ago.
Lilia's eyes darted around, searching frantically for Astron. He had been beside her just moments ago, but now he was nowhere to be seen.
She considered the possibility that he might have been sent farther away by the explosion.
'This is entirely possible.'
"Astron," she called out one last time, her voice calm. But no answer came once again. Then following that, before she could make a move to search for him, an instructor appeared by her side, his presence commanding and protective. "Stay safe under the barrier," he instructed, his tone firm as he conjured a shimmering shield around them.
Lilia glanced at the crowd and the students within the barrier, their faces pale with fear and uncertainty. Her eyes narrowed with a cold glint. She saw this chaos as an opportunity—a chance to increase her fame and prove her strength.
"No," she stated resolutely, stepping out of the barrier. "I want to participate in the fight."
The instructor's eyes widened in surprise, and his initial reaction was one of refusal. "It's too dangerous. You need to stay here."
But then he paused, recognition dawning in his eyes as he looked at her more closely. "Lilia Thornheart?" he asked, his tone shifting to one of respect. He knew of her strength and reputation, and he understood that she was no ordinary student.
Lilia nodded, her expression determined. "Yes. I can handle this. Let me fight."
The instructor hesitated for a moment before reluctantly nodding. "Very well. Be careful."
A small smile curved on Lilia's lips as she turned her attention back to the battlefield. With a fierce determination, she readied herself for the fight ahead, knowing that this was her moment to shine.
*****
Yet, on the other side of the arena, something different was happening.
"Grrrrr..."
A student with purple hair and supposed purple eyes was growling.
Her eyes slowly turning to red.
Chapter 413 - Not every negative thing is negative
The end-of-the-semester duel festival for freshmen was in full swing, and the academy grounds buzzed with excitement and activity.
Among the many booths set up for the event, one in particular stood out, drawing a steady stream of visitors.
The booth, adorned with colorful banners and enticing aromas, was dedicated to selling chips and snacks. Behind the counter, Maya and her friends worked with cheerful efficiency, their presence adding a magnetic charm to the scene.
Maya, the top seat of the sophomore year, was at the center of attention. Her reputation had spread far and wide, and many students flocked to the booth not just for the delicious snacks but to catch a glimpse of her.
Maya's gentle nature and radiant smile, as she prepared and served the snacks, played a significant role in attracting the crowd. She moved gracefully, her hands deftly handling the various ingredients, while her laughter and friendly banter with customers created a warm, inviting atmosphere.
"Here you go! Enjoy the snacks and have a great time at the festival!" Maya said, handing a bag of chips to a group of excited freshmen. Her eyes sparkled with genuine warmth, making each interaction feel personal and special.
Beside her, Amelia stood, her smile matching Maya's in brightness but with a hint of sadness in her eyes. She helped Maya prepare the snacks, her enthusiasm seemingly masking her deeper emotions.
Amelia's hands moved quickly and skillfully, yet there was a slight tension in her posture, a reflection of the inner conflict she kept hidden.
"Amelia, could you pass me the seasoning mix?" Maya asked, turning to her friend with a grateful smile.
"Of course, Maya!" Amelia replied, her voice cheerful. She handed over the mix, her eyes lingering on Maya for a moment longer than necessary. Despite the sadness she felt, despite how heartbroken she was, she couldn't help but be proud of her 'friend's' accomplishments and the joy she brought to others.
As the line of customers continued, many of them exchanged excited whispers about Maya.
Of course, not everyone there was a student at the academy. In fact, most of them came from the outside.
"Who is this big sister? She is so beautiful."
A young kid looked up, his eyes locked on Maya while he and his mother were passing through the boot.
"That big sister?" the mother teased her young son, a playful glint in her eye. "Would you like to marry her?"
The kid blushed furiously but mumbled, "I want to."
Maya, overhearing the exchange, couldn't help but smile. She called the kid over to the booth, her gentle demeanor putting him at ease. "I'm flattered," she said warmly, "but I'm afraid I can't marry you. There's someone else that I want as my husband."
Suddenly, the chatter around the booth quieted. Her friends, who had been busy preparing snacks, looked up with wide eyes. The crowd, including the mother and her son, seemed to hold their breath as they waited for more. Maya's serene and beautiful smile spread a radiant warmth, captivating everyone around her.
