11 Chapter 11 (2/2)
Agi: 12
Dex: 14
Int: 18
Wil: 16
Wis: 12
Lck: 21
Skills & Spells: [a.n.a.lyze], [Barrier Lv1], [Deflect], [Kinetic Push], [Earth Lance Lv1]
d.a.m.n, Wilfred thought. It was the first time he saw someone with a leveled offensive spell. That practice every day on the fields probably helped a ton. Hovard opened aggressively, sending an [Earth Lance] down Wilfred's path. Compared to [Earth Spike], it was faster but it was thrown, the lance was also much longer and likely did more damage, especially since it was leveled. Wilfred was not confident enough to test his barrier against it and opted to cast [Wind Aura] to become more nimble, dodging to the side. The lance continued it's trajectory towards the crowd, scaring the first years who were watching the fight but it dissolved when it reached the periphery of the magic dampening field.
Having no choice, Wilfred tried to close the distance between them, hoping to overwhelm him like his other opponent. Hovard may well be quite a strong fighter for a first year but there was no way his mana pool could keep up with the barrage Wilfred could unleash.
As Wilfred got closer and within range, Hovard seemingly deciding to simply hold his ground, perhaps he was saving his mana and casted a [Wind Blade] whilst running. Hovard casted [Deflect] and Wilfred's wind blade missed its target by a good margin.
”[Kinetic Push]!”
Wilfred felt like he hit a wall whilst running, sending him tumbling backwards. Luckily, his barrier held and he suffered no damage except to his ego. He had severely underestimated Hovard. Now further away from him, Hovard once again sent an [Earth Lance] flying his way.
Wilfred bit his lip and sprinted out of the way. This wouldn't do. He didn't have the range needed to hit Hovard and he couldn't get close enough without being pushed back. Hovard was also using his mana conservatively, making it impossible to win simply by attrition.
Wilfred resolved that he would have to use his trump card. Ideally, he'd have liked to win fair and square but his opponent also wasn't playing fair. The matches were rigged, that much was evident. The timing needed to be just right, or else Hovard's lance would end the match.
Wilfred rushed towards Hovard with as much speed as he could. As expected, Hovard pulled back and readied himself to deflect the spell. However, Wilfred stopped short and cast a spell.
”[Construct Artifact]!”
The black metal object began taking form in his hand and he pointed it at Hovard before he had a chance to retaliate with an [Earth Lance] from Wilfred's deception. Wilfred put his hands together on the hilt and squeezed the trigger, sending the pure mana projectile straight towards Hovard's chest. The kickback from the shot reverberating throughout Wilfred's small arms dislocated his shoulder. He had to be sure it would work and so had constructed the strongest handgun he could, a .44 Magnum Colt Anaconda.
Reacting purely on instinct, Hovard managed to cast a [Deflect] before the projectile hit him, sending it deviating slightly towards his left arm. The shock threw him back with enough force to smash him against the walls of the city to the south, a solid 80 feet away. Spinning, he hit the wall with a sickening crunch and fell on the ground limp. Wilfred watched as Hovard body hit the ground.
Hovard Lang [Lv. 9]
Health: 12/85
Mana: 164/338
Str: 14
Con: 15
Agi: 12
Dex: 14
Int: 18
Wil: 16
Wis: 12
Lck: 21
Skills & Spells: [a.n.a.lyze], [Barrier Lv1], [Deflect], [Kinetic Push], [Earth Lance Lv1]
The teacher watching the fights sprung in action, flying down to where Hovard crashed and performing first aid using [Moderate Recovery]. Primus also stopped holding his dampening field and came to look at Wilfred.
”Hmmm, looks like a minor injury only. [Partial Recovery].”
Wilfred's shoulder snapped back into place harmlessly and he stood up. After making sure Hovard was alright, he was now sitting and only seemed mildly discomforted, the teacher approached Wilfred with apparent anger.
”You! You were told it was illegal to bring that to the fight! I'll have you disqualified for this.”
But Primus interjected.
”Oh? But I believe we only said that he could not bring it, not that he couldn't create it on the spot. I am curious about this though. [Inspect].”
[Artifact Weapon]
Colt Anaconda, Lv35
ATK: 322
DEF: 4
DUR: 24
Effect: Fires a pure magical bullet, non-elemental. Can fire 6 shots before you must recharge with mana.
”Hooooo, interesting. You could have a very lucrative career in enchanting if you so chose. But enough of this for now. Everything is done for the day, let's send everyone home and make sure they all rest and recover.”
The teacher squeezed his fists and walked off, arguing with the Headmaster would be pointless. Using [Amplify Voice] he let it known that the fights for the first years were over and that tomorrow the second years would be up. Everyone dispersed but not without gossiping about what had just transpired.
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