by Zhuang Bifan
When he said the last sentence, it was already a blatant threat.
"This…" Who still dared to go against the fierce-looking Macklin at this point? The two judges did not use more than ten seconds to make a decision.
"Ok, then the victor of this match is Mage Felic from Jarrosus!"
…
The final six had already been decided. Macklin could be said to have retained his face this time. Two out of three of his trial disciples had entered the final six. One of them even had the chance to win everything. This incomparably brilliant result made the old man so unusually joyful that even the number of times he reprimanded Mason had decreased evidently.
Once the lots had been drawn, Macklin had jumped up from relief. He patted Lin Li's shoulder with a delighted look. "Felic, you are finally lucky!"
"Ah?" Lin Li was reminiscing about what had happened in the black fog when he suddenly got patted strongly by somebody. He immediately had a shock. When he saw that the person that patted him was Macklin, he started to calm down. He spoke with an annoyed look, "I say, Master Macklin, don't you know that a person can scare another person to death?"
"Scare my a*s…"
"Forget it…" Lin Li shook his head, his face full of annoyance. He knew that he would not able to clear things up with this old man, so he changed the topic on the spot. "You said that I got lucky?"
"That's right!" Macklin extended his hand and pointed afar. "Look, that fella is your opponent in the next round…"
"This fella looks rather familiar. What, do you know who he is?" Lin Li frowned; that young mage in the distance looked to be in his twenties. His figure was small and thin as though he was malnourished. His face was pale, and his eyes were puff—it made one wonder if he got a good sleep last night…
"He is Gordon, he is from the Burning Willow City's Guild of Magic. His strength is not weak, apparently he is already at level-fourteen. But this guy is more unlucky…." When Macklin spoke of this, he sheepishly laughed. "Heh heh, in the previous round, he met another level-14 Magic Shooter. Both of them fought for almost half an hour, and in the end, he f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y used a level-15 spell. Be it mental strength or mana, it is already overdrawn. It won't recover for at least three to five days. You going up now would just be a free win…"
"This isn't too bad…" Lin Li laughed as well.
"F*ck!" It was at this point that Mason suddenly cried out in alarm. "How the f*ck am I so unlucky?"
"What's that?"
"Look…" Mason pointed into the distance with a sad and angry look. Aldwin's hands were holding two pieces of paper. One had Mason's name, and the name written on the other piece was… Gryffindor!
"…"
"F*ck, Gryffindor is like a beast now. How can I beat him? It's over. There's no need to enter the final three. It's all over now. This President Aldwin, really. Why didn't he wash his hands before picking the lots?" Mason complained in a vulgar manner, and then looked at Lin Li with a pitiful expression. "Felic, don't you have a lot of potions? Do you have any that can help me win against an Archmage after I drink it?"
"…" Lin Li immediately felt like crying and laughing. He held it back for a while before he finally squeezed out a single word. "Yes!"
"Really?"
"Yes, but this type of potion is really troublesome. After you drink it, there will be some minor side effects…"
"What side effects…?"
"After you beat the Archmage, you will die…"
"F*ck…"
While they were conversing, the lots for the final six had already been drawn. Lin Li's luck was pretty decent, for he was matched with a level-thirteen Magic Shooter that was a spent bullet, but Matthias was slightly unluckier. His opponent was a genuine level-fourteen Magic Shooter, but for Matthias, this was nothing much.
The unluckiest would naturally be Mason. He had actually been matched with Gryffindor. Thinking about this guy's beastly strength, Mason could not help but have cold sweat. The judges had yet to announce the start of the third round, and this guy had already begun planning on how to lose with more dignity…
"Oh, yes, Felic!" Lin Li was helping Mason come up with strategies when he suddenly heard Macklin's voice coming from the back. "Garat's awake."
"Really?" Lin Li immediately came to his senses, and he did not discuss with Mason methods how to lose with more dignity anymore. He hurriedly pulled Macklin to the side. "Did he say anything about the black fog?"
