What is a Counterattack?
Bang!
With a sound like the air itself bursting, Kim Su-hyeon shot forward. He had only pushed off the ground once, yet he had already closed nearly a third of the distance to the mages on the opposite side. His leap and speed were terrifyingly formidable.
The vagrants seemed to sense the overwhelming force of Kim Su-hyeon, who had effortlessly dispatched their comrade and was now charging toward them. But they weren’t just going to stand by idly.
These vagrants were the “real deal.” They were people who roamed from place to place without the sanctuary of a city, constantly facing threats to their lives. They had faced opponents beyond their abilities before and had survived many a brush with death.
“Concentrate fire! Prepare to concentrate fire!”
The mage in the center raised his staff high and shouted, causing the other mages, who were in the midst of preparing their spells, to turn their heads in unison. Spotting Kim Su-hyeon charging at them like a bullet, they all aimed their staffs at him.
The jewels at the ends of their staffs began to glow in various colors. Including the mages who were still preparing their spells, nearly twenty spells were now targeting Kim Su-hyeon.
Despite the rapidly closing distance, the vagrant mages did not immediately unleash their magic. The square was filled with chaos, yet they maintained a calm demeanor, waiting for someone’s command.
In the center, the mage who had first called for concentrated fire was quietly chanting a spell. He seemed to have mastered rapid incantation, as a green orb quickly formed at the tip of his staff, growing larger and rounder. When the orb reached the size of a soccer ball, the mage shouted the activation word in a booming voice.
”───. ───. ───. Ensnare!”
The green orb shot straight from the staff aimed at Kim Su-hyeon, spreading out like a wave as it rushed toward him. Simultaneously, as if they had been waiting for this moment, the other mages also unleashed their spells.
“Water Spear!”
“Ice Cannon!”
“Chain Lightning!”
“Thunderbolt!”
A multitude of lights flashed. The terrifyingly powerful spells surged toward Kim Su-hyeon like a relentless barrage, forming a perfect storm of magical bombardment.
As the Ensnare spell, leading the charge, reached Kim Su-hyeon’s vicinity, something remarkable happened.
From the red belt tied around his sea-blue robe, a shimmering heat haze began to rise. As the haze gradually took on a blue hue, it seemed to solidify, forming a bluish shield just as the green net was about to envelop him.
Sizzle! Sizzle!
The mage who had cast the Ensnare spell widened his eyes in shock. The spell, which had surged like a wave, was effortlessly blocked by a shield created through the interaction of “Heaven’s Glory” and “Sun’s Glory.” The Ensnare spell spread out like paint in water, then quickly shrank with a sound like burning meat, before finally dissipating completely in a spray of green mist.
Revealed in the aftermath was Kim Su-hyeon, now wielding a sword in each hand. At some point, he had transferred the Ilwol Divine Sword to his left hand. In his right hand was a sword with an invisible blade, only the hilt visible. Kim Su-hyeon paused his storm-like charge and took a stance, then swung his swords fearlessly at the oncoming barrage of spells.
The first to meet his blade was the Water Spear, shaped like a sharp lance.
Swish! Splash!
Amazingly, the invisible sword sliced cleanly through the Water Spear. The spell, its magical power forcibly severed, lost its target and scattered into droplets in the air before vanishing.
But countless spells were still flying toward him.
The concentrated fire, filling every direction, seemed intent on obliterating Kim Su-hyeon entirely. And with the second wave of attacks being prepared, the destructive power was enough to obliterate a portion of the ground itself.
Swish, bang! Swish, clatter!
As the barrage reached Kim Su-hyeon, the disbelief that had flickered in the mages’ eyes when he cut through the Water Spear deepened with each successive strike.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
How could one describe it?
With an invisible sword in his right hand and the Ilwol Divine Sword in his left, Kim Su-hyeon swung both swords like a windmill, precisely deflecting each incoming spell. Like a skilled gardener swiftly trimming branches, there was not a hint of hesitation in his movements. Whether the spells came in staggered intervals or all at once, none were exceptions.
Countless sword lights flashed around Kim Su-hyeon. Each swing left a chilling trail, so fast it was almost impossible to follow with the eye, creating the illusion of an intricate sword barrier.
One might expect at least one spell to get through, but Kim Su-hyeon allowed no such breach. The sword lights he scattered were that precise and dense. With each sweep of his sword, the spells were mercilessly cut down, losing their targets like paper airplanes with torn wings, spiraling aimlessly before fading into the void.
When the concentrated fire finally ceased, Kim Su-hyeon emerged from the thick smoke of the explosions. The bluish shield still shimmered with a calm sea hue, and not a single scorch mark marred his clothing. The ground beneath his feet was the only evidence of the impact, scuffed and scraped, but Kim Su-hyeon himself was unscathed.
The central square had fallen silent. The cries of those desperate to survive, the burning desire for revenge, all had vanished.
