Chereads / Fairy Tail: Kyoka Suigetsu / Chapter 5 - Inevitable Fight

Chapter 5 - Inevitable Fight

[Back in the Fairy Tail Guild]

Although Gildarts considered the guild members his family, he wasn't willing to tolerate humiliation. He had his pride, and since Suigetsu had agreed to keep quiet, Gildarts chose not to press the issue further. After all, there was no way to redeem himself from this embarrassing truth.

With that, his flashbacks came to an end.

The kid had taken care of the dark guild by himself. Gildarts had dropped the bombshell—this was the real reason he hadn't been able to clear the mission.

A heavy silence filled the room.

Clearing his throat, Makarov, who had pieced together that something major had happened between the two, decided to steer the conversation. It's good that you came back safe, Gildarts. He said, his voice more serious now. But before that, could you introduce us to the kid you brought along?

A kid he brings with him? Laxus muttered under his breath, the realization hitting him like a ton of bricks. Did Gildarts bring someone with him? I didn't notice anyone! His gaze shifted around the room, searching for any unfamiliar faces. He knew everyone in the guild, but someone who stood out less caught his attention. It must be him... the reason why Gildarts failed. Laxus was about to jump up, but Gildarts' next words stopped him.

Yeah, he's the person I'm talking about. Gildarts said, turning around to look in my direction. Everyone followed his gaze.

What? Since when did you get here? Cana was the first to react. She hadn't even noticed I was sitting next to her.

I was here the whole time... I replied, sounding bored.

The other guild members exchanged uneasy glances, their throats dry. He had already arrived, yet no one had noticed him, except the president. And looking at him, they couldn't even sense his magic.

What is this...? I couldn't sense his magic, not even his presence. If I wasn't looking at him, I wouldn't have realized he was here. One of them muttered.

The weight of the situation settled heavily on them all. If this kid were an enemy, they would have been taken out without ever knowing.

By the way, his name is Kyoka Suigetsu. You can call him Suigetsu. Gildarts continued, snapping everyone out of their thoughts. He'll be joining our guild. Hahaha! He laughed as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

...Joining our guild? The guild members were still confused, their minds racing to process this new information. But there was one exception.

Laxus Dreyar.

Bam!

Laxus pounded the guardrail in frustration, immediately catching my attention.

Laxus, huh? I mused inwardly.

Don't destroy things, Laxus! Makarov snapped, his voice sharp with reprimand.

Hmph! Laxus grunted, refusing to acknowledge his grandfather. His intense gaze locked onto me, sizing me up. Uncle here seems to hold you in high regard. Let's go outside! I'll show you how strong I am!

Huh? Why should I? I replied dismissively, not bothering to acknowledge him.

Laxus smirked, amusement flickering in his eyes. Are you afraid of me? He taunted, feeling superior.

Why would I be afraid of you? I countered, my tone calm and unwavering. In your current state, I don't think you stand a chance against me. I'd rather not waste my energy on a meaningless fight.

Laxus glared, gritting his teeth in frustration. His usual smirk had vanished, replaced by a deep scowl. Even with his arrogant attitude, it was clear my words had struck a nerve.

You... He clenched his fists, muscles tensing as he prepared to attack. But before he could make a move, a voice cut through the tension.

Don't be so cold, Suigetsu.

I wasn't surprised. Of course, he would step in. I muttered inwardly, already expecting his interference. My gaze shifted toward the source of the voice, and as our eyes met, an unspoken understanding passed between us.

Gildarts, now settled into a chair with a glass of wine in hand, flashed a wide grin—his usual playful demeanor intact. You just joined the guild, so this is a perfect opportunity to get to know each other better. Don't you think so? He took a sip before setting the glass down. Besides... He paused, casting a glance at Laxus. You're about to fight someone stronger than you, Laxus. Think of it as an opportunity to grow.

I see... So that was your plan? I gave him a meaningful stare. Since you can't take me down physically, you're trying to break me mentally instead?

When they heard his claim, the guild members exchanged uneasy glances.

He's stronger than Laxus? Macao's voice rang with disbelief.

Laxus wasn't just anyone—he was the grandson of the guild master and already a monster in his generation. Yet now, they were being told that someone younger and even more talented stood before them? The thought was almost impossible to accept.

Everyone stared at me in disbelief.

