Crunch, crunch, crunch

A radiant golden thunder sword strikes the enemy. The sheer power of the attack kicks up a thick cloud of dust. The distant encampment of the Bartom Kingdom erupts in confusion—most likely because they hadn’t anticipated that an unknown figure like me would possess this level of strength.

Advanced binding magic, advanced status ailment magic, and advanced lightning magic. These are spells so difficult to master that even a lifetime of study wouldn’t guarantee their acquisition for an average mage.

Yet, I had unleashed three of them in rapid succession. Even Lilith-san and the other A-rank adventurers, whom I had asked to train me, were rendered immobile after receiving a combination of binding and status ailment magic, followed by an attack.

“………………”

The dust gradually settles. However, standing there, unchanged, is the enemy—completely unscathed. At some point, the chains from the binding magic had also disappeared.

…I had already sensed through my detection skill that the enemy was still alive, but to have blocked my attacks entirely without sustaining a single scratch? That’s honestly a shock.

To be honest, I wouldn’t have minded if that last attack had simply ended things, regardless of my training efforts…

“…Who are you?”

For the first time, the enemy speaks. His voice, rather than that of a full-grown man, is closer to that of a youth. It seems he is at least willing to engage in conversation.

“I’m Masayoshi. What’s your name?”

“…Ande. Your magic was truly impressive. My barrier spell was shattered in an instant. Not to mention your binding and status ailment magic—both of them were remarkable. However, I have never heard of a mage named Masayoshi. Does this country have many unknown yet highly skilled spellcasters like you?”

It feels like he’s complimenting me, but in a condescending way. Well, it seems like this is turning into a Q&A session. That works for me—I have plenty of questions to ask as well. I’ll remain cautious but take this opportunity to gather information.

“To be precise, I’m not originally from this country, so I wouldn’t know. As for me, I was deliberately hiding my strength. Now, I have a question for you—why are you assisting the Bartom Kingdom?”

“…I was told I could fight the strongest warrior in this nation. Rather than traveling from town to town searching for strong opponents, this was far more convenient. I was aware that I was being used, but I accepted the offer because it aligned with my goal of battling the strong. I have no interest in the disputes between nations.

“You’re human, aren’t you? How is it that you can wield such powerful magic at your age?”

So he’s only doing this because he wants to fight strong opponents? Well, I suppose if you’re looking for the strongest in a nation, then making yourself a representative is an efficient way to go about it...

“I am human, but I was taught everything by my master. …If you’re not particularly interested in this duel itself, would you consider stepping aside?

“There’s someone precious to me among the royal family. I’ll ensure the life of the person who hired you is spared, and afterward, I’ll give you a full-force battle. If you want, I can even pay you, or bring you other strong opponents to fight.”

Strictly speaking, it was more of an inheritance than instruction, but the difference is minor. It might seem a bit underhanded, but if negotiation can solve this problem, that’s fine. After all, both my life and Saara-san’s life are on the line. Now isn’t the time to worry about pride or appearances.

“…Even though I was being used, they did keep their promise and brought me a strong opponent—you. It would be dishonorable to break that agreement unilaterally.

“…A master, huh… Very well. Sorry for the interruption. Now, I’ll be the one to make my move.”

So negotiation was a no-go. He’s surprisingly loyal to his employer… Well, at least he isn’t blindly devoted to the Bartom Kingdom. That’s a small relief.

“…Here I come.”

“…!?”

Without even a hint of a preparatory motion, the enemy suddenly dashes toward me at an incredible speed. When I first heard the title "Heir to the Grand Mage," I had pictured a spellcaster who remained stationary, hurling devastating magic from afar.

But this guy—he completely shatters that image, charging at me like a raging beast.

However, I know this strategy.

Right before coming here, I read through a document Boris-san had given me in the carriage. It was based on firsthand accounts from those who had fought the Heir to the Grand Mage before. And as it turns out, his combat style is eerily similar to my own.

Suppressor skill—OFF!

Dan!

As the enemy charges straight at me, I leap to the left. At the same time, I launch a spell while on the move.

“Stone Bullet!”

Stone Bullet, an intermediate-level earth magic spell that fires about ten large stone projectiles at the target.

“…Hmph! Air Bullet!”

While pursuing me to the left, he counters with an intermediate wind spell. My Stone Bullets and his Air Bullets collide in midair—most cancel each other out, but a few shots from both sides still manage to slip through.

“Tch!”

Two wind bullets are headed my way, but thanks to my Foresight skill, I manage to dodge them. At the same time, the enemy also evades my stone projectiles.

“…Fire Lance!”

“Water Wall!”

His five fiery spears streak toward me, but I intercept them with a defensive water spell.

Juuuu...

The fire lances vanish upon contact with the water wall. Seems like my water spell had the upper hand in this elemental clash.

“Ugh!”

But the enemy doesn’t hesitate. He thrusts his fist directly into the water wall.

PAAAAAAN!

The wall bursts apart from the impact, and he dashes through the opening toward me, launching a right punch.

In response, I raise my own right fist—not to block, but to counter. Without hesitation, I aim a punch straight at his face.

Bakin!

Both of our right fists cross paths. Just before impact, our respective barrier spells intercept each other, preventing direct contact.