People Who Court Death Won't Live Long (Second Update)

"Professor?"

Under the puzzled gazes of his disciples, the Lord El-Melloi II, gritting his teeth, took a few steps forward, bypassing his disciples and standing in front of Touko Aozaki.

"Miss Aozaki, I have a suggestion I'd like to discuss with you."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing what the Lord El-Melloi II had discovered, Touko Aozaki raised an eyebrow slightly. Perhaps intrigued by what the Lord El-Melloi II was about to say, Touko Aozaki stopped drawing the [rune].

"Is there any [gap] in your memory?"

"You knew about this too?"

"I can probably guess that."

Seeing Touko Aozaki's surprised expression and hearing her words, the Lord El-Melloi II, whose suspicions had been confirmed, breathed a slight sigh of relief.

"If Iselma used the method I suspect [is the one], then only you could have done something like this."

I think that's the condition they're proposing, right?

"All right."

Touko Aozaki pouted, feeling a bit annoyed. This feeling, which seemed to be something only she didn't know about, made her very depressed.

"Furthermore, the person who made this condition back then certainly didn't want you to assassinate [El-Melloi], otherwise Mr. Wong would never have stood idly by."

"That guy..."

The thought of that man who vanished in a flash made Touko Aozaki's teeth itch with anger.

"In that case, we propose the same conditions—"

"No."

Before the Lord El-Melloi II could finish speaking, a merciless voice came from the other side.

Seeing the expression on the Lord El-Melloi II's face as if he'd choked, Touko Aozaki's lips curled into a rather wicked smile:

"I'm quite professional when it comes to things. Since I've already agreed to the employer's request, how could I go back on my word halfway through?"

Touko Aozaki would never admit that this was an expression of resentment towards Wang Xiaoming for leaving her alone here.

"However, just as you guessed, they didn't ask me to kill you all, so don't worry too much..."

"It will only hurt for a few days at most."

Hearing Touko Aozaki's irresponsible remarks, the hearts of all the students in El-Melloi Classroom were once again in suspense.

But before Touko Aozaki could make her next move, another unexpected event occurred—

Sometime later, the sun disappeared.

It is a cloud.

Dark clouds drifted in from the east and covered the land of Iselma in the blink of an eye. Their unnatural speed and scale soon enveloped the iconic Twin Towers of Iselma.

The extremely unnatural speed and scale caused the still somewhat dazed El-Melloi Classroom and its inhabitants, along with Touko Aozaki, to be completely enveloped by the black cloud.

Immediately afterwards, a deep rumble of thunder echoed from the dark clouds, and thick bolts of lightning shot out from the clouds and began to strike the crowd directly below.

"Master!"

Gray, who instinctively lifted the Lord El-Melloi II away from the spot, could clearly feel the strong impact coming from behind.

It was like a bombing. No one knew how much magic was infused into it; the strike shook the earth and froze everyone present. Although most of the electricity was absorbed by the ground, its aftershocks were enough to shock everyone.

Are you alright?

After narrowly avoiding the attack, the Lord El-Melloi II looked at his students, thankfully none of them were harmed. He then looked at Touko Aozaki standing opposite him; the lightning seemed to have deliberately avoided her, and she hadn't suffered any damage.

After a brief roar, the dark cloud seemed to pass by without lingering.

It continued to bombard the surrounding forest, leaving terrifying marks on the ground and a foul, acrid smell in the air.

"... Is the goal to eliminate the land's protection of the Izelma Family?"

If the land is damaged, the flow of magic will naturally become more difficult than usual. Since Magecraft manages the land, it is only natural to cast defensive Magecraft on it, so neutralizing the magic is also a necessary step for any intruder.

"Although the other party probably just wanted to say hello--"

Watching the dark clouds gradually disappear into the distance, Touko Aozaki shrugged and turned her gaze to the El-Melloi Classroom across the way, where everyone was already in disarray.

"Judging by his appearance, he's probably a formidable fellow."

"It is my honor to be praised so highly by [Grand]."