Gildarts took a slow sip of his wine, savoring the moment before finally speaking. Yeah, we fought for three days and nights. His words were deliberately vague, leaving the guild members to fill in the gaps themselves.

I clenched my jaw. This guy is seriously giving me trouble... I muttered inwardly, already plotting my silent revenge. Just wait…

A frown spread across the room. He fought Gildarts for three days and nights... Did that mean he won? Or did he lose? No one could say for sure. But one thing was certain—Gildarts wouldn't lie. If nothing else, that meant this kid had the strength to stand against him for three whole days. The realization settled heavily over the guild, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. Bitterness brewed beneath the surface, and an almost suffocating tension filled the room.

Tch. Laxus clicked his tongue in annoyance.

This is going to be interesting. Gildarts mused aloud, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. He had, of course, already anticipated this reaction. By casually emphasizing just how extremely strong I was, he had expertly lit the spark of competition in Laxus.

Laxus, for his part, had no choice but to acknowledge my strength. But his pride wouldn't allow him to leave it at that. His blood boiled at the thought of being overshadowed. He was supposed to be the strongest of his generation—the one destined to surpass the old guard.

There's no way in hell I'm letting this slide... Determination flashed in his eyes. One way or another, he was going to prove Gildarts wrong.

Then, let's go outside. I replied at last, my voice cool and composed.

Laxus' eyes gleamed with anticipation. A smirk crept across his face—he hadn't expected me to agree so quickly, not before he could press the issue further.

Heh... So he's got some guts after all.

Without hesitation, he turned on his heel and strode toward the door, his movements brimming with confidence.

Follow me, then! He called over his shoulder, his tone laced with excitement. He was eager—no, hungry—for this fight.

I cast a final glance at Makarov before rising to follow Laxus. Offering a slight shrug in his direction.

Makarov met my gaze with a knowing nod. He understood the gravity of the situation but made no move to stop us. Perhaps he saw this as an opportunity—both for Laxus to learn a lesson and for the guild to witness my true capabilities firsthand.

Just before stepping outside, Laxus turned on his heel and shot a sharp, challenging glare at Gildarts. His voice carried the weight of pride and provocation. Uncle, watch me defeat your so-called strongest kid!

The audacity of his declaration was enough to ignite the room.

Wakaba, ever the opportunist, wasted no time. He raised his voice above the growing chatter, a sly grin spreading across his face. Laxus is going to fight the newcomer! It's time for betting!

The guild erupted into chaos. The air hummed with energy as bets began to fly across the room like sparks in a tinderbox.

I'll bet 1,000 J on Laxus! One voice called out eagerly.

Then I'll bet 2,000 J on the newcomer! Another joined in, excitement flashing in their eyes.

I'll also bet 2,000 J on the newcomer! Came a third, their voice eager to see the unknown challenger rise.

I believe in Laxus! I'll put 4,000 J on him! Another voice chimed in as the stakes climbed higher.

The bets were just an excuse to heighten the tension; no one truly took them seriously. It was all in good fun, a way to add even more excitement to an already electric atmosphere.

With the anticipation thick in the air, the fight was about to begin.

[In the forest of Magnolia...]

The guild members murmured among themselves, the tension thick in the air.

Laxus cracked his neck, feeling confident. He was fully intent on ending the fight in an instant; his pride would not allow anything less. As his hands stretched into the air, his gaze flicked toward me.

Suigetsu, was it? Don't think just because you dealt with the dark guild, you are superior to me! Watch me beat you in five seconds! He said, then performed a cutthroat motion.

Oh? Okay... I said unconcerned.

Makarov stood between us, arms crossed, acting as the referee. He interrupted our brief exchange with a firm voice.

Are both sides ready?

We nodded in unison.

Then... Begin! His voice rang out, signaling the start of the battle.

Without hesitation, Laxus unleashed his thunderous might. Lightning crackled across his body as he molded the electric energy into a spear-like weapon. With a swift motion, he raised his hand, the jagged bolts swirling dangerously, ready to strike.

Such power! Someone exclaimed in awe.

As expected of the president's grandson! Another voice called out.

I ignored the murmurs of the crowd and focused on him. Has he already obtained a Lacrima? I dismissed the thought—it was obvious. The outcome remains unchanged.

Laxus had activated his magic but still hadn't moved.

