Chapter Size: 1856 Words.]
Third Person POV
Apollo's Mansion, Orario.
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The atmosphere in the part of the city where the Apollo Family resided vibrated with an unusual energy, as rumors spread like dense smoke. The constant buzz of unanswered questions hung in the air, competing with distant thuds emanating from the imposing family residence. Explosions reverberated in the foundations of the mansion, shaking the structures and drawing the attention of every curious citizen who approached.
The streets surrounding the property were filled with eager spectators, eyes fixed on the bars that separated the outside from the chaotic events unfolding within. An unusual spectacle unfolded, composed of adventurers engaged in frenetic battles and explosions decorating the scene like chaotic fireworks.
The voices of the crowd reflected the perplexity and restlessness permeating the environment. Some murmured speculations about what might be happening inside the Apollo mansion, while others simply watched with wide-eyed astonishment, captivated by the unpredictability of the show.
Meanwhile, amidst the chaos, explosions occurred on all sides, with Lucius Drakenar as the epicenter of all this confusion.
*Boom! Boom!*
As Lucius cast his magic against a group trying to attack him, someone faster than anyone Lucius had faced so far rushed towards him. The figure appeared at his side before the mage could react and threw him backward; it was Hyakinthos who had appeared and attacked Lucius unprepared, hitting him directly in the chest.
Falling backward and evading a few more adventurers who tried to stop him at that moment without giving the mage time to breathe, Lucius couldn't help but mutter, "Facing an entire family is not as easy as I imagined, not when you're surrounded on all sides... even being only level 1 and 2, I can't stop all the attacks," to himself, even though no one could hear amid the continuous explosions that the mage launched to repel his attackers.
Realizing the need to increase his effectiveness in battle, Lucius decided to diversify his spells. In addition to offensive fire spells, Lucius raised both hands with charged magic, invoking his Gravitational Spell/Minor Gravitational Field, rank 3. A sphere of gravitational energy formed around him with a diameter of 5 meters, altering the laws of gravity in the nearby area. The Apollo adventurers surrounding him suddenly felt an additional weight, making their movements slower and clumsier, with some falling to the ground without resistance.
At the same time, Lucius cast his Support Spell/Strength Booster, Speed Booster, Ironflesh to replenish effects, and Quick Dodge to avoid arrows that were coming his way, all executed in quick succession.
Taking advantage of the confusion caused by the Gravitational Field, Lucius launched his most powerful explosive Fireball, rank 3, directly into the center of the group of Apollo adventurers. The combination of offensive and defensive spells turned the mage into an unstoppable force, defying the opponents' expectations, even the captain/commander did not emerge unscathed when caught in the explosion as well.
While Lucius channeled his spells in the midst of the chaotic battle, the Apollo mansion suffered from the impacts of his explosive spells in the middle of the field in front of it, hitting it with stray spells. Walls trembled, pieces of masonry flew through the air, and a part of the grand mansion began to collapse under the magical fury of the mage.
The deafening sound of stones colliding echoed through the luxurious corridors as the confrontation unfolded both inside and outside the mansion. The sight of Apollo adventurers being thrown through the air, some screaming as they fell, added a dark tone to the scene.
It was one against an entire family, but even so, they couldn't defeat just one adventurer, leaving them with significantly low morale in a pre-war period.
"How, how can this be happening!?" Apollo, from a distance, had empty eyes, watching his precious property being destroyed on one side, while cracks seemed to appear all over the structure with broken windows—all this when they couldn't even stop the adventurer who caused all of this.
The battle continued, and the mage kept casting explosive spells and controlling the gravity around him, but the fight was not without its challenges. Lucius felt the growing pressure of the battle, and the infinite magical energy he possessed did not guarantee invulnerability against such a large number of opponents; his exhaustion was starting to show. Even though he seemed to be winning and managing the fight, Lucius did not emerge unscathed from the turmoil he created himself. The retaliatory attacks from the Apollo adventurers were not ineffective, and despite his defensive and evasive magics helping, being surrounded by dozens of adventurers had some effects on him. Superficial cuts and bruises began to accumulate on his body more than the healing magic could cure under the continuous onslaught, and he was becoming physically exhausted.
At the height of the battle between Lucius and the Apollo adventurers, when the explosions and magical spells seemed endless, a new presence made itself known. A group of people passed through the property gate, appearing in front of everyone. It was the Ganeash Family, known for their strength and influence in the city's security, led by their respected captain, Shakti Varma.
The members of the Ganeash Family emerged on the scene, standing out among the adventurers gathering to face Lucius. Their captain, an imposing figure with an aura of command at level 5, was not alone. Ilta Farna, the Amazon and vice-captain, was on one side, Hashana Dorlia was on the other, and they advanced into the midst of the confusion. Their experienced eyes quickly assessed the situation and recognized the characteristic mark of magical conflict.
