Chapter 169

Words : 1171 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

Chapter 169: Chapter 169 For a moment, no one in the area moved—not even Clayton. Everyone stood still, silently observing one another, as if trying to gauge the strength of their potential enemies. It soon became clear that the two people who had just collapsed were both five-star mage apprentices. Meanwhile, the one who had launched the lightning serpent at Clayton was a four-star apprentice. Only Clayton himself was a mere three-star. Upon this realization, everyone reacted differently. The two five-star apprentices looked somewhat relieved, now focusing only on each other. They paid no attention to Clayton or the injured lightning mage. As for the wounded one, he seemed completely indifferent—whether due to confidence or simply having accepted his fate was unclear. Clayton—the "weakest" among them—looked appropriately nervous, as any sensible three-star apprentice would in such a situation. His mind raced, rapidly weighing his next move. But before he could decide, the two five-star apprentices suddenly sprang into action. As if reading each other’s minds, they launched a coordinated attack—aimed straight at Clayton! He was stunned. It hadn’t even occurred to him that he might be targeted. But it made sense—they didn’t want some "insignificant bystander" interfering during a serious fight. It would be humiliating to survive a clash with a powerful opponent, only to be killed by a three-star straggler. So, Clayton had to be eliminated first. Reacting fast, he activated his Water Circulation Armor. A shimmering shield began to form and thicken around him. But before it could fully solidify, a water arrow and a wind slash struck him head-on, launching his body backward. Bang! He crashed hard into a wall and then slumped to the ground, unmoving. The two five-star apprentices paused, examining his limp body carefully. After a few seconds, they turned their attention back to each other, eyes burning with focus and hostility. As far as they were concerned, Clayton was either dead or fatally wounded. Without a word, the wind-element apprentice launched forward, propelled by a burst of wind magic. His speed overwhelmed the water apprentice, who struggled to keep up. Splat! From mid-range, the wind mage delivered a powerful kick, unleashing a crescent-shaped wind blade that carved through the air with brutal force. Wherever it passed, it left behind razor-thin gashes in the stone and dirt. The water mage quickly dodged and conjured a spiraling water wall to block the attack. The two spells collided violently, drenching the ground and turning it into a chaotic, muddy battlefield. From that exchange, they each gained insight into the other’s style. The water mage fought best at range with control-based spells. The wind mage, meanwhile, was clearly a fast, close-quarters combatant—a knight-type. Both adjusted their tactics accordingly. From a distance, Clayton—bruised but alive—began to stir. He cracked an eye open and peeked through the corner of it. The assumption that he had died had been a mistake. By manipulating his Water Circulation Armor, Clayton had cleverly absorbed the impact. He’d concentrated the shield at his front, letting the force fling him away while minimizing actual damage. Once airborne, he was no longer in contact with the active energy of the spells—keeping him safe. He had played dead to escape further notice. To sell the illusion, he’d even smeared himself with pheasant blood he had stashed in a feather. Now, with the immediate danger past, he rested cautiously, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Meanwhile, the battle between the two five-star apprentices intensified. The wind knight held the edge with his blinding speed, making it difficult for the water mage to retaliate. But the knight didn’t let his advantage go to his head—he knew one mistake could turn the tide. The water mage remained on the defensive, biding his time. The wind mage, in contrast, chipped away at his stamina, hoping to grind him down. The fight grew increasingly savage. From afar, Clayton watched with satisfaction. If things continued this way, he’d have the perfect chance to act. It reminded him of the old Chinese proverb: "The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind." Just as Clayton began to feel confident that things were going according to plan, a flash of light and a familiar crackle jolted him. Bzztttt! His eyes widened in horror. A lightning serpent shot toward him at terrifying speed! Realizing he could no longer stay still, Clayton quickly summoned a Water Dome, which he had refined into pure water using his Entry. Bang! Bzztttt! The lightning struck the dome—but didn’t conduct through it. The purified water hissed and evaporated under the intense energy, but it completely neutralized the spell. The two five-star apprentices turned in surprise, staring at Clayton in disbelief. Clayton cursed under his breath—furious that the lightning mage, even while incapacitated, was still causing problems. With his cover blown, Clayton could no longer afford to play dead. He immediately summoned his mini-skeletons, who had been hiding all along. Swoosh! Snap! Bang! The sudden ambush finally convinced the two five-star mages this wasn’t an illusion. They were furious—and ready to strike back. But as they fought Clayton and his skeletons, something became clear: Clayton was far too powerful for a supposed three-star mage. Suspicion dawned in their eyes. Had he been faking his weakness all along? Now fully alert, they raised their guard. Clayton, knowing the truth was out, didn’t hesitate. He hurled Water Cannons at them, taking advantage of their exhaustion. Swoosh! Swoosh! Strangely, these shots seemed off. The aim was odd—slightly askew. Those watching were puzzled. Clayton’s aim was usually sharp and precise. But as the water projectiles got closer, their paths twisted unnaturally. The apprentices dodged instinctively and sighed in relief. They assumed Clayton had made a mistake—perhaps from panic or rushing the spell. That’s what they thought... until the projectiles curved again mid-air, homing in on their targets. Their eyes widened in panic. The spells were following them! Clayton remained calm. His Tracking Entry had worked perfectly. No matter how the mages moved, the spells kept chasing. Eventually, both were struck. Bang! Bang! They fell hard to the ground. Clayton smiled, satisfied. Without wasting a second, he activated two prepared magic scrolls. Swoosh! Two clouds of black smoke shot toward the downed apprentices, wrapping around them and plunging them into illusions. Once they were unconscious, Clayton issued his next command. "Pride, use Abyssal Vortex!" Immediately, swirling torrents of water surged forward, spinning with violent force as they closed in on the helpless mages. Just as the spell was about to hit, they snapped out of the illusion—only to find death looming over them. They tried to flee. They failed. In moments, their bodies were torn apart by the Abyssal Vortex, summoned by Clayton’s skeletal warriors. Clayton approached slowly, a satisfied look on his face. But then... the stigmas on his body began flickering wildly. He froze. Was someone messing with him? Was all of this really just coincidence? Doubt crept in. Should he check his fallen enemies—or should he get the hell out of there?

Chapter 169

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