The screams and madness that had filled the square were replaced by shock and disbelief. Both users and vagrants instinctively backed away, their eyes fixed on the lone man.
For most swordsmen, blocking magic with a sword is considered irrational. Even with thick gloves and a sword imbued with magical power, the explosion from the clash of magic is difficult to withstand. Moreover, mages typically have the highest magical stats, making it taboo for swordsmen to confront magic head-on without anti-magic abilities.
Yet here was a user who had shattered that taboo. Not just one spell, but dozens, all deflected and shattered. What was once deemed impossible had become reality.
After Kim Su-hyeon had blocked all the attacks, a brief second passed. His eyes flashed as he lifted his head, then he leaped into the air with a force and speed that far surpassed his previous jump, likely combining the abilities of the Gungshindan and Orosros Boots.
In the blink of an eye, Kim Su-hyeon was already in the air above the gathering of vagrant mages. The vagrants looked up, dumbfounded, as his body traced a graceful arc, beginning its descent.
Finally regaining their senses, the vagrants exhaled the breaths they had been holding.
“Fire, fire!”
Arrows whistled through the air.
”───. ───. ───. Gust of Wind!”
”───. ───. ───. Fire Lance!”
The mages, preparing their second wave of attacks, unleashed their spells.
Once again, arrows and magic soared into the sky. It was an unavoidable attack, timed for the moment Kim Su-hyeon’s leap reached its peak and he began to descend. Yet there was no trace of panic on Kim Su-hyeon’s face. In fact, a slight smile played on his lips, as if he had anticipated this all along.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Boom! Boom!
Arrows and spells pierced through Kim Su-hyeon without mercy. Seeing his body riddled with holes, the vagrants’ faces lit up with joy. But that joy quickly crumbled as they realized the arrows and spells continued to fly through the air, colliding and exploding. The remnants of Kim Su-hyeon’s form, torn and scattered, slowly dissolved into the void. It was a substitution technique.
“Behind, he’s behind us!”
Someone shouted loudly. The vagrants, who had been staring blankly at the sky, hurriedly turned their heads. The vagrant mage who had commanded the concentrated fire also spun around in alarm. But Kim Su-hyeon had already taken position behind his intended target long before.
The last thing the rogue mage saw as he spun around was Kim Su-hyun, swinging an invisible sword, leaving a brilliant blue arc in the air.
Thwack!
The invisible blade cleaved the mage from the crown of his head down to his mouth, splitting him perfectly in two. He was the one who had cast the ensnare spell on me earlier. He was skilled, but he had the air of a leader, making him my first target.
Thud!
The mage, his head split, crumpled to the ground. Blood poured from his neck, slowly soaking the plaza floor.
With that, I had successfully landed in the midst of the vagrants. I quickly surveyed my surroundings. There were a few close-combat types, but most were long-range attackers, with 80% of them being mages.
Even seasoned vagrants didn’t expect to be breached so easily, and their movements froze. It was my chance. Without hesitation, I sheathed the Sun and Moon Sword and gripped the invisible blade tightly. While the Sun and Moon Sword was decent, the invisible blade was better suited to unleash my full magical power.
Vroom!
As I channeled my magic, the invisible blade emitted a clear, resonant hum. Though unseen, those with sharp senses would recognize the danger. I saw a few flinch as I accelerated the flow of magic through my circuits.
As the magic coursed through my right hand, the invisible blade began to vibrate ominously. With a magic power rating of 96, the vibrations were intense enough to shake the air.
Satisfied with the build-up, I glanced at the blade. A bluish aura rippled along its length. I heard frantic incantations and the twang of bowstrings from all directions. I lunged sideways, swinging the blade with all my might toward the densest cluster of mages.
Boom!
The air, seemingly empty, rippled violently as I struck. The moment I felt the heavy recoil in my hand, the magic enveloping the blade transformed into a wave that surged toward the mages.
Crash!
“Damn it!”
“Don’t block it, dodge!”
The wave tore through the air, expanding into a fan shape as it closed in on them. The mages, sensing the oncoming force, scattered left and right, shouting in panic. Only those on the far edges managed to escape.
“Aaargh!”
“Nooo!”
The massive wave engulfed the mages’ gathering. As I followed the wave, I witnessed the devastation it wrought.
The wave sliced through the first row of five mages without resistance. It cut through four more in the second row, and by the third row, its cutting power waned, lifting the remaining two into the air. But they had no reason to celebrate; the shockwave embedded in the wave was still potent.
Crack! Crunch!
Though the wave didn’t cut the last two, it thoroughly destroyed them. They slammed into the central plaza bulletin board, which collapsed with a splintering crash. Blood sprayed, and their limbs exploded outward, scattering across the ground.
In one strike, I had turned eleven mages into a bloody mess. But there was no time to revel in it. By now, the others would have completed their spells. I needed to deal with those outside the wave’s reach and finish off the rest. Just then—
“Aaaargh!”