'Ah….She must have said this so as not to let the kid down. Maya, you are too kind!'
Aside from only one person, everyone was thinking about this, as they knew about Maya's character.
Aside from one.
As Amelia knew Maya and about her feelings.
'Right…'
The kid, feeling a bit shy, looked down at the ground, clearly unsure of how to respond. Maya knelt down to his level, her smile never wavering. "But how about I show you a magic trick instead? Would you like that?"
The kid's eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly. Maya stood back up, flicking her fingers with a practiced ease.
In an instant, the elements responded to her command. Water swirled in the air, forming delicate shapes before cascading down like a gentle waterfall. Air currents danced around, lifting leaves and creating miniature whirlwinds.
Earth rose up, forming intricate patterns on the ground, while flames flickered and twirled, creating a mesmerizing display of light and warmth.
The crowd watched in awe as Maya controlled the elements with grace and precision. She gathered the ingredients for the snacks and, with a flourish, tossed them into the air.
The elements came together in a dazzling display, cooking the snacks as they floated, using only her elemental magic. Fire roasted, air cooled, water seasoned, and earth provided the stability to hold everything in place.
She took the concept of cooking display to the audience to another level.
–THUMP!
Yet suddenly, she sensed something. Her heart suddenly strongly hit her body, making her almost lose her balance.
'Huh?'
It was for a subtle moment, but she felt like the world was about to go crimson. The kid before her looked tasty as if she had seen a delicious meal.
'No!'
In an instant, she took control of her body once again, making herself feel normal.
In moments, the air was filled with the delicious aroma of freshly prepared snacks. Maya caught the finished product with a smile, handing a perfectly cooked treat to the young boy. "Here you go. Enjoy!"
The kid took the snack with wide eyes, beaming up at Maya. "Thank you, big sister!"
Maya's friends, along with the rest of the crowd, broke into applause as they witnessed the display.
Many wanted to see more, but Maya.
She was having a hard time.
THUMP! THUMP!
Her body was pumping blood rapidly, and every breath became a struggle. She knew she couldn't stay any longer.
"Excuse me for a moment," Maya said hurriedly, her voice strained. She didn't wait for a response as she turned and quickly walked away from the booth, each step feeling heavier than the last.
"Maya, are you okay?" Amelia called out, concern evident in her voice. Kiera and the others echoed her worry, but Maya didn't stop to answer. She couldn't risk it.
She moved through the festival crowd, her pace quickening. The curious glances and murmured questions of those she passed barely registered. All she could focus on was getting away before she lost control completely.
Though using magic wasn't prohibited, there were regulations of how one mustn't pass a certain threshold, yet he couldn't care less.
Finally, she found a secluded spot in the academy forest, in a place filled with trees.
Maya leaned heavily against the tree, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. The forest around her was a sanctuary, a place where she could momentarily escape the chaos of the festival. However, her reprieve was fleeting. The sounds of explosions echoed in the distance, a constant reminder of the danger that loomed just beyond the trees.
Her body trembled, the demonic energy in the air aggravating her vampiric instincts. Normally, Maya could disguise her true nature, hiding the telltale signs of her vampirism behind a carefully maintained facade.
But now, with the pervasive corruption thickening the air, maintaining control was becoming increasingly difficult.
"Why now?" she whispered to herself, her voice tinged with desperation. "Why here?"
She clutched at her chest, feeling the erratic thumping of her heart. Each beat sent a surge of hunger through her, a ravenous craving that threatened to overtake her senses.
The scent of blood from the wounded and dying civilians at the festival reached her even here, in the depths of the forest. It was intoxicating, a siren call that beckoned her to give in to her darkest urges.
"No," Maya muttered through gritted teeth. "I can't... I won't."
She forced herself to focus, drawing on every ounce of her willpower to suppress the vampiric features that threatened to emerge. Her normally vibrant blue eyes flickered with hints of crimson, and she felt her fangs lengthening involuntarily. She dug her nails into the bark of the tree, using the pain as a grounding force.
"I need to control this," she told herself, her voice a steadying mantra. "I need to stay hidden."
