1-Second Invincible Player in the Game

97. The Wanderers (3)

The power of apostolic magic was generally stronger than regular spells.

Even self-destruct spells unleashed a synergy of mana and magic that was tremendous.

Yet, it was treated as a fringe magic, shunned for its own reasons.

Corruption of the mind?

There were many oddballs among the sorcerers.

With plenty already driven mad by magic, selling their very souls, who would care?

Still, the reason it was rejected and never became mainstream was this:

The source of apostolic magic, the very essence of magic itself, bore a significant weakness.

“The Elixir of Anti-Magic.”

It reverses the phenomena caused by magic back to their original state.

And this, the main ingredient of the potion.

“Divine Herb”

An herb containing components that suppress magic.

Henderson, the expert in sadomasochism, said,

If you find anyone in possession of either of those two, make sure to clear the area immediately.

* * *

The night watch consists of merely ten men.

The rest are likely in the fortress or resting in the clearing beyond.

Melin gazed at the team members holding torches.

“After we take out the watchmen, you’ll set the fortress ablaze. They’ll come tumbling out, panicked one by one.”

The enemy, all huddled together, would never dream that we were aiming for an all-out assault.

“When that happens, strike swiftly at the throats of the startled ones, then make your escape. Understood?”

The team members nodded in agreement.

The young vagabonds approached silently, then quickened their pace.

Tatata!

A simultaneous assault.

The watchmen, who had been yawning and dozing, opened their eyes in shock.

“What, what’s happening?”

“An attack!”

Melin had no intention of sparing their lives.

Her targets were either the one called Adel or the companions of the man with the wild hair.

‘To fulfill my wish, I must be bold.’

As the troops approached the watchmen with weapons drawn, Melin felt a chill run down her spine from their conversation.

“They said tonight. It really is just as he said…”

“W-We should fall back for now.”

Melin slowed her pace.

Instead of raising the alarm, the watchmen turned and fled in silence.

Which meant…

“It’s an ambush!!”

As the other captain’s shout pierced the air, the fortress gates swung open with a sharp, orderly *thud*.

The enemies poured out, swift and methodical, forming a line as they emerged.

Perhaps there was a limit to their numbers, for even amidst the fortresses, troops surged forth.

As they drew their swords, the advancing children halted in a panic.

Melin’s voice trembled as she called to her unit.

“F-Fall back!”

In that instant, the second-floor windows of the fortress flew open, revealing figures wielding staffs.

There, Melin’s eyes widened as she caught sight of the blonde man beside the short figure.

‘That man…’

He was the swordmaster.

The very one who had sliced through the sleeve of her cloak during the reconnaissance.

Without a backward glance, Melin fled.

*Whoosh!*

The acrid scent of smoke stung her nostrils, accompanied by a searing heat.

Cold sweat beaded on her forehead.

All around, flames had risen, sealing their escape.

‘Is this the work of the sorcerers?!’

With their retreat cut off, nearby allies began to stir uneasily.

The enemy approached, swords raised, creeping closer.

The stark difference in their heights only deepened the dread.

“What… what do we do now?”

“What do you mean, what do we do? With our escape blocked, we fight to the death!”

“Captain? Give us some orders!”

Though her comrades called out, Melin could not tear her gaze from the window.

The man had stepped onto the railing and leapt down.

In a strange display, he descended slowly, like a feather, landing softly on the ground.

*Thud.*

He stood at the forefront of the enemy, his gaze sweeping over the ragtag band of children.

Just his stare alone was enough to instill a sense of dread.

Melin felt a certainty rise within her.

‘Indeed, that dark swordsman must be their leader…’

Our eyes met.

Merlin flinched, ears pricked.

The man had opened his mouth, as if to speak.

“Captains, drop your weapons and step forward.”

At the sound of ‘captains’ from his lips, the young vagabonds murmured among themselves.

Merlin was taken aback as well.

This meant he knew the structure of the vagabond group.

‘The instructor said they wouldn’t know, but how could he…?’

