Chapter 264: Facing the Boss from the Start?
My words seemed to hit a nerve, as Marvolo’s face briefly tensed. But it was only for a moment. Soon, his eyes curved into crescent moons, and a wide grin spread across his face, stretching almost to his earlobes.
“Heh. A half-baked god, you say. Normally, I’d be furious… but strangely, I’m not.”
“That’s because it’s true.”
“Hoho. I’ll concede to some of it. But more than that…”
Marvolo wasn’t just sitting idly by. He rose slowly from his chair, wagging his index finger back and forth. Taking it as a signal, the users behind him, with their eerie gray eyes, began to slink forward. Marvolo, still smiling, raised a hand.
“I realized you’re in the same boat as me.”
Snap!
He flicked his fingers as if he were on a leisurely stroll. Instantly, the users were enveloped in a soft silver glow, which quickly dissipated. Activating my third eye, I could see their physical abilities had significantly increased. They had received a buff from the archmage.
“Let’s let the underlings play among themselves. It’s only right for leaders to face opponents of their own caliber, don’t you think?”
“Is that your life philosophy? Either way, I doubt they’ll stand a chance against my comrades.”
“Call it the pride of an archmage rather than a philosophy. And don’t underestimate them. It’s often better to finish things cleanly with one spell than to unleash a barrage of complex ones.”
I glanced at Go Yeon-ju. She nodded silently, signaling that I should leave this to her. Though some of the clan members seemed uneasy, I decided it was best to trust her.
In fact, it might be more advantageous for me to keep Marvolo de Ailight occupied one-on-one than to engage in a larger battle. Because…
“You look curious. Wondering why I haven’t used mind control?”
“Go ahead and try. I’ll just cut it off or kill you before you can.”
“Hoho. So confident. I like it. Keep that attitude up. It’ll make it all the more satisfying when I finally break you.”
“You’re quite the perverted old man. Why not act your age?”
Despite my continuous taunts, Marvolo’s expression remained unchanged. If anything, he seemed to be enjoying himself, humming with delight.
“Heh. It’s a matter of taste. As you get older, it’s hard to find pleasure in the ordinary… Once you get a taste, you won’t be able to escape the catharsis.”
‘I know. I felt something similar when I subdued Lilith.’
Suddenly, the image of Lilith, a demon on par with an angel, begging for her life in tears and snot, flashed in my mind. I chuckled, gripping the hilt of my invisible sword. The archmage watched me with a curious gaze.
”…”
Come to think of it, this was the first time I was truly wielding the invisible sword. If it had been the Sun and Moon Sword, there would have been a chilling sound as it was drawn, but the invisible sword made no noise. It was as if only the hilt existed, floating in the air.
The blade was invisible. Even with my third eye activated, I couldn’t see it. But though it was unseen, I could feel its presence, likely due to its bound effect. I tightened my grip on the hilt and aimed it directly at the wizard before me.
Though Marvolo couldn’t see it, he seemed to sense the threat, his curious eyes fixed on the hilt.
“Oh, an invisible sword. You never cease to surprise me. Ah, you all go on ahead. You’re failures, so it doesn’t matter if you die. Just leave your bodies behind, don’t get in the way. Hoho.”
“Here they come! Everyone, get ready. Su-hyun! Don’t worry about us. Take care of yourself!”
At Marvolo’s casual gesture, the users who had been standing still began to creep forward. At the same time, Go Yeon-ju’s concerned voice rang in my ears. Heeding her words, I focused all my attention on Marvolo. Even with the ancient buffs, I was confident Go Yeon-ju could handle them.
“While our subordinates are fighting hard, shouldn’t we get started too?”
”…”
“Oh, look at those eyes. You look like you want to devour me! Hoho.”
With a magic power stat of 100, this was not something to take lightly. The wizard before me was a veteran among veterans, a seasoned monster whose every gesture was dangerous. I didn’t think I would lose, but neither would Marvolo, so I couldn’t afford to be careless. Even if my class had a strong affinity against wizards.
‘I should save my fire magic. It might turn into a long battle, and using it from the start could drain my stamina. It’s better to create a solid opportunity with my skills and use it as a finisher.’
I wasn’t hoping for luck. This wasn’t an opponent to take lightly, and this place was practically Marvolo’s home ground. The first clash would likely be a probing battle, so I needed to gain a clear advantage early on and force him to reveal his hand.
“Hmm~. Hiding some strange power, able to cut magic, using an invisible sword. And judging by your clothes, you seem to have some magic defense… I could probably break through the magic defense, but the sword seems a bit dangerous… Hmm…”
”…”
While I was calculating my options, Marvolo muttered to himself, as if lost in thought, a trait common to wizards and alchemists. He even stroked his chin, deep in contemplation. Soon, he looked intrigued and spoke.
“So, how should I fight you? Heh… Hmm?”
“Petals imbued with cold, become a shattered flash under the dawn storm.”
It seemed Kim Han-byeol was preparing to cast a spell. Marvolo’s face lit up with interest, and he quickly turned his gaze in that direction.
“Spread!”