He may be arrogant, but he's not foolish. I mused. I rested my hand on the hilt, then slowly unsheathed my sword. Instead of raising the blade, I positioned myself for a downward stab.

What are you doing? He asked, but I didn't respond. Instead, I let go of the sword. Kyoka Suigetsu, sink into the ground, from the tip down to the hilt, completely disappearing.

Yet, it did not vanish without effect. Despite being solid, it caused a small ripple on the ground. The waves moved in sync with my words.

Bankai... Senbonzakura Kageyoshi.

If a Bleach fan saw this, they would definitely scream, "Impossible!" Kyoka Suigetsu shouldn't be able to do that. And they'd be right—this is merely a visual effect mimicking Byakuya's Bankai.

I simply use illusion magic to conceal the fact that I'm using an illusion. Then, I'll reveal a power that is truly possible in reality—and make them believe it's just another trick.

After all... The greatest deception isn't the illusion I created, but making you believe you're being deceived.

Once doubt takes hold, you begin to lose trust in everything. So when I show you reality—the true gap between our power—you'll convince yourself it's just another illusion. And that... will be your downfall.

My sword sank into the ground. But suddenly, countless swords emerged from below, surrounding us.

What is this...? Laxus muttered, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden change in our surroundings.

I didn't give him a chance to regain his senses—I attacked immediately. My blade transformed into cherry blossoms, swirling toward him in a relentless assault.

Damn it. He didn't have time to hesitate. He planned to transform into lightning and retreat to a safe distance, but before he could move, he felt something firmly grasp his ankle.

What? Instinctively, he glanced down and saw a cherry blossom, shaped like a hand, wrapped around him.

Lightning Dragon's Breakdown Fist!

He roared, striking it with full force. Though his attack failed to destroy it, the impact was enough to loosen its grip. Seizing the moment, he barely managed to retreat to safety.

However, I controlled the blades from a distance, sending them in pursuit. Senbonzakura was fast, but it couldn't outrun Laxus, creating a slight gap between them. But it wasn't that the blades couldn't catch up—I was deliberately holding them back.

What... What are they doing? Wakaba asked in disbelief. The fight had just begun, yet neither Suigetsu nor Laxus had made a move.

Gildarts, on the other hand, watched in silence alongside Makarov. Noticing that no one else seemed to grasp what was happening, he decided to explain. This is illusion magic...

Illusion magic? Macao asked. Then why does it feel... different?

This wasn't just a simple illusion. Rather than mere trickery, it was closer to hypnosis. Traditional illusions rely on deception, and with enough awareness, they can be broken. But this was different—it manipulated all five senses, making escape nearly impossible.

Five senses? I don't get it," someone muttered.

Suigetsu explained it to me before. He said. To put it simply, he manipulates human perception—turning a fly into a dragon or a small pond into a vast sea.

Isn't that way too overpowered? Wakaba exclaimed. If that's the case, wouldn't he be unbeatable?

Hearing this absurd assumption, Gildarts shook his head. Not really. He said. According to Suigetsu, the effectiveness, duration, and energy consumption all depend on the level of hypnosis. If the target is significantly stronger than him, he needs to be close to cast and maintain it. He also has to account for every detail when controlling human senses.

But isn't illusion magic supposed to break the mind? Why would he need to consider all that? someone asked. And shouldn't Laxus be unable to move if he's under an illusion?

Well, it's because magic power can be used to resist it," he clarified. Every time he casts an illusion, it consumes a lot of energy. To make it truly effective, he needs to weaken his opponent at the same time. If he exhausts himself first, the illusion will break, and he'll be forced to fight someone at full magical strength while he's in a weakened state.

S-so that's why... Laxus is casting his magic and moving around. She muttered, observing the battlefield.

Gildarts nodded in approval.

But Gildarts, if that's the case, then how did he last for three days and nights fighting you? Your magic power is stronger than his, so you should have been able to resist it, right? Someone asked.

The question made Gildarts shudder. Not wanting to raise suspicion, he laughed it off and proudly declared. Hahaha! It's because he didn't use illusion magic when we fought!

T-then... His strength isn't limited to illusions!? Someone exclaimed in disbelief.

Yeah. Gildarts nodded. Anyway, let's focus on the battle for now. Although we cannot see Suigetsu's attack, we have an idea depending on the way Laxus moves.

