Chapter 140: The Labyrinth of Time (3)

Chapter 140: The Labyrinth of Time (3)

Translator/Editor: Ryuu

Chapter 140: The Labyrinth of Time (3)

Tess also experienced the absorption of force, but she resheathed her sword without any sign of disarray, having executed her movements flawlessly, including distance control and reaching the peak of acceleration. All eyes were focused on the sphere as the number appeared. 442. It was the first time someone had broken into the 400s.

The result, however, remained to be seen. Tess looked on without showing any emotion. After a moment, the number vanished, and the sphere turned red.

"Sigh, it didn't work. What a pity."

Tess turned around without hesitation, understanding the frustration of the others who had insisted on trying again, but deeming it beneath her dignity to do the same.

"Damn it! Is this thing really broken? How could a sabre thrust score higher than a bludgeon?"

The warrior raged. It might wound their pride to be bested by a woman, given their reliance on brute strength, but from Tess's perspective, it was nothing short of pathetic.

"Why bother arguing over the same failures? And managing strength is completely different from merely increasing it! Instead of just lifting rocks, maybe practice some technique?"

"What? Are you mocking my strength? Can't you see these muscles? Do you have anything like this?"

Tess turned away as if disgusted by the sight.

"Is it the end of the line for the swordsmen? Then it's my turn."

The archer stepped forward, drawing his longbow.

Given the results so far, it seemed unlikely that physical force alone would yield high scores.

Although arrows were also a form of physical attack, the archer was confident. Despite the cost, not demonstrating his skill would invite ridicule.

"You're planning to use that, I see."

As the mage noted, the archer removed the arrowhead from one of his arrows and took out a distinctively shaped arrowhead from a sturdy leather pouch at his waist.

The tip wasn't sharp but rounded like an almond, and it wasn't the usual steel color but a violet hue.

"Hmm, good. Shall I give this a try?"

Amy's eyes lit up at the sight of the unique arrowhead. It was clear that this arrow could deliver a much stronger impact than ordinary ones.

"Look, Shirone, it's a Magic Energy Bullet."

"A what?"

Shirone was familiar with Magic Energy Bullets from his lessons. They were made by infusing magic into Magistone, a rare mineral extracted in tiny amounts from nature.

The principles behind Magistone's formation remained a mystery, but its chemical reaction to specific natural phenomena was well established. For example, Magistone related to lightning could be collected from dry highlands or rainforests where thunderstorms were common.

Once harvested, the mineral exhibited an affinity for certain phenomena, and magi-engineers had succeeded in storing magic within it.

However, such achievements were merely lab science, far from practical application.

To utilize Magistone in everyday life required material science to convert it into energy and mechanical engineering to consume it in various forms.

The entire process from mining to consumer use represented a significant industry, employing numerous people and vast capital.

And among the top fields in this industry was the creation of lethal weapons, such as Magic Energy Bullets.

"How does it compare to the magic we use?"

"It's not particularly powerful. The real advantage is that it allows non-mages to use magic. Each of these probably costs about 1 gold, even though the Magistone in an arrowhead weighs only about 10 grams."

Shirone was astounded. Just one shot cost 1 gold. How much money was spent on the 3,000 archers' barrage of Magic Energy Bullets mentioned in history books?

"Amazing. I wouldn't dare to use something that expensive."

"We're mages, so it's natural to think about cost. But in a real battle, having Magic Energy Bullets can be a matter of life and death. A single shot could save you from a hopeless situation."

However, Amy proceeded with caution, calculating which spell to cast while standing at the altar.

"It's trickier than I thought. Sniper Mode is too close for comfort. Should I just go with a Target Type attack? But that might reduce the power."

Unlike the Absolute Zero limit of the Ice element, the Fire element had no upper limit on temperature increase.

Many mages chose fire for its limitless potential, but even high-level ones struggled to breach the 1,000C barrier.

Yet, fire remained powerful because most things on the planet were under its dominion.

Life, trees, and most metals except iron succumbed to heat energy.

However, no element is perfect, and fire magic had its downside: lightness.

Despite its enormous energy, its impact was lacking. This is often compensated by incorporating Air elements to enhance impact, with Flame Strike being a prime example.

"But Flame Strike becomes more powerful with distance. Maybe focusing on fire would be better in this case?"

Considering the Mysterious Sphere measured both impact and magical power, opting for a Pure Type that could purely increase temperature might be a strategic move.

Deciding on her approach, Amy settled on "Fireball."

Two flames ignited in her palms. Originally spherical, they took on a droplet shape due to the nature of fire, soaring upwards.

The density of magically created fire differed from real fire, allowing fire mages to control its density and thus its temperature. Higher temperatures also meant a wider range of the flame.

Amy twirled her wrists, holding the flames, and launched a lava-red fireball, trailing like a comet.

As the fire engulfed the Mysterious Sphere, it seemed to inhale the blaze, creating a whirlwind of flames within.

The score finally appeared, drawing gasps from the crowd.

3,270.

It was a record-breaking score, and it seemed unlikely to be surpassed given the results so far.

The archer realized Shirone's group was not just ordinary students. His Lightning Arrow, enhanced by a Magic Energy Bullet, scored 1,020. But a basic spell like Fireball tripled that power, indicating a significant difference in magical levels.

But Amy frowned deeply. Despite the high score, the Mysterious Sphere fiercely emitted a red light, indicating failure.

"What the hell? What more does it want?"

Frustration boiled over at the unexpected failure.

"Ho ho ho! Is it my turn now, after the kid?"

"Hold on! I'll try Sniper Mode. I'll settle this once and for all today."

Shirone approached with a sympathetic smile, knowing Amy's competitive spirit would not allow her to step down without a direct intervention.

"Calm down first. Anger will only scatter your focus and lower your score."

"Argh, seriously! Shirone, I'm definitely trying again, okay?"

As Amy returned to the altar, the mercenary mage looked back at her.

"How coincidental, another fire mage? I specialize in fire magic too. To match your level, I'll also use Fireball."

Hah, as if you had a choice."

Amy snorted dismissively. After all, losers shouldn't talk back. She was annoyed even at the thought of responding.

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