Chapter 320 - Proof
The mechanism of summoning magic, as read by Verden, consisted of three stages.
A special magical item called a Dispenser.
Inside it, one must infuse sufficient magic power needed for magic, while at the same time vividly recalling a certain form that lingers in the mind.
Next, what is required is delicate magic power control.
It consumes a considerable amount of concentration and time, raising the density to the extreme until the magic power becomes visually perceptible, and then concretizing the recalled image into reality.
It is the process of clearly defining boundaries, and filling the framework with magic power.
Finally, by using the spatial attribute, the formation of magic power is sent outside the Dispenser, and the summoning is complete.
'Groundbreaking.'
Even to Verden, unfamiliar and unprecedented ideas were embedded throughout. And he could clearly feel how much effort had gone into achieving them.
The creation of a dedicated magical item.
Opening two spaces to draw the magical beast inside the Dispenser completely outward.
And when control was lost, using the dispersal of magic power and its lowered density to enlarge the summoned body.
Surely he must have undergone countless trials and errors to avoid breaking the foundational framework.
'Most of all…'
The subspecies of the Roar Wolf that appeared in the arena.
Though it looked the part, naturally, it was not a real magical beast.
A construct composed entirely of magic power from head to toe — any mage here would be aware of that.
Thus, the question arose.
'How did he embed a mind into the summoned being?'
The reaction and movements of the magical beast communicating with the academy mage appeared natural. As if its consciousness had been separated individually.
It was different from necromancy, which summons undead by using corpses or similar mediums.
Creating life with only magic power — that is something that does not exist. It is beyond the realm of impossibility, excluded from the category of magic itself.
There is no concept in the world of creating independent life.
Not even the Church of Luas, which possesses miracles capable of reviving the dead, had seized such an achievement.
'Understanding that hidden principle will be the key to unraveling summoning magic.'
It was extremely fascinating.
Though for now, compared to other forms of magic, the drawbacks appeared numerous.
Even if it shook the magical world, as long as spatial attributes were involved, it would be difficult to boldly claim its own place.
But as a newly born discipline, the potential for growth was boundless.
Now magical beasts could be summoned… perhaps someday, even abnormal species might become possible.
'For example, a dragon.'
Of course, for now, it was nothing more than a ridiculous fantasy.
Yet it was also a highly idealistic goal. For a mage, having grand dreams was never shameful.
As Verden entertained such thoughts, the woman proceeded with the order.
"If preparations are complete, choose an opponent among those gathered here for the exchange match. No one will refuse, so freely choose."
"Hmm…"
The mage, Theodore, looked around.
Though he could not determine the exact strength of each candidate, what was needed was proof.
Even if he could not win, it did not matter. His goal was to select someone who seemed strong enough to showcase the power of the summoned beast, Ulfred.
After careful deliberation, he made his decision.
"…That person."
The one he chose was Leira, the Bloodstained Sword.
Among the Ark candidates, she ranked in the top three in terms of growth speed, and among even the Mithril-rank adventurers, she was already standing out as a promising talent of the guild.
In short, the worst possible opponent.
──────Kuuung!
Leira descended from the island, landing in the arena.
Drawing a sword glowing red like fresh blood, she stared at Theodore and the beast through the visor that hid her face.
"Begin whenever you are ready."
Overwhelmed by her aura, Theodore flinched.
But he did not retreat. Pricking his palm with his fingernail to stimulate his consciousness, he shouted.
"Ulfred!"
[Krrroaaaaaahhh!]
The enormous wolf charged forward with a roar.
Leira, facing it, took a slow step.
***
The strength of a magical beast surpasses that of ordinary humans beyond comparison.
The Roar Wolf was no exception.
Leg power enabling agility unbefitting of its massive body.
A natural biting force capable of crushing a torso through armor, and claws sharp enough to slice through muscle and bone with ease.
And its distinctive roar emanating from its throat.
A physical wave that pierces inward and bursts organs, making it lethal.
By normal standards, the larger a Roar Wolf is, the more powerful it becomes.
From that perspective, it was evident that the summoned subspecies differed from ordinary individuals.
Of course, that was all.
Kwaaang! Kwaaang! Kwaaaadduk!
Tremors shook the ground.
When its claws scraped against the stone floor, sparks flew. It snapped its jaws shut, but felt nothing.
Leira had already moved away, unhurriedly.
Barely a minute had passed since the exchange match began.
After facing Ulfred in that short time, she nodded.
"Certainly, it is stronger than an ordinary Roar Wolf. Your magic, summoning such a beast alone, is indeed impressive… but separately, its flaws are far too clear."
"F-Flaws?"
Indeed.
Broadly, there were four.
"First, its movements are completely identical to a Roar Wolf's."
Leira bent lightly at the waist.
The beast's savage claws slashed through empty air, leaving not even a graze.
Even as Ulfred darted about swiftly, seeking blind spots, the result was the same.
Soon its balance faltered.
The recoil from overexerted movement.
Turning her body, Leira struck the beast's torso with her heel. With the impact, the creature's weight shifted and it was knocked back.
No significant damage.
But enough to provoke its fury.
"Second, it retains the instincts of a Roar Wolf."
[Kaaaaaaaahhh!]
A straight roar of rage tore through the air.
Even as the flow of wind twisted, Leira made no effort to evade. There was no need.
She simply raised her sword high.
A vertical slash came down.
The red sword aura split the roar in half and unraveled it instantly.
"And third, though it looks similar, that beast is not real. In the end, it is merely a summoned construct composed of 2nd-tier magic power. It is far from sufficient to replicate the endurance of a true magical beast."
Immediately after, Leira shot forward.