The thought of revealing her true nature to the world filled her with dread. She had worked so hard to maintain her human guise, to protect those around her from the truth.
But now, with the demonic energy coursing through the air, that facade was slipping.
In the distance, another explosion rocked the ground, sending a plume of smoke skyward. Maya's heightened senses picked up the cries of fear and pain from the festival grounds.
Every instinct screamed at her to go and help, to use her powers to protect the innocent.
But she knew she couldn't risk it. Not now, not when she was so close to losing control.
She sank to the ground, pressing her back against the tree and closing her eyes. She needed to center herself, to find the strength to resist the overwhelming hunger. She pictured Junior's face in her mind, drawing strength from the memory of his calm, steady presence. He had always believed in her, always trusted her to do the right thing.
"I can't let him down," she whispered. "If it is known, I will never see him again."
She manipulated the earth, plugging her nose so that she couldn't smell anything.
Then she focused on her breathing, taking slow, measured breaths to calm her racing heart. Following that, she reached for her spatial storage and took out a small pouch.
GULP!
And then started drinking it. Even though she didn't know if this would quench her feelings, she left herself in the relief of his blood.
The sounds of the festival and the forest blended into a distant hum, and she found a sliver of peace amidst the chaos.
Just like that, she closed her senses, leaning on that tree.
She could hold herself until everything ended. At least, that was what she wanted to believe.
*******
The world was dark, as she intended.
Her senses dulled to the chaos outside.
Until that moment.
Like a whisper through the void, the throbbing sensation returned, a relentless pulse that cut through her self-imposed isolation.
Her eyes snapped open, the darkness replaced by a crimson haze. The demonic energy that had been a distant hum now roared in her ears, and she felt it—three distinct blood scents wafting through the air.
The first two were thick, rich, and tantalizingly close. The third was more subtle, hidden beneath the overpowering aroma of the other two, but it was there, beckoning her.
"No..." she muttered, her voice a faint echo of defiance. But her body betrayed her, muscles tensing, fangs elongating, and her eyes now a deep, unrelenting crimson.
The primal hunger surged within her, overwhelming any semblance of control she had left.
SWOOSH!
With a speed that defied her human past, Maya dashed through the forest, her movements a blur. Trees and underbrush seemed to part before her as she followed the scent, her mind consumed by the need to sate the thirst that gnawed at her very being.
As she neared the source of the blood, the scene came into focus. Two figures carried by a slightly tall, bulky person.
One of the figures had fiery red hair, while the other one had silvery long hair flowing down.
"Grrr….."
And she instantly attacked, not being able to contain her desires.
Chapter 414 - Not every negative thing is negative (2)
The moment the organization decided to attack, when the order came, all of the members immediately started the operation without any doubt.
Since none of the lower-ranked members could go against the orders of the higher-ranked executives, it was pretty similar to the military, where the hierarchy was absolute.
At least, that was how it was for the starters.
Different from the military, though, for the organization, the hierarchy was much clearer than others.
The reason for that?
The repercussions for not directly complying with the orders.
It was pain and death.
The moment one enters the organization, all they do is leave their lives to the control of high-ranking executives.
This is how the demonic energy works.
Higher-ranking demons can directly command the lower-ranking ones, the same as the humans who traded their humanity for strength via demonic core.
[Plans have changed. Carry on with the attack now!]
Thus, the moment the order came, even though it was not expected and slightly surprising, none of the members cared about it and attacked it.
The same went for Bill, who was just a recently joined member of the organization.
Bill's heart pounded with a mixture of anticipation and dark satisfaction as he received the order. He had no hesitation, no second thoughts. From the moment he had joined the organization, he had accepted the path he would take. After all, he, too, had his own past, one that fueled his resolve.
He remembered the day vividly, the day a hunter forcefully broke into his apartment when he was a child. She had assaulted his brother, and the memory of his brother had changed after that day, and the memory of his brother hanging from the ceiling with his head tied to the rope.
It was that day that he saw the ugliness of the world.
Joining the organization had given him the power he craved, the means to exact his revenge.
He moved swiftly through the shadows of the amphitheater, his eyes scanning the crowd for his target. The corrupted seeds he had planted were already taking effect, and chaos was spreading.
Screams echoed around him, but he felt nothing for the people caught in the crossfire.
