Adults, who should serve as role models for children, must never exploit promising youths for money or corrupt politics.
“Haha, how ridiculous. Well, this one might have already revealed our location to someone. Let’s move quickly before reinforcements arrive. Kill everyone except the third princess, Eliza! Now, go!”
“Scarlet flames, become a sharp spear to strike down my enemy! Fire Lance!”
“Currents of the wind, transform into a storm to engulf my enemy! Wind Burst!”
“Die already!”
“…!”
At the wounded man’s signal, the surrounding magicians cast fully chanted spells. At the same time, others attacked with knives and arrows. When allies can defend you, fully chanted spells pack a greater punch.
…That said, this is manageable.
Snap.
“What the!?”
I could have interrupted their chanting by releasing a spell without chanting, but I let the enemy complete their magic. In a battle between magicians, taking the first move isn’t always advantageous.
It’s just me here. I shouldn’t reveal all my cards by recklessly casting spells.
“Hmm, so that’s the extent of their power if they can’t kill Eliza. Still, it seems one of them managed to crack the first layer.”
A three-layered translucent dome barrier surrounds me, Eliza, and Sophia.
Every spell, knife, and arrow was deflected by the first barrier. However, the first defensive barrier now has a crack. The sheer number of attacks and the higher skill level compared to the academy students are apparent.
“Impossible! There’s no way a mere anti-magic barrier cast without chanting could block multiple fully chanted spells!”
Snap, snap, snap!
“Ahhh!”
The wide-range magic of fire, ice, and lightning I unleashed outside the barrier activates in sequence, hitting about half of the attackers.
However, the key magicians managed to evade using body enhancement magic. Hmm, even though they underestimated us due to our small number, their combat fundamentals are solid.
“To cast three such large-scale spells simultaneously without chanting… Who are you, really? A renowned magician in disguise?”
“The white coat is the mark of a supreme magician. It’s no wonder you fools wouldn’t understand.”
“I’ve never heard of such nonsense!”
“……”
From behind, I sense two sets of gazes, but now’s not the time to dwell on them.
Clang.
The defensive barrier repels another attack.
The enemy seems skilled enough. They’re not just using ranged weapons but are directly attacking the barrier with powerful tools.
They aim to penetrate the defense by repeatedly striking the same spot while moving quickly to prevent being targeted. As expected of criminals and assassins with real combat experience, unlike students.
Snap, snap.
“Ugh!”
“Argh!”
However, their movements are predictable. As they strike the barrier, I counter by using earth magic to raise a pillar from the ground, sending them flying. This should discourage further reckless attacks on the barrier.
“Damn it, is he a monster? …Fine, use that! At this rate, just kill everyone, including Princess Eliza!”
“Got it!”
“Understood!”
At the wounded man’s signal, the remaining attackers create distance while shielding the magicians.
So, they’re preparing a large-scale magic attack and guarding against counterattacks.
“Flames of power, accept our fervent passion and grant us the strength to incinerate all…”
“Hmm, a large-scale magic spell activated through group chanting. Impressive.”
This type of magic, chanted and constructed by multiple individuals, is far more challenging than individual spells. It requires longer incantations but greatly amplifies its power.
It’s baffling why such skilled magicians are involved in criminal activities. Their talent could have been used for the betterment of society.
“Professor Geek… Will we be okay?”
“Shouldn’t we flee…?”
Eliza and Sophia are visibly worried. They seem to understand that this upcoming attack will be far more dangerous than the previous ones.
True, the long chant leaves openings, but their allies won’t let us escape easily. Not that I plan to run.
“No need to worry. Consider this an early practical lesson. Watch carefully as I cast my next spell.”
Once the defensive magic lessons end, the plan is to conduct real combat training against monsters. I’ll give them a glimpse of true arcane power ahead of schedule.
“Thunder of the heavens, tremor of the earth…”
“Stop him before he finishes chanting!”
“On it!”
“Leave it to me!”
The remaining attackers launch an all-out offensive to stop my first fully chanted spell.
“Roaring purple lightning…”
Crack, crack.
“Yes! Only one barrier left!”
The cracked barrier shatters, leaving one last layer.
Unlike before, the enemies seem serious now. But—
Snap.
“What!?”
“Impossible! Casting magic without chanting while constructing a fully chanted spell!?”
Though two barriers were broken, I snap my fingers to instantly reconstruct two more.
One advantage of chantless magic is not just its speed but its ability to be used concurrently with fully chanted magic. The difficulty, however, rises exponentially.
“…Let it engulf all and turn them to ash: ‘Wave of Scorching Heat’!”
“…Respond to my call, manifest in beastly form: ‘Violet Thunder Wolf’!”
The enemy’s lengthy chant concludes, and shortly after, my spell is complete, unleashing both of our magics simultaneously.