Ulfred reacted, but as she had said, having just unleashed its roar, its movements were sluggish.
In a split second, Leira reached Theodore's side.
"And lastly, fourth, your utter lack of ability to respond in this situation."
Tap.
The back of her blade touched Theodore's neck.
He realized the fact belatedly, his eyes widening in fright.
"Refining magic is important, but it would be best to first prepare a way to protect your own life."
The survival rate of candidates was not high.
A trial that risked one's life was not something just anyone could withstand. Overcoming a crisis led to greater growth, but the risks of failure were overwhelming.
It was heartfelt advice meant for a much younger, novice candidate.
"Y-Yes… I, I will…!"
Theodore gave a small nod.
Judging from his reaction, it did not seem like meddling to him. Soon after, Leira sheathed her sword, and Theodore also dismissed Ulfred's summoning.
The arena fell silent.
The process had been astounding, but the result was as usual.
It was extremely rare for a novice candidate to achieve victory. More often, senior candidates would give advice like this.
But this time, how would it be?
"With this, the first exchange match is concluded. Next, step forward."
It was Verden's turn.
The candidate receiving the greatest attention in the Ark.
***
Verden did not reveal overwhelming presence.
Even so, as he walked through the arena, no one dared to look away.
There was an indescribable atmosphere around him, but above all, it was to witness with their own eyes the strength befitting the man rumored to have dealt a great blow to Gluttony.
"Hm, let us see. I can acknowledge he is not ordinary, but since he hides his strength, I cannot tell. What about you mages?"
"It is the same for me. His magic power is completely concealed, so judging him is impossible. I cannot even determine if he is a Magus or a Mage. I thought his magic control was at the upper limit, but now, it seems to surpass even that."
"At least a lower 5th-tier Mage. At most, the level of an upper 5th-tier Magus. The former is impressive, but if the latter…."
"If his tier limit is that high, then for his age, he is one of the world's foremost talents. It is difficult to imagine what heights he may reach in the future. Perhaps decades later, he may even seize the realm of Transcendence."
"Which of us will face him, I wonder. One of us may end up humiliated."
"But that robe… what in the world is it?"
The chatter did not stop.
Speculation and predictions abounded.
"Truly tremendous attention. Well, I suppose it is only natural? Even when we met in the principality, he slaughtered the Implant bearers, and now he must be far stronger than back then… Thinking that way, I too am curious. What about you, Sister Leira?"
"It is difficult for me to judge rashly. I have not properly seen the magic Verden wields, nor even his magic power. The only thing I can say with certainty is this… among the candidates, there are very few who could handle him."
Leira and Locke continued to fix their gaze on Verden.
Theodore, having spent most of his magic power on summoning, rested while watching the arena.
'Is that person really so incredible?'
He knew it was impressive, yet it did not feel real.
When they had spoken in the waiting room, there had been none of the oppressive weight one would expect from an academy professor or instructor.
So he too watched the situation closely.
The center of the arena.
Verden stood facing the woman.
"As before, wear the bracelet and measure your magic power. If you wish to conceal your tier, you may. Everything will be left to your choice."
"..."
Verden put on the bracelet.
He moved his wrist back and forth, frowning slightly, before asking.
"If everything is my choice… may I proceed in my own way?"
"What do you mean by that?"
Verden pointed at the measuring device.
"I doubt this will be enough."
***
The air chilled in an instant. The atmosphere grew heavy.
Even if degraded in performance, the bracelet-shaped measuring tool was a special product of the Artison Magic Tower.
It could handle 5th-tier without issue.
Even accounting for its damaged functions, it could measure up to 6th-tier.
And yet he said it was not enough?
"Arrogance, or conceit."
Many candidates revealed displeasure.
Having survived the Ark's trials, they had a strong tendency to abhor excessive pride.
They knew that without humility and the ability to view themselves objectively, one could not advance.
But some candidates thought differently.
"…He must be confident."
A unique intuition, honed after awakening.
That special sense responded. It felt genuine, not bravado. Leira was among them.
Her blood flow quickened instinctively, tension surging within her.
Then it happened.
The woman guiding the exchange matches lowered her head, her shoulders trembling.
A faint laugh spread through the air. Soon she raised her head, her face brightened with a genuine smile.
"Huha-haha…! Yes, yes… this is what makes holding the exchange worth it…!"
Desire glimmered in her gaze.
"Good, I will accept your request. Do as you please. As long as you do not cause physical harm to the other candidates, it does not matter what you do. However, since you have spoken those words, you had better not disappoint us."
It was a warning close to a threat.
Verden brushed off the intimidation and stood at the center.
The Ark assembly, the candidates' exchange match.
Verden had come here solely because of his promise with the Ark.
His reason differed from the other candidates. It was not to prove himself to gain recognition and receive fitting rewards.
'To be honest, I am not interested in the exchange itself.'
Proof was not to be accepted by others, but to force acceptance, so none could deny it. With overwhelming power that left no room for refusal.
That was Verden's creed.
'What I want to know now is the Ark's true strength.'
The unknown that they possessed.
It was they who needed to prove themselves.
Vast magic power stirred at his will.
His whole body resonated with the heartbeat. Using the Demon King's method of magic power control,
The bracelet, with its ten embedded magic stones.
In an instant, light filled them, surpassing the threshold, and then it exploded. The shattered remains of the device fell, but Verden did not stop.
Fwoooosh!
A massive tide of magic power swept over the arena.
Amid countless gasps of shock, his blue eyes gleamed fiercely.
The realm of a Quasi-Transcendent.
For the first time since attaining it, he unleashed his full might.
The space itself shuddered.
Do not disappoint us.
That was what Verden ought to say.
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