Genius Warlock

Chapter 259

"Nonsense!"

In response to Oliver's words, Derick let out a resounding shout and forcefully slammed his foot onto the ground.

A thunderous impact resonated, as the mana coalescing within his foot materialized into a potent spell, igniting a colossal inferno.

[Shadow Spike]

Boom—!!

In the face of Derick's ferocious oncoming flame attack, Oliver conjured a shadow stake that nullified its advance.

Unwavering, he remained rooted in place without making a single movement from the very beginning.

Once again, the spectators marveled at his remarkable prowess. However, Derick, undeterred, swiftly retaliated by hurling a fireball that forcefully pushed Oliver back.

Determined to silence Derick's assault once more, Oliver sought to employ the shadow stake. Yet, this time, Derick acted with swiftness. Seizing remote control over the mana, he triggered the detonation of the fireball in mid-air.

Boom—!!!

The fireball burst forth in a dazzling display of brilliant flames and searing heat. Inertia propelled the resultant flames and heat toward Oliver, scattering them widely.

Impressive.

The ability to command such expansive attacks, exerting control over the battlefield, was one of the captivating aspects of fire magic.

It appeared that Derick's skills had undergone improvement, likely due to his active participation in Kevin's lessons.

To defend himself, Oliver harnessed the emotions, expanding them like a swirling black mist to create a protective barrier. This barrier successfully deflected the onslaught of flames and heat.

Had the flames been manipulated by mana, blocking them in this manner would have proven challenging. However, given their lack of concentration, Oliver managed to withstand the assault through sheer resilience.

‘If he controlled the flames with mana instead of just sending sparks, it would have been hard to block... a bit disappointing... huh?'

Oliver paused.

In a sudden realization, Derick breathed new vitality into the dying embers of the fireball's explosion by infusing them with mana, just as they teetered on the edge of fading into oblivion. With an assertive command, he seized control of the flames.

Impressive.

The fundamental principle of fire magic lay in harnessing every flicker, refusing to squander even the tiniest flame and instead repurposing it. Yet, putting this principle into action was a different challenge altogether.

In that moment, Derick's efforts were made evident.

As a testament to his dedication, the vanishing flames transformed into a menacing force, coiling around Oliver in a serpentine fashion, following a distinct path.

‘Good, good. Very impressive. He's planning to cover everything and burn it all, huh.'

Observing the burning emotional particles, Oliver contemplated his options.

He earnestly desired to withstand the onslaught in its current state. However, the insufficiency in both the quality and quantity of emotions made it appear exceedingly challenging.

‘As expected, the difference in ingredients is severe, producing the same output as Marie is tough... um, does it matter? I've learned that I can at least imitate it. Now, how do I escape...'

As Oliver observed the encroaching net of fire, closing in on him from all sides, thoughts raced through his mind.

It wasn't that there weren't any ways out.

He could whip forth the shadow tentacles, swiftly neutralizing the flames themselves. Alternatively, he could tap into the mana stored within his own body, corroding the existing fire magic and seizing control over it.

It wasn't a matter of underestimating Derick, but rather, Oliver knew that he possessed the capability to effortlessly take command at this level.

‘Compared to Professor Kevin and Lady Bathory... um, but I want to try something else. Opportunities to compete with a wizard like this aren't common.'

Thinking this, Oliver pulled out a test tube from his pocket.

A test tube filled with emotions greed and hunger.

Oliver opened the vial and simultaneously extracted all the emotions contained within it, invoking his black magic.

[Voracity]

The swirling emotions within Oliver's grasp undulated like dark wisps of smoke, blending with the particulate emotions that encased the flames from all directions, gradually assuming a tangible shape.

Dozens of toothless mouths materialized.

Inspired by the menacing visage of the Meat Hammer, its appearance was surprisingly impressive.

"......!!"

"Ah–!!"

"Ugh......."

However, it became evident that the spectators held a different perspective, as a considerable portion of them expressed repulsion and terror.

Nevertheless, the efficacy of black magic remained undeniable.

The mouths expanded, forming a barrier, greedily devouring the flames akin to a ravenous infant. As a result, the flames' momentum noticeably dwindled compared to their initial ferocity.

With the situation unfolding in this manner, it became evident that the advantage was gradually shifting in Oliver's favor.

Derick, too, comprehended this fact.

KYAAYAAAYAYAYAYAYAA!!!

Recognizing that a straightforward clash between regular magic and black magic would not result in victory, Derick swiftly adjusted his approach.