Merlin quickly pushed the thought aside.

Perhaps he had heard something from their instructors.

What mattered was that this blond man was indeed a dark swordsman, and for now, they had to comply with his demand.

If he unleashed even an unseen strike from that distance, their heads would roll.

Step by step.

As he stepped forward, the other captains looked on in confusion.

Merlin whispered to them in a small voice.

“That man. He’s the dark swordsman I spoke of…”

The captains gasped in surprise, then dropped their weapons and approached him.

Yet, beneath her compliant demeanor, Merlin harbored a different thought.

‘An ambush could work. I have that on my side.’

If she could just strike at that man’s neck, the instructors would surely be satisfied.

Then her wish could be granted.

Moreover, if she eliminated the strongest enemy, the morale of the troops would soar.

Step by step.

Merlin displayed her empty hands before him.

A gesture indicating she bore no weapon.

The man shifted his gaze to the hesitant captains approaching him.

In that moment, Merlin’s eyes sparkled with intensity.

Crackle—

Static electricity surged from her entire being.

Unleashing the electric magic consumed, she spread strength throughout her body.

Her speed now rivaled that of lightning itself.

This was thanks to the mysterious power Melin possessed.

Pat.

With a swift motion, Melin drew a dagger hidden against her chest.

And while her opponent was caught off guard, she swung it toward his neck.

Ping—

A strike infused with all her aura.

Yet all she felt was the dull ache in her wrist.

Crack!

At the ominous sound, Melin’s eyes widened in shock.

“Huh?”

Shards of the broken blade scattered around her.

In the moment of her bewilderment, the man reached out and seized her by the collar.

Melin’s body lifted off the ground.

Whoosh—

In that series of events, she couldn’t even think to resist.

What good was speed now?

The moment she was caught, it was all over.

Thus, Melin’s body was flung by the man’s strength.

Thud!

Before crashing to the ground, perhaps she had braced herself, for she was not gravely injured.

However, the man pressed his knee gently against her throat, leaving her gasping for breath.

Still, Melin squeezed every ounce of strength she had, thrashing about.

“Ugh…”

“Don’t waste your energy. You’re not the only ones in this predicament.”

At his words, the others lost all will to fight.

“Melin…”

“I had a feeling, but now it’s over.”

It was a natural reaction.

Melin’s abilities as a leader were lacking, to say the least.

Yet, she had managed to rise to this position because she was the strongest.

And now, that same Melin found herself utterly helpless.

As the children’s faces twisted in terror, the man uttered words that were utterly absurd.

“I will spare your lives. Tell the ones behind you to drop their weapons and surrender.”

Foolish talk.

The instructor would be watching this scene from afar.

If he deemed them powerless, he would likely use them as bombs.

Melin, even if it meant her neck would shatter, tried to lift her body.

“…Don’t speak if you don’t know.”

But Melin found herself doubting her own ears at the man’s reply.

“If it’s about exploding, there’s nothing to worry about.”

“What?”

“Let it begin!!”

Moments after the man’s shout echoed, a white smoke enveloped the area.

As Melin coughed and sputtered, she heard a sound from the man that made her ears perk up.

“This smoke is the scent of herbs that suppress magic. So rest easy. There’s no risk of an explosion right now.”

* * *

She fanned the smoke away, trying to disperse it from deep within her lungs.

The source of the smoke was the herb ‘Divine Grass,’ which had filled her backpack to the brim.

It was something easily made at Nille’s alchemy workshop, though it certainly came at a steep price.

– Do we really need this much of something so expensive?

The potion for resisting magic was costly.

Simply put, the price of the raw materials was no small matter.

– Just in case, I’m bringing it along. If we don’t use it, we can always get a refund, right?

– Well, we can always find a use for it if we stockpile it, so it’s not too difficult, but…

Even so, for someone like me who had made a fortune from this gamble, the expense was but a drop in the bucket.

And since they even offered refunds, there was no loss in bringing it along.

Melin, still on the ground, coughed and spoke.

“Cough. You expect me to believe that?”

