Chapter 141: Terror (3)

Chapter 141: Terror (3)

Terror (3)

The magical aura flowing from the magic circle within the Hall of Fame was remarkably intense. Numerous artifacts on display within provided an abundance of materials suitable for a bomb.

At first, I thought about deploying a Rune Barrier to contain the explosion. But if the mana from the artifacts within goes off too, the barrier won’t hold up. Crafting a sturdy barrier requires a substantial amount of mana, prompting the need to eliminate the artifacts beforehand.

The explosion caused by the artifacts lacking mana won’t pack much punch. Using the Rune Barrier to contain it should do the trick.

The building was littered with artifacts. Instead of dealing with the hassle of destroying each one separately, opting for the demolition of the entire building seemed like a more practical choice.

[Spiral]

▶ Unique Skill

▶ Condenses mana into a spiral form and compresses it into a rotating spherical form.

Requires highly advanced mana control. More effective in close combat than throwing, as it holds greater power when embedded.

Spiral was created to penetrate the ogre’s defense, involving a rotating spherical form colliding with the enemy at incredible speed, grinding them down. It’s my favored skill against opponents or objects with strong defenses. This time, I plan to expand its hitbox.

The predicament couldn’t be fixed by merely setting things ablaze, initiating a deluge, or conjuring a colossal ice or rock. Even though structures might collapse, tiny artifacts could persist and morph into explosive threats. That’s why I opted for Spiral—a skill adept at shredding even the smallest artifact. But the original Spiral, designed to pierce the ogre’s belly, is small in size.

To obliterate the Hall of Fame properly, the usual hand-sized Spiral wouldn’t cut it. It needs expansion, obviously.

I envisioned the image of a typhoon—a wind that leaves nothing but ruins behind when sweeping through. Creating a flow in the surrounding air, it becomes faster and more extensive.

With a swift motion, I materialized Spiral in my hand. Thanks to my awakening, my spellcasting speed had truly transformed in the blink of an eye.

Wooong—

Infusing mana into my Spiral, it began drawing in the surrounding air. Containing the destructive will in the core of the magic circle, I envisioned a tornado sweeping the ground.

“What... what’s that...?!” Gil Steven, beside me, appears to have sensed that things are taking a strange turn.

Creak—Whoosh—Ssssh—

The sound of air colliding echoed as the Spiral in my hand expanded beyond my control. I raised my hand towards the sky, enlarging the Spiral while accelerating the airflow.

“Phew...”

As the Spiral transformed into a massive disc, I couldn’t help but think, ‘This might really cause some serious damage.’

The Academy Hall of Fame—a place showcasing Victoria Academy’s operational history, footsteps of graduated seniors, portraits, statues, and donated artifacts—everything’s on display.

Although it’s on the verge of destruction, I might consider letting it be, but... it’s already too late. If I don’t destroy it, it will lead to even greater damage. Honestly, I don’t have any sentimental or prideful attachments to it.

“Ah... Master... Somehow, I...”

Even though Gil Steven is mana-deprived and on the verge of collapse, he grabbed onto the hem of my robe to stop me.

A fanatical lunatic.

Ssshaaa—

I hurl the destructively rotating Spiral towards the Hall of Fame.

Bwoosh! Krassshk!

A fleeting moment.

The Spiral collided with the Hall of Fame, raising an enormous cloud of dust and beginning to engulf the building. Winds swept in all directions, blowing away nearby street vendors. Soon, with a crackling sound and the breaking of its supports, the Hall of Fame began to collapse. The pillars supporting the building couldn’t withstand the Spiral.

“This is insane... a mix of my master’s magic and something else...”

“Ugh, this crazy old man.”

Gil Steven, now clutching my shoe, started to collapse.

“Of course...”

“It’s triple attribute. It was definitely wind.”

“Yeah, I’m sure.”

The magic that demolished the Hall of Fame. It was undoubtedly of the wind attribute.

“Anyone else lucky enough to witness it, or is it just us? Among the professors, we might be the first ones to see it.”

“Probably not. The building collapsed within less than 5 seconds of the magic occurring.”

The professors were busy with rescue efforts and guiding people. Min Yeji and Im Sol could see Hoyeon first as they found him after the situation was under control.

“Triple attribute... Second in the world? Sol-ah, what do you think? Maybe it’s fate? It could match your ideal type. A man who’s better at magic than you.”

Even in a serious talk, Min Yeji couldn’t resist a joke. But it managed to lighten up Im Sol a bit.

“Shut up.”

“Sol-ah~ Since I put in the effort this time, can I contact Student Hoyeon?”

“Do as you wish...” Im Sol licked her dry lips with her tongue.

Multiple attributes—the exclusive playground of the genius mage Im Sol. Dual attributes were already a rare breed, and mages juggling three or more attributes were practically mythical.

Im Sol stood as the trailblazer, mastering more than three attributes—a woman bestowed with magical gifts, at least according to the World Magic Association.

Hoyeon...

Im Sol, who had never believed in the concept of a woman’s intuition, felt strangely today. For some reason, Lee Hoyeon seemed to have the same multiple attributes as herself. The Hoyeon she had seen so far was like that—a man who always exceeded her expectations.

But this is probably just wishful thinking.

Even thinking that, Im Sol couldn’t stop her yearning.

***

“I went through unnecessary trouble.”

Should’ve just killed him quickly. I got tangled in a pointless chat, aiming for intel. But taking care of Gil Steven early was a win, and thankfully, I thwarted the terrorist plot.

Pouring too much mana into the Spiral seems to give me a headache though... Ugh...

“Oh right. The pouch.”

There’s a pouch I took from Gil Steven’s pocket earlier. If this were a game, it would undoubtedly be a good drop.

I fished out the pouch. A red one with the familiar Chinese characters for “fortune.” Delving inside, my fingers met a piece of paper.

“What’s this? A paper? Carrying property deeds around, perhaps?”

As I unraveled the paper, a contract, all too familiar, caught my eye.

[Hell’s Contract]

▶ Grade: Intermediate

▶ A contract of Hell with a strong binding force.

▶ As long as the fiery flames of Hell exist, there is no one who can violate the contract.

Except for high-ranking nobles of Hell.

“...What’s this? Why does Pandemic have a Hell’s Contract?”