After all, those were the same people who had refused to listen to his brother at all. Some people even thought his brother was lucky.
The insanity was innate to humans, and that was when he understood that.
Bill spotted a group of professors and hunters forming a defensive perimeter around a cluster of students. His lips curled into a cold smile. These were the people he wanted to make suffer, the ones who were the same as that woman.
Though he didn't have the exact strength to go against the professors right now, did that matter?
'They will be here soon.'
After all, the executives were about to reveal themselves. That was the plan as it was constructed. The moment the attack started, the executives suddenly appeared with their formidable strength, and then they caught the professors off guard.
As the lower rank member, his whole job was to slightly distract the professors until the executives revealed themselves.
Bill activated his communication device as the command was issued to his squad. [Group A, converge on my position. We're taking down that professor and the students she's protecting. Move out!]
Within moments, several figures emerged from the shadows, each wearing the dark uniform of the organization. Their clothes had already changed, taking their normal form. After this point, there was no need to keep their disguises anymore.
They nodded to Bill, determination, and malevolence gleaming in their eyes.
"Let's go," Bill growled. "Hit them hard and fast. Distract them until the executives arrive."
They moved as one, charging toward the cluster of professors and students. Bill's heart raced with dark excitement as he closed the distance, his weapon drawn.
The professor, a middle-aged woman with a stern expression, saw them coming and immediately reacted. "Get behind me!" she shouted to the students, raising her hands and conjuring a shimmering barrier of mana.
Bill and his squad struck the barrier simultaneously, their combined force causing it to flicker and waver. But the professor held firm, her eyes narrowing in concentration.
"Focus your attacks!" Bill barked. "Break through that barrier!"
They unleashed a relentless barrage of strikes, their demonic energy crackling against the barrier. The professor gritted her teeth, reinforcing her shield with every ounce of her power.
But the professors of Arcadia Hunter Academy were not to be underestimated. As Bill's squad pressed their assault, another professor instantly joined the place, noticing that this side was being targeted.
One professor, a tall man with a scar across his face, launched a counterattack with a blast of fiery mana, forcing Bill and his squad to scatter.
Following that, seeing that she was being covered, the female professor instantly summoned tendrils of ice to ensnare and immobilize several of Bill's comrades while also casting the barrier on the other hand.
'Fuck. They are really strong.'
Bill cursed under his breath. They were strong—stronger than he had anticipated. The professors responded swiftly and with precision, coordinating their defenses and counterattacks seamlessly.
[Don't stop.] The order came once again while his frustration was mounting. [We need to hold them off until the executives arrive!]
'We are trying to, you fucker.'
He wanted to curse, but he didn't have any time at all.
CLANK!
Since the blade of the professor knocked him away.
It had just happened in an instant, and then he was blasted off by the sheer force of the attack. No, it wasn't just a sheer force. It was most likely related to the Professor's mana, which was coated on the blade.
CRASH!
Yet he couldn't even think about it anymore as he crashed into the wall, his body breaking down internally.
"Burghk-!"
Blood splattered around as he felt like his body was in shambles.
Bill looked around and saw that their side was getting pushed back. Countless members of their organization were dying on the ground one by one at the hands of the stronger professors. Though the initial chaos was still unfolding, and the corrupted civilians were attacking others, they were getting subjugated even by the students.
The professors and the academy personnel who had instantly gotten organized were dealing with the demonic humans systematically.
His eyes searched for the executives, looking for their traces if he could find any of them. He waited for them to make their appearance, trusting them though the uneasiness in his heart grew.
But to his dismay, they did not appear. The executives did not show up, and he witnessed more and more deaths. The realization struck him like a blow to the gut.
They were discarded. They were left alone.
'Right? What did you expect, you dumb fucker?'
Bill's heart sank as he saw the truth. The organization had sacrificed them, using them as mere pawns in their grand scheme.
'Did you think they would care about you, huh? Are you that stupid? When have you become that naive, huh?'
His mind raced with the bitter reality that he had been used and abandoned.
'When did this world once do something for you, stupid motherfucker?'
Anger, frustration, and a deep sense of betrayal welled up within him. He cursed himself for believing that these people would care about him. He cursed himself for believing that in this world, something was going on his way.
