When Olives raised his magic wand again, the dragon breathed out a wide range of ice blades. However, Hazen also raised his magic wand simultaneously. The result was a giant shield the size of a person.
“When you spread it over a wide area, the power weakens. But with this [Earth Shield] made from a 10th grade magic stone, I have a way to counter it.”
After blocking the attack, Hazen spread his left hand and another magic wand was absorbed into it.
“Using two magic wands? You… are a monster?”
Olives inadvertently spoke out loud. It is common for mages to wield a magic wand with one hand, but Hazen was already handling two types of magic wands, wielding them with both hands.
“If no one has done this in history, I can be proud of it. I’ve heard that Mishil in the Empire can do the same.”
“…Do you consider yourself equal to that [Four Marquis]?”
She is one of the most feared people on the continent.
Hazen threw a sharp, spearlike magic wand. It flew at high speed and deflected the illusory dragon’s jaws.
“Ridiculous… it was broken?”
“Crimson Lotus. It’s a magic wand specialized in one-hit attacks. It can only be used once a day, but its power is on par with an 8th grade wand.”
“…Impossible. This magic stone is 5th grade.”
“That is… the difference between you and me.”
Smiling, Hazen took another magic wand in hand and swung it.
But it had no effect.
“Oh, just a bluff?”
Olives showed a relieved expression as he raised his own magic wand.
“Sorry, but the playtime is over. I’m going all out now.”
The reappeared illusory dragon opened its mouth wide to gather power. This attack was far more powerful than the previous one, and the area of effect was wider,
leaving Hazen no room to dodge.
At least, that’s what Olives thought.
However, Hazen also had confidence in his victory and laughed.
“The key in a mage’s duel is deception. You may be excellent on the battlefield, but you’re not suited for duels.”
He muttered
Hazen swung his magic wand. Then, from Olives’ blind spot, a paper-like shadow was shot out and clung to his body. Confused about what was happening, Olives shouted in distress.
“Th-the duel is supposed to be one-on-one. Wh-who did that?”
“Ah, that’s the effect of the [Fang Shadow] magic wand. It can transmit magic power remotely.”
” …… ”
Hazen had thrown away the Fang Shadow to avoid being detected. He had slowly moved to a position where he could shoot the paper-like shadow into Olives’ blind spot. Now, he just had to wait for the moment to unleash his final attack. The initial wand swing was just a bluff to lower Olives’ guard. Olives is strong, but he’s a simple warrior. Manipulating such a person is easy.
The Blue Queen eventually raised her hand and declared,
“The match is over.”
“I did use some tricks, but that’s about the extent of my current abilities.”
” …… ”
“…Are you not satisfied? I’d prefer a pure power-to-power battle, but the magic stones didn’t quite cooperate.”
“Tricks? Do you call that mere tricks?”
Vashia muttered, wiping the sweat from her brow.
***
In the magic system of the Western Continent, the existence of magic wands is nonexistent. One casts magic using their own body, with chanting incantations and seal gestures being essential.
In other words, it takes time to unleash magic.
Magic wands, on the other hand, do not require such actions. This gives them an advantage in battles where the difference of a fraction of a second can mean life or death.
So Hazen came up with an idea – to hold multiple magic wands and use them according to the opponent’s characteristics. The 8 magic wands that appeared behind him were the result of using the [Illusion Transparency] wand to make them invisible and the [Telekinesis] wand to freely manipulate the objects.
***
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT GADGETIZEDPANDA.COM
When explaining the [Illusion Transparency] and [Telekinesis] wands, Vashia had a puzzled expression.
“…But there was no sign of you wielding such magic wands.”
“Ah, this is it.”
Hazen showed the two small chains attached to the ring on his little finger.
“Could this be…the magic wand?”
“I made it from fragments of a processed jewel.”
“Unbelievable. Such a small thing can do such feats?”
“By greatly limiting the effective range. And by specializing the abilities into simpler movements. With those restrictions, I was able to do it.”
