Skip Magician 129

Test

Chapter 129. The Original Objective

Shallow.

From the sensation of [Yaldabaoth] striking Hilalda, I instinctively realized it wasn't an effective hit. Without hesitation, I retreated from the spot. My instincts proved correct as water spears pierced the area I had been standing mere moments before.

While stepping lightly in the air, I turned my gaze toward Hilalda. A wound had formed on her left side, but... it wasn't a deep injury.

"…!"

She flung the water in a pillar-like shape without transforming it. I dodged it absentmindedly while pondering my next move. As if unconcerned about depleting her mana, Hilalda relentlessly manipulated the water with [Gabriel]. The massive volume of her attacks would have already filled an indoor training ground with water. Thinking she could control all that with [Gabriel] made her an undeniably formidable threat.

"There!"

As soon as I landed, a massive water spear flew toward me. By releasing [Yaldabaoth]'s power, I absorbed the mana within the water, turning it into ordinary liquid. But before I could react, countless thin water blades rained down from another direction.

It seemed prudent to deal with the water first rather than focus on Hilalda. I planted [Yaldabaoth] into the ground and unsheathed Verethlagna, enchanting it with flames. While the enchantment wasn't especially strong, the dragonkind material that made up Verethlagna was conductive enough to evaporate water with ease.

"Haah!"

"Whoa!"

The fiery blade from Verethlagna vaporized the surrounding water, shrouding the area in steam.

Taking advantage of this, Hilalda rushed forward, wielding a water spear.

If she approached Verethlagna now, the water should have evaporated completely...

Or so I thought.

The water in Hilalda's hands didn't evaporate.

Curious, I looked closer.

The water spear she held was gradually freezing.

Just as I enchanted Verethlagna with flames, Hilalda used enchantment magic to imbue her weapon with ice. But countering my enchantment must have consumed significant mana. Moreover, [Gabriel], which could manipulate water freely, couldn't control solid ice.

"Tch!?"

"Thinking you can beat me in close combat?"

The ice spear and Verethlagna clashed multiple times, and eventually, the flames disappeared from Verethlagna due to the makeshift enchantment. I honed my raw mana, enveloped Verethlagna in it, and sliced through the ice spear.

"Damn it!?"

"Too slow!"

Switching Verethlagna to my left hand, I grabbed the embedded [Yaldabaoth] with my right. Unleashing the stored mana caused an explosion, sending both Hilalda and me flying.

Thanks to [Lucifer], I walked through the air as if it were solid ground. Hilalda, however, could only manipulate water in midair.

Dodging the onslaught of water, I closed in, grabbed her by the neck, and slammed her toward the ground.

"Argh!?"

The impact knocked Hilalda unconscious, and the surrounding water reverted to ordinary liquid, soaking the ground. She regained consciousness immediately but seemed to accept defeat after noticing Verethlagna piercing her neck and [Yaldabaoth] in my hand. Closing her eyes, she sighed in resignation.

"Th-that’s enough!"

The referee—a teacher who had retreated far away—stepped in to stop the fight. Spectators who had gathered without my noticing were now pale-faced and retreating in fear.

Well... I couldn't blame them for running after witnessing such an intense battle. Even so, neither Hilalda nor I were weak enough to accidentally let our magic or Grimoires go berserk. Princess Elissa, who knew us well, should have understood that... No, even she had fled.

"The winner is Theodore Anthem. As the higher-ranked individual, there’s no change in the rankings."

"You alright, Hilalda?"

"...Frustrated."

That happens sometimes.

For the higher-ranked individual, duels typically offer no benefit. This system stems from some incomprehensible code of chivalry demanding the stronger to face weaker challengers head-on. As a result, the higher your rank, the more you're challenged—it’s exhausting. That said, once you’re in the single digits, challenges become rare.

I extinguished [Lucifer] shining on my back, helped Hilalda up, and headed toward Princess Elissa together.

Though I won the flashy duel, Hilalda emerged with only a shallow cut on her left arm. Aside from wet clothes, there were no significant injuries.

When dueling skilled opponents, it often ends without serious harm. Both sides dodge too much for that.

"So, what was the point of this duel again?"

"When I asked to see [Gabriel], you suddenly suggested a duel!"

"Ah... That’s right."

This woman really has a screw loose.

"Well, did you figure anything out?"

"Not at all. I was too focused on the fight."

"I see... Fine, then. [Gabriel]."

With an exasperated sigh, Hilalda activated [Gabriel].

Now what should I do from here?

"Um... Could you maybe not do this in such a public place?"

As I pondered in front of Hilalda's [Gabriel], Princess Elissa approached us hesitantly.

Looking around, I realized that people had started fleeing in panic after seeing Hilalda activate her Grimoire.

Even the teacher stared nervously, probably fearing we’d cause more chaos.

Using a Grimoire recklessly outside a duel would definitely lead to suspension.

Indeed, this wasn’t the right place for this conversation.

"Fair enough. Hilalda... Will you come with me?"

"I lost, so I’ll listen to you."

Don’t say things that sound so misleading!

Now people are giving us strange looks, as if we’re that kind of pair!