"He said he doesn't know…"
"Then did he say why he has such a strong Death Energy?"
"He also said he doesn't know…"
"Why does he not know anything?" Lin Li was really distressed. This Garat is really absurd. He released such strong Death Energy and almost killed me. After regaining consciousness, he does not know anything. Is he purposely screwing with me?
"No choice, he said he forgot everything…"
"Why doesn't he die…"
"No, no, no, I think he really forgot…" Macklin shook his head before continuing, "Because before he woke up, I used Mana Detector to observe him. The Death Energy in his body had completely disappeared. Now, he's just a normal level-fourteen Magic Shooter, or maybe one slightly stronger than Sarsen. But he definitely is not strong enough to kill you…"
"You mean that that energy did not belong to Garat?"
"Yes."
"What the hell!?" Lin Li really felt like killing somebody. Such a weird situation had happened to him, but all the strings were cut loose at the end. This whole incident had become a mystery without clues. Did he really have to follow what that voice had said and awaken from the skeleton something in order to find out what had happened to his body? F*ck, I am not that free, either…
"If I am not mistaken, this incident is most likely related to those two Undead Lords at the Shadowglen. Garat also said that on the fifth day after he entered the Shadowglen, he encountered an unrivaled undead creature. After that, he completely lost his memory, and finally regained his consciousness only now…" When Macklin said this, his expression was somewhat fearful. Those two Undead Lords at the Shadowglen were powerhouses that existed since the Dark Ages. Nobody knew how powerful they were currently. Even the number one mage in Felan, Aldwin, did not have the confidence to face them, not to mention Macklin, a level-eighteen Archmage…
Once Lin Li heard this, he took in a deep breath and looked at Macklin in disbelief. "Are you telling me that just now I was fighting with a puppet controlled by the Undead Lord, and not Garat?"
"It's very likely…"
"…"
Chapter 261 - Destruction
Matthias' power was indeed fathomless. A level-fourteen Magic Shooter could not put up any resistance when facing him. He could only last for less than eight minutes before being blasted away by an Air Bomb severely. In an instant, there was blood splattering everywhere…
On the other hand, most of the several thousands of mages at the spectators' seats were used to seeing blood. They could not help but shake their heads. Matthias' personality had issues. Once or twice could be written off as an accident, but three times in a row… it could be safely said that Matthias did it intentionally. He was utterly trying to injure his opponents for no rhyme or reason. It was purely out of interest, or maybe that was what he wanted to do.
Even Herza frowned. This Matthias was really going overboard. Even if he won the final victory, he would definitely not be suitable to control a new Guild of Magic. This point had to be written down in the report…
As for Lin Li's match afterward, it was just a walk over.
Macklin was not spouting nonsense. That Magic Shooter at the peak of level-thirteen was a spent bullet. When he just walked into the Aurora Square, Lin Li could already sense that this person's magical wave was too weak. It did not resemble that of a level-13 Magic Shooter. Instead, it was like that of a mage apprentice that could not even wear a robe.
Both of them were very clear on what the outcome was going to be. When he walked up to
the Aurora Square with a pale face, Gordon spoke softly, "Mage Felic, please have mercy."
"Mage Gordon, you're too kind…" Lin Li smiled. He waved the Aether Staff in his hands and released an Elemental Shield instantly.
"Thanks."
This was a battle full of tacit understanding. Lin Li used the Elemental Shield to tell the opponent that he would not do anything out of bounds, and for the appreciative Gordon, he did not try to fight desperately. The whole process seemed to have been planned beforehand. Gordon attacked continuously with his weak strength once he came up, whereas Lin Li only blocked with the Elemental Shield and occasionally countered with Wind Blade all the way till the tenth minute mark. Only then did Lin Li "accidentally" release a Chilling Touch and thus successfully conclude this match.
