Chapter 251 Io?
As we watched, the 'Sage' Io Suleiman boldly decided to take on the trial of the 'Wise Mabel' all by himself. He started to remove his clothes one after another, as if he were taking off restraints.
"――Io?"
Storing each piece of clothing into his storage ring, Io eventually stood completely n*ked. Even while undressing, he began activating the magic he had been preparing.
Origin Magic――[Cloak of Flame]
With a burst, flames appeared.
They spread from Io's shoulders to her back, creating a fiery cloak.
"I-Io?"
But Io's magic didn't stop there. In fact, this was just the beginning.
One after another――magic activated, and temporary clothing made of magic wrapped around Io's well-trained body, which looked anything but typical for a magic user...
Origin Magic――[Boots of Wind]
Origin Magic——[Water Coat]
Origin Magic——[Gloves of Earth]
Origin Magic——[Undergarment of Thunder]
Origin Magic——[Hat of Ice and Snow]
Origin Magic——[Leggings of Gravity]
Origin Magic——[Holy Tunic]
Origin Magic——[Mask of Darkness]
Origin Magic——[Necklace of Flash]
The flashy magic clothing and decorations enveloped Io's body.
Using his original support magic, Io combined all of these with a unique method he developed, gaining complete control over them.
Magic Unification――[Divine Robe (Kamui)]
"Io...!!"
Without a doubt, one of the most advanced Origin Magic in the world――[Divine Robe]――has enhanced Io, allowing him to smoothly rise from the ground of the floating island and hover in place.
This gives Io a flying ability that is more free than birds, dragons, or any flying magic.
However, Io's preparations didn't stop there.
From his right hand, the "Holy Tree Staff," a barrage of magic bullets of all attributes except Space magic burst forth, slowly orbiting around Io like satellites.
The number was――immense.
Origin Magic――[Elemental Meteor Bullet]
With that, all preparations were complete.
But Io wasn't the only one getting ready.
"I see...!!"
Staring at the 'Sage Mabel' standing on the innermost floating island, Io laughed fiercely beneath the mask that covered his upper face.
"To master all magic and control it at such a high level... that is what a true 'Sage' means..."
Surrounding Mabel, who stood in front of the gate, were countless shadows that hadn't been there just moments before.
Necromancy magic――[Summon Undead = Knights of the Immortal Guardians]
What appeared were the undead knights clad in heavy armor, wielding massive shields and swords.
The heads visible beneath their helmets were pure skeletons, but it was clear at a glance that they were not the same as regular skeletons. The thickness of the bones, the size of the skeletons, and above all, the intimidating presence emanating from the ghostly flames in their eye sockets were on a whole different level.
Clearly, they were a far superior type of undead compared to regular skeletons. Twelve immortal knights formed a formation around Mabel, protecting her.
And that wasn't all.
Spirit magic――[Create Elemental = Salamander]
Spirit magic――[Create Elemental = Undine]
Spirit magic――[Create Elemental = Sylph]
Spirit magic――[Create Elemental = Gnome]
The 4 elemental spirits, given a temporary self-awareness, floated around Mabel: the fire lizard, the water maiden, the wind girl, and the earth gnome, clearly staring at Io.
"No way... this isn't just a one-on-one anymore...!! Shouldn't we help Io!?"
Logan exclaimed in surprise, turning to shout at us.
But none of us... the members of the clan "Wooden Sword Way," agreed with him. In fact, we even smiled playfully and replied to Logan.
"Hey, Mr. Sword Saint... don't underestimate us, okay? Our sub-master."
"If it's just a sub-master, that level of enemy is nothing."
"Mr. Io can handle it easily."
"Just be quiet and watch. This is the sub-master's fight."
By the way,
None of them really thought Io could win against Mabel alone. Logan was just trying to make it seem like he was helping, so the fight wouldn't be too easy.
Watching an easy win isn't fun at all.
On the other hand, Io himself didn't seem to want Logan to join in either.
"Logan... don't worry, I won't lose to an enemy like this."
"Io..."
"...Just watch."
With that, Io suddenly took off.
He flew at high speed toward the floating island at the back. But in response, 4 shadows shot out quickly from beside Mabel.
They are the 4 elemental spirits created by Mabel.
Both sides quickly closed the distance in the air.
However, the spirits moved faster than the clash.
Ocean magic――[Tidal Wave]
Terra magic――[Rock Cannon Gatling]
A massive magic from Undine and Gnome. The huge amount of water generated in an instant, along with countless rock projectiles, rushed toward Io, filling her field of vision.
But Io didn't slow down her flying speed at all. She charged straight into the oncoming tsunami and storm of projectiles.
Origin Magic [Elemental Meteor Bullet]――[Defense Type]
In an instant, the many magic bullets swirling around Io narrowed their radius and began to spin around her at high speed.
In a flash, the bullets became mere afterimages, and the high-speed spinning [Meteor Bullets], like a tornado, converted their deadly destructive power into defense.
The tremendous water pressure from the rushing water and the barrage of projectiles swirled around Io, and as they touched the tornado, they were quickly shredded and pierced.
And as Io pierced through the two massive magics――however, even more magic attacked.
Flame magic――[Inferno Blaze]
Storm magic――[Wind Tornado]
The extreme heat of the flames created by Salamander mixed with the tornado created by Sylph, turning into a fiery whirlwind like a firestorm!
But even in front of that, Io's charge didn't stop.
