Chapter 226

Staring intently at Shin Yeon-ho, I gradually adjusted my stance.

Finally, what came into view were my two hands.

I waved my arms through the air, but the coolness of the air was hardly felt. It felt a bit stifling.

The output of the mana barrier is 5000kW. It can withstand direct hits from two or three level 3 spells.

Since the match is conducted using only level 2 spells or below, safety is certainly guaranteed.

The particle barrier that reduces kinetic energy is at 20%, while the mana nullification barrier is at 80%.

Since Shin Yeon-ho has sealed his own direct attacks, I only need to check the mana nullification barrier from time to time.

“Everyone knows the classic rules, right? Magic can only be level 2 or below, and casting must only be done with a wand. The use of Aura is unlimited, and physical power can only be used by Name.”

Professor Baeseojin operated the central control computer to activate the mana barrier device.

“Don’t be too nervous. It’ll be over in a blink of an eye, like getting a flu shot.”

Shin Yeon-ho twirled his umbrella-shaped wand and spoke.

“Have you done a proper inspection?”

“The wand? Since I’ll be using only level 2 spells anyway, it wouldn’t matter, but I added a parallel circuit. I can’t just overlook something that’s obviously wrong.”

“Your mindset is excellent.”

“Haha, thanks! It’s an honor to be praised by Name.”

As Shin Yeon-ho said, the wand his group created had the highest level of completion.

However, the output issue was a critical flaw. Would the professor and I be able to identify any other problems that we hadn’t mentioned?

We’ll verify that in this match.

“Hoo…”

Holding the cold Aura in my mouth, I took a deep breath to cool my heated head. The cold air that pierced my lungs brought me back to my senses.

The current distance is about 13 meters. Given the material of the floor, it’s unlikely to slip easily. However, the friction force when falling cannot be ignored.

The opponent is 184cm tall, a 70cm difference compared to me.

The reach difference is even more pronounced. If direct attacks were permitted and the battle turned into close combat, it would be extremely disadvantageous for me.

Moreover, considering his weight, which is nearly four times mine, I would need to move at double the speed just to match him in physique.

Yet, the energy and mana required to move at double speed would be a staggering eight times. This is because we live in a three-dimensional world.

The ceiling height is 16 meters, which is notably high compared to other structures. I don’t think I need to worry about hitting my head.

[Victory conditions are when one type of mana barrier is destroyed by more than 70%, the wand is overloaded or broken, when the opponent forfeits, or when symptoms of mana exhaustion appear. Understood?]

Professor Baeseojin firmly reinforced this in casual language.

That’s how dangerous this match is, even if the likelihood is low.

We nodded and gripped our wands tightly.

[Since this is the first time, I’ll count down generously to 30 seconds.]

[30]

A dry beep rang out.

Simultaneously, my heart began to race uncontrollably.

Even with countless experiences stored in my head, my body was about to experience this for the first time.

Indeed, it’s a whole different ball game compared to fighting in a game.

I even questioned whether my body would follow my mind as expected.

[20]

“Are you nervous?”

“I might be.”

“Yet you seem calm.”

“I may lack experience, but my knowledge is abundant.”

“Really?”

I’ve lived longer than you.

Even if someone in Korea is recognized as a genius, they still seem like a mere chick compared to me.

[10]

I started raising my Aura little by little, beginning to warm up.

From now on, every aspect of my body’s control belongs to me.

The beating of my heart, the contraction of my lungs, the dilation of my pupils.

By utilizing my Aura to its maximum, I can regulate everything without missing a beat.

I control instinct with reason, and judgment is left to instinct again.

[3]

[2]

[1]

<[Veritas Lux Mea]>

What’s the worst that could happen if I make a mistake? Just die, right?

I should have learned this mindset by now, but these kids nowadays…

The sin of not watching my broadcast is indeed grave; perhaps I should start with this.

* * *

As the countdown began, Shin Yeon-ho distinctly sensed a change in the energy emanating from Name.

‘What is this…?’

Name lowered her center of gravity by bending her knees, with her left hand pointing to the ground and her right arm hidden behind her waist, taking on a ‘standard’ fighting stance.

It was excessively standard and perfect. In other words, there were no flaws.