He struggled to his feet, his body aching from the impact. The sight of his comrades being slaughtered fueled his rage, but he knew that staying would mean certain death.
"They left us," he muttered bitterly, his voice barely a whisper. "They used us and left us to die."
However, there was one reason why Bill was able to stay alive to this point and was accepted by the organization as one of the members.
Something that he had always taken count of.
His quick judgment.
"Urghk-!"
At that moment, he heard a voice coming from his side. Up to this point, he had never once cared about what was happening around him. But then, as he heard the voice, he spread his senses.
Only to see something that could change everything.
"These two. They are still here."
Two bodies lay on the ground. One of them was still unconscious, while the other one was slowly gaining consciousness.
'This.'
And in an instant, something came into his mind.
Something.
A way for him to survive.
Or at least a way for him to pay this world back for all the things he had received.
Bill's eyes narrowed as he focused on the two students. One has short red hair, and the other has long silver hair. Without wasting a second, he rushed towards them. He first went for the red-haired girl since she was about to wake up.
The moment he reached her, it was already a bit late as she had woken up.
"Burn."
She attacked him with a quick-fire spell, but her attack was sloppy since she was not in full control.
Bill evaded the strike and then reached her, striking her on the head and making her unconscious once more. Grabbing her, he instantly dashed to the silver-haired girl. He struck her head to ensure she was unconscious and not pretending.
SWIRL!
As he prepared himself to move away, suddenly, he felt an enormous amount of mana coming from one side. Turning his head, he saw a wave of fire coming his way, threatening to envelop and burn everything down.
Turning his head to the side, he saw a woman with her eyes ablaze. A woman that he didn't know before, but he noticed an insignia on her chest. Seeing the insignia, he realized her identity. She was someone from the Emberheart family, and he smirked.
"If you come any closer, this girl will die," he threatened, gripping the unconscious red-haired girl tightly.
"Leave the miss alone. Or you will face the consequences."
The woman replied; however, Bill knew if he were to show any weakness here, he wouldn't leave this place alive.
"What consequences? Are you going to kill me? I am already dead, and I don't care."
"I am warning you one last time."
"I say the same."
He was trying to play it cool, but he didn't know such a strong woman would be here to face him this time.
'Fucking shit. It is never easy.'
He once again cursed himself and his luck.
But before he could say anything more, suddenly, the woman raised her hand as the fire swirled around her fingers.
"Don't come? Don't you care what will happen to your young miss? Do you want her to die?"
She didn't stop. Thus, he could only channel his demonic energy into his hands.
"One last warning."
He said, pointing towards her head.
However, the woman did not stop at all, as if she didn't care, and attacked him with the utmost strength. Seeing that, Bill cursed and instantly activated something he had secretly stolen from the armory of the organization.
[Flag]
A special artifact that made the wearer return to a special place marked by it via spatial manipulation.
It was the reason why he dared to grab these girls. After all, if he were to escape using this artifact, he would be easily found out by the organization, and his death would be certain. But, with these girls in his hand, he would even get a promotion that differed from his previous situation.
WOOSH!
Just as the wave of fire was about to engulf him, the artifact activated.
The space around Bill and the two unconscious girls warped and twisted, pulling them away from the immediate danger. In the blink of an eye, they were gone, leaving behind a scorched mark on the ground where they had been standing.
WROOM!
However, on the other side. The moment Bill entered the spatial portal, something happened. It was interfered with by something external.
'Huh?'
As if a net was wrapped across the academy. At that moment, he realized why this mission was abandoned.
'The Academy was already aware.'
And in an instant, he had appeared once again in the real world. But different from what was expected, he was in a forest.
In the academy forest on top of that.
He was trapped.
Chapter 415 - Not every negative thing is negative (3)
The moment he realized that the academy was planning to trap them, everything made sense. But, it was still not the time to think about all those things. After all, in a way, he was running for his life there.
He knew he needed to get out of there quickly since staying here only meant Death, and that wasn't something that he could accept no matter what.
He had a map of the academy and its bird's-eye view, so he had a general idea of which direction to run in to leave the academy grounds.
WOOSH!
He began to run, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he sprinted through the forest.