"Enough of this!" Captain Ganeash's voice resonated, imposing itself over the tumult. "What is happening here, and how did it start?" She looked directly at Lucius, her expression indicating a mix of surprise and disapproval, seeing that guy again whom she had hit last time for talking absurdities to her.
Lucius, momentarily stopping his offensive, looked at the newcomer and realized that the situation had reached a critical point. The arrival of the Ganeash Family could significantly alter the course of the conflict, and he would have to consider his next actions carefully since he couldn't fight this woman, let alone all the adventurers beside her.
Captain Ganeash, with a serious look, addressed Lucius. "Explain yourself, wizard. What led to this? You're in conflict within private property, why are you always in some trouble lately? Be it inside or outside the dungeon." Her presence indicated an authority that made everyone stop attacking at that moment.
Lucius, shamelessly, crossed his arms, looking directly into Captain Ganeash's eyes. His expression was firm and resolute, making it clear that he had no intention of seeking a peaceful resolution at that moment.
"I didn't come here for just any reason, nor do I intend to seek peace, Lady Shakti. I came to retaliate against those who dared to attack my family. They chose the path of aggression, and now they will have to deal with the consequences. If they desire a truce, let them come and ask for it after feeling what it's like to be unjustly attacked. We already have a war game underway, even so, they initiated an attack in the city's slums, where the Hestia Family lived." Lucius maintained his firm tone without wavering; he was still a bit furious about his church being destroyed.
"Lies! He initiated the attack!" Apollo quickly shouted with hatred.
"Look at those masked idiots, why are they here fighting with me after destroying my church?" Lucius pointed to some members who launched the attack on the church; they came running here and didn't even have time to remove their disguises with Lucius attacking their home, even though this wasn't very strong evidence because everyone knew it was the work of the Apollo Family after what Lucius did to the god at the banquet.
"Enough of this!" Shakti's voice spoke again, putting an end to any further argument.
"You, the mage from the Hestia Family. Just like Apollo-Sama and his captain with the oddly dressed members, you will come to the guild with me immediately!" She said with authority. Seeing that no one else could handle this, everyone lowered their guard, including Lucius. Sighing, he cast a spell to reconstruct his torn and blood-stained clothes, a healing spell to mend his wounds, and a bathing spell to clean the dirt created by the wreckage. He left surprisingly clean, even amidst the hatred. They were stunned to see Lucius leaving in that state, and even Shakti was somewhat surprised by the magic display, although Lucius seemed incredibly tired from physical exhaustion.
"Take care of the wounded and clean up this mess; I'm going to the guild." Apollo spoke with a bit of anger but headed to the guild with Lucius and the Ganeash Family. The news, accompanied by the sounds of explosions, attracted a large number of curious onlookers around the mansion, and half the city already knew about the brawl.
Lucius walked with his enemies through the city under the gaze of all the curious onlookers, hearing many rumors. They quickly reached the guild and went straight to a hearing room. Rose saw him and had a perplexed and stunned expression with concern, seeing Lucius being escorted in such a way, alongside Apollo and his family.
In the guild's hearing room, where normally more bureaucratic matters were discussed, some exploration plans, but mainly family disputes with a judge, it was now filled with tension. Lucius was there, standing firm, while the representatives of the Apollo Family faced the guild with a nervous expression and a good deal of apprehension.
Captain Ganeash, even if she didn't like Lucius, assumed her role as a mediator, present to ensure that the situation was handled fairly and that both parties had the opportunity to express themselves.
The judge was a member of the Ganeash Family, and the guild leader was also present. He was another person who didn't like Lucius, and he didn't keep that hidden like Shakti. The hearing continued with the judge and jurors listening attentively as Lucius and the Apollo Family representative detailed their versions of the tumultuous events that occurred in the city. In the end, it was confirmed that there was an initial attack by the Apollo Family, but Lucius would not go unpunished for openly attacking the rival family's headquarters, causing chaos throughout the city on his own.
"This is why I hate courts..." Lucius didn't like being condemned either, but he had to obey the rules established in the city. With the guild assuming responsibility for mediating the situation, it was revealed that both Lucius and the Apollo Family representatives faced an exorbitant debt of 1 million valis each. This revelation caused a shockwave among those present, as the amount was considerable even by the standards of relatively wealthy families.
"At least we weren't banned from the city..." Lucius suddenly spoke, looking directly at Apollo, who returned his gaze with hatred, wondering if this mage had any sense after all he had done, but Lucius didn't care about that.
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