by Zhuang Bifan
"Hey, this is not my fault anymore…" Lin Li said innocently as he rubbed his nose.
Frankly speaking, he was not wrong.
When the blood-red vines dispersed, Lin Li did not attack Matthias at all—he did not even touch his hair. Now, even Macklin could not help but frown.
What is this kid doing?
He was still wondering why Lin Li did not choose to kill Matthias at such a good chance. Then, he realized that Aldwin's bipolar mageweath failed due to the over-concentration of elements…
What followed was Matthias falling straight onto the ground.
Gaud was stupefied. He'd never thought that it would end this way. Matthias' death was too absurd. Although he knew it was the doing of the Jarrosus mage, he had no proof. Thousands of mages saw very clearly that Matthias was killed by a random Wind Blade. His death was not related to Felic at all.
Since the grounds belonged to Alanna Guild of Magic, Gaud could not do much without credible evidence. Even though he was the nephew of Wilhelm, the only thing he could do was grit his teeth and snap at Lin Li. "Mage Felic, I will report everything to Master Wilhelm."
After saying that, Gaud walked out of the Aurora Square, and exited Alanna Guild of Magic with the team of fully armored warriors.
"The ultimate victory goes to Felic from the Jarrosus!" Herza's voice was very clear. At this time, the audience who were stunned got back to reality. A round of thunderous applause filled the arena.
The two-month-long trial might appear to have ended with the applause. However, to most people, it was just the start.
Chapter 279 - Unrelenting Potion
"F*ck! Where did that monster came from?" The quiet Aurora Square was filled with gasps at once. The sudden change was like a thunder that roared above their heads. At that moment, everyone's head buzzed. No one believed what they saw to be true…
It was that unbelievable. How could a skinny and weak mage be able to inflict such a magnificent blow? His blow was as strong as thunder and as fast as mad wind. He was definitely a monster in disguise…
Aurora Square was filled with a deafening silence. Everybody's gazes were fixed on the two men on the ground. The prolonged battle had been testing their emotional capacity with hair-raising exchanges one after another. Lin Li's sudden progression into level-16, Matthias' awakening, and the never-ending miracles had caused everyone to think that they had be accustomed to surprises. Yet, when Lin Li demonstrated his almighty close quarters attacks, nearly half of the mages in the audience went mad after seeing it…
Lin Li's sudden second wind had pushed the battle to the climax.
Lin Li's fist made Matthias fall onto the ground. Although Matthias did not expect that, it was a fact that his devil's lineage had been awakened. How would he be defeated so easily? When he fell, he spread his black wings almost instantly. He managed to stabilize himself, then hissed and generated huge torrent-like magical waves…
The dazzling sparks from the Rain of Sacrifice were like shooting stars falling from the sky, and created a raging storm. At the same time, Lin Li also summoned his Water Shield. While gripped his Aether Staff, his recitation flowed out like gushing water from his larynx.
Instantaneously, the temperature in the Aurora Square fell. There were snowflakes and bone-chilling wind in the air. Amidst the flames, the crystal-like snowflakes looked brilliant. When the two strong spells clashed with each other, torrents of elements erupted. While the Thousand Miles of Ice came by, the snowflakes and fire sparks came into close contact with each other.
After casting the Rain of Sacrifice, Matthias roared again. Everybody could see multicolored elemental fragments rising up to the sky. They became a perfect barrier that blocked off the chilly air given out by Thousand Miles of Ice. What followed was Matthias spreading his pair of black wings and swooping like a sharp arrow towards Lin Li.
The battle between them was never-ending. Their exchanges were filled with increasing intensity, and each attack generated more and more impact. Seconds trickled by, and it got to the evening in the blink of an eye. The setting sun painted the Aurora Square with a blood-red hue. It amplified the eerie and foreboding atmosphere.
"It seems that I have misjudged you…" Matthias hissed while he panted heavily. Although the devil's lineage within him had awakened, and he inherited part of the power of Batu, the Lord of Destruction, he could no longer stand such a huge energy usage. Throughout the arduous battle, both men unleashed many spells that were beyond level-15. On top of that, the strenuous and up-close wrestling they had with each other had drained Matthias not only physically, but also mentally. He had reached his limit.
