Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Dual Spells.
"You can all come at me together."
Kurogai's words echoed through the Kamar-Taj training ground like a clap of thunder.
The arena fell dead silent. For a brief moment, not a single sorcerer moved. But then—
"This kid's insane! He thinks he can take all of us at once?"
"I've never seen anyone so arrogant—he needs to be put in his place."
"You're asking for a beating, brat!"
Their outrage exploded into the open as angry shouts erupted from the group of handpicked sorcerers behind the Ancient One. Composure and discipline—hallmarks of Kamar-Taj training—had evaporated in an instant.
And yet, Kurogai stood still, calm and unbothered.
"If you're too scared, just leave," he said, flicking his hand dismissively like he was shooing away pests.
That single gesture fanned their fury into an inferno.
"Sorcerer Supreme!" one of them called out, barely keeping his voice respectful. "Please, allow us to teach this fool a lesson!"
"He's insulted all of us. We won't go easy on him!"
"Let us handle this."
The Ancient One stared at Kurogai, a mixture of exasperation and mild amusement in her eyes. He certainly had a talent for provocation.
But she also understood Kurogai well. He never spoke without purpose. If he issued a challenge like this, it was because he was ready.
"Very well," she said, nodding. "You may proceed—but no killing blows. Keep it within reason."
The sorcerers didn't need to be told twice.
One by one, they stepped into the circular combat ring, surrounding Kurogai like a pack of wolves.
"You really think you can handle ten of us?"
"Don't worry—we'll make sure you're just mostly broken."
"You won't die, but you'll wish you had."
Kurogai didn't flinch. He looked utterly relaxed, his golden and violet eyes gleaming faintly beneath the ambient magic light.
"Don't worry," he replied dryly. "I'll hold back too."
That alone was enough to reignite their rage.
"You arrogant—!"
The sorcerers activated their Sling Rings in unison. Sparks burst into the air as they conjured spells in a seamless display of training and coordination. Defensive spells were cast by the front line.
"Magic: Shield!"
While the rear line readied offensive spells.
"Magic: Sword!"
"Magic: Whip!"
This group had trained together for months, maybe years. They knew how to support each other, how to combine spells and formations. Their synchronized tactics were designed to overwhelm.
But Kurogai didn't blink.
In fact, this was exactly what he wanted—a full test of his limits.
The Replication Eye flared to life in his gaze, a five-pointed star blooming in both irises. Time seemed to slow as layers of magic unraveled before him. Every rune, every symbol, every spell structure cast by his enemies—all of it was exposed and dissected in real time.
Shield formation: seven-part lattice. Mana distribution: center-heavy. Sword construct: thin-blade variation, medium weight, high sharpness. Whip structure: four-node chain, unstable edge.
All of it entered his mind in an instant.
Magic: Shield.
Magic: Sword.
Both spells formed in Kurogai's hands in under a second—one in each. A glowing, rune-etched shield in his left, a shimmering energy blade in his right.
"He… cast both spells at once?" one of the sorcerers gasped.
Even the Ancient One narrowed her eyes in surprise.
Simultaneous dual-casting was no simple feat. It required more than talent—it demanded complete mastery over the spells, perfect mana control, and powerful spiritual focus. Even seasoned sorcerers rarely attempted it.
Yet Kurogai executed it flawlessly.
He must've already memorized every property of these spells the moment he saw them, the Ancient One realized. So that's the power of his eye…
But Kurogai didn't have time to reflect. His body was already moving.
With a flash of light, he charged forward—shield raised, sword primed, plunging into the mass of coordinated casters without hesitation.
The battle had begun.
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