Laxus was no fool—he quickly realized that his speed was slightly superior. Using that advantage, he built momentum while casting another spell. As he ran, lightning crackled around his fist, engulfing it in raw power.

Lightning Dragon's Iron Fist! He struck the incoming blades, but—no damage...? He couldn't completely destroy Senbonzakura—only redirect its trajectory.

Realizing it was pointless to keep attacking the weapon, Laxus changed his strategy. In that case, I'll aim for the caster!

He increased his speed, leaping to higher ground. Once he secured his position, he leaned his head back, his mouth opening as he generated a massive surge of lightning within.

Lightning Dragon's Roar!

Laxus bellowed, unleashing a concentrated blast of lightning.

Oh? Now you're aiming for me? I mused, watching the attack hurtle toward me. Yet, I didn't move an inch.

Not going to dodge? Then you're ready to die! Laxus increased the intensity of his magic, the lightning crackling violently. But just as it was about to strike, I simply raised my hand. In an instant, the lightning vanished.

What...? Impossible! Laxus exclaimed. Bastard, what did you do!? He couldn't believe one of his strongest attacks had been completely nullified.

Oh? Nothing impressive. I replied casually. And speak to myself. Your attack did hit the ground—I just manipulated the visuals to hide the damage. That way, you'd think I nullified your magic and focus on that instead of sensing the truth.

I controlled the scattered blades, shaping them into a swirling mini tornado. It's my turn to attack now, right? Then take this... I said.

Laxus gritted his teeth in frustration. What could he do in this situation? His magic was being nullified, and even closing the distance for a physical confrontation was nearly impossible—he was completely surrounded by cherry blossom petals. Left with no other choice, he resorted to his last option.

Lightning Dragon's Iron Hammer!

Laxus gathers a large quantity of lightning in his fist and then punches the ground, creating a smoke screen.

A smoke screen, huh? Hmm... This reminds me of Kurapika and Uvo. I mused. Too bad for you—I've seen this trick before and already know how to counter it. Despite the impending ambush, I remained still.

His magic is dispersed, making it harder to pinpoint his location. But I know he'll attack me directly—that's the opening I need to counter.

Beneath the thick smoke, Laxus clasped his hands together, channeling a massive surge of lightning into them.

Zip! Zap!

He didn't need to find me—he decided to destroy everything instead.

Lightning Dragon's Jaw!!!

Laxus roared, unleashing a terrifying surge of magic. Bolts of lightning spread rapidly, consuming everything within range.

When the smoke finally cleared, he stood alone in the center of a massive crater. Even the sword and cherry blossom petals had vanished.

No matter how powerful you are, there's no way you escaped that unscathed.

Laxus scanned the area and finally spotted Suigetsu—unconscious, his clothes tattered, his body covered in severe wounds.

D-did I win...? Laxus muttered, struggling to catch his breath.

Huff... Huff... Huff...

Heh... Hehehe... He couldn't help but laugh. Did you see that, Uncle? I beat him! Hahaha! It had been a grueling battle, but he had emerged victorious—or so he thought. In that moment, pride swelled in his chest.

Until—

It's too early to celebrate... A whisper came from right behind him.

Laxus believed he had won—he never expected that his strongest attack would leave no lasting damage.

Slowly, I raised a single finger, mimicking the shape of a gun, and aimed it at his forehead. A white magic circle materialized at my fingertip, glowing ominously.

Laxus struggled to comprehend what was happening, his mind reeling from the events unfolding before him. At this moment, he was completely vulnerable. If I missed such an opportunity, I might as well retire.

Besides, my magic had been in motion from the very beginning—the illusion was already at work. This was merely a demonstration of my abilities.

Suddenly, Laxus collapsed. His knees buckled, and he was forced to steady himself with his right hand, gasping for air as if the very life were being squeezed out of him.

What's... going on!? He muttered, his voice weak and trembling with confusion and panic.

A crushing sensation wrapped around his throat, as if invisible hands were strangling him. A vein bulged on his forehead as he struggled for breath, his lungs burning with every gasp. The illusion had fully taken hold—there was no escape.

Cough! Argh...!

Laxus's violent coughs echoed through the air, each one more painful than the last, and then... Something more grotesque occurred.

Laxus's violent coughs echoed through the air, each one more agonizing than the last. Then... Something grotesque happened.

Cough! Cough—Blargh!!!

