The Frugal Mage

Chapter 192 192: Full-Metal Arcanist

Thyruz's expression hardened as he recognized the bandit's mage.

"Rayven… that mage isn't just anyone. He's known for his Mage Title, Full-Metal Arcanist. A Tier 3, infamous in the underworld. His specialty is offensive enchantments, metal manipulation, reinforced spells, and others. He's dangerous."

Rayven gently nodded after hearing this… The difference between Tier 2 and Tier 3 Mage was certainly their number and the quality of Spells they could cast.

Furthermore, after reaching the Arcanist Stage, Rayven heard that the Mages would obtain a physique transformation and also their Arcanist Trait. It was something special that they would obtain depending on the Mage Path they had taken.

'Full-Metal? Is he a Metal Mage? Maybe his Arcanist Trait helps him obtain Metal Body or something…' Rayven thought to himself.

Still, he wasn't too worried since he had a lot of gold coins this time…

There was one advantage he could really use against higher-tier Mages. It was none other than the number of Spells he could cast!

If his spells weren't as strong as the enemy's, then he could just overwhelm them with his Spellcasting!

After all, he didn't need to be smart with his Spellcasting Sequence. He didn't need to plan his Spells and save his Mana. He had no mana to begin with!

Feeling a bit more confident, Rayve nodded.

"Then he's mine."

Thyruz gave a nod... "Be careful. He's known for overwhelming his opponents with double casting… He can triple cast as well, but that's quite slower, so he wouldn't be using that in open. He'll try to crush you under sheer force."

Rayven smirked faintly. "Then I'll cut him off before he finishes casting…"

Well, Tier 3 Mages could certainly Triple Cast… However, it only means that they could release 3 Spells at the same time. It didn't mean that they could cast it quickly like casting one Spell.

Soon, the bandits surged forward, shouting war cries in the process…

"Take the wagons!"

"Kill the guards!"

"Leave no one alive!"

The caravan's escort warriors braced themselves with their shields locked and their spears thrusting outward. The Copper and Iron Rank adventurers hesitated, but seeing the disciplined line, they rallied together…

Mr. Shrubs gave orders, and although he was nervous, he made sure that everyone could hear him. "Protect the goods! Hold formation!"

The four Tier 1 Mages he had hired raised their hands, beginning their incantations.

"Oh ember that hungers for air…

Fireball!"

"Blades of air unseen…

Wind Cutter!"

"Oh edge of the fleeting gale…

Wind Blade!"

"Oh fire that burns without end…

Flame Spear!"

Several spells started streaking into the bandit front lines. Explosions of fire and slicing wind tore through the first wave, scattering men and breaking their charge.

But more poured in.

Rayven stepped forward…

"Mist Shroud."

This time, Rayven even willed the Mist Shroud to cover a large space… There was no additional payment, but he had to imagine the area that must be covered.

It was like how he could control the direction of his Fireballs. He just had to use his mind.

Instantly, a thick veil of mist spread across the caravan's perimeter, obscuring vision. The escorts and adventurers gasped as the battlefield vanished into white haze.

"Wh-what?!" one Copper Rank shouted.

Thyruz's voice cut through. "Don't panic! It's cover. Use it!"

Bandits stumbled as their formation broke as they lost sight of the wagons.

Rayven also gave his command.

"Nara, Miki… Use the mist. Pick them off from range."

Nara already had her bow raised. "Understood."

Miki smirked. "Finally, some fun."

Arrows whistled through the fog, striking bandits who couldn't see where the shots came from.

The enemy mage's voice was then heard from the slope…

"O steel that bends and iron that rends…

Metallic Surge and Iron Explosion!"

The ground trembled. Soon, shards of iron burst upward, slicing through the mist, tearing into wagons and shields. Escort warriors screamed as their armor dented from the shards of iron the burst…

Rayven's Coinbound Archive registered the Spells he just used… After a quick check in the Archive, he learned what the Full-Metal Arcanist did…

Apparently, the Metallic Surge reinforced the bandits with metal enchantments. This way, the Iron Explosion wouldn't affect them and only their side!

"Gravity Bind."

Rayven's voice came… A pulse of mana spread outward, and suddenly, dozens of bandits near the front staggered, their bodies dragged down by crushing weight.

Weapons slipped from their hands, and their knees buckled. They thought that they could use the opening that the Full-Metal Arcanist made for them, but they were wrong!

"Wha—what is this?!" one bandit cried, as he was pinned to the snow.

Rayven exhaled. "That's one wave slowed."

But the Full-Metal Arcanist laughed from the slope.

"You think Tier 2 tricks will stop me? Foolish boy!"

His staff glowed, and his incantation rang out.

"O flame that hungers for release…

Ignis Lance!"

A massive spear of fire and molten steel shot downward, piercing through the mist. It slammed into one of the wagons, exploding in a shower of sparks and molten shards!

Boom!

The caravan shook, and horses screamed.

Rayven's cloak flowed in the air as he dashed forward.

"Gust Step."

In an instant, he seemed to have disappeared as he crossed the battlefield, avoiding the bandits and others…

Soon, he landed on higher ground, closer to the enemy mage.

The Full-Metal Arcanist sneered. "Quick feet. But speed won't save you."

Rayven raised his hand.

"Fireball."

A sphere of flame erupted instantly, no incantation, no delay. It streaked toward the mage.

The Arcanist's eyes widened.

"You're using an Artifact to lessen the Spellcasting? Hmph! I'll take it as a gift after I kill you…" He then raised his cloak to block the Fireball easily!

Bam!

However, Rayven actually cast more of them!

Seeing several Fireballs coming at him, he raised his staff.

"O steel that shields…

Iron Bastion!"

A wall of metal rose, absorbing the fireballs.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The explosions rocked the slope, but the mage stood unharmed.

'I guess fire and metal aren't that great of a match unless I increase my intensity…' Rayven thought as he looked at the Full-Metal Arcanist who was also sizing him up.