“You ‘were able to’…”
Vashia couldn’t help but smile wryly, but for Hazen, that was all he could say. The illusion magic can only cancel out 8 magic wands for now. The incantation only has a range of about 3 meters, and the movements are limited to what can fit in the palm of an open hand.
“I can provide you with magic wands suited to your usage. If the level of magic wand crafting is low, you have to adapt the wands to your own characteristics.”
And Hazen thought that was putting the cart before the horse. The quality of the magic wands is a reflection of the strength of a nation or tribe. By improving this, you can show that your people cannot be easily crushed, and acts of invasion will not be so easily done.
“I revealed my hand because I wanted you to see my skills as a magic wand crafter.”
“Haha… that’s an outrageous, monstrous feat.”
“It’s nothing like that. There’s still a long way to go.”
“Still a long way to go? Being able to use numerous magic wands depending on the situation. There’s no one else like that across the entire continent.”
“The quality of the jewels has not caught up to the quality of the magic wands, so eventually I’ll need to… I’m still far from my ideal completion.”
“…He’s too terrifying to have as an ally. But far better than having him as an enemy.”
“I’m grateful you understand.”
Queen Vashia nodded, and shouted to the Kumin warriors.
“Everyone! From today on, we will establish a ceasefire treaty with the Empire. Got it?”
“Ohhh!”
The Kumin people let out a collective cheer.
“…I thought there might be some dissenting voices.”
“It is forbidden by our laws to object to the chief’s decision. And Hazen-Heim, you bravely came here with only one guard and a child, and defeated my right-hand man Olives. There’s no one who would dare object.”
“But I still think there are those who hate the Imperial soldiers.”
“…The ‘fight to the bitter end’ faction did exist. The previous chief was like that. But I’m different. That’s all there is to it.”
” …… ”
Probably, there was a factional struggle within the tribe, and the Vashia faction emerged victorious. The power struggles of minority tribes can be fierce, likely washed in blood.
“And the fact that there is someone among the Imperial soldiers who wants to use that vast Empire for their own ends is somehow refreshing.”
“…I will live up to your expectations. I will surely reward your judgment.”
Hazen is a cold strategist, but he dislikes underhanded tactics. If the other party is untrustworthy, that’s different, but he responds to sincere treatment with sincerity.
“Alright, the serious talk is over. Everyone, prepare the alcohol!”
As Vashia shouted, sturdy-looking warriors brought in barrel after barrel. Suddenly, Hazen’s face twitched.
“N-No, thank you. I’m not good with alcohol, as it diminishes my mental faculties.”
“Don’t say that! The Kumin tribe has a tradition of serving alcohol to welcomed foreign guests.”
“…Lei Fa, I’ll leave it to you.”
“Eh, why am I the only one being singled out?”
“Yan is here too, so don’t worry.”
“But there’s no way I can drink! I’m just a child!”
“You haven’t shown any usefulness so far. At least drink some alcohol and liven things up.”
“Waah! Vashia, please kill this man who is the enemy of children!”
Yan clung to the young queen, glaring at Hazen. She laughed and patted the girl’s head.
“Haha, what an interesting child. Is she your daughter?”
“No, I took her in for her talent. Later, I’ll introduce you to a merchant named Nandal – she’ll be a go-between for you.”
“This child?”
Vashia’s eyes widened.
“Her name is Yan-Lin. Since I want to give her trading experience, please be strict with her. Don’t underestimate her just because she’s a child – she’ll give you a hard time.”
“I see. So she’s not just an ordinary girl, if Hazen brought her along. Well, she’s probably not a run-of-the-mill individual.”
“B-Vashia… your gaze is frightening me.”
“Queen Vashia. She may look frightened, but it’s a bluff. She wouldn’t flinch even if a blade was pointed at her throat.”
“What are you saying all of a sudden!?”
“Hahaha, just drink up. Hazen too. Otherwise, this deal is off.”
“…Sigh.”
Resigned by the queen’s boisterous laughter, Hazen finally gave in.
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