After all, the amount of mana he had spent while fighting against the professors and the little energy that was left inside him was not enough to coat himself with mana completely.
He also spent quite a bit of mana while activating the artifact, which made it worse. Adding to the injuries he had sustained, it was evident that he would have a hard time.
The slight darkness resulting from the thick foliage made it difficult to navigate, but he pressed on, driven by desperation and the need to escape.
SHIVER!
Suddenly, he sensed someone's presence. A bloodthirstiness that made his body quiver from the pressure and the 'intent.'
'What? Is there a monster here?'
The pressure was so much, and the bloodthirstiness was so crazy that he couldn't help but remember that one time when he was a hunter, he faced a boss.
This level of bloodthirstiness was comparable to that.
The world seemed to slow down around him, his senses heightened by the imminent danger. His superhuman senses and intuition parameters that he had honed after years of fighting when he was a child made this possible.
'Too fast.'
Despite this, he couldn't react completely in time. The speed of the attacker was much higher than his own.
CRACK!
In an instant, he deployed a quick barrier of mana, which lacked depth and good formation.
The barrier managed to block some of the impact, but the force behind the attack was overwhelming.
CRASH!
He was sent flying back, crashing through the underbrush and slamming into a tree.
And he was not alone. The other two students that he was carrying on his shoulders also flew up in the sky, each hitting a tree and stopping.
Pain coursed through his body, but he forced himself to stand, groaning in agony. He looked up to see his attacker emerge from the shadows—a figure with long purple hair cascading down to her shoulders.
A figure that looked young, most likely an academy student.
But something was different about that figure.
What was it?
'Those eyes. What the hell?'
Blood-red pupils filled with madness. Symbolizing the bloodthirstiness.
'Fangs?'
And two fangs directly seeping through the mouth.
'That expression.'
The face that would normally pass as beautiful was now contorted. It looked eerie and dangerous.
"Grr….."
Bill's eyes widened in realization. This was no ordinary student. This was a monster, a result of the corruption seeds they had been spreading. But could such a strong monster be created just by those seeds?
Before he could answer that question, the monstrous girl disappeared from his vision. He spread his senses to detect her presence, but his senses picked up nothing.
'Is she gone?'
He thought inwardly that the danger had finally passed.
"What the hell was that girl?"
Leaning against the tree, he released a hearty breath.
But the moment he did that, his eyes met with two crimson spheres.
'!'
His body turned cold, his blood stopping. The girl hadn't left; she was just right on top of him.
The monstrous girl's fangs gleamed in the dim light, and before he could react, she lunged at him with terrifying speed. He tried to raise his arms to block her, but she was too fast. Her fangs sank into his shoulder, and he screamed in pain.
Bill struggled, trying to push her off, but her grip was like iron. The pain was excruciating, and he felt his strength draining away as she fed on him.
"Gulp."
He did his best to use the demonic energy in his demonic core, which was recently integrated into him. Though the power was hard to use and it went berserk often, he knew he didn't have a chance.
'But why?'
However, it didn't work at all. The energy wasn't responding to his calls.
No, it was rather about to go berserk. The situation was too dire for him.
'COME YOU FUCKING ENERGY! WHY ARE YOU NOT WORKING!'
He wanted to shout with anger, but even mustering the strength to move his mouth felt like a chore.
His vision blurred, and he knew he had to act fast if he wanted to survive. However, he couldn't use the demonic energy.
Thankfully, because his core wasn't completely integrated into his body, he was still able to use normal mana like other humans, but it was limited to non-delicate type. His connection to normal mana was corrupted, making it a lot harder to control.
Yet, if it was a primal way of using it.
He could do it.
With a desperate burst of energy, he summoned all the mana he could muster and blasted her with a shockwave.
"Grr….."
The force threw her off him, and she landed a few feet away, hissing in anger.
His body was shaking in fear. For the first time in a while, he was feeling such a thing. Even while facing the professors, he hadn't felt like the death was this close.
"Haaaaah….Haaaah….Haaaaah…."
It was as if something was suppressing him initially. Inherently, he was against a superior being from the start.
'Ah….'
And at that moment, the realization hit him.
The reason why his demonic energy didn't work.
Because he was against a demonic being right now.
