Chereads / I Am the Archmage / Chapter 7 - Chapter 7

Chapter 7 - Chapter 7

In the bustling streets of the capital city "Airenc" in the Babunica Kingdom, a pair of individuals emerged - a man and a woman.

The man, seemingly in his early twenties, adorned in a magical robe, yet his handsome face betrayed an air of frivolity, lacking the solemnity befitting a mage.

Contrastingly, the woman presented herself as a rare beauty, her golden locks cascading like sunlight, adorned in an elegant silver armor. She carried a graceful demeanor, a sword strapped to her back, exuding the charisma of a skilled swordswoman.

Indeed, this duo comprised none other than myself and Livia.

Following a chaotic skirmish in the forest, our elder companions instructed Livia to accompany me to Airenc, where we sought the phoenix blood to cure Princess Olymphia. Meanwhile, they immersed themselves in the profound study of methods to return me to my original world.

Regardless of the veracity of their intentions, with the enchanting presence of Livia by my side, I would willingly traverse hell itself.

After the embrace of that fateful day, Livia's demeanor towards me underwent a complete transformation. Though she remained reticent, her eyes often held a peculiar gaze. Whenever our eyes met, her cheeks would flush, and she would cast her gaze away, embodying a seductive allure.

However, any attempt on my part to advance further was met with the measured force of her delicate fists.

Alas, the revolution is yet to succeed; comrades, continued efforts are imperative.

Livia had once visited Airenc with her father, rendering her familiar with the city's pathways. Upon entering the city, she guided me straight to the royal palace.

Grasping her slender hand, I proposed, "Livia, shall we first indulge in a repast at a restaurant before entering the palace? One can never predict what may unfold within those regal walls."

Since my arrival in the enchanted lands, I found particular fascination in the tangible aspects of this realm. Although denied the pleasure of sweet potatoes, a myriad of hitherto unseen delicacies awaited exploration, each evoking a mouth-watering anticipation.

Unperturbed by my addressing her as "Livia," she cast me a glance, a blend of resignation and coquetry, "You incorrigible rascal, I truly cannot fathom you." 

For reasons unbeknownst to me, she consistently referred to me as a "rascal." It was an inevitable circumstance, bestowed upon me by my esteemed parents. Alas, a rascal I shall remain, as long as it brings joy to the young lady.

Entering a quaint restaurant, Livia's captivating beauty immediately drew the attention of all patrons. Arching her eyebrows, a frigid air emanated from her delicate form, prompting those with discerning eyes to avert their gaze.

Seated at the innermost table, a figure captivated my attention - a young man a few years my senior, towering and robust, adorned in silver-white knightly armor. Beside him rested a greatsword and a shield. Presently, he wore a smirk while appraising Livia.

A sense of displeasure welled within me, and I intended to reprimand the fellow. However, Livia's exclamation of surprise caused me to withhold my actions. Disregarding me, she strode directly towards the man.

Unbidden, a surge of killing intent emanated from me as I glared at the man. If I had my way, I would roast him like a chicken and cut him into pieces...

The subsequent description is too gruesome; hence, it is omitted.

Approaching the man, Livia queried, "Park, what brings you here?"

The man - Park - with an intrigued gaze directed at the fiery me, remarked, "Why is the usually frosty 'Phantom Swordsman' Livia appearing with another man?"

Casting a glance back at me, Livia's delicate face blushed, radiating a captivating charm.

Park, taken aback, exclaimed, "Oh my, you can blush too? No, you must not be Livia. Speak, why are you impersonating her?"

Observing Livia's amiable interaction with Park, my envy blazed uncontrollably. Despite my often smooth talk, I had genuinely become captivated by her, harboring true affection.

A torrent of magical energy suddenly surged outward, causing utensils and glasses in the restaurant to shatter, plunging the dining patrons into disarray.

Though not intentionally targeting Park, most of the airflow spontaneously converged towards him. Even Livia was affected, and she cried out, "Rascal, cease..."

Hmph, she truly protected that lad.

My jealousy reached its zenith as the airflow concentrated entirely on Park.

Park's expression tightened. Turning to Livia, he inquired, "Is he a new student of the teacher?"

Livia nodded. With a lightning-fast motion, Park unsheathed the sword beside the table, slashing through the air. The magical energy flow was split in two by the high-speed airflow generated by his sword, barely grazing him.

My fighting spirit surged. Aside from the encounter with the Chirp Chirp Bird, this marked the first time I eagerly yearned for battle.

Addressing the restaurant's occupants, I shouted, "Evacuate immediately, or bear the consequences." Then, I formed hand seals, preparing for an onslaught.

Livia, alarmed, attempted to speak, but Park restrained her, saying, "Rest assured, I won't harm him. I merely wish to see what he has learned from the teacher."

Pointing a finger, a dozen "Wind Arrows," accompanied by a greenish halo, shot forth from my hand towards Park, emitting a sharp whistle through the air.

With a satisfied exclamation, Park swiftly maneuvered through the gaps in the "Wind Arrows," brandishing his sword directly towards me. Employing the most effective close-quarters combat against mages, he aimed to engage.

Mages, due to their exclusive focus on magical studies, lacked physical training and possessed relatively weak constitutions. Moreover, the incantation of spells required time, making them vulnerable to close-quarters assaults. Hence, it was customary for warriors to provide protection.

However, I stood as an exception. Observing Park's close approach, I smirked coldly, extending my hand like a blade to slash across at him.