Another World’s Versatile Crafting Master c1-1074

by Zhuang Bifan

  "The Guild of Jarrosus. I heard that he's the illegitimate son of Gerian… Never knew that old man treated this brat with such partiality!"

  "For real?"

  "Absolutely! How else could he be so outstanding?"

  "How was it even possible?" muttered Matthias. He was so stupefied that his eyes were as wide as that of a cow, and his expression was as though he had just met a ghost.

  He nearly died from instant shock due to that Fireball.

  Matthias was so confused. Without the protection from the Elemental Shield, how did his opponent manage to withstand the impact of the Fireball? What was more, a Fireball was not a loaf of bread. How could it be swallowed by a human being?

  Before Matthias had time to make the situation clear, the sound of recitation could be heard from a distance.

  What followed was a sudden flash of light blazing into the eyes of Matthias. In his vision, a fiery sphere with a long trail of flames grew larger and larger…

  "BOOM!" An ear-splitting explosion could be heard when the Fireball collided with his Elemental Shield, creating dazzling and vivid sparkles as the Fireball erupted.

  Under the attack of a level-eight magical element, a bright glow was reflected on the Elemental Shield.

  Seeing that, Matthias heaved a sigh of relief.

  Luckily, that Elemental Shield could defend him from a Fireball…

  Being the most outstanding Mage, Matthias was certain that five seconds were the timing needed for calling out a Fireball!

  Although five seconds were not long, they were sufficient for Matthias.

  That was because the timing required for Matthias' Elemental Shield to cool down would be four seconds. After that, both men would be back to square one of their battle again.

  At that moment, Matthias was filled with confidence again.

  To him, the dire situation he'd encountered previously was only due to that one Fireball. Once everything restarted, it would very likely be a sure-win for him since his opponent was a level-seven Mage.

  He did not believe that that a level-7 mage had the ability to swallow three Fireballs.

  Yet… Matthias' prediction was not entirely correct.

  After swallowing the first Fireball, it was a given that Lin Li did not have any ability to take in another blow. However, what he could do was to spit out the previous one that he'd swallowed!

  Matthias suddenly realized he got surrounded by those blinding sparkles again…

  "Boom!" The sound of explosion was so loud that it echoed in everyone's hearts.

  Matthias' heart sank at once…

  "Sh*t…"

  In this instance, the only line that Matthias felt like screaming was, "Goddammit, this rascal cheated!"

  All these were indeed a fraud.

  It was clear that the second Fireball was released with zero recitation. It merely shot out when the level-seven Mage raised his magic staff.

  'My God… Isn't that a level-eight skill!'

  Not to mention that he was only a level-seven Mage, a level-seventeen Archmage would also not have the skills to unleash a level-eight spell immediately. This was totally against humanity, and also breached the Laws of Magic.

  Every time a spell was upgraded by a single level, its complexity would be increased by multiple times.

  It was almost impossible for a level-eight spell like the Fireball to be unleashed instantaneously.

  The compression of a five-seconds-long recitation would complicate the magical elements within it by numerous folds. No mortal—even if he were to have a huge mental capacity—would be able to summon a spell like that. The intricacy of the spell was totally incomprehensible to any normal human being.

  But… how could one explain what had just happened before their eyes?

  The crowd of mages fell into a frenzy.

  Firstly, they already thought that the act of Lin Li swallowing a Fireball was a feat out of this world. Then, they grew totally incredulous with what happened thereafter…

  This crazy fella could summon a Fireball instantaneously!

  At that moment, everyone had the impulse to crash into the wall because of what they had witnessed.

  That was such a contradiction to human nature!

  "Pom!"

  A Fireball dropped onto the trembling Elemental Shield, and the collision generated a series of uncontrollable magical waves. In that instance, the tremendous impact inflicted on Matthias' Elemental Shield caused the plate to split into a thousand fragments. Without the last layer of protection, he was as though a disrobed young lady, confused and terrorized by the hideous laughter of perverts surrounding her…

  After Matthias got disarmed by the Fireball, Lin Li grabbed the opportunity to continue his attack. He raised his right arm and unleashed a series of Arcane Missiles on the poor man.

