Feeling the strange power swirling around him, Dean Bruce couldn't help but tense up, his eyes narrowing as he cautiously scanned his surroundings.
Could it be that another attempt on his life was starting?
The thought made Dean Bruce's anger flare. What on earth was the organization behind Alita and the others doing? It had been so long, and not only had they failed to uncover any concrete information, but they also hadn't even detected that he was about to be targeted again.
But now wasn't the time to dwell on that. Dean Bruce advanced carefully, his magical energy surging within him, while he gripped a scroll tightly in his hand, ready for combat at any moment.
As he slowly moved forward, the sound of explosions and fierce battle cries reached his ears, filling him with suspicion. [Could it be that these people aren't after me? Otherwise, how could they already be fighting before I even showed up?]
His eyes darted around as he decided to investigate further. Lowering his body and slowing his pace, he made his way toward the source of the commotion.
It wasn't long before he saw dozens of figures engaged in intense combat, clashing violently with one another. They weren't magicians; their bodies were encased in heavy armor, and they wielded large swords or spears in fierce confrontations.
However, every time their armor and weapons collided, they emitted a burst of magical light.
Not only that, but both sides also had magicians behind them, floating in the air, waving their wands, and chanting incantations.
"Blazing flames, even when scattered on the ground, do not extinguish your light. Earthfire Blaze, erupt!"
Boom!
With the low chant, a pale red flame gathered in the air and then suddenly scattered, falling to the ground. But instead of going out, it caused the ground to glow red-hot, like molten lava.
"Ah!"
Those who stepped on it immediately let out agonizing screams, jumping around in a desperate attempt to escape the flames.
But in doing so, they left themselves vulnerable to the attacks of their enemies.
Fortunately for them, the magicians on their side didn't just stand by. They too waved their wands and chanted spells: "Beautiful ice spirits, do not withhold your frost. Freeze the flames!"
Pale blue ice crystals began to sparkle, falling from the sky like raindrops, swiftly extinguishing the flames that had engulfed the ground.
Seeing this scene, Dean Bruce couldn't help but nod slightly. So this is what normal magician combat looks like on Planet Meze.
No wonder Xerath Cade, despite his decent level, was still taken down by me and seemed so surprised—it turns out that for low-level magicians, casting spells is such a cumbersome process.
Chanting incantations, to Dean Bruce, seemed like the casting bars in a video game, but even after successfully chanting, the elements still needed time to gather before they could unleash their effects.
For a moment, the intense battle before him seemed almost laughable.
To him, it was the warriors who posed a greater threat, at least their attacks didn't require long casting times or elaborate preparations.
"Looks like I don't know them... should I get involved?" Dean Bruce squinted slightly, pondering his options.
He wasn't the type to play the hero for no reason, especially when there was nothing to gain.
"Your Highness, Saintess, please go ahead! We'll handle this!"
Suddenly, a shout echoed, making Dean Bruce's heart skip a beat. Saintess?
Notting City was just a small frontier town; why would a saintess be here?
Could it be the designated saintess from the Temple of Wisdom that Alita had mentioned earlier?
If that's the case, then the enemies must be from Alita's organization.
Dean Bruce carefully observed the soldiers. They all wore helmets, obscuring their faces, and the magicians were similarly veiled, making identification impossible.
Their robes were loose and billowed in the wind, effectively concealing any distinguishing features, making it difficult to determine if Alita Miller was among them.
Looking further, Dean Bruce noticed some figure behind the mages.
Several heavily armored warriors with strange symbols etched into their armor, surrounding a young girl.
The girl didn't seem very old and was holding a thick book, her expression grave.
Upon hearing the shout, the girl didn't retreat but instead raised her heavy book and questioned, "Who are you people? How dare you attack us here? Don't you know we're close to the borders of Notting City?"
The Nine Provinces Alliance had rules that prohibited battles near major cities.
Even though they weren't affiliated with Notting City, if a fight were discovered, the city would inevitably get involved.
As soon as she finished speaking, a cold laugh rang out: "Notting City? How naive can you be? Do you really think Notting City will intervene just because we're attacking here? What a joke. Even if Notting City senses what's happening, they won't come."
"You… could you be assassins from Notting City?"
Upon hearing this, the faces of the girl's companions changed drastically.
Given their proximity to Notting City, if the city had indeed sent assassins after them, they might not be able to escape this crisis.
But their minds were filled with confusion. They couldn't understand why Notting City would target them!
There was no enmity or conflict between Notting City and the Temple of Wisdom. They racked their brains, but no reason came to mind.
Boom!
Just then, the sound of thundering hooves filled the air, followed by a hearty laugh: "Notting City won't intervene? Hahaha, you filthy rats dare to slander us? Ridiculous!"
"The son of the Lord of Notting City, Nicholas, is here! Who among you dares to challenge me?"
The voice caused both sides of the battle to pause momentarily.
Dean Bruce, who had been watching from the shadows, was equally surprised. Why is Nicholas William here?
He had only recently begun his journey into magic. Even with numerous magical treasures at his disposal, his mana reserves were likely far inferior to Dean Bruce's. So, what gave him the confidence to be here?
Dean Bruce's eyes scanned the area, and when he saw the nearly hundred-strong cavalry accompanying Nicholas, he immediately understood.
"We're in trouble—Notting City reinforcements have arrived! Finish this quickly!"
A voice of alarm rang out, and the soldiers' armor suddenly glowed, sending their opponents flying back.
The magicians on the attacking side quickly gathered into a circle, chanting in unison. The intertwined voices created an eerie, mysterious atmosphere that sent chills down the spine.
"That's a connection spell! Damn it, who are these people? How do they know connection magic? Quick, unite and counter!"
"Cast the Shield of Holy Light, now!"
At the command, the magicians from the Temple of Wisdom spread out, each chanting a different incantation.
Despite the varied spells, there was a unique harmony to their chanting that drew one's mind into a trance.
At the same time, Nicholas William led his cavalry charge. As he raised his hand, signaling his riders to attack, he began chanting his own spell: "This water is blacker than ink, flowing relentlessly. I see many souls, covered in filth, naked and furious, striking and tearing each other apart until their bodies are broken beyond repair!"
Hearing the familiar incantation, Dean Bruce couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. He was curious to see how the verses from The Divine Comedy would translate into magic in the world of Meze.
Understanding was one thing, but witnessing the magic in action was another.
Mana surged as a strange, black fluid began to gather, moving like water as it converged.
The magicians watching this couldn't conceal their shock: "What kind of magic is that? It's so dark and deep, yet it doesn't carry the usual stench of darkness and death. Instead, it feels incredibly pure!"
This was the beauty of interpretation. Because of Nicholas's understanding, this magic used the battlefield of human hearts and desires, naturally distancing itself from associations with darkness and death.
Splash!
The sound of rushing water grew louder as more of the black liquid gathered and then suddenly poured down, enveloping the magicians and heavily armored warriors alike.
In an instant, a strange power surged, binding them all in place as ghostly silhouettes of their souls began to rise from their heads!
"Hahaha, it worked! My mentor didn't lie—this magic really does work!" Nicholas exclaimed, triumphant.