NOVEL WEB Chapter 616: 36
After searching for any enemies that would be dangerous to him, Ardent learned something. There are no 4th Circle Mage, but there are five 3rd Circle Mage which formed the strongest combat force of the group, followed by seven 1st Rank Aura User.
A single 1st Rank Aura User is more than enough to destroy the village, much less 7 of them, plus 5 Mages equivalent. If they did not take him into account, that is.
"So, your, lord or whatever send you here to check on the village and maybe kill the Red Stone Bandit," Ardent sneered, looking down from them at a distance, far enough to not be detected, but still able to see them.
"In that case, I will turn this camp of yours, into a nice graveyard."
-x-
When the moon reached its zenith, Ardent made his move. First, he sent a message, telling a guard to tell others he is getting rid of a threat nearby.
After informing his parents and fiance through the guard, Ardent begin preparing.
Oh, he can easily kill them in their sleep. Using Dark Mantle and slitting the throat of the strongest Mages and Aura User, then released some large Fireball at the target.
However, it is too easy for him, plus he want to make them suffer. That one is the more important reason.
One thing he learned by himself, is how to create timed spells. Simply put, he cast a spell, store it with Mana, and not use it immediately. Instead, he 'stored' it and use it by applying a wave of Mana. When he control the contained spells, so it will have a fuse in the form of Mana, bam! a timed spell.
"Hhmm, the best spell will be a large-area spell. Earthquake should do the trick." Earthquake is a unique spell, as in, there are different grades of Earthquake. Grade 3, the weakest is a weak tremor, weak by geological example that is.
The Earth trembling is no laughing manner, after all. Then, the one he used, Grade 4 Earthquake. A stronger shaking, plus, if he applied some other spells, like Earth Spike and Piercing Boulder, a Grade 2 and Grade 3 Spells respectively, the effect would be even more devastating.
"I wonder if those superpowers have this kind of technique with Spells." Ardent mused to himself. He called the technique Chained Spells, which is self-explanatory.
Of course, even a Grade 4 Earthquake plus a couple of Grade 3 and 2 Spells would not be enough to kill all the people. Earthquake is a Spell focused on destroying buildings and important infrastructures. Killing those in the area of the spell is more of a side-effect.
However, that's where he come in. When the survivors were panicking like headless chicken, he will kill them one by one, though, he should also use Earth Wall around the camp, to keep them trapped longer.
With the plan formed, it's time for him to work.
-x-
The mercenary group, Blue Boulder woke up, expecting a quick and easy job. Check the location of the village and supposed dungeon, deal with any loose end and report it back. A simple and easy work.
What they did not expect is for the Earth to shake like a giant is walking beside them, sending some people flying around, with their belongings followed.
"W-what's h-happening?!" one of the 1st Rank Aura User asked, able to keep his feet on the ground thanks to the usage of his Aura.
Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire
"I-I'm not s-sure, b-but the cause is not natural! There is Mana underneath us, shaking the ground!" a 2nd Circle Mage yelled, giving the source of the trouble yet not solution.
"Since it's Mana, this should be a spell! The 3rd Circle Mage should be able to deal with the source!" the 1st Rank Aura User exclaimed, hoping his voice was heard by his fellow executives.
Sure enough, a 3rd Circle Mage appeared. While those that can keep their footing steady smiled, the Mage did not share their enthusiasm.
"I can't do anything about the spell!" the 3rd Circle Mage proceed to dash all the hope of the other members of Blue Boulder. If that was not enough, he added another reveal he better not tell.
"The spell, it should be a Grade 4 Spell!" Hearing Grade 4 Spell, everyone faces paled. Grade 4 Spells can only be casted by 4th Circle Mage or above. Since there are no 5th Circle Mage, it should be one of the 4th Circle Mages. Whether they come from Cruom City or other cities in the region made little difference.
4th Circle Mage is something the Blue Boulder could not handle when they are prepared, much less when they are not.
"Pack everything you can! We're leaving this place!" the leader of the Blue Boulder, a 3rd Circle Mage ordered. No one disobeyed, as no one is suicidal enough to try and fight a 4th Circle Mage on their own.
-x-
"Oh, they are leaving," Ardent frowned at the sight, seeing the mercenary group taking their leave. On one hand, it's a good thing, as the village is no longer in danger. On the other hand, he did not want to let those who try harm the village leave with their lives.
"Hmmm, maybe..." Ardent stopped himself from activating his Chained Spell. Instead, he look at them from a different angle.
"Maybe..."
-x-
As the Blue Boulder about to leave, rocks stabbed from underneath them, sending showers of dirt and dust to their surrounding. Some of the unlucky ones find themselves flying, the rising rocks too close to them. Some of the more unlucky one get grazed, leaving hideous gash from the point of contact.
As if being attack from under was not bad enough,
"Sir! There is a wall around the camp! It's tall and we cannot escape without much trouble!" one of the weaker mercenary exclaimed.
Hearing this, the leader frowned before running to the border of the camp. There, they spot the said wall. His frown deepened, the leader cast a simple spell, which should be enough to destroy the wall. Emphasis on should.