  "AHHH…"

  The excruciating cry of Matthias reverberated lastingly… In the midst of that shrill shriek, everyone heard a distinct crisp sound as well. They knew that it was the sound of bones breaking.

  Four Arcane Missiles created four explosions, also breaking the bones of Matthias. Unlike how he treated Orrin—breaking one of his arms—the ruthless Lin Li was more thorough in his actions. He broke all four limbs of Matthias…

  The agonizing pain from his broken limbs was so tormenting that it went beyond what normal human beings could handle. His blood-curdling wails were never-ending, and sent shivers down everybody's spines. Squirming on the ground in a pool of sweat, Matthias was like a dried shrimp that was soaked in boiling water.

  "You are free to submit your application for a duel now," gibed Lin Li as he looked at Matthias in disdain. Then, his glance fell on the two mages who were chiming in previously.

  He raised his brows in contempt, but inquired politely, "May I know if my teammate had offended your Guild as well?"

  "Nonononono…"

  "H-he's right! Absolutely not!!"

  Lin Li's sarcastic tone as he asked his question contemptuously was so terrifying it nearly drove their souls out in fear. While denying, both of them inched backwards as if they could break off any relationship they had with Matthias that way.

  He had to be joking…

  Not to mention if Orrin had even offended any Guild, if he really had, who would have had the guts to admit it in front of this freak? Should they agitate this fella, how would they survive his four Arcane Missiles? They would have to be mad to challenge him…

  "I-it's Matthias! H-he tried to sow discord between us and Brother Orrin!" one mage said.

  "Y-yes, yes! He's really a sly fella!" The second Mage followed suit.

  After nodding profusely to make themselves seem more credible, they strided towards Matthias and gave him a strong kick with zero hesitation.

  Having lost all his limbs, Matthias was already pitiful enough. Tears of pain were already welling up in his eyes. With the additional kick, it was like splashing oil on top of fire. It aggravated his suffering, and caused him to roll around in greater pain. His screams intensified, provoking sympathy among the onlookers.

  …

  Chapter 118 - Subversion of Belief

  "…"

  Although Lin Li had seen many who decided to betray their own team at the very last minute, it was the first time that he witnessed such extremity. The thought of how harmonious the trio had been when they sneered and taunted contemptuously just then juxtaposed with how swiftly they turned against each other was so appalling.

  "Scram!" Lin Li waved his hands impatiently, not knowing how to deal with such incorrigible and selfish beings.

  "We will leave immediately, immediately…" said both men in relief. The order for them to leave was such a solace to them.

  "Thank God, our lives are spared…"

  What seemed like a level-seven Mage was actually a freak. The sight of Matthias lying gruesomely on the ground made both men question if he was even human. He was not only extremely powerful, but also vicious and ruthless. To the two men
, these types of people were the most terrifying—nobody knew the triggers that would provoke them, nor the reasons behind their d.e.s.i.r.e to kill…

  No one would ever want to be mutilated or roll in excruciating pain, then lie lifelessly on the ground like dried shrimps.

  In the face of such a monster, who would not want to escape if they could?

  Both men scurried away.

  "Wait…" The voice of the pestilence sounded behind the duo.

  At this moment, fear weakened the legs of both men.

  "W-what?" muttered the two anxiously.

  Did… that freak change his mind?

  The thought of the current state of Matthias caused them to tremble in fear. What if this freak, Lin Li, changed his mind? Were they going to be treated like Matthias?

  "Take this man away," Lin Li ordered.

  "Alright…" replied both men as they heaved a sigh of relief. The feeling of having survived a catastrophe caused cold sweat to trickle down their spines…

  After that, Lin Li bent down and lifted Orrin up. He looked back, and urged the shocked Mason, "Brother Mason, come over quickly. He is too heavy…"

  "Oh!" replied Mason as he was snapped back to reality. Yet, while carrying Orrin, his expression remained odd.