"――It's too weak!!"
A magic attack with super high temperatures that could char bones in an instant.
In response, Io didn't activate any new magic and charged straight ahead.
The tornado of [Meteor Bullet] scattered flames from one end, but the heat released didn't even singe a single hair on Io's body. It didn't reach Io, protected by the [Divine Robe].
Therefore, Io easily pierced through the fiery tornado and soared through the sky.
Seeing this, the clan members let out cries of despair.
"Hey, what are you doing!?"
"This is the moment we all attack together, right!?"
"I don't know if this is just a test, but you're being too soft!!"
"――!?"
Logan stared in shock at the clan members criticizing the spirits. However, realizing this wasn't the time for that, he quickly shifted his gaze back to Io.
Meanwhile, Io, having broken through the 4 great magics head-on, had finally trapped the 4 spirits within his killing range.
As Io closed the distance in the air, he prepared to counterattack the 4 spirits.
Origin Magic [Elemental Meteor Bullet]――[Attack Type]
By narrowing the turning radius, the density of the [Meteor Bullet] increased, and at that moment, the turning radius expanded instantly while maintaining its incredible speed!
This meant that the 4 spirits would be caught in the storm of [Meteor Bullet].
"""!!?"""
The raging multi-element bullets. Before this storm, even the spirits were like candle flames blown away by a storm. In just a few seconds, the temporary bodies formed by magic shattered into pieces and scattered in the storm――.
And during this time, Io did not slow down his flight speed.
As if it were just a bonus on his way, he brushed past the 4 spirits and closed the distance.
Then, he landed on the innermost floating island with the force of a meteor.
"""――――."""
The place was in front of the immortal knights surrounding Mabel.
The lifeless knights, without shock or fear, moved forward like machines and blocked Io's advance.
Shieldsmen Skill――[Aura Armor]
Shieldsmen Skill――[Fortress]
Shieldsmen Skill――[Dome Shield]
The aura protection expanded in a half-sphere shape, surrounding the knights around Mabel even more.
The multiple skills activated by several knights stacked beautifully, increasing their strength!
However, the [Meteor Bullet] launched by Io charged in.
"Deflected...!! Io!!"
Without breaking through the immortal knights' defense, it collided with the dome-shaped shield, shattering upon impact――and eventually, it all disappeared.
Logan raised his voice in tension at Io, who had lost his defense from the [Meteor Bullet].
The [Meteor Bullet] was indeed strong. The numerous bullets, each with different properties based on their attributes, came rushing in like a storm, posing a threat.
However, the power of each bullet was merely magic of the bullet type. They were Basic magic. That's why they became powerless in front of a solid shield.
Therefore, to break the shield, a powerful penetrating strike was necessary.
Landing on the innermost floating island, Io was already ready to attack.
He lowered his stance, spread his legs, and positioned his fist at his side. It was easy to predict his next move. In other words, he would kick the ground, rotate his waist, and unleash a punch powered by the rebound and twisting force――a straight punch.
In the next moment, Io thrust his right fist forward with precise movements like a model.
Immediately after, a black flash ran across the surface of the shield from Io's fist that collided with the [Dome Shield].
Origin Magic [Divine Robe: Elemental Punch]――Attribute Specialization [Black Heavy Fist]
From here, they can't see it, but the part of Io's arm from the tip of his extended fist to halfway up his forearm is probably dyed black. That's the result of heavy attribute magic being applied.
This magic hardens and strengthens the target, while also temporarily giving it a heavy mass.
However, normally, a magician can't swing a fist that has undergone Heavy Attribute Bestowal. The reason is, of course, that it's too heavy.
But for Io, who has been enhanced by numerous support magics from [Divine Robe], it's different. He slams his heavy right fist down at high speed onto the target, thanks to his enhanced physical abilities. That is Io's [Black Heavy Fist], but... it's not just that.
He varies the already activated support magic and repurposes it into attack magic――that is the essence of [Divine Robe].
At the moment of impact, the bestowal magic that covered his fist transformed into destructive power, bursting forth as a black flash.
――BOOOMMM!!!
The layered [Dome Shield] shattered with Io's strike.
In that moment, however, the party members let out voices of disappointment.
"Hey, are you serious!? Is it already over!?"
"That distance is already in the sub-master's range. A magician can't stop a sub-master."
"I wonder how long the undead knights can hold out."
"The sub-master is failing as an entertainer. If he doesn't struggle a bit more, it won't be fun for us to watch."
"Which side are you cheering for...!?"
Logan's tsukkomi aside... while the clan members were feeling down, I focused my sharp gaze on the floating island in the back.
"Not yet!!"
I warned the disappointed clan members.
"If my prediction is correct... Mabel has a hidden move... right, Lucia?"
"Yeah."
In response to my question... no, my confirmation, Lucia nodded in agreement. Then she continued in a serious voice.
"If Io hasn't noticed Mabel's hidden move... it's possible he could be taken out in one hit."
At those words, the clan members started to buzz with excitement.
"What!? Is that true!? If so, does that mean the battle starts from here? This is getting intense...!!"
At the same time, I was sure that Mabel's hidden move was the same as my prediction from Lucia's words.
So, I smiled and said,
"Mabel's chance to win is not gone yet...!! The outcome is still uncertain...!!"
"Aaron, which side are you cheering for!?"
I didn't answer Logan's question; I just returned his gaze with a smile.
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