The Kingdom of Bellam harbors enmity towards the Empire.

It was only natural that they had been indoctrinated for so long by their instructors, nearly to the point of brainwashing.

Perhaps I should try to persuade them a bit.

“Really? But why are you still standing? The instructor would have unleashed the curse of explosion by now. You were subdued by me in an instant, and you’re still so close. This is the moment, isn’t it?”

Melin let her gaze fall, heavy with a glint of malice.

Is the smoke truly having an effect? I found myself wavering in doubt.

This time, I decided to apply a little pressure.

“More importantly, we have already fulfilled our moral obligation. If you still refuse, then I’ll have to revoke the benefits of your captivity.”

Melin spoke as if resigned.

“Fine, just get your knee off me…”

From that point, the situation began to unravel swiftly.

With Melin leading the way, the other captains surrendered as well.

The children following them likewise dropped their weapons and raised their hands.

“Come this way.”

“Hey, we’re out of ropes here!”

“Why aren’t you extending your wrist? You want to get hit or what?”

One by one, the children were bound.

I wondered inwardly if I was dreaming.

Honestly, I never imagined they would all join in.

If even a few from the other dormitory had remained, the forces of the little vagabond troupe might have been scattered, leading to some trouble.

According to Limberton, the influence of Bellman was significant, but it seemed like a miracle that causality had rolled in their favor…

In any case, I had followed the flow, and now it felt as if a pumpkin had rolled into my lap.

I pulled on the rope.

“Ugh!”

Melin danced her feet to avoid falling.

What now for her?

I had succeeded in saving her, but I still hadn’t decided what to do next.

◆ Blessing of the Dragon Alton ◆

Ξ There is no magic in this world that cannot be tasted.

—

The magic consumed grants special abilities, depending on its elemental nature.

If one ingests fire magic, they become a spark-wielder; if water, they gain immunity to physical attacks.

Among them, the mightiest is undoubtedly the electric kind.

Though limited to a single strike per charge, its speed of attack is unparalleled.

Such talent is too precious to waste.

Yet, this holds true even beyond the wandering troupe.

Merlin’s saga grows stronger through the troupe’s influence.

But to send her back would mean death under the pretext of failing the trials.

I cannot sacrifice my own neck for the sake of saving one child.

“······.”

I gathered my thoughts and spoke.

“Do you not consider becoming a citizen of the Empire? If you accept, I shall request that our house take care of you.”

Leaving her in the care of my family is not a bad option.

There are Aol and Koul as well; if they see Merlin’s talent, they might guide her even a little, which would greatly aid her saga.

But Merlin rejected this.

“Do you think I would fall for such a proposal?”

Indeed, she would have no reason to trust the enemy’s words.

Even if she did, her heart would be burdened by thoughts of her mother.

It’s clear she would flee back to her homeland at the first opportunity.

······Though returning would only reveal bitter truths.

This too is a necessary process.

“I have no intention of forcing someone who is unwilling.”

Even if the news of her mother’s passing were to be delivered at the mansion, I doubt she would believe it.

She would question whether she could trust a word from an Imperial’s mouth.

In that case, it is only right to go and confirm with her own eyes.

“However, for the time being, your safety will be in Tenest’s hands. If you wish to leave, just say so. I’ll arrange for a carriage from the family. And when you arrive, choose. Whether to entrust yourself to our house or remain where you are.”

Merlin pondered my words.

“···What exactly do you hope to gain from me?”

“Well? Let’s just say I hold your talent in high regard.”

I replied thus and led Merlin onward.

The place we arrived at was a clearing behind the fortress, where the captives were to be gathered.

At its center, a towering pile of holy herbs blazed fiercely, sending plumes of smoke spiraling into the air.

From the rooftop, Limberton spoke to me.

“Hussel, they’ve begun to move. It seems they’re searching for a vantage point from which to see this way.”

The detection ability of the one who had awakened the blessing was now rivaling that of a radar.

For an archer sniping from a distance, it was a most advantageous skill.

