041. Unexpected Uninvited Guest 2
As Luminare closed in on Emma, he thrust out his palm, etched with a magic circle.
Giant's Arm.
In that instant, the magic circle on his palm glowed red. Two concentric rings, with twisting runes spinning between them—and from it emerged a massive fist shrouded in crimson light.
This unleashed a deafening roar that shook the air.
BOOM!!
A dust storm erupted from Bin and Emma at the center, billowing outward in all directions. The clash of white mana created a blinding haze, leaving no one able to see even a foot ahead.
Watching their standoff, the serfs' eyes widened in awe.
"A red magic circle... Grander family magic...!"
"What the hell is that creepy red fist...?"
Magic—the greatest divide between the Grander and Bascon families. But even among the Granders, it wasn't for just anyone. Only the chosen wielded it.
SZZZzzzt!
Bin's greatsword clashed against the summoned fist. He poured every ounce of focus into it, channeling mana into Luminare. He knew exactly who he faced; he couldn't afford a single lapse.
If I can't draw out more mana, it'll crush me like this...
Bin concentrated everything on his mana. But Emma, seeing this, felt a thrill of delight and opened his mouth.
"Hic! At this rate, you won't even give me a proper buzz."
Emma smirked leisurely, curling the corner of his lips.
"Don't get cocky just 'cause you beat Gangble. Time to rethink the Grander bloodline. That punk was just our family's moneybags, after all."
"......"
Bin could barely respond. Even infusing mana into his greatsword was pushing him to the limit. He'd known it before his regression, but pure Grander blood wielding magic was a nightmare to face.
Damn... Not even enough mana to activate Luminare's power...
Sensation dulled in his hand. He was holding on by sheer will alone. He'd already hit his limit. Sweat beaded on Bin's forehead.
Screeech—Screeech—
His lower body dragged across the ground, pushed back inch by inch. Meanwhile, Emma bared his white teeth, even managing a hiccup in his leisure.
"Hic! Heh, struggling after one little clash? C'mon, let's have some real fun!"
Emma looked disappointed as he faced Bin. A Bascon pureblood who'd crushed Gangble at such a young age. And wielding a top-grade weapon to boot. Emma had taken an interest and come all this way.
But as they say, great expectations breed great disappointments. Watching Bin get pushed back, his interest began to wane.
Guess the rumors were overhyped, after all.
Deciding there was nothing more to see, Emma resolved to end the fight.
"Impressive skill for your age, but you fall short of expectations."
As Emma spoke with a grim expression, something astonishing happened. The magic circle on his palm turned a deeper red, and another crimson circle materialized in midair.
The serfs' eyes bulged at the sight of the second magic circle hovering in the air.
"Two magic circles?!!"
"To think I'd live to see a magic circle appear out of thin air...!"
Even one person handling two circles at once was rare. No wonder he was the Grander deputy lord.
From the new red circle emerged yet another massive fist, hurtling toward Bin.
That was when Herion, who had rushed back after urgently ordering the serfs, caught sight of it and narrowed his eyes.
This is bad...!
Herion's face fell in despair. From his years of experience, he was certain: there was no dodging that giant fist.
The serfs who saw it felt the same dread. This was the moment Bascon's young prodigy would be crushed. Unable to watch, some even bowed their heads.
Yet the massive fist barreling toward Bin showed no sign of stopping. Soon, a shattering impact rang out.
Crack!!
But in that instant—contrary to everyone's expectations—something incredible happened.
Just as the fist from the magic circle was about to strike Bin's body, he extended his left arm. Suddenly, Emma's face was engulfed in black mist.
A pitch-black darkness that blocked all light. Emma's concentration shattered, and with it, the red magic circle and the giant hand vanished.
It felt like a mace to the back of his head.
"Hic!"
Startled, a hiccup escaped him involuntarily.
What the...?!
If the Granders commanded magic, the Bascons were born with the attributes of nature itself. For this kid to wield it was astonishing—especially at fifteen, an age unheard of for handling elemental power.
Emma wasn't the only one stunned. The serfs watching the scene were equally dumbfounded.
"......!!"
Most around them blinked in shock, mouths agape.
"Wh-what... That mist that appeared out of nowhere..."
"A side effect of advanced magic?"
They assumed the black mist was blowback from high-tier magic. It never crossed their minds it came from Bin's arm.
But one who recognized the black mist's true nature was there: Codic.
As expected of my lord! Click! Click!