Having apparently heard Touko Aozaki's words, a blond young man suddenly emerged from the woods, bowed to Touko Aozaki, and said:

"--I, Atram Galliasta Galliasta, offer you my highest respect."

Chapter 334. No zuo no die (Second Update)

"Galliasta?"

Touko Aozaki raised an eyebrow slightly as she watched the young man emerge from the woods.

Touko Aozaki had heard of [Galliasta], as the young man had mentioned.

A clan that inherited the blood of the ancient Middle East. Because they only joined the Clock Tower in the last two generations, and the Magecraft they use has almost entered the realm of sorcery, they have received treatment that is disproportionate to their strength, but they are quite troublesome.

As a newly emerging race within the Clock Tower, although they have only recently left the Middle East, their imposing presence and barbaric methods are truly astounding. They will not hesitate to use any ruthless means as long as there is a reward to be gained.

Logically speaking, [Iselma] shouldn't be in conflict with the other party, etc.

"Is it because of that [thing]?"

Touko Aozaki suddenly remembered her conversation with her teacher the night before. The teacher had mentioned that [Iselma] had won an item at an underground auction a while ago. Although Touko Aozaki didn't know the true nature of that item, it seemed to be the only reason the other party could have attacked.

"You truly are worthy of the Grand [Grand], you're absolutely right."

Upon hearing Touko Aozaki's question, the blond youth, Atram Galliasta Galliasta, curled his lips into a cruel smile:

"Although I lost to [Iselma] at the auction, I offered Lord Byron a more sincere price afterward, but Lord Byron didn't accept my offer. There's nothing I can do—"

Despite the other party's completely illogical statement, neither the Lord El-Melloi II nor Touko Aozaki showed any unusual expression. That's how the world of Magecraft works. The other party was only provoking Lord Byron. Even as a [Lord], the Lord El-Melloi II had no reason to interfere in such a declaration of war between families.

Moreover, even if someone wanted to intervene, they would first need to consult the person involved.

"I'm very sorry this sudden interruption has disturbed you both. Now, please leave the battlefield to me."

A male voice came from behind. Looking back, they saw a gentleman holding a cane emerging from the woods behind them.

"Wow, that's amazing. They've made the weather their companion. This region is known for its changeable climate, but this is the first time someone has accomplished something so spectacular."

The gentleman accurately assessed the attacker's strength. He had already discerned how difficult such Magecraft would be for a modern Magecraft.

"... Lord Byron."

Watching the leader of [Iselma] walk into the battlefield, Atram Galliasta sighed and continued:

"Although I don't want to say it again, considering that both the [Grand] and the [Lord] are present this time... Lord Byron, could you possibly cede that cursed body to me?"

Even if you say that, I'm in a difficult position.

Without the slightest hesitation, Lord Byron resolutely rejected the other party's proposal.

"Then there's nothing we can do."

As Lord Byron's voice faded, the young man gave an "I knew it" look, then stood on the damp forest ground and opened his arms.

"--Then war will follow."

He declared, feigning seriousness.

"War, war, war... Ah, what a savage sound. How tragic, how lamentable, that the renowned [Iselma] would make such a choice."

He shook his head, as if expressing deep regret.

However, the vulgar smile that appeared on his lips could not be concealed. This smile seemed to be a confession that, no matter what he said, he ultimately regarded the savage slaughter as a form of entertainment.

As Magecraft, most are prepared for life-or-death struggles. Even if the power of Magecraft cannot be directly manifested in battle, they all understand that it is this drive to challenge the limits of individual life, fueled by a fighting spirit and instinct, that promotes the development of Magecraft.

However, surprisingly, there aren't many Magecraft who enjoy the struggle itself. After all, it's just a means to an end. There's no need to needlessly put the secret techniques and Magic Crest passed down from their ancestors into danger.

Atram Galliasta Galliasta's idea does not belong to any of the above categories.

He simply enjoys using elegant methods to deal with the man in front of him.

"However, since Lord Byron so pleased, there's nothing I can do. This junior, Atram Galliasta Galliasta, is happy to oblige."

