Chapter 496: Skirmish

Editor: Tseirp

Ryo struck first.

“.”

With no information about his opponent, jumping straight into close combat was too risky.

Naturally, Ryo opened with a magic attack.

Eight spears of ice shot toward Duke Helb.

Clang.

All eight spears bounced off an invisible wall.

They weren’t annihilated.

They were deflected.

In other words, a stronger, unseen wall had blocked Ryo’s .

What’s more, Duke Helb hadn’t made any movements.

Or seemed to cast any spell.

“A talisman?”

“Ooh, you figured it out well. There aren’t any sorcerers in the Central Countries, are there? None in the Suje Kingdom either?”

Ryo murmured, and Duke Helb replied with interest.

Sounding confident.

“I’ll shatter that confidence! ”

This time, four times as many spears.

Thirty-two ice spears flew at Duke Helb.

But…

Clang, clang…

Every spear was deflected.

“Hmm…”

Ryo grimaced in frustration.

“Hahahaha! I’ve seen your attack power. Now, let’s see your defense!”

Duke Helb laughed, pulling a paper from his pocket and tossing it forward.

“”

Boom. Boom, boom, boom…

A hailstorm of thumb-sized stones shot from the talisman.

Naturally, all were repelled by the ice wall.

“Wow. That’s sturdy. A wall of ice, not just a barrier, interesting.”

“That level of attack doesn’t leave even a scratch!”

Ryo boasted confidently.

“Then let’s up the challenge. Let’s see how much you can withstand.”

Duke Helb pulled out three talismans and tossed them forward.

From these three talismans came three kinds of attacks:

Stone, wind, and fire.

A three-attribute simultaneous attack.

“Th-this is!”

Ryo panicked.

It was a combination of earth, wind, and fire, adding up to the fourth water attribute that he wielded—the four attributes combined.

In that instant, Ryo recalled.

He remembered fighting the Pope of the Western Church, who unleashed a simultaneous four-attribute attack.

That shattered his instantly.

The Pope had explained that.

When all four elements gather in a small space, conditions are primed for ‘Resonance’… and there’s a high probability of resonance occurring.

Which often leads to the ‘disintegration’ of certain magic spells.

So Ryo readied himself to quickly reform the if it shattered, but…

The ice wall didn’t shatter; it deflected Duke Helb’s talisman attacks.

‘Resonance’ didn’t occur.

“Huh?”

Ryo tilted his head slightly.

“So you can even withstand three at once… Quite the sturdy wall.”

Duke Helb muttered.

Seeming not to have intended to trigger resonance.

(Could it be… no, surely not…)

Ryo thought to himself.

(Perhaps I should test it.)

He had been driven by anger and rushed in, but now his bad habit was about to surface.

That’s right, curiosity.

Curiosity killed the cat? He hoped it wouldn’t kill him too…

“Is that the extent of a talisman’s power?”

“Oh. Taunting me, are you? Very well; I’ll take the bait!”

Duke Helb, caught by Ryo’s taunt.

Took out four talismans and threw them forward.

Earth, wind, fire, and ice.

All four attributes.

(Now, this replicates the conditions from back then.)

Ryo recalled the Pope’s four-attribute simultaneous attack.

The four talismans unleashed their attacks, assailing Ryo’s .

But…

The wall withstood the assault.

Resonance didn’t occur.

“Now it’s clear.”

Ryo murmured.

(Attacks from talismans differ from magic attacks of the same attributes. I don’t know exactly how, but they don’t cause ‘Resonance’.)

Ryo felt a small satisfaction.

Despite charging in recklessly out of anger, or perhaps a righteous fury—he’d learned something valuable.

Apparently, sorcerers like Duke Helb were common in these Eastern Countries.

If so, they may encounter them again when they travel through the continent to return to the central countries.

And this experience could prove useful then…

“I sacrificed Abel, but I gained something in return.”

Of course, Abel hadn’t been sacrificed.

He was just saying that for dramatic effect. …Probably.

Now, what he had learned was that the wouldn’t be shattered by four talismans.

And that thirty-two couldn’t penetrate the talisman’s barrier.

(Spellcasters can use magic too. But Duke Helb hasn’t cast any spells.)

Indeed, every attack and defense so far had been through talismans.

(Maybe talismans don’t interfere with each other? Or could it be that when a talisman shield is active, casting spells requires deactivating it first? A trap underfoot using talismans wouldn’t be out of the question either…) Ɍ

Ryo recalled the coronation of Queen Iliaja.

Not only had Abel been petrified, but talismans and spirit charms had also been installed on the walls and ceiling, releasing various attacks.

This embassy was, after all, the domain of a sorcerer.

Only a fool would think there were no trap installations.

“Then I have no choice. Let me show you the pinnacle of water-attribute magic.”

“Ooh?”

Ryo declared with confidence. And Duke Helb still wore a calm expression.

“.”

At Ryo’s command, countless fine jets of water materialized, cutting through the air.

But they didn’t aim at Duke Helb.

They sliced through the roof.

And the walls.

In seconds, the roof and walls were shredded, exposing the entire room to the open air.