  The parties who had partaken in the battle left, leaving behind dumbfounded audience.

  Everyone was stupefied, and their gazes towards Lin Li's gang showed hints of fear.

  They always thought that Gryffindor would emerge as the victor. Yet, the emergence of Lin Li, the self-proclaimed level-seven Mage, in this fight inevitably undermined their confidence.

  Could Gryffindor exert the power of the Fireball so instantaneously? Not to mention him, the mentors themselves would not have the ability to perform such an impossible feat.

  Almost everyone was praying not to meet any of these three people in the finals. If this were to be inevitable… they silently hoped that he'd suffer a calamity…

  This fellow was a total pestilence! Anyone who needed to confront him would be wretched, landing in a situation worse than contracting a plague!

  Lin Li was oblivious about himself being cursed. After carrying Orrin back into the room, he went back to his room alone.

  It was indeed difficult to deal with fractured bones. One bottle of the Recovery Potion might not be sufficient. For a full recovery, one might need additional supplements…

  After watching Lin Li enter his room, Mason could not help but continue to mutter, "Damnnn… Why am I the weaker one despite being a level-nine Mage?"

  Having clearly heard what was under Mason's breath, Orrin put his uninjured arm over Mason's shoulders, and snapped, "Idiot!" Yet, he was at a loss for words, and did not know how to comfort Mason.

  How could a level-seven Mage have the outstanding ability displayed by that fella?

  … Not to mention the two suspicious Fireballs—the matter was definitely unfathomable for Orrin as it subverted the common knowledge of Magic.

  Just the four Arcane Missiles were sufficient for Orrin to renew his judgment towards this strange teammate.

  The Arcane Missile was an authentic level-two magical skill. Under the Magic Shooter-level, it was impossible for the Arcane Missile to be launched at an instantaneous speed. This meant that this self-proclaimed level-seven Mage owned at least the powers of a level-10 Mage.

  And this was only 'at least'…

  Orrin had to admit that he lacked the skill to judge Lin Li's true capability. He could only base his entire deduction on that single battle. This implied that Lin Li's real ability might either be at the peak of level-12, or at the beginner stage of level-13…

  Definitely not what he claimed to be.

  Right after helping him to get onto the bed, Mason got scolded without any reason. This provoked all his rage he'd just suppressed. Mason grumbled, "Goddammit. Even though you are injured, don't assume that I wouldn't beat you up…"

  "You can try."

  "Damn you…" replied Mason as he glared hard at Orrin, yet ultimately had to admit, "I don't dare to beat a patient…"

  "So, you still don't believe that you are an idiot…" Orrin said as a smile came across his poker face. He asked, "Can't you tell that my injuries are recovering swiftly?"

  "What?" said Mason in shock as he glanced involuntarily at Orrin's fractured arm.

  It was then that he realized how Orrin tried to raise his arm, albeit with a pained expression. Yet, it was a fact that the broken arm had already received treatment.

  "W-wait… how is this possible?" Mason gasped, his eyes open as wide as a bull's.

  The sight before him seemed as though it was an illusion.

  It was only just then that he'd witnessed the agony Orrin was in while he was helping him return to his room–the pain reflected through his facial features, and the awkward angle his arm was positioned at—which could not be falsified! Mason dared to bet his life on this—Orrin's right arm had indeed been broken!

  Only a few minutes had passed. How could the recovery be so speedy?

  Mason got confused. He really hoped to ask Orrin, "Brat, are you made of slime?"

  "That's why I said, you are an idiot."

  "Hey…"

  "If you are not an idiot, how are you still treating Felic as a level-7 Mage?"

  "Isn't he one?" Mason exclaimed in much disbelief.

  "What crap…"

  Orrin had changed a lot ever since he'd been injured. He started to show more feelings on his face, and became more talkative. It was rare that Orrin did not scold Mason for such a foolish question. While he just rolled his eyes, he asked, "Have you ever seen a level-7 Mage defeating and crippling a level-12 Magic Shooter?"