"This young man is not bad…" Herza, who sat in the VIP seat, satisfyingly nodded his head. With his judgement after devoting to magic for tens of years, how could he be deceived by these two's acting? From the point when the Jarrosus mage raised his Elemental Shield, he had already known that this match was fixed. Otherwise, with his powers, why would he need to use the Elemental Shield? To put it bluntly, he would not even need to use any magic to go against the spent bullet Gordon. Just by casually smacking him with the magic staff, he would also beat him to death…
But this is good…
Establishing a new guild in the Breezy Plains did not only require a powerful President. That place was really chaotic, for all sorts of forces there were more complicated than those in Alanna by a hundred times. To create a foothold there was not an easy task. Other than requiring absolute power to intimidate those that harbored ill intentions, it also needed methods that could pacify and dissolve conflict. An immense strength was important, but tactful methods were also necessary.
Back then, while deciding this issue, Herza had already consulted one of the arbitrators, Anthony. What sort of person would be the most suitable to command this new Guild of Magic? Herza remembers that Anthony's answer was: the humbler, the better!
Without a doubt, that Jarrosus mage down there is definitely a humble person. He did a favor at little cost and still managed to sell it off so sincerely. Genius… What a genius!
Furthermore, Felic's relationship with Hoffman seemed to be rather good. If he could command the new Guild of Magic, then there would not be many issues with the Glittergold Trade Union. Monetary support could even be given if need be. This was definitely the most ideal situation for a Guild of Magic that had just been established.
Of course, they would have to wait for the tournament results before they could see how the story was going to unfold. After all, the rules have already been set in place. Even if they wanted to change them, they could not do so too drastically.
Within half an hour, two of the battles of the final three had already concluded. The only pair remaining was Mason and Gryffindor!
"F*ck, why am I so unlucky…" Mason stood at the Aurora Square, frowning.
"This…" Lin Li scratched his head, and did not know what to say.
Even an idiot knew that Mason fighting against Gryffindor was like smashing an egg on a rock. There was not a single chance of victory. Logically speaking, he should be advising Mason to be more realistic and not lose too badly. But how could he say something like that? Hence, Lin Li shook his head and sighed without saying anything…
"I know you are trying to advise me to surrender lest I lose too badly…" However, Mason already knew what he was thinking about even if he did not say it. He glanced at Lin Li gloomily, and started mumbling, "I do feel like surrendering, but I'm just worried Gryffindor would not accept it…"
"…"
"Ah, if I die, then so be it. If I can do it, I will surrender. I don't believe that Gryffindor would still continue beating me up if I surrender!" Mason spoke, full of valor. He stuck out his c.h.e.s.t and walked on to the Aurora Square, leaving Lin Li staring in disbelief…
Gryffindor stood at the center of the Aurora Square and stared straight at his opponent. Gryffindor remembered that this guy was Orrin's roommate, called Mason or Mark. That day at the Spell Testing Hall, it was this guy that ruined everything. If he had not pulled Orrin away, Orrin would have died to him. Yet now, Orrin could actually still watch the competition…
Oh yes, there's still fella called Felic!
This country bumpkin from Jarrosus, he did not even have any regard for Gryffindor. Gryffindor had heard that the main reason why Orrin could still be standing here was mostly because of him. Just thinking about it made Gryffindor want to kill the both of them. F*ck. You dare to save someone I, Gryffindor, want to kill? Are you steeling your heart and going against me?
Fine, since you guys do not know how to appreciate favors, then don't blame me, Gryffindor, for being merciless.
That Felic definitely cannot be forgiven, but before that, time to let them see how I'm going to destroy their roommate…
Gryffindor started sneering when he saw Mason walking up to the Aurora Square. Do you think you will be completely safe since Aldwin inscribed mageweaths on you? What a joke, four mageweaths of the mastery level would only decrease the damage from spells. In front of a true Archmage, what could mageweaths do? Even Matthias, that trash, knows how to make use of openings, what about me? Just watch, later I will definitely let you feel all sorts of pain and then slowly drain out every bit of blood before I deal with that country bumpkin…
"What are you doing…?" Mason stood on the Aurora Square and looked at Gryffindor. He could not help but feel a lack of self-confidence.
