Published: July 8, 2025
In this "outer battlefield," there is another situation.
It is the battle between Zoltan and the Imperial Army.
The blazing flame mage Oscar is challenging Zoltan to close combat.
Fiona and the Imperial Army… the forces of Duke Rubine are providing support with long-range magic attacks.
"Fuhahahaha, isn't this great? Well-trained magic cannon fire!"
Laughing, Zoltan deflects all the cannon fire with a barrier.
"To deflect all this firepower..."
"Indeed, even Oscar seems to be showing signs of fatigue..."
Fiona and Marie whisper to each other.
Oscar is the only one engaging Zoltan in close combat with sword and magic.
He hasn't sustained any major damage, but since the battle started, he has been fighting with all his might, so it must be quite tough for him…
Even Fiona and Marie think so, but…
"Deputy, it feels like his momentum isn't waning."
"Yes… When my master faces a formidable enemy, he always becomes like this… in a sense, he continues to be angry. 'Why can't I break through? Why can't I defeat them?' He does not allow such things."
Both Marie and Fiona revert to calling Oscar in a more familiar way.
A sight of Oscar they haven't seen in years.
"The last time I saw him was during the battle in the Kingdom."
Fiona remembers.
Oscar and the water attribute mage from the Kingdom fighting.
"But, it's greater than that time..."
"Yes, his anger is greater than it was then."
Fiona nods at Marie's observation.
They know the reason for his immense anger.
The blunder of having Baron Hagen Benda taken from him.
The battle in the Kingdom… his deadly struggle with the current Duke Rondo was certainly accompanied by anger, but at the same time, it seemed like he was enjoying the fight.
Both of them.
However, this time is different.
Completely, purely filled with anger.
Perhaps that is why…
"Still, all the attacks are being deflected…"
"I might be mistaken, but the sound of the Deputy's attacks… especially when the piercing fire hits Zoltan's barrier, it seems to be changing."
"That's right, I heard it too… If both of you heard it, then it can't be just a misunderstanding. There is definitely a change happening."
"Is that change a good one?"
With Fiona's agreement, a hint of anxiety appears on Marie's face.
"Marie, did you know? My master grows stronger when he loses."
"Huh? Oh, now that you mention it, I think I've heard that before. It seems to be related to anger..."
"Yes, when he reflects, anger wells up inside him, and it feels as if he is burning himself. After going through that, his magic becomes stronger. I could never fully understand it."
Fiona smiles wryly.
Fiona, who manipulates both light and fire attributes at an astonishingly high level, has been called a genius in magic.
However, she knows best herself.
When it comes to genius, she doesn't even come close to Oscar.
"Right now, while fighting, my master is continuously losing. He is aware of it. This means he is continuing to grow stronger."
"Eh…"
Fiona asserts, leaving Marie speechless.
Once, Michael (alias) told Ryu, "The essence of magic is in the image."
Oscar is practicing that without being taught by anyone.
The attribute closest to the emotion of anger is probably the fire attribute.
It is a kind of coincidence that Oscar can enhance the fire attribute magic he wields through anger.
If Ryu were to know, he would definitely complain…
As Oscar's unwavering attacks continue, the side receiving them is beginning to feel distrustful.
"Are you really human?"
Zoltan questions Oscar, who is swinging his sword and unleashing magic with relentless attacks.
However, Oscar remains silent.
He continues to glare at Zoltan while swinging his sword and attacking with magic.
His demeanor hasn't changed since the very beginning.
Rather…
Creak.
Creak.
Creak.
Oscar's sword meets Zoltan's blade.
A bloody sword unique to vampires… a sword forged from his own blood.
Oscar's magic is being deflected by Zoltan's barrier.
With the overwhelming hardness of the barrier, all of Oscar's magic is being repelled, but…
"The sound… has changed?"