His stomach lurched, and he vomited—but what spilled from his mouth wasn't bile or blood. Instead, twitching, animated fingers began to slither out, writhing as if alive.

This is... Laxus gasped in horror. He knew it had to be illusion magic, yet he was too dazed to process what was happening.

What started as a single, twitching finger soon grew into a whole hand... then a forearm.

!!?

His eyes widened in disbelief, his face contorting with dread. But what truly terrified him wasn't just the grotesque sight—it was the chilling realization. This wasn't just any arm—it was his own.

In a panic, he glanced down at his left side—and his heart stopped. His left arm was gone.

What!? The word barely escaped his lips. His pulse pounded in his ears, his blood surging like a raging current. Panic took hold, his composure unraveling completely.

Activating Kyoka Suigetsu isn't as effortless as breathing. Aizen made it look easy, but in reality, it's far more difficult. To make hypnosis truly effective, you can't simply project illusions—you must anchor them to the environment. No matter how realistic an illusion appears, if it contradicts the natural flow of magic, no one will believe it once they realize it's fake.

Laxus would likely catch on soon. He had broken free from illusions before, like when he fought Mystogan. Even if he couldn't escape Kyoka Suigetsu now, it was only a matter of time. That would be the case if I were drained—but I still have plenty of reserves.

Was Aizen's Kyoka Suigetsu weak? No. Its true strength came from the one wielding it. Aizen's mastery allowed him to achieve the impossible—hypnotizing the captains with godlike precision.

Casting hypnosis requires immense multitasking. At least in my case, it doesn't work automatically. I must construct my own illusions, weaving them seamlessly into reality, and convince my target using only my experience and knowledge.

If I were fighting on a battlefield, I would have to consider everything. To make the illusion truly convincing, I'd need to understand my opponent inside and out. The only reason it worked on Gildarts is that he's a fool. As long as a woman is beautiful, he's bound to fall for her.

On the other hand, disabling someone's senses is much easier. I prefer a more practical approach—one honed through killing dark guild members.

He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to steady his breath and focus. The absence of his arm should have been enough to snap him out of it, but his own body betrayed him—no matter how much he tried to convince himself otherwise, the sheer reality of the illusion kept unraveling his composure.

Calm down. This is just an illusion. Just an illusion... He realized that his pride refused to let him succumb. He wouldn't allow an illusion to defeat him. I can break it. This isn't real.

Clenching his fist, he summoned his power. Raw, blinding energy crackled around his right hand as he prepared to unleash his ultimate technique.

Lightning Dragon's Breakdown Fist!

A surge of electricity erupted from his hand, crackling through the air like a storm unleashed. But instead of shattering the illusion, the raw energy passed through it harmlessly, leaving the eerie scene unchanged.

Silence settled between us, heavy and suffocating—broken only by my calm, unwavering words.

Admit defeat, Laxus... You don't stand a chance against me. I spoke with certainty. He was already drained and mentally unstable—at this point, my illusion would only grow stronger.

Laxus slowly lifted his gaze to meet mine, his eyes burning with frustration, a fire that refused to be extinguished. Am I really this weak...? A bitter laugh threatened to escape him as the sting of humiliation sank deep into his core—a feeling he couldn't accept, a reality he would never accept.

With a furious roar, he slammed his fist into the ground, gritting his teeth. I will never accept this! His voice thundered through the air as raw energy surged around him. Lightning crackled violently, arcing across his body until he became a living conduit of electricity, a storm given form.

I felt the electricity in the air, the tension thick with the weight of the impending clash. Another roar of a Lightning Dragon? I muttered to myself.

You leave me no choice... I raised my finger, and a magic circle materialized beneath it, glowing with an eerie, otherworldly light. Tsukuyomi.

In an instant, the world warped. Colors drained away, replaced by a stark black-and-white void. The battlefield no longer existed—it was just me and Laxus, suspended in an endless abyss.

What!? Laxus's voice trembled with confusion and dread. His eyes darted around, searching for an explanation. But then, he realized the worst of it—his body wouldn't move. His arms were stretched wide, bound in place as though nailed to an invisible cross. He was trapped.

I took slow, deliberate steps toward him, my eyes never leaving his. Then, with a smooth, fluid motion, I unsheathed my katana. The metal gleamed ominously in the cold, colorless void.