Her ability to dominate the space with Aura, the posture to conceal her first spell, eye movement, and weight distribution; moreover, she even prepped her Aura.

Without realizing it, Shin Yeon-ho raised his wand and took a stance.

Instinct was warning his body.

‘Why?’

The pressure he felt in the Quarterfinals of the National Martial Arts Competition resurfaced.

Could she handle Aura better than magic?

Some are born with such genius.

When a person has more knowledge awakened through self-reflection rather than through others, their ability to utilize Aura is unmatched.

The blind female student who used “heavy Aura” in the Quarterfinals was one such character.

Is she still suffering among the philosophy and gym rats by now?

That thought had nothing to do with the current battle, so I shook off the distraction.

‘I must not let my guard down.’

Magic knows no age limits.

Without barriers, a level 1 spell cast by an elementary student could deal damage.

With both feet firmly planted, Shin Yeon-ho conceded the first attack to Name.

‘Now, what strategy will our genius girl employ?’

A statement announcing the start of the match appeared alongside the lessons of Korea University.

Name extended her hidden right arm sideways to draw in mana.

[Conjuration: Replication of the Smiling One]

‘Conjuration?’

Name completely overturned his expectations right from the first move.

The reason why the wand is called a “simple conjuration generator.

The wand itself assists in the role of the conjuration.

But now, she was creating another conjuration with the wand?

‘This is extraordinary. I can’t even interpret it.’

After all, dispelling spells requires a bit of luck too.

Inefficient dispelling techniques are the thoughts of amateurs looking for a single blow.

A true powerful combatant focuses on gradually chipping away at the barrier.

Shin Yeon-ho shifted his gaze from the conjuration back to Name.

[Cast: Laminar Flow]

She overlaid the conjuration behind the magic circle and summoned it.

A ticking clock sound emanated from the conjuration.

This wasn’t an auditory hallucination.

Simultaneously with the magic circle’s formation, she stepped forward with intense momentum.

Despite Name’s movement, the magic circle still did not disappear.

“Whoa! You can even convert the coordinate system! You really are a genius!”

Her fist wrapped in golden Aura shot towards Shin Yeon-ho’s jaw.

He smiled brightly at the girl who had suddenly appeared right in front of him.

The muscular arm of the male easily blocked the delicate girl’s punch.

Shin Yeon-ho’s gaze returned to the magic circle.

It felt almost impossible to analyze a magic spell cast in an instant, yet Shin Yeon-ho managed to extract information in that moment. A level 2 spell shouldn’t be too complicated.

‘The punch is a feint. Now, what magic is coming? Since it’s based on El, Maben, and Psyche, it should be of the water affinity?’

Tick-tock—

Tick-tock, tick-tock—

Woooooooom—

Finally witnessing the reality of the magic, Shin Yeon-ho’s eyes widened.

“…! What the hell?!”

KA-BOOM—!

Fifty centimeters in diameter.

Suddenly, a straight white beam of light tinged with blue shot toward Shin Yeon-ho at a terrifying speed.

The gymnasium walls shook violently.

“What is that?!”

The professor and students who had been watching with interest sprang up.

At first, the magic circle emitted light, and blue mana exploded forth.

Then the conjuration gathered the blue light like a giant lens and ultimately fired a laser.

Amid the billowing dust, Shin Yeon-ho, hit directly by the beam and pushed against the wall, protested vehemently.

“This isn’t fair! You can’t suddenly use a level 3 spell…! Wait…?”

[Circle: 2]

The main screen in the assembly hall displayed in red letters that the actual spell was only level 2.

If the wand breaks, he would lose without a fight; the cost of enduring with his bare body was too great.

30% of the mana nullification barrier destroyed.

It was no different than taking a full-on hit from a level 3 spell.

A shadow loomed over the gasping Shin Yeon-ho.

Name approached once again with that mysterious magic.

[Cast: Laminar Flow]

[Delayed Cast: Laminar Flow]

This time, there were two.

Wooooooom—

“If you don’t know, you’ll just have to take it, right?”

With a pure expression, Name uttered those chilling words.

Double casting at eight years old? In fact, if we include the conjuration, isn’t it triple?

This is truly unfair.