Codic nearly swooned at the inky blackness but snapped to attention. Meanwhile, even Bin felt dazed. The red magic circle vanishing abruptly. The black mist before Emma's eyes. He couldn't tell if he'd really done it.
Then he looked down at his left arm—it twitched of its own accord, beyond his control.
Could this power be...?!
As Bin tilted his head in confusion, Herion watched and thought to himself.
Has the innate dark attribute awakened...?
With his long years, he could infer the situation.
By now, the black mist shrouding Emma's eyes dissipated, and his laughter echoed.
"Hahaha! Now that's interesting. Worth the hype after all."
Emma grinned at Bin. Though Bin had burned through a ton of mana, he steadied his stance once more.
Not good in this state...
Feeling the mana accumulated in his body, Bin racked his brain.
If push comes to shove, I'll have to go all-in on forbidden magi.
With his final resort in mind, he gripped his greatsword tighter.
Thud. Thud.
Emma approached Bin and raised his right hand, poised to invoke another magic circle. As Bin focused power into his left hand—
Silva appeared between them, his massive frame blocking Emma and wrapping him in a bear hug.
"Hey, coming to Bascon turf to bully a kid? Not embarrassed? How about you spar with me instead."
As Silva enveloped him with his thick arms, Emma flashed a relaxed smile.
"This much is noth—" "...?!"
He tensed mid-sentence. Silva's strength felt different—far greater than before.
Puzzled, Emma glanced around and saw flames flickering from Silva's hands. The innate fire attribute.
Seeing Emma's hardened expression, Silva smirked.
"Big guy like you. Why not put some real muscle into it?"
"......"
As Emma focused on Silva, something flashed before his eyes, followed by the sound of air slicing.
Slash—
A wound like a wolf's claw raked across his chest.
"......!"
An attack in the blink of an eye. Incredible speed.
The one who'd slashed Emma's chest was none other than Willie. Blood trickled from his forehead as he raised his claws.
"Just a stumble. Let's go again."
A whirlwind swirled around his silver claws. And they weren't just larger—the destructive power was incomparable to before. Like the talons of a giant wolf.
The serfs couldn't close their mouths, shouting in shock.
"Th-that's Opening?!"
"Young Master Willie already at that level...?"
Opening—infusing an armament with one's innate attribute to elevate it further. The Bascon family's unique power, setting them apart.
With his armament's wind attribute unleashed, Willie eyed Emma arrogantly.
Emma was at a loss for words, faltering before Silva's surpassing strength and Willie's speed—beyond his expectations.
Bascon, who had no talents... Moden's kids already... Tiger cubs are different, huh...?!
His gaze shifted to the most irritating presence of all—Bin—and he muttered.
And that one wielding the dark attribute... Daring to dispel my magic midway...
Emma appraised Bin. But gauging his potential was impossible.
His brow furrowed. Clearly younger than the Grander heirs, yet they'd grown faster than anticipated. If not now, they might become a real threat later.
With that thought, Emma briefly swelled his upper body with mana of strength and broke free from Silva's arms.
Now Emma faced off against Bascon's three centurion candidates: Silva, Willie, and Bin. The serfs watched tensely.
"......"
Emma glared and spoke.
"Since I'm here, I oughta take one down."
His eyes scanned the trio, landing on Bin.
"You."
His resolute gaze burned with determination.
But Bin, who'd tasted every bitterness in his past life, wouldn't buckle under intimidation. Instead, he boldly straightened his greatsword, eyes gleaming.
"Hey, drink nice and easy. Wouldn't wanna drop dead in the gutter."
"......"
Emma stared blankly for a moment. That confident glint—no backing down.
Bin was resolute, even ready to unleash magi.
As Emma and Bin locked eyes, Emma threw his head back.
"Hahahaha!"
Who at that age dared show such defiance to a Grander deputy lord? Laughter bubbled up uncontrollably.
Head tilted back, Emma hoisted his booze barrel.
Gulp, gulp.
Then he let out a massive belch and continued.
"BEEELCH. Time to show you some things sheer guts can't beat. Let's play again."
As Emma planted his foot to charge—
Thump.
His step halted. He'd sensed more presences—strong ones, by their mana.
Soon, three Bascon centurions emerged around Emma and the candidates. The ones Herion had summoned via his retainers.
First came Herion, gripping his thick sword hilt, white beard fluttering as he bellowed.
"Lord Emma. That's far enough."
Thud!!
Herion slammed his thick sword into the ground, sending tremors rippling through the earth.
Rumble rumble crack!