“Hah! Incredible! What was that just now? Ice? No, water? Cutting with water? I never imagined such a thing could be possible… This must indeed be the pinnacle of water-attribute magic. Fascinating.”

For some reason, Duke Helb clapped his hands with an expression of delight.

It was not sarcasm or mockery, but genuine praise.

However, Ryo wore a grim expression.

The removal of the roof and walls revealed something unexpected.

The charms and talismans that had been installed.

The charms and talismans that had been set on the ceiling were still floating in place, even though the ceiling… and indeed, the entire roof was now gone.

In other words, they were floating in midair.

Similarly, the charms and talismans that had been placed on the walls continued to exist where the walls had been.

Also, now floating in midair.

“When my Icicle Lance was deflected before, I sensed intuitively that they were distorting space, but to see it so plainly…”

“Oh… so the hidden charms and talismans are now completely visible, huh?”

Ryo grimaced as he spoke, and Duke Helb gave a wry smile.

“The fact that these charms are immune to attacks, it’s unfair!”

Ryo complained.

“Even if you say that. That’s simply the nature of charms.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Duke Helb replied with a shrug.

But Ryo had learned something valuable about charms.

‘Charms are immune to attacks’

It wasn’t just the charms wielded by Duke Helb or the sorcerer at the queen’s coronation; it was a property of the charms themselves.

Know your enemy, know thyself, and you shall not fear a hundred battles.

Knowing your enemy is crucial.

However…

“So, how do I break through…?”

Even though Ryo had gathered useful information, he was at a loss.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, another battle was taking place.

One not magical like Ryo and Duke Helb’s battle, but a clash of swords.

Zlurma closed the distance, initiating the fight, while Abel found himself on the defensive.

For a moment, it seemed that Abel would strike first, but he hesitated.

The memory of the queen’s coronation, when he rushed forward only to be trapped in a ‘stone prison’ spell, resurfaced.

After a bitter failure like that…

Even a former A-rank swordsman like Abel couldn’t avoid hesitation.

As a result, Zlurma attacked while Abel focused on defense.

(His skill isn’t impressive, but his speed and strength are tricky…)

Abel analyzed the situation calmly.

The speed and power behind Zlurma’s strikes seemed superhuman.

A single failed block would mean the end.

The force of Zlurma’s sword reminded Abel of an unpleasant experience.

(It’s like that demon prince I fought in the dungeon.)

During the post-cataclysm investigation, Abel had been forcefully transported to the 40th dungeon floor, where he had to face a demon prince in combat.

The prince’s strength and speed were far beyond human, pushing Abel to the edge.

That memory returned vividly.

But Abel declared firmly.

“This time is different!”

Zlurma’s attacks, based on sheer power and speed.

Were expertly parried by Abel.

He never tried to block head-on.

Knowing he wouldn’t withstand it.

If he blocked a downward strike, it would damage his wrist or shoulder.

If he blocked an upward strike, he’d be blown away.

Blocking a horizontal strike… would also knock him back.

So Abel angled his sword to deflect Zlurma’s strikes.

It was possible because of his technique.

Built from experience.

What allowed him to counter power and speed was his ability to anticipate.

This anticipation was a product of the countless hours he had dedicated to swordsmanship.

Victory.

Defeat.

All had contributed to Abel’s growth.

Thus.

Even in the face of overwhelming power and speed, he stood without flinching.

Abel’s sword continued to grow, fueled by his accumulated experience.

Effort never betrays.

The sword he honed since childhood.

The sword that saved lives in deadly situations.

The sword that had protected his life and the lives of his comrades.

All of that was in the sword he wielded now.

For Abel, one chance was enough.

He just needed a single opening.

Until then.

He would defend, defend, defend…

Then…

“Now!”

Pretending to deflect, Abel pulled back, causing Zlurma’s strike to miss.

He rotated his body, positioning himself behind Zlurma as his opponent’s balance wavered.

A strike to the heart from behind.

Abel pulled his sword back with force, and with the momentum of his rotation, he decapitated Zlurma.

“Phew…”

He took a deep breath to calm his racing blood.

The fight wasn’t over yet.

Ryo was still battling Duke Helb.

Abel moved to stand behind Ryo at an angle.

“Now it’s two against one.”

“Impressive, Abel. That was quick.”

Ryo praised, nodding at Abel as he spoke to Duke Helb.

“To think that someone who ‘bears the star’ would be defeated so quickly. I’m astonished.”

“Much appreciated.”

Duke Helb seemed genuinely surprised, though he kept smiling.

Abel replied.

“But…”

Clang.

A sound rang out sharply.

“!”

It came from Abel’s body.

The headless Zlurma had stabbed at Abel.

However, the sword was deflected at the last second by Abel…

Slash, slash, slash, slash.

In an instant, Abel severed both of Zlurma’s arms and legs.

Finally, he drove his sword into Zlurma’s chest after falling to the ground.

“Abel… another oversight…”

“Hey, it wasn’t my fault! I pierced the heart and cut off the head!”

Ryo shook his head slightly as he chided, and Abel protested.

“Next time, please cut off both arms and legs as well as the head.”