"Same here…" Lin Li replied. Although he was not as worn out as Matthias, underlying his voice was a sense of fatigue. Even if he were to have unlimited mana, the intensity of the prolonged battle had caused him to feel a tiredness like never before.
"However, one time is enough. Now, enjoy while you can. This will be the last beautiful sunset for you." Matthias scowled, and let out a shrilling cry. At once, blood-red smoke filled the Aurora Square. From afar, it was as though the red fog had solidified.
At the same time, shocking transformations occurred on Matthias' body.
The tightly packed black scales became really bright and shiny as though they were a set of brand-new armor. His horn, which stood straight upwards on his head, emitted a faint light. His black wings spread out energetically and turned red amidst the red fog. Matthias was like a real Vampire. He was all menace and hideous under his blood-red wings.
"F*ck!" The audience gasped. This time, even a fool would be able to tell that Matthias' power became many times greater. His original ability that surpassed that of an Archmage became very near to that of a guru. He gave off an extremely terrifying vibe, and the audience could not help but feel threatened by it.
That energy was not supposed to be owned by a normal human. Now, Matthias gave off a vibe that was really similar to the Lord of Destruction.
Matthias' sudden energy, however, did not surprise Lin Li at all. He slowly put the Aether Staff back into the Ring of Endless Storm.
Matthias' recitation hastened. The red fog in the Aurora Square seemed to be under control. It swirled ominously like a huge whirlpool, and swallowed everything around it crazily. When air and sunlight came into contact with the blood-red whirlpool, they could not avoid their fate of being swallowed by it, either. At once, the Aurora Square was all blood-red.
"Sh*t! That's the Crimson Adjudication!" Hoffman exclaimed as his eyes widened. He lived in the Breezy Plains with the Ashen Warlock, so while he did not have too many interactions with him, he knew this that that butcher in the arena was casting the Crimson Adjudication.
… It was the spell the Ashen Warlock was the proudest of!
All of a sudden, the audience became quiet. They held their breath. It was like the silence before the storm, as though the gray clouds in the sky were oppressive. Everyone was very fearful for the young mage from Jarrosus. They even felt like telling him to leave this place immediately.
However, it was too late…
While the blood-red whirlpool swirled madly, it was as though time had frozen.
Lin Li hovered in the air quietly and took out something from the Ring of Endless Storm slowly. It was a crossbow that he had only used thrice since he came to Anril. The first time was at the Shadowglen, the second was at the Blackhills Town, while the third was at the Fire Plume Ridge. Every time, it allowed him to escape calamity.
"Freak, what is Felic thinking…?" Macklin muttered. The recitation had made him really anxious. His eyes was fixed on the two students in the ring.
"Sigh…" At this time, even Aldwin shook his head. The Gates of the Abyss had appeared, and the recitation of the Crimson Adjudication had begun. No matter how powerful he was, Aldwin would not be able to stop the catastrophe that was about to happen. The only thing he could do was to transfer his mana into the Void Barrier to minimize the impact the Crimson Adjudi
cation was about to bring…
Lin Li was still hovering in the air quietly. He reached his hand into the Ring of Endless Storm again and took out a thin Hollow Spike. Under the sunset, the black Hollow Spike had a faint glow. Lin Li touched its tip and positioned it in the slot of the crossbow. His actions were slow and precise, just as though he was c.a.r.e.s.sing the long hair of a sweetheart…
"Oh my God… Felic, run!" Macklin was so angry that he stomped his feet. However, his cries were not of any help to the matter at hand. With the Void Barrier established, Lin Li would not be able to hear his voice.
The act of holding the crossbow in his hand and putting the Hollow Spike into position gave Lin Li a great sense of nostalgia. He remembered how he had the Stars of Fury with him in the Endless World very long ago. His surroundings did not matter to him. He did not care about the swirling blood-red fog nor the mages in the audience seats. His focus was placed on the crossbow in his hands and the faint red glow before him.
That was right. It was the source of the Blood Eye Crystal, the location of the center of the Gates of the Abyss.