  "Level-12 Magic Shooter!" Mason cried out in surprise, and his expression became extremely odd. "You mean, Matthias is…"

  "What else do you think…"

  "If Matthias was a level-12 Magic Shooter, then isn't Felic a…"

  Mason felt that he was on the verge of turning crazy. He'd always thought that since he was a level-nine Mage, he would be one of the strongest, and thus have an edge over the others with his powers. Never had he expected that only on the first day he'd meet a level-nine Magic Shooter. And it was this Magic Shooter who crippled his teammate without using much force…

  "Should be the 13th level."

  "…" Upon hearing such an almighty and terrifying status, Mason was beyond speechless, and was on the verge of a breakdown.

  "Goddammit… Is there still justice? Since we are all mages, why do we differ so much from each other? Come to think of it, this fella does seem younger than me."

  Mason was not alone.

  Compared to him, Orrin was no better.

  His nature had made him more composed than usual.

  It was no exaggeration to claim that Orrin was a true genius.

  He was acknowledged to be the 'Most Outstanding Mage' (across three hundred years) at the Guild of Magic in Rotterdam.

  When he became an official Mage when he was 12 years old, it alarmed the Supreme Council. They even sent an Archmage to congratulate Rotterdam's Guild of Magic for their achievement in raising a prodigy.

  In the next 10 years, never had Orrin ever slacked off. At the age of 21, his extreme talent, together with his hard work, allowed him to attain the status of the Magic Shooter.

  Orrin had always thought that without Gryffindor (who had once defeated him), he would be the top Mage of the Felan Kingdom…

  Yet just today, this 'top Mage' had already suffered a series of disappointment.

  First, being defeated by Matthias. Then, witnessing Felic's outstanding performance…

  Since Matthias was older than him by three years, and the ability of both men only differed slightly, the first case of his defeat due to a minor mistake was still tolerable.

  However, the freakish act by Felic had totally subverted his initial perception.

  A level-13 Magic Shooter at the age of 20… Would there be anybody else more
terrifying than this?

  Chapter 119 - A New Task

  A level-13 Magic Shooter at the age of 20… Was there anybody more terrifying than this?

  Orrin could not help but smile bitterly at the thought of the battle.

  What was he in comparison with this freakish roommate?

  Then, Orrin thought of the bottle of medication he'd consumed…

  If he did not remember wrongly, that was called the Recovery Potion.

  The President—or his mentor—had once purchased a few bottles of the potion at an exorbitant price at the Guild of Rotterdam. Orrin still remembered how shocked he was when he first heard of the price of the Recovery Potions. The cost of those potions was sufficient to fully equip a Magic Shooter!

  Orrin still remembered how casually Lin Li had passed the bottle of Recovery Potion to him, as though the pricey bottle was just a random stone found on the roadside.

  It was only starting from this day that Orrin knew how terrifying the self-proclaimed level-seven roommate was.

  Attaining the ability of a level-13 Magic Shooter when he was barely 20-years-old, casually giving away an expensive bottle of Recovery Potion… Only an idiot like Mason would believe that he was only a level-seven Mage…

  "All in all, our roommate is definitely a freak!" concluded Orrin.

  When the duo was conversing, Lin Li came into the room, and passed a sparkling blue glass bottle into the hands of Orrin. He did not say anything else, but only reminded him to consume it before sleeping.

  The sky gradually darkened. The trio, who had been restless for the entire day, was already so exhausted that they immediately fell into deep slumber.

  …

  On the next day, Lin Li was awakened by the knocking on his door.

  As he rubbed his bleary eyes, what came to view was not Mason, but a person he'd never expected.

  "Mack… Mr. Macklin!" Lin Li exclaimed as he saw the twitching mustache. His sleepiness vanished immediately. It was only then that he realized: he had overslept!

  After the quest yesterday, Macklin had announced that everyone would meet in the hall at 8 o'clock in the morning. Not to mention the time then… It would be considered late to even go for lunch…