Chapter 211: I Completely Went Overboard
Amidst the flames, Rest let out a piercing scream.
“WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
A massive explosion erupted from within the Elder Worm’s body. The Wetlands were painted a vivid crimson, as the searing red flames engulfed his vision. Rest enveloped himself in a barrier using Barrier Techniques, desperately trying to fend off the inferno.
(This is bad, bad, BAD! The firepower is way too strong!)
The unexpected intensity of the flames sent Rest into a genuine panic. His barrier was rapidly draining his Magical Power, absorbing it at an alarming rate. If he failed to supply a constant stream of Magical Power, the barrier would shatter, and Rest would be reduced to ash in an instant. The explosion generated from within the Elder Worm consumed everything around it… but eventually, it faded away.
“…”
How long had it been? Seconds? Or perhaps tens of seconds? The sense of time had completely slipped away, but somehow, he had managed to endure. When Rest finally regained his senses, he found himself rolling across the now barren Wetlands, still wrapped in his barrier.
“Whoa…”
No, this place could hardly be called the Wetlands anymore. The muddy ground had completely dried up, the moisture evaporated by the flames, leaving behind a parched expanse.
“Where is that thing… the Worm?”
Rest grimaced at the devastation he had caused and floated into the air using magic. Looking down from above, he quickly spotted the Elder Worm. It lay there, a silent carcass. Half of its colossal body had been obliterated, while the other half was a grotesque mass of flesh, buried in the dry earth. No matter how resilient the Worm species was, it wouldn’t be moving from this spot.
“…”
He had won. He had achieved victory. Yet, a sense of emptiness welled up within Rest’s chest.
(What can I say… I really went overboard… didn’t I?)
Now that he was calm, he couldn’t help but wonder why he had gotten so carried away. Even if he had been fueled by some invigorating food, this was excessive. The thought of what could have happened if his opponent had been human sent a chill down his spine. If he had unleashed that strike on a small town… it would have been obliterated without a trace.
“Could it be… no, it’s not just a possibility; I’ve created an incredible spell, haven’t I…?”
If this magic were to spread… if it were to be used in human conflicts, the very concept of war would change. Just as firearms transformed battlefields and nuclear weapons altered international relations… this magic could lead to an unimaginable amount of bloodshed.
“This is bad… really bad. I don’t know what’s going on, but… it’s definitely bad…”
“What’s so bad?”
“What do you mean…”
Startled by the sudden voice, Rest instinctively began to respond. However, he quickly sensed something was off and whipped around, startled.
“I’m asking what’s so bad, boy.”
There stood a man, floating in the air just like Rest, using flight magic.
“Who are you…?!”
Rest tensed, readying himself for confrontation. While flight magic was advanced, there were certainly those capable of using it. However, what truly alarmed him was that he hadn’t sensed the man’s presence until he spoke.
(This man is using magic… yet, how did I not notice him…?!)
Rest was always employing Life Search, a spell designed to detect the Magical Power of living beings. Whether human, animal, or monster, all living creatures possessed Magical Power, making them detectable. The only exceptions would be those who had some means of concealing their power.
(But… that shouldn’t be possible. To use magic while hiding one’s Magical Power… is that even feasible?)
For instance, one could hide their Magical Power and conceal themselves in the shadows. Rest could do that if he wanted. However… to use magic while ensuring one’s Magical Power remained undetectable was impossible. Not even Rest could manage it, nor could Albert Rosemary, the head of the court magicians.
(For example, could one negate their Magical Power with Barrier Techniques… no, could they fly while their Magical Power is negated? Or perhaps a spell that only cancels detection-type magic…?)
“Who am I, you ask? That is what I wish to know as well.”
As Rest’s wary gaze bore into him, the man spoke. He wore a gray robe, and his long white hair flowed behind him. He could easily be mistaken for a youth, yet he also bore the marks of age; his appearance was one that defied easy categorization.
“My name is Leonardo Gascoigne. I am the head of the Council of Sages.”
“The Council of Sages…?!”
Rest’s eyes widened in shock at the man’s revelation. Receiving Rest’s astonished gaze, Leonardo calmly returned the question.
“Now it’s your turn to introduce yourself… which side do you belong to, Reincarnator boy?”
“…!”
At Leonardo Gascoigne’s words, Rest’s eyes widened once more, this time for an entirely different reason.