Perhaps it was the mental energy that Lin Li gave off, or the presence of the Hollow Spike when he raised his crossbow, but Matthias' recitation accelerated. At once, everybody could sense a thick stench of blood filling the Aurora Square.
"I'm sorry, Matthias. My good luck might be continuing…" The moment Lin Li spoke, he casually pulled the trigger. The sharp Hollow Spike shot out. The sound of it flying off was like an alarm, terrifying the audience.
What followed was a loud clang.
"BOOM!"
The Hollow Spike was like a shooting star that ruthlessly stabbed that faint red glow. At that instant, it was as though the entire world had lost its colors. The ominous whirlpool dispersed all of a sudden, leaving the entire Aurora Square in a cloud of ash.
At the same time, Lin Li's figure became blurred. He was like a ghost that crept behind Matthias without any warning. What followed was a harsh punch on Matthias' back. Before Matthias could react, Lin Li had already turned his body and threw at least ten Wind Blades towards him like a machine gun. Although Matthias had the protection from his scales, he got injuries all over in the blink of an eye.
When he had gotten ahold of the momentum, Lin Li did not give Matthias any more chances. He let out a strong wave of mana and forced Matthias to the edge of destruction…
"This can't be…" Darian was stunned. He stared at Lin Li as though he saw a ghost. He was full of sweat and his face ashened. A bony hand was covering his mouth tightly, stopping his urge to scream.
Darian was the only man among the thousands of mages who was aware of Matthias' ability. That was due to the pact he had made long ago with Matthias' mentor, Aeron.
The ability of an Archmage and that of someone with a devil's lineage was definitely not something Darian would have expected the trial students to associate themselves with. He even started to doubt if it was even necessary to help Aldwin with the four master-level mageweaths…
But, he knew very quickly that it was indeed a necessary act. It was utmost necessity!
The mage from Jarrosus was a monster. The spells he had been casting became more and more terrifying as the battles progressed. Those were enough to cause hearts to skip beats. However, Darian realized those were nothing. Why would its powerful methods even matter if the monster could cast 60 Pyroblasts right from the beginning?
However, no one—not even Darian—had expected the Jarrosus mage to have the ability to fight with Matthias. What Matthias had inherited was the Lord of Destruction's—Batu's—ability! Even if he did not inherit the entire skill set, it was adequate for him to slay all his opponents.
But now, Matthias, who was supposed to slay his opponents with ease, had lost his powers from the Gates of the Abyss due to a crossbow bolt. His strength and speed declined gradually. He also needed more time to recite his spells now.
On the other side, the young mage from Jarrosus became more and more powerful. He had forced Matthias to the edge in just the blink of an eye.
His black wings were broken and his scales had lost its shine. He reeked of blood while it gushed out of his wounds profusely. Before this, he had still been making plans on how to play the cat and mouse game with Lin Li. Now, he was like a dying dog, pinned down for a good beating.
After falling from the sky, the emotion on Matthias' expression was all shock. He could not understand how that mage from Jarrosus got his powers to defeat him, who had his devil's lineage awakened. It was unbelievable. He felt so weak, and had no strength to return the attacks. He could only see his opponent punch his face continuously like a heavy hammer. At that moment, the Aurora Square was really silent. The only sound was the sound of the fists hitting his face. Matthias could only protect his head with his hands to minimize his injuries.
Lin Li was never a forgiving person. His anger from the unexpected beating that Matthias gave him just now already acc.u.mulated much anger in him. Now that he finally got the chance to reciprocate with harsher attacks, why would he choose not to? Furthermore, he had had to use the entire black lotus to create the Unrelenting Potion. If he did not beat Matthias into a moron, wouldn't he waste that black lotus?
He was like a different person now. His speed was faster than that of a mad wind, and his strength was stronger than a thunderbolt. Matthias was like a hilarious clown before him. He was like a sandbag that was beaten up harshly by Lin Li. Matthias could not struggle or resist at all.
The crazy attacks turned Lin Li eyes red with blood l.u.s.t. He grabbed onto Matthias' throat tightly and smashed his scaly body onto the ground.
