Chapter 43: Reversing the Flames |
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The two men stared at Jonas with grave expressions, exchanging a glance before simultaneously casting wind magic to instantly create distance between them.
"Heh..."
In the next instant, Jonas moved like lightning, appearing before Losda with terrifying speed. His sword carried razor-sharp energy as it descended straight toward Losda.
The strike came too fast for Losda to react.
His pupils contracted sharply as the shadow of death loomed over him like an oppressive mountain, nearly suffocating him. He could only shut his eyes instinctively.
"Crack—"
With a crisp sound, Jonas's terrifying force smashed into Losda, sending him flying like a cannonball. His body traced an arc through the air before crashing heavily into a wall, kicking up dust and smoke.
Jonas stood still, a hint of confusion crossing his features. The impact hadn't felt right.
As Jonas pondered, the smoke gradually cleared to reveal Losda's figure. A faint circular barrier of light surrounded him, but it was shattering at an alarming rate.
Losda hunched over, eyes wide with shock as he stared at the disintegrating barrier. This was a high-grade magical artifact he'd obtained from the Magic Academy after completing numerous difficult missions!
Its defensive capabilities were extraordinary—capable of withstanding a full-power strike from a Bronze-rank swordsman. Yet Jonas's single slash had shattered it like paper.
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Though stunned, the two mages didn't hesitate to complete their incantation in that fleeting moment. As the spells were uttered, natural mana gathered and transformed into dozens of blazing fire whips that lashed toward Jonas like venomous snakes.
The fiery tendrils intertwined midair, forming an impenetrable net of flames. Seeing this, Losda grinned. In such a confined space, Jonas had nowhere to dodge. The thousand-degree flames would surely reduce him to ashes!
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Yet faced with this assault, Jonas simply extended a hand calmly—as if the deadly fire net were nothing more than a docile lamb. His opponents froze at this sight. Had he gone mad?
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The next instant, their eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. The moment Jonas's hand touched the fire net, the raging flames instantly calmed, becoming gentle tongues that licked harmlessly at his palm. The searing heat gradually dissipated as if being absorbed by his very skin.
By the time the net reached Jonas's body, the flames had completely vanished. He flashed them a grin. "Not good enough!"
With 100% magic affinity and his mastery over fire, he could even reverse spells—converting flames back into natural mana.
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The two mages stared at Jonas, utterly dumbfounded. What kind of monster was this? Spell reversal required being several ranks above the caster! Just how absurd was Jonas's strength?
Without further hesitation, only one thought remained in their minds: Run! They stood no chance against this terrifying combination of swordsmanship and magic—an impossibility made flesh! And Jonas looked so young too!
But before they could flee, Jonas was already upon them with his sword.
"No—"
Their heads flew from their shoulders under that terrifying assault, their final expressions frozen in extreme terror. These mages, revered as weapons of war by others, fell before Jonas like slaughtered livestock.
Surveying the corpses, Jonas smirked. His current strength was entirely the fruit of his own efforts~ It seemed he needed to push his retainers to work harder too!
Jonas collected their magic rings—likely containing numerous magical artifacts and scrolls. Charis would probably appreciate such gifts. And with her research into unlocking spatial rings...
He'd receive tenfold returns. These two rings should be deciphered soon.
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Jonas stroked his chin. "The Magic Academy, huh? Interesting! Maybe I'll send Charis there for advanced studies later."
Losda only had B-rank magic talent yet achieved this much through academy training. Charis would undoubtedly flourish there.
"But for now, time is pressing. Next target!" Producing his death list, Jonas mused about returning soon to work on improving Liliana's loyalty.
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Golden Cloud Chamber of Commerce. Office restroom.
Liliana slowly awoke in bed, disoriented with a heavy head. Where... was she? Pressing her delicate white hand to her forehead, she winced slightly as the sheets brushed against her skin.
"Hiss—"
Memories from before sleep flooded back, making her eyes fly open. "Mmm~" Her fair complexion instantly turned crimson.
How... how could she have acted like that? This... this...
Seeing her undone state and Jonas's absence, she sighed in relief—yet felt an inexplicable twinge of disappointment. Despite the shame and pain, she recalled an odd sense of satisfaction from earlier.
This realization frightened her! What kind of person was she becoming? "What's... happening to me?"
Sitting up slowly, Liliana's gaze fell upon her jade-white skin now marred by several red marks. She frowned slightly. "What a terrible man!"
As president of the Golden Cloud Chamber of Commerce, she was accustomed to luxury and the finest skincare. No one would dare treat her so roughly—yet she found herself recalling that powerful figure.
Jonas was so strong, and so young. Remembering how she'd begged earlier made her cheeks burn again. She seemed to... enjoy being treated that way.
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