A green light, sharp and radiant, sliced fiercely across Summers' front.
Summers broke into a cold sweat, narrowly avoiding a critical wound, but a shallow cut still marked his abdomen, ripping through his clothing.
Before he could catch his breath, the magical white eagles flying at him darted closer.
"Ice Creation Magic—Ice Crystal Barrier!"
Summers conjured a radiant ice wall just in time to shield himself. But in the next second, a green blade shattered the barrier into glimmering fragments.
Although Ethan Hayes had never formally trained in swordsmanship, his innate movements—stabbing, slashing, and cutting—were instinctive and effective.
If Yami Sukehiro, the master swordsman, had been present, he would have scoffed, calling Ethan's moves crude. But Summers wasn't Yami. His lack of close-combat expertise left him overwhelmed.
"What kind of fighting is this?" Noelle gasped in disbelief. "Is this even magic combat? Aren't magicians supposed to duel from a distance, showcasing their magic's grandeur?"
Summers mirrored her thoughts, feeling utterly humiliated.
This is not how magic battles work! What kind of wizard fights ?
"Wind Creation Magic—Gale Arrow!"
Ethan took a step back, creating distance. A bright green arrow materialized in his hand, brimming with wind energy.
The arrow shot forward, piercing through Summers' next icy defense. Meanwhile, Ethan closed the gap once more, his wind magic book glowing with power.
As Summers struggled, another grimoire emerged beside Ethan. Its crimson glow radiated heat, filling the air with fire magic.
The arrow smashed into Summers' shield, but the follow-up slash of Ethan's green sword shattered it completely. Without hesitation, Ethan raised his left hand, summoning fiery energy.
"Fire Creation Magic—Blazing God Blade!"
A dazzling, flame-wreathed sword appeared in Ethan's left hand.
In an instant, Ethan's blazing blade struck Summers squarely in the chest. Flames engulfed his body, consuming him in an inferno. From afar, the scene resembled a human torch blazing in the battlefield.
Noelle was speechless.
What an incredible, relentless fighting style!
Unlike the traditional duels she'd seen, Ethan's attacks were relentless, one move following the next with precision, leaving no room for retaliation.
"He's amazing!" Noelle muttered, still stunned by Ethan's prowess.
Summers let out agonized screams as flames licked his skin, leaving him scorched and incapacitated.
"Wind Magic—Healing Breeze!"
Ethan waved his hand, releasing a gentle gust of wind infused with healing magic. The flames on Summers extinguished, leaving him battered but alive.
"Why spare him?" Asta asked, baffled.
"I have questions," Ethan replied curtly. He raised his hand again.
"Wind Binding Magic—Breezy Shackles!"
A transparent, green binding enveloped Summers, immobilizing him.
"Talk," Ethan commanded. "What's your true identity?"
"Hah... isn't it obvious? Just a bandit," Summers croaked, though his voice wavered.
"Bandits wouldn't care about political advantages for the Diamond Kingdom," Ethan pointed out, his voice sharp. "You mentioned killing me would benefit your kingdom. Care to explain?"
Summers froze, realizing his slip of the tongue.
"Besides," Ethan continued, "a real bandit wouldn't stick to one hideout for so long. You've stayed put, fully aware the Clover Kingdom could send knights after you. Why?"
Summers gritted his teeth, realizing there was no escape. But before he could speak, he smirked faintly.
"Ice Magic—Frozen Burial!"
A bright blue light burst from his chest. Ethan's eyes widened.
"He implanted a magical artifact in his body?" Noelle exclaimed, horrified.
Ethan tried to intervene, but it was too late.
Summers was encased in an ice crystal before shattering into fine dust, his remains scattering into the air.
Ethan stared at the spot, his frustration evident. "That was unnecessary."
But the method was all too familiar, jogging Ethan's memory.
"Asta, Noelle," Ethan turned to his companions. "Do you know the village of Soshi?"