Utilizing size-reduction magic, he retrieved a shrunken longsword from his pocket and unleashed a swift slash towards the toothless mouths conjured by Oliver. As the mouths shrieked and dissipated, Derick seized the flames that had not yet been absorbed, enveloping his sword with their fiery essence.

The scene evoked memories of Willes, yet the disparity in their powers was unmistakable.

Despite this, Oliver remained rooted in the same position as he had been from the beginning.

He hadn't budged an inch.

Witnessing this, Derick experienced a mixture of anger and disdain, fueling his determination as he charged fiercely at Oliver.

"When will you stop being so leisurely-"

[Shadow Spike]

At Oliver's command, the mouths that had consumed the flames expelled them, triggering a powerful explosion.

Unable to withstand the force of the blast, Derick lost his grip on his sword, leaving him defenseless. Seizing the opportunity, Oliver thrust his quarterstaff towards Derick.

It wasn't a forceful thrust, merely making contact.

And then, Oliver cast a spell.

[Deep Sleep]

⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩

Along with Oliver's spell, the black magic lingering at the end of the quarterstaff infiltrated Derick's body, and Derick fell into sleep consumed by despair.

Oliver carefully supported him and laid him gently on the ground.

Regardless of victory or defeat, Oliver admired Derick. He had done very well.

He had become incomparably stronger since their first fight, and his heart was stronger too.

[The winner is... Daveeeeee!!!]

Shamus announced the winner loudly as soon as the fight ended.

The magical barrier encircling the arena was retracted, and Oliver exited the arena.

The party guests clapped their hands joyfully and heartily towards Oliver, while the Tower students quickly came up to check Derick's condition.

"You did a great job."

Jane approached Oliver who had descended to the ground of the arena.

She not only neatly kept the coat Oliver had entrusted to her, but she also directly draped it over Oliver.

"Ah, thank you."

"Thank you is always my part. It was a great fight. Really."

"That's right. You were amazing!"

"Yes, really! It's quite understandable that you're the leader of the Fighter Crew."

"Ah, thank you. But, about-"

"-I'm not the type to say things like this often, but it was a great match. It's embarrassing to see a Tower student pushed so hard."

Shamus brought a truckload of people and said this.

His words were sincere, not flattery.

Although Oliver had a lot he wanted to dispute, he first asked about what concerned him the most.

"Embarrassed?"

"Yes, that guy Derick was charging in as if he was going to cry, but you just stood in your place and dealt with him, right? Moreover, you didn't even counterattack properly, as if you found it amusing."

Everyone gathered around Oliver agreed with the sentiment.

"No, that's not what I meant. I didn't move because there was no need to, not because I found it amusing. Rather-"

"-Did you just hear that? He said there was no need to move! Because he was too weak and pathetic!!"

Shamus burst into laughter and shouted, and everyone else agreed.

They seemed to interpret his actions, intended to gauge how much Derick's skills had improved, as mockery.

It was an absurd situation.

Derick was strong enough, and his skills had improved... More importantly, Oliver had no right to ridicule Derick at all.

Oliver tried to explain this, but because of Shamus, no one listened, and when he tried to explain to the Tower students, they had already disappeared.

A throbbing headache came on. The party was fun, but it seemed like he would have to restrain himself in the future.

Shamus put his arm familiarly on Oliver's shoulder and said,

"I had fun watching a duel after a long time. I'm very satisfied. Let's go back to the party and have a drink. It seems like everyone wants to talk to you."

Shamus pointed to the people gathered around Oliver, showing his intent.

Just as Shamus said, the people around Oliver showed a lot of interest in him. Each showing their own intentions and greed.

Oliver thought for a moment, reminding himself of his original purpose, and slipped out of Shamus's arm.

"Huh? What?"

"I'm sorry, but I have something to do."

At Oliver's response, Shamus looked displeased.

But Oliver didn't mind and addressed Jane.

"Miss Jane, can I excuse myself for a moment?"

Everyone's eyes were on Jane, who was taken aback for a moment but quickly regained her composure and answered,

"...Yes."

As soon as Oliver heard her answer, he asked for forgiveness from Jane and the surrounding people and walked towards the part of the party where other guests had gathered.

Perhaps because of the fight earlier, the high-ranking guests of Landa made way for him.

Thanks to this, Oliver was able to reach one person without any interference.

"Hello, Mr. Edith. It's been a while. May I have a moment of your time?"

(To be Continued)

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