As a fierce voice rang out and a surge of magical energy washed over us, I leaped forward.
That’s when it happened.
“Where do you think you’re going!”
Whoosh! Boom!
He was ready. Sensing my approach, Marvolo extended his hand toward me. Invisible ropes wrapped around me, and a massive blue beam shot straight from his palm.
‘I won’t dodge.’
I decided to meet it head-on. With a magic power stat of 100, the force behind the beam was formidable. But I steadied my mind. Raising the invisible sword, I aimed it precisely at the center of the beam.
Crack!
As the invisible sword met the beam, it split in two, like the parting of the Red Sea. The resistance in my grip was rough, but it was less burdensome than I expected. Marvolo, surprised at how easily his magic was cut, looked at me with a near-ecstatic expression.
“Oh!”
I paid no mind to the binding magic. The glory of the sun burned hot around my waist, and the glory of the sky responded with a bluish shield. The ropes that tried to ensnare me dissolved into the shield. Marvolo clapped his hands, laughing heartily.
“Ah, this is fun! So much fun! Shall we test this too?”
“Why don’t you worry about yourself first?”
“You cheeky brat, where do you think you’re going?”
The seemingly endless beam finally ceased. As I cut through and emerged, Marvolo was within arm’s reach. Just as I calculated the range for my sword strike and prepared to swing, his body turned transparent, phasing back a step.
Simultaneously, I felt a massive pressure closing in from both sides. I could force my way through, but there was a better way. I immediately used my transformation ability.
Boom! Swoosh…
‘Was that gravity magic?’
With a tremendous noise, a shockwave erupted where I had just been. The space twisted and compressed as if under a press. The lingering magic in the air fluttered like a flag before dissolving into nothingness.
“What, did you really fall for that… huh?”
Marvolo tilted his head, puzzled, then snapped to attention. But I was already behind him, ready to strike.
In the blink of an eye, my gaze locked with Marvolo’s. Yet, he didn’t seem the least bit flustered. It was as if he had anticipated my intrusion through his magic from the start. His body was already turning translucent. Hoping he’d remain complacent, I swung my sword with the intent to split his skull.
But luck wasn’t on my side. As I brought my sword down, he swiftly shifted his position, forcing me to adjust my aim. And then…
Whoosh! Slice!
“Tsk.”
My sword narrowly grazed Marvolo’s left shoulder, and I watched as a thin arm plummeted to the ground.
Thud, thud.
I was ready to strike again, but Marvolo had already put distance between us, likely using a teleportation spell.
“Shame. I could’ve ended it there. Seems you haven’t wasted your years entirely.”
”…Ha. Unbelievable.”
For the first time since our battle began, Marvolo’s face twisted in disbelief. But he quickly regained his composure, raising his remaining hand as if to applaud his severed arm lying on the ground. Of course, with only one hand, no sound followed—just a futile gesture slicing through the air.
“Impressive, truly.”
”…Hmph.”
“I was careless. A mistake. Even after experiencing it firsthand, I can’t believe it. Physical force shouldn’t work on me here, and yet my arm isn’t regenerating. What on earth is going on?”
“Heh, guys like you always say that.”
“Hmm?”
Marvolo perked up, as if he’d been waiting for me to speak. His body, once transparent, was slowly regaining its original hue. The spell he used must have shifted his body to another dimension, rendering physical attacks useless—a particularly troublesome magic for close combatants.
Of course, such evasive magic doesn’t work on me. One of the unique traits of my sword is its ability to strike beings across all dimensions. Not to mention, I possess the power of a swordmaster, the ability to cut through anything in existence.
A lich once used a similar spell. Back then, I managed to land a direct hit with just my power. Combined with my sword’s traits, it resulted in a perfect strike—literally severing an arm. In short, whether Marvolo was a god or a demon, before me, he was just another human mage.
I twirled my sword, taunting him with a mocking tone.
“Underestimated, made a mistake, got careless. That’s what the incompetent always say. This isn’t life; it’s a battle for survival. Why live at a disadvantage?”
“Heh, you’re amusing. You’re right, every word hits home. If you were Lloyd, we might’ve been good friends. It’s a pity.”
“I’ll pass on that.”
“Ha, playing hard to get like a girl. Well then, as you wish, I’ll start getting serious…”
Bang! Bang!
Annoyed by his smugness, I sent a light sword wave his way. Marvolo, startled mid-sentence, hastily dispelled it with his remaining hand. His previously calm demeanor twisted into a scowl as he shouted.
“Damn it, let me speak, you impatient bastard! What’s the rush?”
I stared at Marvolo, dumbfounded. No matter how much I provoked him before, he just laughed it off. But now, attacking mid-sentence had him genuinely angry. He was indeed the madman his reputation suggested.
“I only sent a couple of sword waves…”
Scratching my head, I adjusted my stance. I had achieved my goal. If I had split his head as planned, the fight might have ended. Though a bit disappointed, I refocused. Severing an arm in a skirmish was a significant gain.
“Phew, my apologies. I misspoke.”