“They’re likely trying to figure out why the self-detonation magic isn’t working. Either way, we must hurry.”

The holy herbs were merely a temporary measure to buy us a little more time.

The dark magic clinging to the children had not been lifted.

The method to break the curse of self-detonation was still the purification magic we could not wield.

Or, it was simply to kill the sorcerer.

And we had decided to deal with the instructors.

Of course, we had planted some motivation.

“I know you’re all hungry. The rations we were given were burned to the size of these peanuts, and I doubt any of you can remember the last time you had a decent meal, thanks to the gamble I took with my grades. Isn’t that right?”

They swallowed hard, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

“As I mentioned earlier, the enemy has food. We’ll seize it, and for the remaining time, let’s eat like human beings.”

There’s nothing easier than handling a hungry beast.

Just toss them some prey, and that’s all it takes.

“Then everyone, prepare yourselves. Begin, Belman.”

They moved away from me, keeping their distance.

The knight raised his shield, exuding aura.

The mage cast defensive spells, and Belman created a barrier around me in the center.

Having cleared the smoke with telekinesis, I absorbed the magic rising from the ground into my body.

What I was preparing was the self-detonation spell.

First, I needed to deceive the instructor’s gaze.

* * *

From this position, the fortress beyond was obscured.

Tatata.

The instructor felt a surge of unease and hurried his movements.

There were countless worries gnawing at him.

Though they must have witnessed the explosive magic, the fact that they did not harm me or bind me is utterly incomprehensible.

In any case, they were gathered, and seizing the opportunity, I had activated my spell, yet silence enveloped me.

This was something that could only be understood by witnessing the situation firsthand.

As I drew closer to their encampment, a heavy scent pricked at my nostrils.

Sniff, sniff.

It was a familiar odor.

It was strange that one who wielded dark magic would be unaware of this, something akin to a natural enemy.

‘This smell… is it the Holy Herb?’

His eyes widened in shock.

It was the first time he had encountered a human bringing such a thing merely for a test.

And to think they had brought so much of it?

“What kind of madman would do this!”

Just as he spat out curses, a tremendous roar struck the forest.

Boom!

A blinding white light and black smoke spread in all directions.

I didn’t know the details, but it seemed the curse of explosion had finally activated.

“Ah! So the Holy Herb they brought has revealed its true nature!!”

The instructor chuckled grimly as the explosions continued to echo.

“Though it’s unfortunate for the children, rules are rules. If they wanted to avoid this fate, they should have survived and passed like I did.”

Yet, through the billowing black smoke, a few figures emerged.

This was within the realm of expectation.

Every year, there were always capable individuals who survived the force of the explosion.

Crack.

The instructor picked up his staff.

Such individuals would become a thorn in the side of the wandering troupe in the future.

It was wise to nip the problem in the bud.

‘The rest must be dead or gravely injured. If I can just deal with those few, it will all be over.’

The instructor scanned the surroundings.

For some reason, the professors were nowhere to be seen.

Normally, when one took action themselves, it was customary for them to step in and intervene.

It lingered a moment, but if handled swiftly, there would be no issue.

‘Still, they are but greenhorns. I’ll dispatch them in an instant.’

The instructor stepped into the Shulafe camp.

Then, two other instructors joined him in quick succession.

“Ha, seems we all share the same thoughts.”

“Looks like there are no interlopers; it’s a perfect opportunity, isn’t it?”

“Hmm, but why do I not see Amul?”

“He claimed he would go slay the mountain mage.”

“Such pride he carries.”

“Well, he does have the skill to back it up.”

The instructor, marked by a scar on his lips, drew his sword and spoke.

“Regardless, he is beneath me. Always a fool, lost in his own vanity, then and now.”

“Cough, I’ll concede that, Vermi.”

As they conversed, they arrived before their quarry.

Vermi licked the scar on his lips, eyeing the man at the forefront.

Years of experience had sharpened his instincts.

The blonde man was the leader.

“I’ll take that blue-eyed one for myself.”