novelraw Chapter 193 193: The Real Threat
Chapter 193 193: The Real Threat
'He's really strong… Metal Element also looked so cool…' Rayven commented in his mind as he saw the Full-Metal Arcanists' combat style.
He knew that he had to get serious and not care for his gold-spending if he wanted to win…
At the same time, he was making his plan, bandits clashed with escort warriors…
Rayven heard their screams echoing through the mist. Thankfully, Thyruz was there, and he could hear his voice, commanding the adventurers and escort warriors…
"Raise your shields! I will reinforce them! Hold the line!"
At the same time, his staff glowed with enchantments spreading across the warriors' armor and shields, strengthening them against the crushing metal spells and swords of the enemies.
Miki and Nara also fought safely from the back as they fired their arrows… They were piercing through the mist, almost without any difficulties, since Thyruz had also enchanted their eyes!
Thyruz, the Tier 3 Mage, was truly an incredible support!
But the bandits kept pressing!
Rayven had to turn to them and help a bit…
"Mana Pulse."
A shockwave burst outward, clearing part of the mist but also hitting the several bandits within the range, stunning them for a moment…
At the same time, the Full-Metal Arcanist already felt annoyed at Rayven's tricks…
"Young mage… You chose death!" The Arcanist roared as he poured his mana into his staff.
Rayven's hand clenched.
"Telekinesis I."
[ 1 Gold Coin deducted. ]
The Spell couldn't carry heavy objects, but he was able to target the rock beside the Arcanist and its staff!
Thud!
The mage's staff jerked violently! With this disruption, the Arcanist failed to focus and his incantation faltered.
'As expected… He's not defending himself while casting spells.' Rayven thought with a smile. 'That's a lot easer than I thought…'
The mage roared again, forcing his staff back into position. "You insolent whelp!"
He then continued on his Spellcasting… This time, he had a few bandits to protect his side…
"O earth that anchors and flame that roars…
Earthen Grasp and Fire Lash!"
'So you can also cast other elemental spells.' Rayven thought as he saw the spells coming at him.
The ground split open, and molten chains of fire and stone came toward Rayven.
Rayven's voice was calm.
"Stone Skin."
[ 3 Gold Coins deducted. ]
His body hardened, and his skin swiftly turned to rock. The spell struck, but he stood firm with the stone absorbing the impact.
Still, that was strong enough to cause slight injury… It hurt a bit but it won't incapacitate him at all.
Rayven exhaled. "You'll need more than that."
The mage's eyes burned with fury. "Then I'll bury you!"
Rayven's cloak snapped as he whispered his next spell…
"Gravity Bind."
[ 2 Gold Coins deducted. ]
The mage staggered as his body was dragged down by a crushing weight. His staff trembled and his knees buckled in just a few moments.
Rayven didn't stop. He raised his hand and released another Spell.
"Fireball."
The sphere of flame erupted instantly, streaking toward the mage!
"You… How can you cast so easily?!"
The Full-Metal Arcanist roared, forcing his incantation through the crushing bind.
"O steel that bends…
Iron Bastion!"
The wall appeared again, but slower and weaker.
Rayven actually released five more Fireballs!
The fireballs slammed into it, shattering the barrier, exploding against the mage's chest.
Boom!
The Full-Metal Arcanist screamed and his cloak started burning…
Rayven stepped forward and frowned at the sight…
'Right… You're called Full-Metal for a reason.' Rayven mused as he saw that the mage's body had turned black like iron…
It seemed like the mage had already cast Iron Body or something similar beforehand.
Rayven then cast multiple Fireballs again, hitting several Bandits trying to help their boss. Of course, he would also use his Fireballs on this Tier 3 Mage to stop it from easily casting Spells!
No matter what, a mage who couldn't cast a Spell, no matter how powerful those spells are, would be defeated.
Bam! Bam! Bam!
The mage's eyes widened as he was continuously getting hit by the Fireball…
'Shit… Not good.'
If this continued, his Metal Body would run out, and the next fireball would really destroy him! "Impossible…!"
He didn't want to admit defeat, but the Gravity Bind and the Fireball were forcing him to surrender…
Steam already started rising from his body as his Metal Body spell finally disappeared, leaving his skin flushed red from the heat of Rayven's fireballs.
The man coughed several times while clutching his chest.
"Just surrender…" Rayven said coldly. He wanted to kill this person, but he also had a few questions for him.
Brian spat blood into the snow, then raised both hands. "Fine… I yield. You've won."
With this admission of defeat, it didn't take long before the bandits could be seen lying dead or bound as the caravan's escorts came victorious.
Thyruz's enchantments had held the line, and Nara and Miki were already retrieving arrows from fallen enemies.
Rayven's gaze didn't leave Brian. "You hired them?"
Brian gave a bitter laugh. "Mercenaries. I paid them for a week. Nothing more. They were never mine to command beyond coin."
Rayven frowned. "Then why attack the caravan?"
Brian's eyes turned toward the wagons, then back to Rayven... "Rumor says the merchant carries something priceless. A Heart of a Lord-Class Beast."
The words were said almost in a whisper, but many of them heard it. Even Thyruz, who had approached cautiously, froze at the mention.
Rayven's eyes narrowed. 'No wonder…'
"A Lord-Class Beast's heart… Now it makes sense. But I didn't notice anything like that at all."
As he said this, he used his Detect Mana Source once again to check the cargo… However, there were indeed no traces of it.
'I guess Mr. Shrubs is using a high-level sealing artifact, or this guy is lying…' Rayven thought as he turned to Mr. Shrubs, who seemed really nervous.
Well, from that reaction, Rayven could already guess that it was most likely true. Even if it wasn't a Lord-Class Beast's heart, it must be something on that level at the very least.
However, if that was true, the ones attacking them wouldn't just be a Tier 3 Mage… It wouldn't be surprising if a Tier 5 Mage or even higher would get involved.
Then, as he reached this thought, Rayven noticed that everyone was looking up!
'Shit..'