Ashwinder couldn't help but chuckle to himself. Watching Thunderbird put someone in their place was pretty satisfying, though it would've been even better if he wasn't on the receiving end of that arrogance from time to time.
Chimaera, however, wasn't in the mood for their mocking. He focused on the incoming curses, forcing himself to stay calm.
After using spell to neutralize the Corrosion Curse, Chimaera didn't waste a second. He quickly split into clones and launched a fierce counterattack, casting Glacialis Vultus and Formido Tremendar mid-air.
Both spells collided with force, creating a burst of energy as they clashed. Immediately after, he flicked his wand to the side and raised an Armor spell, just in time to block the remnants of the Ossifragus spell.
On the other side, Chimaera, who had been pushing back against the assault, was visibly irritated. He hadn't expected Thunderbird to respond so aggressively, using the exact same casting techniques and even matching his spells.
It felt like a direct slap in the face. He'd also overheard the earlier conversation between Thunderbird and Ashwinder, and it only confirmed what he already suspected, this so-called elite club was full of arrogant show-offs. Hidden beneath his mask, Chimaera's face twisted into a snarl.
'Fine then. If they want to play rough, I'll show them just how cruel I can be. '
What was supposed to be a routine authority assessment had turned into something personal. They clearly didn't respect him, and he wasn't about to just take it lying down.
With that thought, Chimaera's wand moved again, faster this time. A surge of magical energy began to gather around him, pulsing and rippling as he built up for something big.
Across from him, Thunderbird didn't move. He just stood there, calm and collected, watching. He made no attempt to interrupt, as if Chimaera's efforts weren't even worth reacting to.
Of course, Chimaera thought, sneering inwardly. 'I knew this guy would act all high and mighty, just standing there and letting me cast. He really thinks he's untouchable. Fine, then. Let me show you what real power looks like. '
"Tempestas Glacialis!"
With a sharp shout, Chimaera unleashed his spell. His wand sliced through the air, and in an instant, the temperature around him dropped.
A blast of freezing wind exploded from his position, covering the ground in a thick layer of frost. A powerful whirlwind kicked up around him, and large ice crystals began to form out of thin air.
These shimmering crystals spun rapidly, encircling him as their sharp edges caught the glow from the nearby Gublei Immortal Fire. The flames reflected off the ice, creating a dazzling light show, beautiful, but deadly.
Anyone who thought these ice crystals were just for show would be making a fatal mistake.
Each of the ice crystals in this spell is as sharp as a blade from the Glacialis Vultus technique, and they're packed with intense freezing energy. Even if they don't hit you directly, just brushing past them can cause serious frostbite.
Thunderbird narrowed his eyes as he recognized the magic being used.
"Oh? Isn't this Manticore's signature move, Tempestas Glacialis? I didn't expect you to teach him that spell." His gaze shifted toward Ashwinder nearby, a hint of suspicion in his expression.
"This isn't the kind of magic that should be available to someone with just level two clearance, right?"
He was clearly implying that someone had broken the club's rules, specifically, that Ashwinder had shared a high-level spell with a newcomer. And Thunderbird knew exactly what this spell represented.
Tempestas Glacialis wasn't just any powerful spell; it was one of the rare and high-ranking techniques stored in the club's exclusive magic database. What made it even more special was its creator, Manticore.
Manticore wasn't just an ordinary mage. He was once a member of the original seven founders of the club, a group that included Thunderbird himself and Golden Snidget.
In fact, Manticore had been introduced to Alex by Thunderbird as a former "Silver Wand", a title given to elite mages in their ranks. Sadly, Manticore had fallen in battle during the final stages of the Saint Party conflict. After his death, all the unique spells he had created were preserved in the club's archives.
Among the original seven, Thunderbird had always been the strongest in raw power, and Phoenix was unmatched in magical knowledge, having invented the most spells.
Manticore, however, had been right behind them, second only to Thunderbird in combat prowess and second to Phoenix in spell development. While His infamous blue Fiendfyre was actually learned from Grindelwald, Manticore was different. He had a passion for magical research, especially elemental magic. Both Glacialis Vultus and Tempestas Glacialis were entirely his own creations.
If Manticore had survived, many believed he might have surpassed the rest of the founders in both strength and magical innovation. He wasn't just a brilliant mage; he was also deeply respected and had a strong bond with his fellow founders. His legacy lived on in the powerful spells he left behind, spells now being seen in the hands of rookies, raising questions and concerns among the older generation.
That's also why the code name "Manticore" hasn't been passed on to anyone else, even after all this time. The four surviving members barely use the spells he created, not because they aren't powerful, but because those spells bring back too many painful memories. Just the thought of them stirs up grief.
According to Thunderbird, the reason those survivors eventually gave in and became pawns was rooted in a deep, instinctive fear of death. They couldn't stand how fragile life really was. Even someone as brilliant as Manticore, who seemed untouchable, had fallen so easily, like a delicate flower crushed underfoot.
Alex, however, still held a certain respect for Manticore's magic, especially the spell Tempestas Glacialis. The moment he saw it, he recognized it immediately. But when Ashwinder saw the Nymphomaniac use that same spell, his expression darkened.
That spell was supposed to be off-limits. For someone like Chimaera to use it now... it could only mean one thing, Golden Snidget must've taught it to him in secret. That was a serious breach of the club's rules.
Ashwinder cursed under his breath. Then his eyes drifted cautiously toward Thunderbird. He wasn't exactly worried that Chimaera could defeat Thunderbird with that spell, not in a one-on-one fight. But he knew what that spell represented.
It was more than just magic. It was a memory, a connection to someone from the past. And if Thunderbird lost control because of it… things could get ugly.
Ashwinder swallowed hard and quickly pulled out his wand. "You reckless fool," he muttered under his breath. "Let me show you what real power looks like. Let's see how you handle this spell."
Meanwhile, the Tempestas Glacialis had fully taken shape, swirling with freezing winds and razor-sharp shards of ice. Chimaera pointed his wand directly at Thunderbird and roared, unleashing the storm at full force.