Chapter 142: Archmage (2) (1/2)
”Hmm? What's this?” The dark figure said aloud as he glanced over towards a particular panel to his right. There were dozens before him, one would wonder how this person even managed to observe them all. The ”panels” were little more than light spells which carried various images. Some were live feeds, others were screens filled with numbers and data. One such panel caught his attention as he waved his right hand, causing the panel to enlarge while the others surrounding it shrank.
”What the heck? What's she even doing out of the city. That's not her jurisdiction.” The dark skinned man said as he scratched his cheek.
”Hmm. Curious, curious….” He repeated to himself as he placed a heavily bandaged hand against his cheek.
”Well. I guess I could use some exercise. It's been a minute.” He said finally, dismissing all of the info panels with a flick of his wrist. He got to his feet and stretched, making sure to ”warm up” before any physical exertion. He then snapped his fingers, causing a hooded cloak to appear on him.
”This should be interesting at least.” He remarked as he stepped forward, blinking out of existence in the process.
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Oliver Pagnal's world turned dark. His left eye trickled ever so slightly with blood, a consequence of his own actions. He knew better than to push his Evil Eye even further, yet it couldn't be helped. His vision grew hazy as well, though only one eye was affected -- this, he could manage.
*Dense muscles, meant for carnage and unfathomable power. I need something more powerful, superficial lightning or flames won't cut it. I'll need something ...more....* Oliver's mind was like a steel trap, latching onto any idea which could help him to defeat the threat.
Against a stronger foe would it be possible? The elf was willing to take that gamble
He decided to try something ill advised, free magic in a life or death battle. Oliver even chuckled at his own hypocrisy. He would have drilled prudence into any of his students or fellow chapel members, yet it was the only option before him.
The Archmage lifted both hands, palms facing outwards as he prepared himself. He pulled forth what little mana he could from the atmosphere and infused it into two balls of rapidly growing earth and rock.
*Now comes the tricky part.* Oliver thought inwardly. He gritted his teeth and summoned all of his focus, pushing away the noise of his surroundings. His other senses dropped away as well, taste, sight -- even the dull pain in his abdomen. He clenched each hand, making a pair of fists as he activated his second magic. The large masses of earth energy began to crumple inwards, as if they were being crushed by an invisible hand. Both masses of earth quickly shrank from the size of a basketball to that of a marble due to the intense gravitational pull exerted upon them.
*Now shape them.* Oliver's forehead was now filled with beads of sweat, a testament to his focus. Gravity magic was unruly to maintain on the best of days for him, he was really pushing his personal limitations at the moment. The small orbs of heavily condensed dirt first flattened, then began to reshape into the form of a jagged bullet.
The approaching creature was now within a distance that allowed Oliver to see the it's features. Red eyes, six in total which lined it's elongated face in two rows. Four arms, two legs and all muscle. It's body was a deep sheen of black, graced by several red lines which reminded Oliver of magical veins. If he could see himself he would, no doubt , see the same sort of lines along his own face -- a consequence of pushing his mana to the limits.
Though his vision was blurred in one eye and he was already bleeding profusely, Oliver dared to go one step further.
”Copy Eye.” He grunted between pressed lips. His left eye began to glow with purple energy as a rune flashed, spiraling several times as Oliver's will was done. Once more blood issued forth from his left eye, causing a steady stream of crimson to trickle down Oliver's cheek. The creature, having taken keen notice of Oliver's form and voice, launched into an attack.
*Ah. What should I call this one?* Oliver pondered to himself as the clone Grimlock dashed forward. It wasn't nearly as fast as the original, but a threat nonetheless. Yet to Oliver who's mind was dangerously close to unconsciousness, everything seemed to play out in slow motion. Oliver thrust both hands forward, flaring his fingers as he shouted the name of his newly improvised spell.
”Heavy Bullet!”
The two condensed earth bullets were propelled forward, powered by Oliver's mana as well as aerodynamics. He created the bullets with small grooves to promote decreased wind shearing and acceleration for improved distance. Each bullet's tip was like that of a drill, causing the heavy objects to pierce the air itself while making a unique howling sound.
The creature's movements were agile, but Oliver timed his attack perfectly. The creature couldn't evade even if it wanted to at that point. In an effort to shrug off the damage, the cloned Grimlock raised a pair of its arms in anticipation of the magical constructs. It flexed its muscles, hardening them just before impact -- yet this mattered not. The Heavy Bullets drilled into the creature's flesh without resistance and easily pierced through in less than a second. The first bullet was aimed at the creature's heart, while the second was aimed at it's forehead. Both pierced the creature like a needle through paper, causing the Grimlock to first go limp then fall face forward with a heavy thud.
Oliver grinned, his objective having been achieved, as he watched the clone's body turn into black wisps of smoke. He allowed himself this small moment of satisfaction, for he knew things would only get harder from this point on. He could feel his stance weakening, a sign that he'd used all of his magic yet again.
*Oliver!* Gates' voice transmitted from his place next to Dealla and Shula. Though he was still carrying Gigi in his arms Gates still kept a keen eye on the battle as it unfolded. He was amazed to see Oliver take out his foe so quickly, but the moment Oliver's knees buckled Gates understood.
The spell used must have required a lot, even for a rank two Archmage to cast. He wanted to rush over in support but the elf held up a single hand, as if to brush that thought aside. After a few deep breaths Oliver slowly got to his feet and faced the central threat.
Though his body felt heavy and his mind was hazy, Oliver knew that timing was of the essence. The next few seconds were critical, in part because Oliver doubted his own ability to stay conscious. His mana was all but depleted, and he lacked vision in his left eye now. Yet he held on. He couldn't move, not a centimeter before he was ready, for he needed every bit of energy to take one last action.
Oliver focused himself once again, dancing on the razor's edge of awareness and subconscious as he strained his one good eye. The wounded Fused Grimlock had also gotten to its feet, and Oliver's hunch proved correct. Bracha had not moved since unleashing her onslaught against the creature.