A demonic being was ranked much higher than him in terms of hierarchy.
'Why is there someone like her? And why is she attacking me?'
There were infinitely many questions that lingered in his head, but he couldn't answer any of them.
He staggered to his feet, clutching his bleeding shoulder. He knew he couldn't fight her head-on. He needed to escape.
"Grrrr..."
But how could he do it?
How could he escape from this situation?
As he asked himself this, the girl attacked him once again, instantly appearing right beside him. He raised his hand to attack to fend her off, but the girl just ignored it and went straight for his neck. He managed to push her back once again with a burst of raw mana, sending her skidding across the ground.
'She's not acting rationally,' he thought, panting heavily. 'She's only focused on something… but what?'
Then it hit him. The first time he had blasted her with a shockwave, she should have been able to sense it easily, but she didn't react just as this time. Her movements were erratic, driven by an insatiable hunger rather than strategy or awareness.
His blood.
The moment he realized this, his eyes darted to the two girls lying on the ground. Then, another question arose this time.
Why was she this focused on his blood? Those girls were also there, but her attention was solely on him. And it was not like he posed as a threat either.
'Threat? Ah…..'
Then he understood why, and a plan began to form in his mind.
'Please work...'
"Grrrrr..."
SWOOSH!
The girl once again rushed towards his body with erratic speed. It was faster than before. But this time, he was ready for the plan.
"Argh-!"
His body was in pain, but he couldn't care less. There was only one thing that could be done here.
His mana was depleted, and his demonic energy was inaccessible. Therefore, he did something that Hunters would only do when their lives were on the line.
Using his own life force.
The essence that displayed his vitality. The essence of his whole very being. The moment his life force was depleted, he would die.
But what was the use of lifeforce if he couldn't even live to deplete it?
In an instant, amongst the pain that he was feeling, strength started filling his veins. He felt like his body was a lot stronger than before.
Even with this, he knew that he wouldn't be able to face the girl on his own. Thus, he did what he needed to do.
–SWOOSH!
He reached the red-haired girl first and quickly smeared some of his blood onto her neck.
The monstrous girl's eyes locked onto the new scent, her predatory gaze fixated on the red-haired girl.
"Growl-!"
She let out a guttural growl, driven by the overpowering scent of blood. But at the same time, something felt like holding her back. She was not moving but rather wriggling.
As if she was fighting with herself.
But Bill could care less.
He took this moment of distraction to move to the silver-haired girl.
He smeared more of his blood onto her as well, ensuring the monstrous girl's attention was fully diverted.
With the monstrous girl now focused on the two unconscious students, Bill began to leave the place, pumping life force into his legs. He felt his skin slowly deteriorating, his body aging rapidly as if he was being drained of years with every step.
But in the face of his death, he could care less. He just wanted to leave the place.
His heart pounded in his chest as he ran, the forest blurring around him. He pushed himself harder, his legs burning with the unnatural energy. He could feel his muscles straining, his bones aching, but he didn't stop.
He looked back and saw the girl was no longer pursuing him. She was completely fixated on the two students, her predatory instincts overriding everything else.
"Yes….I am alive…..Haaah….Haaah…."
A feeling of joy and relief washed over him. He was alive. At least for now.
SWOOSH! POP!
But suddenly, something happened.
His vision turned dark. He couldn't see anything. "What...?" he muttered, confusion and panic setting in.
In an instant, he lost consciousness.
His world ended. His body fell to the ground, with blood oozing from his forehead from a small, precise hole.
He lay there lifeless, his skin wrinkled and aged, a stark testament to the toll of using his life force.
All of his desperate attempts, all of what he had done to survive.
It was meaningless.
He faced death randomly by a simple mana bullet burning his forehead.
Right on the side of the monstrous girl, she attempted to attack the red-haired girl, no longer able to control herself. She leaped towards the red-haired girl's neck, fangs bared and eyes glowing with bloodlust.
SWOOSH!
But then, suddenly, someone appeared from the shadows, moving with swift, silent precision.
He put his arm right before the girl's fangs just as she was about to sink them into the red-haired girl.
The monstrous girl bit down hard, her fangs piercing the flesh of the newcomer's arm.
"I am here, Senior. You can calm down now."