*** MC's POV ***
"Alright."
After receiving updates from the mercenaries on the black mage's current location, I planted several traps on the black mage's path. I prepared for the big fight to come. These traps were necessary because black mages are generally very annoying to deal with, especially for someone who specializes in close-range fights like me.
The reason is because their magic has a corrosive effect on objects. So, if I were to slash at his barriers, my sword would get corroded and destroyed in a few swings. It's the same with armor, too. If black magic hits or barely grazes my armor, it would get corroded and destroyed quickly.
This is why I considered the black mage a tricky enemy. If there's something fortunate about it, it is that corrosion didn't work on fists and the living. But does that mean I should fight with bare fists? No, I can't even guarantee I would win if I fought with a sword, so there's no way I would do that.
Furthermore, black mages are generally much stronger than normal mages. This is because they can ignore the laws of nature.
Of course, that doesn't come for free either. Black magic comes with a heavy price in mana and health or sanity. The price depends on the type and strength of the magic. But the effects are certain. You can even defeat someone much stronger than you if you sacrifice your life. However, just because black magic needs health or sanity to cast doesn't mean black magicians must use their sanity or health. They often sacrifice other living beings like animals or humans to fuel their magic instead of using their life force.
This is why I needed to fight the black mage in a desolate place far from the living. Or, at the very least, I needed to create terrain that was advantageous to me, even if I had to cut down all the trees in the forest.
Fortunately, I came across a deserted clearing in the forest. There are grasses here, but there are barely any trees or animals. So, this isolated location would limit the black mage's ability to sacrifice others for their magic.
Now that I know the black mage's location, I can plant traps to turn the battlefield to my advantage. I decided to use [Rune Magic] to achieve this.
[Rune Magic] is a kind of magic that uses ancient runic symbols imbued with mana to activate magic formations. Rune magic has always interested me since it's one of the few magics a player can learn to help the characters in the game. We do this indirectly via telepathy, sending runic symbols and instructions on setting them up. So, I was also confident in using its power this time, despite this being the first time I used rune magic directly outside practice.
I had collected smooth stones from the creeks beforehand. I took the stones from my subpockets - their surfaces would provide a clean canvas. Sitting on a large, flat rock near the clearing's edge, I etched the ancient symbols.
The effect of the formations varies depending on the runes you etch on the stones. But generally, rune magic transforms the battlefield or creates a rule that affects everyone within the formation. You can also amplify the formation effects by combining multiple runes, and I have done my best on that side, too.
The runes flowed from my fingers, each line and curve imbued with precisely measured mana. Teiwaz took form, and its angles promised balance. Thrudaz followed, its circular patterns representing the eternal cycles of life. Last came Isa, its vertical lines channeling downward force. With each rune completed, I could feel the magical energies stir in response. With these, I decided to create three formations in total.
Teiwaz for creating [Runic Light Formation], which would remove corrosion and dampen dark arts within while enhancing healing and holy arts. I use Thrudaz runes for the second trap. Anyone who entered this [Rune Battle Arena] created with Thrudaz would find escape impossible until they finished the duel or achieved special conditions. Finally, I placed Isa runes along the path. Isa rune will create the [Mana Siphoning Formation] that would leech mana from all living beings within the area with each passing moment. It's a necessary formation for aura-based fighters who seek to defeat mages above their leagues.
Satisfied with my work, I carried the stones to their positions. As I set Teiwaz's stone in the clearing's center, a soft glow emanated from its marks. The mana imprinted within had accepted my intent, and the Runic Light Formation began to take shape, waiting for the full activation. I did the same with the other two traps and smiled quietly at the success - with luck. Its powers would counter much of the dark arts to come. With the trap laid, I stepped back and ensured everything worked fine.
'Good!'
Now that I had finished preparing, the time had come for our fight to begin. I sensed the approaching black mage and hid myself in stealth.
A robed figure emerged from the forest edge. It was a man whose pale face contrasted starkly against his dark clothing. Malice radiated from the black mage as he scanned the clearing with gleaming red eyes. I steeled myself for the upcoming battle and began the hunt.