Laxus's breathing was ragged, his muscles tense despite being unable to move. His golden eyes locked onto the blade, and for the first time, uncertainty flickered within them. Fear and defiance waged war inside him, but he refused to break.

What... What are you going to do? He stammered, his voice trembling as he fought to mask the terror clawing at his chest.

I tilted my head slightly, my expression unreadable. And then, from the very ground beneath us, figures began to emerge. Three at first, then five, then ten—until they swelled into a hundred. Each clone mirrored my movements as we surrounded him.

A memory surfaced in my mind—Itachi Uchiha's Tsukuyomi. Using Kyoka Suigetsu, I meticulously reconstructed that world, immersing Laxus in a nightmare of my own design.

I met his gaze once more, my voice shifting, adopting Itachi's calm, measured tone. Then, with an air of finality, I pointed the blade at his thigh.

This is an artificial world. I said, my voice calm yet absolute. Here, I control time, space, and everything within it. For the next 72 hours, you will experience this moment—again and again, without end.

I lifted my hand, and one of my clones stepped forward, its katana gleaming under the void's eerie light. The blade hovered just above Laxus's thigh, unwavering. Then, with a silent stroke, it descended. A thin line of red bloomed across his skin.

ARGHHH!

Laxus's screams tore through the silence like thunder, his body convulsing in agony. He struggled, trying to break free, but it was futile—this world obeyed only my will.

Again and again, the blade found its mark. Each stab was precise, unrelenting, and inescapable. Time twisted around him, forcing him to endure the same pain over and over, the agony compounding until his mind teetered on the edge of madness. His breaths grew ragged. His body trembled. And finally, when he could endure no more, his consciousness faded into the void.

From the outside, the battle appeared far less dramatic. I simply stood there, lightly pressing my index finger against Laxus's thigh. Although they could hear Laxus scream. Despite the grand spectacle within the illusion, not a single real wound had been inflicted on him. Even if he hadn't passed out, I was already prepared to end it. This wasn't a fight to the death—just a demonstration of overwhelming power.

Shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu!

With those words, the illusion crumbled. The world around us reverted to reality, but the battlefield remained scarred. Craters and debris littered the ground, remnants of Laxus's relentless struggle. Even under my illusion, his raw power had torn through the terrain.

Cold sweat trickled down the foreheads of the onlookers. They had witnessed everything—from Laxus's confident attacks to his gradual descent into madness. And yet, from their perspective, I had done nothing but walk forward and lightly poke his thigh. The sheer absurdity of it sent a shiver down their spines.

A single, effortless movement from me had caused Laxus to scream in agony, thrash about, and ultimately collapse. It was undeniable—my illusion was beyond comprehension. A true nightmare made real.

In reality, I hadn't moved at all. But in his mind, I had been everywhere, attacking relentlessly. Even though I had no direct control over his actions, he did the work for me. His body reacted as if the illusion was real—running, dodging, attacking the empty air, and exhausting himself in the process. And once he had finally tired himself out… I ended it.

There's only one word that describes me… Devil.

Makarov crouched down beside Laxus, his brows knitting together as he examined him. Despite everything, there were no visible wounds—no broken bones, no burns, nothing. Physically, Laxus was completely fine. Yet, he had collapsed, utterly drained, his breathing ragged. The realization sent a chill down Makarov's spine.

The winner is Suigetsu! Makarov declared. Then, he carried Laxus away.

I casually walked toward Kyoka Suigetsu, retrieving it with an air of indifference. The battle was over, and I had won. Everyone acknowledged it—yet silence hung heavy in the air. They had no idea what kind of nightmare Laxus had endured, but one thing was clear: they considered me strong.

Among them, Gildarts stood motionless. His eyes followed my every move, sharp and calculating. A bead of cold sweat rolled down his temple as he swallowed hard. I didn't need to hear his thoughts to know what he was thinking. Yes, that's also you when you experienced my illusion magic. I could only smile internally.

Gildarts continued to observe me, his sharp gaze analyzing every detail, every fluctuation in my magic power. His brows furrowed slightly as he tried to gauge the lingering effects of my technique. It's definitely gone down slightly. And he only used it for about five minutes… He nodded to himself, confirming his suspicions.

The toll on his magic power isn't significant, but without a doubt, he can sustain it over a prolonged period as long as he focuses on a single target. A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. That's one terrifying ability…

-[Beneath the Hammer of Fate]