As the young man's voice faded, a tense atmosphere instantly rose between the battlefield.

However, contrary to this tense atmosphere was the expression of one of the parties involved— Lord Byron. The gentleman suddenly revealed a bold smile:

"Galliasta, if you think Iselma is powerless, you are sorely mistaken."

He tapped the ground with his cane.

Instantly, some spherical objects floated up around Lord Byron.

Reflecting the setting sun filtering through the leaves, one might subconsciously mistake it for a bunch of blown soap bubbles.

However, the reality was far from gentle. The soap bubbles, infused with Lord Byron's magic, ignored the air currents, drifting unnaturally and quickly enveloping the Magecraft before him. The surface of the soapy water reflected Atram Galliasta's image, which continued to rotate.

"Izelma's Rainbow Gem, please take this!"

As Lord Byron murmured the name of the spell, the net of soap bubbles surrounding the youth began to gradually shrink.

"Ha, I was wondering what kind of tricks you were going to pull off."

Facing the dangerous-looking soap bubble, Atram Galliasta gave a sneer, then took a small object from his suit jacket.

In his palm was a small, pot-like object.

The instant this object was taken out, an invisible electric net spread out around Atram Galliasta. Lord Byron's Magecraft could even display its full power, it was torn apart by the violent electric net.

"How could this be...?"

Seeing the scene before him, Lord Byron's mouth dropped open in surprise. The team on which such high hopes had been placed had been so easily defeated. The fact that he could still barely maintain his composure under such circumstances was a testament to Lord Byron's resilience.

Perhaps it was the young Lord Byron's penchant for showing off that fueled his fear, for Atram Galliasta revealed a smug smile:

"You've probably all heard of the primitive battery... or the Baghdad Battery, right?"

The world's oldest battery was discovered at the Khujut Rabu ruins in the Middle East.

It is generally believed that this technology was developed by chance, with the aim of gold plating, without any knowledge of battery construction. However, this technology is also being passed down through Magecraft, developing along a completely different path from science.

As the race that studied this structure declined, [Galliasta] used money to buy it along with its history.

For them, who were originally dedicated to the study of minerals and cost Magecraft, the primitive battery was a very suitable form. In the end, the [Galliasta] clan successfully infused their magic power into electricity. By controlling the "power" that has been worshipped by many regions since ancient times as divine might or divine sound, they have been able to prosper to this day. Of course, this technology is also used in the spells cast on the weather.

"So, what's next..."

For Atram Galliasta, the boasting was over; now it was time to enjoy the prey.

"Gush Out!"

With those words, the Magecraft bursting from the battery transformed into a giant hand made of electricity. The instant the giant hand formed, it tore through the air faster than the blink of an eye and attacked Lord Byron.

Faced with this violent spell, the unsuspecting Lord Byron should have perished on the spot, but another unexpected event allowed him to escape by sheer luck—

"Oh, I'm back..."

A voice suddenly rang out from the battlefield, but it was immediately drowned out by a deafening roar of thunder. If the giant hand hadn't exploded halfway through, everyone would probably have thought the voice was just an illusion.

"Is anyone there?"

Atram Galliasta was slightly taken aback when he realized that his spell had not hit the target as he had expected. However, the battlefield in front of him was shrouded in smoke and dust from the aftershocks of the explosion, making it impossible to discern the situation for the moment.

"Never mind."

Atram Galliasta shrugged indifferently. In his view, whoever that person was, there was no way they could have survived the bombardment of his Magecraft, after all—

"I'm confident my attack can rival the flames unleashed by that Witch who burned her rival and the city to the ground."

Atram Galliasta proudly compared his Magecraft to the annihilation spell once used by the Witch Medea in the Age of Gods, boasting of his achievements.

But the next second, something completely unexpected happened—

"Huh?"

A questioning voice suddenly came from behind the smoke and dust obscuring their vision. Immediately afterward, everyone saw a man swagger out of the smoke and walk up to Atram Galliasta, asking him in an extremely kind tone, devoid of any hint of temper:

"Friend, could you repeat what you just said?"