"BAM!"
Instantaneously, cracks appeared on the firm ground. Matthias sank into the debris, and the air was filled with dust and small rock fragments. The Aurora Square became silent at once.
"This…" Hoffman swallowed his saliva strenuously. His eyes almost popped out of their sockets. Never had he expected that the gentlemanly and talented pharmacist would have such an extreme thirst for blood. He was so violent and fierce, just like a gladiator that would partake in a deadly battle.
At this time, Hoffman was really doubting his decision to use Lin Li. He wondered if it was a good choice to strike a deal with this man…
No matter what, the battle on the Aurora Square would be ending soon…
Matthias was at the edge of death. His body was covered with wounds of different sizes, and he even had his horn broken off by Lin Li. His shrill cries sounded as though they came from the deepest of hells. The audience couldn't help but feel a chill down their spines and goosebumps all over.
"How is it, Mage Matthias? Now you should know that it is not just luck that brought me where I am, right?" Lin Li asked menacingly as he gave Matthias a harsh kick and sent him deeper into the debris.
"Keh…" Matthias coughed forcefully while he stood in the middle of the debris. Fresh blood flowed out from his mouth as though someone opened a floodgate. Yet, his eyes were filled with an uncompromising expression. "So what? Have you forgotten about the Emerald Tower already?"
"So it was really you!" The mention of the Emerald Tower changed Lin Li's expression immediately. This time, he finally could ascertain that the Marathon Family was providing support to the Shadow's Nest. "Tell me, why would the Marathon Family do that?"
"WHY? HAHAHA…" Although he was at a disadvantage, the carefree Matthias was still able to laugh. "If you want to know the reason, why don't you kneel down before me? If you beg me, I might consider telling you."
"Mage Matthias, you are very insensible." Seeing Matthias' desperate struggle, Lin Li showed zero excitement. He only had a cruel smile on his face. "Perhaps my Flaming Hand could make you wiser…"
Almost immediately, Lin Li already bashed a Flaming Hands onto Matthias…
"AHHH!" Matthias let out a shriek. A stone-hearted person would have become sympathetic for him. It was a torture for Matthias. His dashing cheeks were like raw meat on t
he griller—one could see skin sizzle under the Flaming Hand. At once, a plume of smoke rose up into the air…
Furthermore, Lin Li was determined to make Matthias suffer. After using the Flaming Hand, he was not in a rush to let go. He held onto Matthias' face for a good 10 seconds before putting out the flames reluctantly. When he removed his hand, Matthias' handsome face was badly burnt. Under the charred ashes, there was a messy mix of torn skin, flesh, and fresh blood. Nine out of ten wouldn't believe the monster used to have the ideal appearance that women loved just 10 seconds ago…
"How was it, Mage Matthias? Do you feel better now?"
"Heh… heh…" Matthias' laughter sounded as though it was being forced out of his mouth. It carried a heavy nasal tone, which no one could tell if it was from laughing or crying.
"So what? Do you have the guts to kill me? I'm the heir of the Marathon Family. If you were to kill me, my father will make everyone die with me. This includes those morons in Jarrosus, as well as that foolish fatso! Oh, yes. Before I forget, do you want to know who was the mastermind behind the invasion? Hahaha, stop guessing. It was me, Matthias! Does this sound exciting to you?"
"Exciting? Damn you, little piece of sh*t!" Lin Li raged as he stepped onto Matthias with great force.
Matthias was in such an excruciating pain that his back arched. Although it would have been unbearable to normal people, Matthias was determined to endure it. Such extraordinary perseverance put a frown on Lin Li's forehead. He was extremely clear of the cruelty of the Flaming Hand. It was used with the intention of killing Matthias in the first place. He did not expect that Matthias could still withstand the torture the Flaming Hand brought him.
But, after pondering it for a while, he decided to put these concerns in the back of his mind. Since Matthias had admitted himself that he had been the mastermind behind Shadow's Nest's attack on the Emerald Tower, Lin Li naturally did not have a reason to let him off. He had to pay for the death of so many mages and the loss of the Emerald Tower with his blood.