"You will know in a bit…" Gryffindor had a grin at the corner of his mouth. When he stared at Mason, it was like a big gray wolf staring at a white rabbit.
Mason swallowed his saliva with difficulty: "I-I-I… Let me warn you, don't try anything crazy…"
Gryffindor glanced at Mason with disdain. He did not say anything else, and stood there quietly, waiting for the judges to announce the commencement of the match.
"Looks like both of them are ready. Let the match begin!"
As the judge said "begin", Gryffindor suddenly moved. There was only a steady recitation of spells, which was followed closely by a Mental Control…
"F*ck, this little bastard…" Macklin stood at the side of Aurora Square and harshly cursed. This little bastard really was Rosen's disciple. It could be seen just with a single Mental Control. This little bastard's was exactly the same as his teacher's.
Gryffindor definitely saw through his opponent. Mason, who had just entered battle stance, had to be harboring fear towards him. As for Mental Control, this spell excelled in such situations the most. Once there was fear within one's mind, it would be hard to maintain a calm and composed attitude. Once the Mental Control was able to find an opening, there would no need to continue the battle. How could a controlled bum be of any threat to the one controlling him?
Sure enough, it did not exceed Macklin's expectations. Gryffindor released Mental Control and Mason's expression immediately froze. He consecutively released three Flaming Storms, and the whole Aurora Square had instantly been set off in a dazzling flare. It was a pity that these three Flaming Storms' target was not his opponent, but the stone slabs covering the Aurora Square….
The flare was scattering, and tiny rocks were flying around. The two judges were unprepared and struck by a few pebbles because they were too close. The debris was not lethal, but it stung when it struck the human body.
The duration of the Mental Control was usually more than five seconds, plus the current Gryffindor was an Archmage. The difference in power was too great, thus the duration of Mason being controlled was much longer. He barely managed to break free from it and regained control over his mental strength.
"F*ck, this guy really is strong…" Mason released three Flaming Storms simultaneously, and his mana started to lose support. He'd barely managed to escape from the Mental Control, and hurriedly took a few steps back while trying to raise up the Elemental Shield…
Who knew that everything was already within Gryffindor's calculations. Before Mason had raised his Elemental Shield, Gryffindor had already released a Mana Retroaction. In an instant, it cut off the mana channel that Mason had just constructed…
Chapter 262 - Hopelessness
For Mason, this was a tragedy…
He'd barely managed to make it through the duration of the Mental Control. He had just thought of raising an Elemental Shield to protect himself, but he did not think that Gryffindor would be so shrewd and prepared for his execution timing. With this release of Mental Control, it was like a leg was stepping on Mason's throat. He instantly lost the ability to speak.
What to do now? The difference in power was already far apart, and now he was being pressured so badly. No matter how optimistic Mason's character was, he could not help but start panicking now.
It would be more troublesome once he panicked…
Before Mason could think of a way, Gryffindor released another Mental Control…
"What the hell!?" Mason immediately felt that everything in front of him was black. It was not even a minute since he was last controlled, and now he lost control over his mental strength again. After that, he felt that the mana in his body had furiously surged out, and another three Flaming Storms bombarded the Aurora Square.
This time, Mason thought he really was going to die.
Even a mage apprentice knew that Flaming Storm was famous for expending mana. He was just a level-eleven Magic Shooter and not Felic, that monster with infinite mana. How could he have so much mana to blast the surface?
With a series of Flaming Storms, Mason could clearly feel that the mana within his body was showing signs of exhaustion…
"Its over…" Just a short minute of battle, and he had been mind controlled twice in a row already. This was hopeless enough in itself, but Gryffindor, that b*tch, was not in a rush to finish off Mason. He used this despicable method to deplete Mason's mana. At this point, even an idiot would know that this b*tch Gryffindor had to have some sinister plan lying in wait for him.