Chapter 10.2, The Philosopher’s Test

Chapter 10.2, The Philosopher’s Test

| The Principle of a Philosopher by Eternal Fool “Asley” | Next Chapter>>

The relentless attack caught the trio off guard, leaving them struggling to find footing.

“Defend!” Blazer shouted, his urgency apparent.

The concentrated bombardment offered no room for error.

“You’re kidding! Did that monster calculate the rocks’ trajectory?”

“He’s targeting the exact three directions we jumped! If he isn’t using magic to guide them, it’s incredible!”

“Yeah... Dude’s definitely a monster!”

Bruce skillfully deflected the rocks with his sword and occasionally used them as stepping stones.

Betty dodged with minimal movement, cutting down only the unavoidable rocks.

Blazer, using his armor and sword, absorbed the hits, reducing their impact. Though the blows reached him, his sturdy armor mitigated the damage, easing the strain on his tough body.

“Man, Blazer, you always know how to use your armor,” Bruce noted, watching Blazer’s movements while keeping an eye on Tūs.

“Haha! More rocks for you! Eat up!”

Tūs sent a barrage of giant rocks hurtling toward them with tremendous speed.

“ORAAAAAA!!”

“HAAAHHH!!”

Bruce and Blazer met the attack head-on, their powerful strikes shattering the rocks, while Betty stayed low, dodging skillfully.

The rocks seemed endless, as Tūs kept crushing the ground, endlessly generating more ammunition.

Despite the overwhelming assault, the trio pressed on, cutting and dodging the boulders, slowly but surely advancing toward Tūs.

Gradually, they adjusted to the speed and force of the rocks, increasing their pace significantly.

“”Gamma Strash!”” they yelled in unison, unleashing a powerful move taught by Dallas.

This concentrated their combined strength on a single point, aiming to deliver massive damage.

“Hey, not bad at all!”

Despite Tūs’ compliment, he still effortlessly dodged their ultimate attack.

The barrage finally ceased, but the cost was high.

“Hahaha... hah... hah...!”

“”Ha... hah... whew...!””

Panting heavily, Blazer and the siblings struggled to catch their breath.

Each clutched their chest, fighting against their limits and displaying pained expressions.

They leaned on their swords for support, their muscles and willpower the only things keeping them upright. Meanwhile, Tūs showed no signs of fatigue.

[[He’s on a whole different level...!]] they all thought.

Tūs’s prowess was indeed worlds apart from theirs.

“All right, take a break. Sit down,” Tūs ordered.

Finally permitted a rest, the trio collapsed to the ground, still struggling to regain their breath.

“First, you — Blazer, was it? Your movements seem refined, but they’re inefficient. You’re too focused on precision. Spread your senses beyond rational thought. That alone will save you fifty percent of your energy.”

Blazer, gazing at the sky and squinting one eye, tried to respond but was too exhausted to even move.

“And you two,” Tūs continued, turning to the siblings. “You synchronize well enough; now do it consciously. I can tell you get along. Turn your playful banter into something useful in battle. If you incorporate that into your fighting, you’ll improve significantly. And speak up! There’s power in your voice. I’ve studied this for years; it’s true! Shouting can help you achieve things you thought impossible. Blazer, this applies to you too. And about your arcane energy — if you’ve surpassed your limits, your energy should have increased. Use it liberally. As warriors, your magic consumption is low. So, concentrate your magic into your swords and your limbs. It’ll enhance both your offense and defense! From what I see, all three of you have more potential than Asley. Focus, and it’ll come naturally. Gahahaha!”

As Bruce listened to Tūs’s explanation, he finally caught his breath and glared at the ground from his hands and knees.

“Hahaha... Man, this is tough. But still... he’s so damn awesome...” he muttered.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

Volume 10 Bonus Story 2 – Waiting With Great Anticipation

“Tifa.”

On a midsummer night, Tifa, the second disciple of the Eternal Fool Asley, waited in the dark room.

Her Familiar, Tarawo, approached, concern etched in his voice.

Tifa’s gaze was fixed on the silent Teleportation Spell Circle that had been there for a day without any sign of activation.

Tarawo’s eyes reflected the serious profile of his Master.

“Tifa, you haven’t eaten anything since yesterday! If you don’t eat soon, you’ll collapse when it matters most!”

Tifa shifted her sights sharply to Tarawo.

Her eyes, cold and intense, pinned him in place.

“This is ‘when it matters most’...!”

“W-what? Indeed, the meal after meeting Asley was more sumptuous than usual. Ah, I see... so this is what you meant by ‘when it matters most’! Hahaha! Very well, Tifa! This King Wolf Garm will rise to the occasion! What’s the target?”

Tifa’s eyes returned to the Teleportation Spell Circle — which still showed no signs of activity.

“Ah, I see, I see... I get it now. So, through that circle, something powerful and malevolent is coming...! Fwahaha! My blood boils! Tifa! Leave the first strike to me! I’ll leap into the fray– gah!?”

Before Tarawo could finish, Tifa grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and lifted him.

“I’m going first. The leap is mine.”

Her eyes, colder and more murderous, silenced Tarawo.

From just looking into Tifa’s eyes, Tarawo shivered, his teeth chattering, and swallowed hard.

“Wh-who warrants such hatred?” he stammered.

Tifa didn’t answer.

Tarawo, interpreting her silence, gazed at her with a newfound seriousness.

“A formidable foe indeed... Very well. I’ll watch over your valiant efforts–“

“–Just sit down and be quiet.”

“Oh, yes ma’am.”

Tifa hadn’t left her spot, not even for the Magic University, except for necessary trips to the bathroom.

Days passed, and exhaustion began to show on her face.

“Tifa!” Tarawo exclaimed as the Spell Circle started to glow.

By now, Tifa had already sprang into action.

She stood before the vanity, concealing her dark circles with makeup, fixing her hair, and slapping her cheeks. “All right!” she shouted with uncharacteristic fervor.

“Gweh–!?”

Grabbing Tarawo by the neck again, she stepped onto the Teleportation Spell Circle.

“I’m coming, Sir Asley!”

Her icy gaze shattered into one of warmth and happiness.

As their bodies began to transfer...

“Huh?”

...Only the echoes of Tarawo’s bewildered voice remained.

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