novel
| ← Ch.050 | Ch.052 → |
However, Oliver didn't smile.
There was no blood on his sword.
Also, Oliver couldn't feel his sword slashing the enemy clearly.
'Mirror Image. '
A illusion spell that duplicated the appearance of a mage's body.
It wasn't the main body of the mage, but the 'Mirror Image' that got penetrated.
"Bravo, you did very well."
While saying that, Ian pressed Oliver's back with his finger.
It was Ian Page, a young mage who became 17 years old this year.
"Finally I couldn't even have a single touch on your body."
Oliver couldn't sense Ian's main body.
If it was real battle, Oliver was already a dead man.
Oliver could approach Ian successfully, but he couldn't reach Ian.
"Remember that you almost killed me by penetrating my heart.... ."
Ian's voice had deepened as much as his height had grown up.
He grew up taller, and his face became more mature.
He had impressive long hair.
"Whenever I got injured by you, it would be my next death."
Ian said.
From since 5 years ago, dueling with Oliver was quite exciting. Although Ian didn't use his full power, he had to use much more power than he had expected. Furthermore, Oliver became stronger day by day.
'It is irony that I call others as monster, but.. '
Oliver was definitely a monster. If he was mage, his talent and effort could've led him to become a great mage, as great as Ian.
"Thank you for dueling me."
Oliver bowed to Ian politely.
He received great help. By dueling, he overcame his limitation.
Although he couldn't touch Ian's body.
"I just paid for the necklace."
"I received more worth than that."
"I can see that."
Ian quickly recalled today's duel.
He recalled that Oliver, who was slashing down fire.
Wasn't it something that could only be heard in fantasy story?
"A knight who can slash down fire. I better tell him this.... ."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Nothing. I just know a man who write books."
After Ian's weird reply, Oliver asked.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"How high of a level have you achieved?"
5 years had passed already.
As Oliver had become stronger than 5 years ago, so must've Ian.
"Not as much as you'd expect."
By Oliver's question, Ian smiled with bitterness.
Of course he grew up very fast.
Ian achieved unfathomable growth.
'5th class Master. '
Ian achieved becoming a 5th class mage.
Furthermore, there were only few mages who achieved becoming a 'Master'. Considering that he was 17 years old, his growth speed was unimaginable. In his former life, he reached the very beginning of the 5th class when he became 26 years old.
'But still, it's slower than I imagined. '
5 years has passed.
He had aimed to reach at least 6th class Master.
However, his goal was ruined by an unexpected barrier.
'A fundamental limitation of my body. '
Although Ian was talented, Ian couldn't enhance the growth rate of his body, and the growth speed of his mana heart. Who had ever imagined? With an immature mana heart, 5th class Master was the limitation.
'It was impossible to be achieved. '
Overcoming 5th class even before his body finished growing?
It had never happened before in history.
Of course there was no record, so there was no experience.
'I must be the first. '
It was like sailing through an unknown ocean.
It didn't feel that bad.
He just wanted his body to mature quickly.
"Bravo! Of course! Here is the best mage and swordsman of the empire!"
While Ian was thinking deeply,
A handsome man with golden white hair entered with applause.
A man not affected by age.
It was the Crown Prince, Hayden.
"Your highness."
"The Crown Prince highness."
Ian and Oliver bowed to him shortly.
He hadn't showed himself that much for a year.
What brought him here today?
"As I heard, today is the last day for the both of you."
"Indeed. It will be busy year for me."
By Ian's reply, the Crown Prince clapped his hands.
"That's right. Let's have a morning meal together. For my right and left arm's endless development. How boud dat?" (ED Note: Sorry... couldn't resist... )
The Crown Prince's eyes were only looking towards Ian.
Oliver wouldn't refuse his favor anyway.
"I am really sorry, but."
However, Ian had a schedule. As today was the last day of dueling with Oliver, another 'last day' was awaiting Ian.
"It is my last day for my individual lessons from the Ivory Tower."
"The Ivory Tower?"
"Today, I receive my first duty as an Archmage, so..."
"Ah! That's right."
Today was Ian's last day of individual lessons from the Ivory Tower, that was replacing academy curriculum. From today, Ian would become ab Archmage and a 'duty holder'. Since he was 'student', he didn't have to do any of his duty. However, the situation had changed.
"So that's why you are going to be busy for this year."
The Crown Prince nodded, as he admitted. Ian's 'conquering the Ivory Tower' project finally had begun. At least, the Crown Prince thought in that way.
"Well I guess you have no choice."
"I am really sorry for that."
"You say sorry too much."
As it was nothing to worry, the Crown Prince shook his hands.
He had endless trust in Ian.
It was a solid relationship that was built from 5 years.
"Go and do what you have to do. Let's have a meal later."
"I will make time as soon as possible."
Ian bowed to the Crown Prince.
He also said bye to Oliver simply.
"Excuse me then."
Ian's robe started to flap.
Soon, he rose to the sky rapidly.
When they saw it the first time, they were freaking out.
Not just the Crown Prince, but Oliver as well.
How could a man fly to the sky freely?
However, they weren't surprised now.
They had seen it enough.
"See you soon."
Ian disappeared quickly.
It seemed as if he flew faster than before.
As fast as an eagle.
"At least, that's what I feel jealous about. I wish I could fly like that. Like a bird. Wait, isn't he faster than bird?"
The Crown Prince murmured as he felt jealous.
"Captain."
"Yes my lord."
"As I saw it briefly, you fought quite well with Ian, right? How is it now? Can you now fight against a mage?"
Hearing his question, Oliver made a slight smile.
"I can give you two answers."
"Two?"
"Firstly, I concluded that I won't have any chance to injure Sir Ian."
It was honest, that may damage his pride. However, Oliver seemed calm. He had experienced Ian's power for 5 years, and he admitted Ian's power enough times.
"And I think this gap will grow larger and larger."
"Is that so?"
"Yes it is."
The Crown Prince had expected this kind of answer.
However, he didn't ever think that Oliver wouldn't be able to touch Ian now and forever.
"However, for other mages."
Oliver continued his words.
And this time, his voice was full of confidence.
"Yes, I can dare to defeat them."
| ← Ch. 050 | Ch. 052 → |