Chapter 188 – Begin Counter Attack

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The three masked men descended to the bottom of the hole.

“Everyone! Attack together, just like during your training! Don’t go out on your own!”

I ordered sharply.

We had practiced fighting defensively in pairs.

Magic fire was unleashed.

Carolos and Hugo’s attacks slammed into the first masked man.

“Even if one is not enough, if it’s two…”

Carlos said excitedly.

However, what he saw appear from behind the smoke, was something he had not imagined.

“Wh-why…”

The man stood up. His neck made a cracking sound as his head tilted to the side.

While he was covered in dust, it looked like his body had not taken any damage.

Such a thing would be impossible for most humans. His durability was unbelievable.

The masked man then activated his own magic.

There was an explosion, and in an instant, the three layers of magic barriers that protected the pair were shattered.

The two were thrown into the air and crashed into the other new recruits who stood behind them.

“That’s insane…”

Hugo’s eyes were wide with shock.

“Calm yourselves! Focus on what you can do!”

Alan and Muna snapped out of their shock and activated their magic.

But their barriers and ice magic could only buy them a little time in the face of the masked man’s fire magic.

Still, a little time was all that we needed.

I used wind magic to kill his attack, and then Luke countered with thunder magic.

The enemy’s attacks tried to take advantage of any small opening in Luke’s defenses, but Misha then moved to cover for him.

“Thank you.”

He said without a change in expression.

“You can buy me lunch next time.”

She answered seriously.

The presence of reliable comrades was so reassuring.

That was why I could speak to the new recruits with a confident expression.

“I will protect all of you. So you must protect me. If we work together, we can win.”

At the very least, I could see that Luke’s attacks were dealing damage.

The enemy grew cautious, and their attacks against the new recruits loosened.

Magic arts flew in every direction.

“Selty! Seven o’clock!”

I used a wind cannon to block the attack that targeted her back.

Even if we had superior numbers, as individuals, there was a huge gap.

It was all we could do to hold our ground and survive.

However, our surroundings were also strongly affecting the battle.

A moonless night.

The deep hole opened by the gunpowder did not let a single ray of light inside. It was as if we were at the bottom of a deep sea.

Everything was shrouded in thick darkness.

However, I knew of an effective way of dealing with such situations.

During the finals of the World Trophy Tournament.

The way I fought when a magician cast a status effect on me that sealed my vision.

(Forget seeing with your eyes.)

Sharpen your senses.

(Find the enemy positions through the vibrations in the wind.)

Even in this disadvantageous situation, I did not hesitate at all.

(We’re all going home no matter what.)

I had decided on it from the beginning.

◇　　◇　　◇

The masked men had overwhelming strength.

The battle was dizzyingly fast and chaotic. But Misha stayed close to Noelle and followed her movements.

(She is getting faster again.)

She was adapting to the situation, where it was difficult to see.

An insane ability to focus and react. She was aware of the whole battle, and chose the best actions.

This was all an extension of everything she had been doing before.

It started from the harsh working environment at the magic artificer guild. And was polished with experience in the Royal Magicians Order.

However, Misha also felt there was something else there this time.

(Probably, because she is a superior now.)

She wanted to protect her subordinates.

That responsibility and determination was making Noelle fight like never before.

Her job as the Vice-captain.

(She can work harder if it is for someone else. That’s amazing.)

With record–breaking speed, she had been promoted, and even surpassed Misha.

Misha would be lying if she said that she was not a little jealous.

But more than that, she felt that it was beautiful.

To do the job that you love. Misha had forgotten what it was like to be so passionate.

Liking it so much that you didn’t need anything else.

Being able to continue like that was a gift in itself.

She was positively enjoying life, and dedicating it to a single thing.

As it was something she could not do herself, the small and slightly foolish girl looked beautiful to Misha.

(Still, even she will not be able to deal with this.)

Her energy was depleting rapidly. The masked men were just too powerful.

And Noelle was being pushed to the bring in order to protect her eight subordinates.

(In that case, it’s my duty to support her.)

Misha thought as she activated her magic.

(Go. You can fly even higher, Noelle.)

◆　　◆　　◆

For the masked men, the Royal Magicians in front of them were not much of a threat.

Of course, Ardenfeld was known for having some of the most skilled magicians on the west continent, and they had reached this lofty position.

However, this was mainly just on the surface.

Behind the scenes, there was a whole world where magicians did not follow any rules.

You could get surgeries that modified your body, and take illegal and dangerous potions.

The criminal organization, Twilight, had used such techniques. And through the use of special relics, they had developed new ways to raise the quality and power.

Though many of the people who used it had turned into empty husks, if you succeeded, you could become a monster that no magician or warrior could beat.

An average magician might increase their power tenfold, so that they could overwhelm any enemy.

On top of that, most of these Royal Magicians were not very experienced.

(There are only two who are dangerous. The rest are not much.)

The outcome was practically already decided.

Still, they needed to make sure that not a single person escaped. What happened here had to be buried in the darkness completely.

(The difference in power is clear. As long as we cut off all escape routes, the rest will fall into place.)

However, the Royal Magicians started to act in a way that exceeded their expectations.

Even in a dangerous situation, where one misstep could result in death, they were calm and coordinated. And like that, they maintained the line of defense.

(It’s that woman. She is unifying them.)

She was giving orders and offering support.

The small magician drew out their power and amplified it.

In the darkness, where you could not even see three meters ahead, it was as if she was fully aware of everything around her.

She supported and covered for the others when they were being pushed back.

And as she worked, she appeared to be getting even more stronger.

It wasn’t simple, individual strength.

She led the others, creating an advantage of numbers, and used their characteristic and strength to affect the battle.

On top of that, her movements were clearly improving as well.

With incredible speed, she changed and her power grew.

(What is she…)

In the shadows, something unmeasurable was becoming sharper.

Next Chapter

Expelled From a Black Magic Item Craftsman Guild I Was Picked up as a Royal Magician