A furious scream pierced my ears. I turned to see one charging at me, his speed and agility surprising. His agility stat might be over 90.
Ping! Ping!
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Arrows and ice spells. My magic detection picked up several presences. First, I had to deal with the vagrant rushing at me. He wore knuckles with sharp spikes, aiming straight for my face.
Whoosh!
Fast and powerful, but predictable. I tilted my head, feeling the wind rush past my ear. Glancing down, I saw his left hand poised for a follow-up strike. Anticipating this, I adjusted my strength and punched his abdomen with my free left hand.
“Ugh!”
He doubled over, leaning forward. I could have ended it with a stab, but he still had a role to play. I grabbed his nape and lifted him toward the incoming presences.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
Two arrows to the head, two ice spikes to the abdomen. His durability was high enough that they didn’t pierce through. I felt him shudder in my grip before his limbs went limp.
I discarded his now-useless body, seeing the remaining vagrants grinding their teeth at me.
About thirty of them were left. I was about to spring into action and head for the warp gate when a massive cheer erupted behind me.
Turning slightly, I saw the users, who had been overwhelmed until now, rising with weapons in hand.
Their eyes burned with a desire for revenge, ready to repay the suffering they had endured.
“Huff, huff. You’re quite the remarkable user.”
“Perhaps it’s best not to talk while running?”
“Ha! I may be old, but I’m not dead yet.”
“I see. We’ll reach the warp gate soon. I’ll scout ahead, so please follow me. Go Yeon-ju, I’m counting on you.”
After confirming Go Yeon-ju’s nod, I sprinted forward.
In the end, we dealt with every vagrant in the plaza. Once I disrupted the core of their firepower, the users, who had been mere spectators, charged in. It was unexpected support, but it helped us clear the plaza faster.
After the battle, the users swarmed me, expressing gratitude for turning the tide, saving them, and being their hope. But I had no time to respond to each one.
The vagrants in the plaza were just the internal support. The real elite would be rushing from the east, west, and north gates. My plan was to escape Mule before they reached the warp gate or plaza.
I quickly gathered my clan members and left the plaza. I sensed a few presences following, but I had no intention of worrying about them.
The warp gate came into view, and I pushed myself harder, enhancing my vision with magic. I exhaled deeply.
‘As expected, it’s occupied.’
The distance to the warp gate was closing rapidly. The situation mirrored the plaza. Dozens of vagrants surrounded the gate, encircled by hundreds of users.
There were differences, though. The vagrants were focused on defense rather than attack, and the users were desperately trying to reclaim the warp gate.
It was better than the plaza since they weren’t being overwhelmed, but the screams growing closer from three directions indicated the vagrants were nearly upon us. I paused, deep in thought.
‘Good thing I saved it. Time to use it.’
I summoned my magic once more, stomping the ground with force. A ripple spread, and dozens of energies began to materialize, forming into the shape of swords. I awakened the power of the Fire Spirit within my heart.
Fwoosh! Fwoosh!
The distinct sound of flames signaled the awakening of the Fire Spirit. The swords, once blue, now glowed red as the Fire Spirit ignited.
‘Make sure the warp gate isn’t damaged.’
I resumed my stride, thrusting my right hand forward. Simultaneously, the blazing swords shot toward the warp gate.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Ro Yujin.
Ah, it seems there’s been a bit of a misunderstanding. I wasn’t talking about a battle. Haha. Anyway, Mule’s escape is planned to happen within the next two episodes, so please look forward to the story that follows. (The return chapter is expected to be between episodes 8 and 12. Haha.) The weather is really hot these days! Please take care of your health and have a restful night! :D
『 Reader Comments 』
Miwolya: Miwolya! It’s been a while. Haha. You always manage to snag first place when you set your mind to it. :) Enjoy this episode!
Saramin: Haha. I think just making the effort is valuable in itself. That’s my personal belief. :D
Flute: Kim Yoo-hyun won’t be appearing in Mule! LOL.
EHyeon: Oh no, you’re heading to the military in a month. ;ㅇ; I’m in my second year now~. (Ouch!) @[email protected] Stay healthy and take care! Hahaha.
Superrobot: I realized the term “aside” didn’t quite fit, so I adjusted it to better suit the context. Thank you. (__)
POWERED: It seems there might be some battle content coming up, whether a lot or a little. :)
ReaderFury: Right? It’s been ages since I last wrote about a battle. LOL.
Siryong: Don’t worry, I’ll wrap up the return within 12 episodes at the latest! (Though, of course, there might be some margin for error.)
ShadowΞGhost: Episodes 40 or 50? No way! Haha. It won’t go that far!
Seokyangs: Exactly. Sometimes it’s by choice, and other times you just get swept along. You’re spot on.
Officelove19: Haha, I always read the comments! :D
Thank you all for reading. Your recommendations and comments are a great source of strength.
I hope you always read my work with a relaxed mind.
Recommendations, comments, critiques, and questions are always welcome.