Within the functioning society of this world, roles were handed down from the Genius Mage who established the laws, systems, and techniques of magic.
He was known as the only mage to have "touched the heavens"
Ziverard Zagata
The only mage to have ever reached the peak of magical power. He, along with many other mages, devised a system specifically for tactical roles, whether for war, fighting monsters, clearing dungeons, or educational purposes.
He named these roles as followed:
1. Battle Mage - A mage who is able to use hand to hand combat, elemental affinity weaponry and quick spells in battle. They are able to fill different roles on a team whilst being the most adaptable role in any field.
2. Cross Mage - A highly skilled warrior who combines swordsmanship with magic. They are experts at close-range combat and can overwhelm opponents with a mix of blade and spell.
3. Tank -A defensive mage who protects the team by drawing enemy attacks and creating barriers. They are the shield that guards their allies from harm.
4. Front Caster - A powerful mage who uses large-scale spells to attack many enemies at once. They are the artillery, dealing massive damage from the front lines.
5. Support - A versatile mage who heals allies, enhances their abilities, and provides tactical assistance. They are the backbone of the team, ensuring everyone stays in fighting shape and has the edge in battle.
This system was considered flawless. However, discussions arose about mages who could fulfill multiple roles with high efficiency. Throughout history, many recognized these multi-role mages as exceptional individuals, and over the centuries, their numbers dwindled.
The names given to these individuals are:
Dual-Casters: Mages who can flex between two roles, also known as Hybrid Mages.
Triple Threats: Mages who can flex between three roles, known as Versatile Casters.
Omni-Mages: Mages capable of flexing between four roles.
Quintessential Mages: The rarest individuals, adept in all roles. It is said that those who master each role can essentially create a sixth role.
***
The stench was unlike anything I had ever encountered. Disgusting, putrid, nauseating.
The heavy footsteps that shook the ground filled me with dread, but I knew my duty.
I had to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. I had come too far to fail.
THUD…THUD…THUD…
The footsteps grew louder and closer. A dark figure emerged from the trees, charging towards us.
"Ezekiel..." Diana's voice was tense.
"Yeah?"
"We have to fight, right?"
"How well trained are you in magic?"
"Better than most people our age."
"That should be enough."
But was it? I felt really uncertain about it all. The thought of an uphill battle made my nerves scream.
But if we didn't fight... what was the point of all this?
"GRAHHH!!!"
The monster roared with a scream that echoed throughout the entire forest.
There was no more time for doubt because running now?
Was certain death.
**
"Bonrick, you're finally here! Thank god..."
The leader emerged from the bushes, clutching a mechanical device with a red button.
He jabbed the button, activating a mana signal that pulsed through the night, a desperate call for his loyal subject.
Bonrick's neck glowed an eerie blue as he sprinted towards his master, positioning himself as a shield against unseen threats.
"I couldn't believe my eyes when those kids freed all my income, It's impossible to get them all back now. So leave the two girls alive and finish that blonde-haired kid. Jeez... I'm sick of these children getting in my way today."
ROAR!
The giant, Bonrick, snarled with a guttural sound that sent chills down Ezekiel and Diana's spines.
He flexed his massive arms and the force tore his clothing apart unleashing a wave of disturbing energy.
"What is that?!"
"Yuck... that energy."
Ezekiel and Diana shivered as their bodies instinctively flinched from the power emanating from the mutated human.
As the appearance of Bonrick was clear, it showed that his right arm was a ugly mass of twisted red flesh, pulsing with a sickening rhythm.
Half his face was similarly disfigured as well, as the red flesh throbbed in sync with his powerful heartbeat.
Veins bulged beneath his skin and it traced a network of power across his ripped physique.
"Must... Destroy!" he roared with power.
DOOM!
With a thunderous leap, Bonrick charged towards Ezekiel and Diana.
The ground trembled with each stride, and the wind whipped around them in a frenzy.
"This is bad," Diana whispered as her eyes watched the giant approach. "You're not a Front Caster right?"
"Nope." Ezekiel shook his head grimly. "I'm a battle mage."
"Haah... good. I can support you from behind and also help attack when you need it... so please... win this."
"Got it. I'll draw his attention. Diana, keep your distance and be ready to support me!"
He sprinted towards the monstrous Bonrick, chanting as he ran.
"By the hand of Eurus bless this magic and cast forth the bolt and it's conductor."
HWAM...
Mana surged around him, responding to his incantation.
With each breath he took, the energy Ezekiel had created two portals that materialized above his head.
Bonrick like a rabid monster continued his charge towards Ezekiel in blinded faith.
"Spell Arts of Wind: Tempo'O Spark!"
By completing the hand signs for the Incantation, Ezekiel finished the spell with a shout, just as Bonrick entered his attack range.
From the left portal, a gale of wind erupted like a raging torrent that tore through the night. From the right, a bolt of lightning snaked forth, its blinding light illuminating the scene.
BAAM!
The wind and lightning intertwined and a devastating combination of power slammed into Bonrick before he could react.
The force of the attack sent the giant hurtling backward and his roar turned into a surprised grunt.