In the darkness of the forest, the rustling of leaves carried not only a gentle breeze but also a chill. The two people beneath the tree, touched by Chiba Yeyou's words, instantly felt a chill that transformed from physical coolness to icy desolation. This chill intensified when the magical light flashed and the unharmed figure that slid down from the branch left them even more chilled.
Damn it!
"How is that possible!"
Their eyes were filled with disbelief, and within that disbelief shone the magic they themselves had unleashed, which was now shooting back at them.
"Not good!"
"Careful!"
The two reacted quickly, immediately activating defensive magic. There was no time to dodge; they could only try to outspeed the two returning magical attacks.
As two beams of azure light appeared, the two attacks slammed into them. However, the two were well aware of the power contained in the magic they had released, so the two reflected spells were easily neutralized.
"Call..."
A bead of cold sweat trickled down their foreheads, and a look of relief at surviving a close call appeared on their faces.
"Clap clap clap!"
A round of applause rang out, seemingly praising the two for their quick reflexes and the speed at which they cast their magic, while simultaneously drawing their attention back to Chiba Yeyou.
The eldest brother looked at Chiba Yeyou, who was leisurely walking towards them, and subconsciously took a step back. His throat felt like it was being choked, and he couldn't say a word for a moment.
You know, he just used his most confident and skillful magic!
For him, if things go wrong, he can simply use his strongest magic to deliver a fatal blow, and then run away.
The mission could fail, but he had to return alive. As long as he survived, he would still be of use. His organization didn't have many mages of his caliber, and they wouldn't abandon mages like him because of one or two failures.
However, things turned out far beyond his expectations. His magic was actually reflected back, and if it weren't for his extraordinary magical abilities, he would already be dead.
At the same time, resisting the magic also meant he lost time to escape, but it didn't matter. He had a feeling he probably wouldn't be able to escape today.
The man next to the leader was completely terrified. His use of magic to defend himself was merely an instinctive action. In fact, if the leader hadn't reacted in time, he would already be dead.
"I didn't expect there to be another expert."
Chiba Yeyou sized up the guy in front of her, somewhat surprised.
This guy is much better than those rabble from "Egallte," a sub-organization of "Blanche" last time.
That's true. After the international crackdown, most of the remaining guys are still using rudimentary weapons that are difficult to even deal with some level of magicians. How could they possibly compare to these mysterious, hierarchically structured groups?
High-level players never take on weak opponents, and with that in mind, Chiba Yeyou could understand why the opponent had such strength.
But why didn't Tatsuya Shiba run into this guy?
Could it be that my outstanding performance these past few days has made me think I've become the key to the First High School's victory?
That would be hilarious!
"You're incredibly strong!"
"This isn't just the level of a high school student; even among university students, this is among the top tier!"
The mining operation was quite clear; the other side didn't seem to care much about the two of them, clearly unconcerned about any underhanded tactics they might employ. This also reflected their confidence in their own strength. Despite being in dire straits, the leader remained remarkably calm, even though Chiba Yeyou had already given him quite a shock.
"You're not the first person to be this surprised, and I promise I won't be the last!"
Chiba Yeyou's thoughts were interrupted, and she smiled slightly.
This guy over there is actually quite something.
Will you kill us?
Although he had already guessed the outcome, he still harbored a sliver of hope. After all, the guy opposite him was a student who had probably never even seen what blood was like.
We can only hope that this guy is an inexperienced newbie.
However, what Chiba Yeyou next shattered even his last bit of hope.
"I will never let someone who wants to kill me get away with it!"
Chiba Yeyou's answer was so relaxed and comfortable, and the smile on her face hadn't even faded. An elegant feeling came over you, but it made the two people opposite her feel like they had fallen into an ice cave. The people around the boss ran away as if they were crazy.
"Why!"
The leader sighed. The reason he didn't run was because he already knew he had absolutely no chance of escaping, while the guy who ran away was probably dead by now.
The reason I'm still alive is probably because Chiba Yeyou wants to ask me something, and that's about all the value I have.
"Buzz~"
A beam of stark white light struck the person who hadn't run far. In his panic, the guy forgot to use magic and just used his two feet.
Ah~
The guy looked as if he had been soaked in gasoline; silent flames erupted on his body in an instant, making him look like a moving torch, a veritable stick figure. He kept screaming, but he couldn't attract the attention of anyone other than Chiba Yeyou and the boss. It was both eerie and terrifying.
"Gurgle~"
The leader looked at his companion, who had burned to ashes in just two seconds, and his throat involuntarily bobbed.
"Aren't you overthinking it?"
Chiba Yeyou put away the CAD in her hand and continued to look at the boss in front of her.
"I'm quite curious, why don't you use Anti-Magic Stone?"
Chiba Yeyou was somewhat curious about this guy's lack of resistance.
He absolutely refused to believe that such a powerful magician didn't possess this thing.
You mean this?
As the eldest brother spoke, he revealed the gold bracelet on his wrist.
I don't think this will be of much use to you.
The eldest brother gave a wry smile. If he had still had the idea to try it before, now that Chiba Yeyou had brought it up, he already knew what the outcome would be.
Seeing the hand extended in front of him, the eldest brother obediently took off the CAD and the bracelet known as the Anti-Magic Stone and handed it to Chiba Yeyou.
He cooperated very well, Chiba Yeyou picked up the golden bracelet and looked at it.
This stuff is only found in military supplies from prosperous ancient mountainous regions. It's very difficult for a group of people to get their hands on it. Last time, he refined the entire factory, but he still didn't see the Anti-Magic Stone those people brought. Now he's finally seen this stuff.
"Go to hell!"
While Chiba Yeyou was observing the Anti-Magic Stone, the leader suddenly sprang into action, stabbing Chiba Yeyou fiercely with a military dagger in his hand.
How could someone who prioritizes self-preservation when undertaking a mission give up so easily?
Your previous compliance was nothing but a facade!
Magic isn't the only thing that can kill!
Since magic can be reflected, firearms are no safe either.
Chiba Yeyou didn't look particularly strong. After observing him for a while, she confirmed that he definitely didn't know any martial arts. And since they were so close, how was she going to defend herself against the dagger?
"Why!"