Marvolo took a deep breath, raising his sole remaining arm. He spread his fingers wide, and a radiant light began to emanate from his palm, glowing like the sun. He cradled it tenderly, as if playing a piano with his fingers.
Soon, the light elongated into a staff-like shape. Though it dimmed slightly, it still shone brightly, covering the entire area.
“It’s been a while since I brought this out. Allow me to introduce my lifelong companion.”
“Oh, looks expensive.”
“What? You call Ordo expensive? Ha! Other mages would be shocked!”
“Don’t get too cocky just because you pulled out a weapon.”
Marvolo laughed maniacally, then wiped his eyes and said, “Don’t worry. I have no intention of ending it here. As you wished, I’ll give it my all.”
With that, Marvolo raised Ordo high. For the first time since our confrontation began, he started chanting.
”───. ───. ───.”
Rumble. Rumble.
At that moment, the scenery around us began to vanish, unable to withstand the power of the spell. The picturesque landscape reverted to its original state, and soon the entire city began to tremble.
“I never thought I’d use this on just one person… But I must admit, I feel like I might lose if I don’t.”
Rumble! Rumble!
“Your magic resistance is astonishing. Take pride in that; it’s a compliment from a grand mage. Anyway, this is what you wanted, so don’t call it unfair.”
“Unfair.”
”…Damn.”
Marvolo’s body began to rise into the air. The light from Ordo enveloped everything, so vast it obscured the sky.
‘Time to leap with Gungshintangyeong and transform.’
Just as I was about to leap into the air, thinking it might be troublesome if the spell fully manifested…
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!
Countless green magic circles emerged from the ground, blocking my path with various defensive spells. It wasn’t just defense; curses and debuffs surged toward me, trying to prevent me from reaching Marvolo. I swung my sword to dispel them, but my initial goal was thwarted. And then…
Wooooo…!
The air vibrated with a deep, resonant magic. Swallowing hard, I surveyed the area, seeing countless magic circles on the city’s floor, each emitting vibrant colors.
Thunk! Crash!
As I drove my sword into the ground, the fragments shattered and scattered. But there were too many circles. Seeing the dozens, no, hundreds of magic circles, I couldn’t help but be impressed.
“What do you think?”
“Hmm?”
“This is my unique ability. The grand barrier using the Order of Ordo, the essence of the magic city Magia.”
“Hmm.”
Hearing his voice from above, I sighed and looked up. His skin, partially exposed, was glowing with the patterns I had seen earlier.
With his usual relaxed smile, he continued slowly, “You’d better brace yourself.”
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Royujin. Today, I’ll share a character dialogue session with you!
Royujin (When will Suhyun arrive…?)
Marvolo de Ailight: “Excuse me, Royujin.”
Royujin: “Oh, hello.”
Marvolo de Ailight: “Not so well. Let me ask you something. You’re going to continue the series today, right?”
Royujin: “Yes? Yes. I’ve been adding a lot of content lately, but readers seem to be craving more. How did you know?”
Marvolo de Ailight: “I read the next part stored on your computer. I won’t say much. Let’s not do this, okay?”
Royujin: “What?”
Marvolo de Ailight: “I mean, let’s not do this.”
Royujin: “What do you mean…?”
Marvolo de Ailight: “This crazy fire spell is so overpowered, it’s ridiculous. You hinted at something big today, but it ended so anticlimactically…”
Royujin: “Haha.”
(Royujin has left the chat.)
Marvolo de Ailight: “Sigh… ㅜ.ㅠ”
『 Reread 』
Miwolya: Congratulations on being first! It’s been a while since I’ve seen you snag the top comment. Haha. When you set your mind to it, you really can be number one. :)
MT Bear: I’m juggling e-book proofreading and preparing daily updates, so I’m a bit frazzled. There are still some awkward parts, but I’ll do my best to post more over the weekend!
dbss: Thanks for the coupon. (__) The current battle will wrap up in the next chapter. I can’t wait to dive into some fun treasure hunting myself. :D
Freeman: Ah, I see. Sorry, but could you explain what “Harlequin” means in this context? I looked it up on Naver, but I’m still not getting it. ㅜ.ㅠ
asa2289: Kyu? Kyu, kyukyu kyukyu. Kyukyu, kyukyu kyukyu. Kyu, kyukyu kyukyu! :)
OneShotMode: A new piece of equipment appeared this chapter… Ahem. I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Hehe.
EH Yeon: Wow, finishing in just two days is impressive. For me, anything over 200 chapters takes at least 4 to 5 days, no matter how fast I read. ㅜ.ㅠ
Mongmir: Hehe, thank you. There wasn’t an inn in the very early stages. But as time passed and we started conquering major and regular cities, the “Inn of Beginnings” became part of the setting. It’s somewhat similar to the user academy set up by the angel.
LatiDoll: Royujin is pondering! Is this a trap or not?
Note: Hmm, I think so too. I’m planning to finish the battle and head to the castle in the next chapter, but I’m still deciding. Should I tone it down for easier reading, or stick to the original plan? Hmm.
Thank you all for reading. Your recommendations and comments are a great source of strength.
I hope you always read with a relaxed mind.
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