Chapter 305: The Wall
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 305: The Wall
It was a magical chant.
Powerful mages can often skip the chanting process when using spells they are proficient in. Muen, for instance, had once seen his Senior Sister release a simplified version of Explosion Magic with zero delay.
However, complex magic still required chanting for its construction.
And the longer the chant, the more terrifying the resulting magic—this was common knowledge known even to children who had just learned to read.
Thus, as everyone’s gaze followed the ethereal sound of the chanting, they saw a shadow hidden within the hazy mist, its silhouette outlining the alluring curves of a woman. She brandished a massive magic wand, her movements as graceful as a dancer under a spotlight.
And... surrounding that shadow was a vast surge of mana, roiling like a rising sun.
Suddenly, Muen felt the air grow heavy, as if the entire space were being squeezed. The blue sky and white clouds in the distance began to warp. As the mana surged, the distortion expanded like a colossal transparent barrier, slowly descending upon them like a cage over trapped beasts.
This was...
Spatial magic!
The magical knowledge Muen had been cramming lately allowed him to instantly recognize the nature of this spell.
Though he couldn't identify the specific spell, the crisis alarm in his head was blaring, screaming that this was definitely not a friendly express shuttle to the Holy City!
"Mr. Adolf!"
"Don't worry, I'm not senile yet!"
Adolf’s expression was grim. The Indra King’s refusal to retreat had already wounded his pride. Now that even his employer was showing dissatisfaction, how could he—the President of the Belland Branch of the Adventurer’s Guild, a man who prided himself on service and viewed his patrons as gods—possibly endure it?
Ding—
The sound was like the light clinking of crystal.
Radiant light shone as a crown etched with countless stars and diamonds floated upward. The power of a "near-god" erupted in an instant from the man in the sharp formal suit.
Adolf’s eyes became distant and profound, filled with the flickering of countless stars that sketched an ancient, weathered scene. The light of the sky began to dim, and even the air seemed to grow thin.
This was the origin of Adolf Lovis’s title as the "Stargazer"—the Star-seeing Eyes. It was the ability to pierce through illusions, see the truth, and even influence reality through ethereal visualization.
Wherever Adolf’s gaze fell, the rules of magical construction were quietly altered. Even a Truth-Tier Grand Magister would find it impossible to successfully construct a spell under his watch.
But his gaze was blocked.
By a hand. A hand that looked utterly ordinary.
The hand was covered in scars, its calluses clearly visible. It was extremely rough, like the hand of an ordinary farmer or hunter.
Yet, it was this very hand that prevented the flickering stars from advancing even a fraction of an inch.
A Brilliant Crown also hung high above the Indra King’s head. With one hand, he forced back the Pink Bear, and with the other, he blocked Adolf’s Star-seeing Eyes. His face was slightly pale, and he was clearly strained, but a faint smile played on his lips.
"Just as the two of you working together can prevent me from touching Muen Campbell, I can hold both of you back if I put in a little effort."
Looking at the furious Adolf, the Indra King’s eyes were filled with mockery.
"The world is just that fair, isn't it?"
*
"Let's go!"
Muen didn't wait for Adolf’s response after shouting. He immediately directed the group to prepare for departure.
"Eh? Why?"
Liya glanced at Adolf and the Pink Bear as they double-teamed the Indra King, her eyes filled with confusion.
"We seem to have the advantage right now."
"An advantage doesn't guarantee a win."
Muen’s face was expressionless, and he didn't even look at the battle on the other side. "In a battle of this level, staying here won't help; we'd only be a burden. Besides, the effect of that spatial magic is unknown. We can't afford to gamble. So, as I said, we need to move first. We'll wait for Mr. Adolf and the Pink Bear at the border. They are the ones least likely to run into trouble."
Muen reached out and pressed firmly on the prominent family crest on the carriage. Instantly, golden light flowed as the magic inscribed into the carriage's frame activated. Lightness, shock absorption, acceleration, protection—various spells layered onto the ornate carriage like a stack of buffs before the stunned eyes of the group.
"Let's move."
"Yes, sir!"
Muen’s prepared demeanor acted like a shot of adrenaline, calming the chaotic group. They were the elites of St. Maria Academy, after all; they quickly snapped into state, following Muen’s lead to master the carriage’s magical structure and focus everything on speed.
Still two to a carriage, the three carriages sped toward the distance at a pace unimaginable to ordinary people.
"So amazing..."
In the front seat of the carriage, Liya watched Muen as he focused on the reins, murmuring in a bit of a daze.
"Muen... to think you could consider so much in such a short time..."
"Hmm?"
Muen glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, then gave a self-deprecating laugh.
"I've just suffered too many setbacks, so I've learned to be a bit more mindful. It's nothing to be proud of."
"But... it's still very impressive."
Liya hugged her knees, curling up.
"If it were me, I could never stay this calm facing a Crown Bearer."
"..."
Actually, I couldn't either.
But after seeing so many Evil Gods, even a Crown Bearer seems almost cute by comparison, Muen thought to himself.
"Student Liya."
"Yes?"
"Can you help me reveal the outline of that spell?"
Muen looked up, squinting at the sky that was gradually beginning to warp.
He could vaguely see the traces of the magic, like a glass dome slowly descending, but it wasn't clear. He wanted to know exactly how large the area of effect was.
"Can you do it?"
"I can!"
Like an eager elementary student in class, Liya responded immediately.
She clasped her hands, and faint Holy Light transformed into countless winged butterflies that fluttered away before blooming in the air.
Under the illumination of the Holy Light, Muen finally saw the shape and edges of the spell clearly.
It was like an inverted bowl, about to trap them like scurrying ants.
However...
Muen made a quick estimate and felt a surge of relief.
At their current speed, they could completely escape before the spell fully descended. That way, even if Mr. Adolf and the Pink Bear were held back, the enemy's actions would be meaningless.
It seemed there really was no downside to being cautious.
"Impressive."
Muen smiled and praised Liya. "I didn't realize Holy Light could be used this way. You've been a huge help."
"It... it was nothing."
Liya’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she turned away in embarrassment.
It was strange. Even though she knew he was just being polite, she felt as sweet as if she’d eaten honey.
She's so cute...
Muen couldn't help but admire her inwardly as he saw her face turn bright red from a single compliment, her Holy Light even flickering uncontrollably.
But he quickly pushed those inappropriate thoughts aside and focused on driving the carriage.
"Hold on tight. I'm going to speed up. We should be able to get out within an hour—"
Suddenly, Muen’s voice cut off.
"Hmm? What's wrong?"
Liya looked at Muen in confusion.
Then, she saw a mix of shock, confusion, and bewilderment on his face.
Liya blinked and followed Muen’s gaze.
And then, she saw it too.
Illuminated by her own stray Holy Light, a silhouette suddenly appeared in the distance—or rather, right in front of the speeding carriage.
A faint, wall-like outline shimmering with golden runes.
It blocked their path forward.