“…That would make for a pretty gruesome scene.”

Abel understood that Ryo’s order would make things outright brutal.

During this time, Duke Helb simply watched without moving.

In fact, he had remained seated the entire time, even amid his fight with Ryo.

“A real final-boss vibe he’s got there…”

“I don’t know what you mean by ‘final boss,’ but if you mean ‘big boss,’ then yes, I agree.”

Ryo murmured, and Abel responded.

“So, what to do next?”

Duke Helb tilted his head, muttering thoughtfully.

“It seems, for some reason, he either can’t use magic or is refraining from using it.”

Ryo declared, raising his voice to a normal level.

His voice carried to not only Abel but also Duke Helb, who stood opposite them.

Of course. This was intentional.

Duke Helb chuckled bitterly after hearing Ryo’s words.

“To think you could see through me that far… I must apologize. Honestly, I thought as long as I engraved a star on Zurma, the talismans and spirit charms alone would be enough.”

With that, Duke Helb gave a slight bow.

“You’ve underestimated us.”

“An apology requires a deeper bow.”

Even though they said these words casually, neither Ryo nor Abel let down their guard.

“It’s not that I can’t use magic. But if I cast a spell now, the entire Free City would disappear.”

“You’re bluffing!”

Duke Helb looked apologetic as he spoke, prompting Abel to shout.

Ryo, watching the two of them, intervened calmly.

“Abel, I want to think it’s a bluff too… but I feel like what he — no, not ‘he’, but whatever Duke Helb is — said isn’t entirely false.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s hard to explain. It’s like that moment right before the launch of ‘Long-Range Diffusion Goddess’s Mercy’…or like a bow pulled taut, just about to release an arrow… It gives me this sense of tension, like I wouldn’t want to poke at it with a needle…”

Ryo tried to convey his impression.

He wasn’t sure what exactly gave him that feeling.

Whether it was magic power or the buildup of a spell…

So, he simply expressed what he felt honestly.

“Indeed, a skilled magician as expected. You’re mostly correct.”

“But if you intend to unleash that power on the townspeople, we must stop you now.”

“Worry not. The citizens are not my target.”

“And we’re supposed to believe that?”

“The people are not the enemy; they’re subjects. Or perhaps, they’re something to protect. Both interpretations are fundamentally the same, so interpret it however you like. My target is not the people.”

Ryo questioned him, and Duke Helb replied.

His face was now completely devoid of the previous smile.

The smile had vanished.

“I understand. We’ll trust you.”

“Hey, Ryo?”

Abel called out, surprised at Ryo’s nod of agreement.

“Abel, it seems like something is happening that neither we nor the townspeople know about. Perhaps even this occupation by the Grand Duchy’s army is related to it.”

“Even if that’s true…”

“Yes, even so, I dislike the idea of occupying another country by force. If the people of the Free City ever wish for it, then… we’ll lend them our power.”

Ryo spoke resolutely.

Even he couldn’t fully explain it, but he felt he didn’t want to fight here and now.

It wasn’t about winning or losing.

He sensed that, regardless of the outcome, things would only worsen from here.

Why did he make such a decision?

It was probably an unconscious judgment, based on all the information he’d accumulated so far.

Some information that his conscious mind didn’t deem important enough to remember.

Had been retained in his subconscious, analyzed…

It’s a process common to humans.

The result of that process is what we call intuition or a gut feeling.

“Our demand is simple, stop your monopolization of the market immediately. If that’s accepted, we’ll leave the embassy.”

“Very well. I promise that as the Ambassador of the Atinjo Grand Duchy.”

Ryo proposed, and Duke Helb accepted.

Duke Helb returned to the perfect, princely demeanor he had when they first met.

Ryo was curious to know what exactly Duke Helb had merged with.

And about the star-shaped magic circle, but it didn’t seem like he could ask now.

At the very least…

“I have one more request.”

“Hmm?”

“A talisman… for research purposes. Could you spare just one…?”

“Hey…”

Abel, of course, was quick to interrupt Ryo’s request.

“I understand the desire… but as a sorcerer, I have to advise against it for Ryo-dono’s sake, who’s a magician.”

“What?”

“As soon as a ‘mark’ is inscribed, the talisman becomes like an extension of the sorcerer. Keeping it close to you, it will be no surprise if something happens…”

“I see. I withdraw my request then. I don’t need the talisman.”

Ryo’s eyes widened at Duke Helb’s explanation, and he reversed his previous statement.

“When this burden is lifted, I’d like a proper battle with you.”

“When that time comes, I’ll gladly face you with all my might.”

Duke Helb laughed as he spoke, and Ryo replied with a smile of his own.

When Ryo and Abel went outside the embassy and informed the shopkeepers and leaders waiting outside that the monopoly would cease, cheers erupted.

They knew the roof and walls of the embassy had been destroyed, and they knew some kind of confrontation had occurred. Yet, they didn’t leave.

Because the outcome of the monopoly was directly tied to their livelihoods.

Upon hearing it would end, they were overjoyed.

But the storm that awaited the citizens of the Free City would arrive that very night.

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