"What just happened?"
"How is this possible?"
The scene froze in disbelief. Fifth domain?
Miles was stunned. In the world of magic, power was divided into nine domains, with the ninth being the weakest and the zeroth domain representing the pinnacle. Domain rank was the ultimate measure of one's strength.
Throughout history, there were plenty who had reached the fifth domain, but they were typically elderly, their hair streaked with gray, and their bodies frail.
Even Miles, who had reached the sixth domain and stood on the cusp of the fifth, wasn't confident about crossing that threshold within his lifetime. Now, before him was Ethan Hayes—barely of age—who had already surpassed what Miles had spent a lifetime striving toward.
"This kid... No! He must not survive!"
A murderous glint sparked in Miles' eyes, stronger than ever before. Such potential couldn't be allowed to grow. If Ethan Hayes was left alive, he was destined to become a new Wizard King—a nightmare for their plans.
Ethan, meanwhile, reveled in the immense power coursing through his veins. The surge of mana was overwhelming, making him feel invincible. However, he was well aware that this newfound strength was fleeting, a temporary burst gifted by the magic of the four-leaf grimoire.
"Wind Creation Magic – Wind Surge!"
"Fire Creation Magic – Solar Blaze!"
With these spells unleashed, the battlefield was no longer the same. What was once Ethan's defensive retreat transformed into an overwhelming assault. Wind and fire erupted in harmony, sweeping across the terrain with devastating force.
"That... That's the sun?"
Miles and his men were paralyzed. The searing heat melted Miles' conjured iron blades before they could even come close to Ethan. The gentle winds, though seemingly harmless, carried an ominous undercurrent. A single wisp brushed against Miles' allies, carving excruciating pain into their bodies like a thousand tiny blades.
Seizing the advantage, Ethan shot forward like a tempest. His first target? The strongest among them—Miles.
"Ice Creation Magic – Glacial Cascade!"
Miles summoned a fortress of ice around him, but Ethan's speed was unparalleled. Before Miles could even complete his defensive spell, Ethan's Wind Blade sliced through the air, cleaving Miles' left arm clean off.
"Argh!" Miles howled in agony as his concentration shattered, his spell collapsing instantly.
"Binding Wind Magic – Gale Shroud!"
Green tendrils of wind ensnared Miles, locking him in place. Ethan wasted no time, pivoting to the next opponent.
Within moments, the second attacker found himself staring down Ethan's relentless onslaught.
It was too late. With a single slash, Ethan severed the man's arm. Blood arced through the air as the second opponent crumpled to the ground, incapacitated.
"Just one more to go!" Ethan declared, his voice cold and resolute.
Witnessing this display of raw power, Magna could barely keep his jaw from dropping.
"Ten seconds..." he muttered in disbelief.
From the moment Ethan unleashed the full force of his magic to now, only ten seconds had passed. It was as if the battle was over before it had even begun. The overwhelming speed, precision, and devastating magic painted a clear picture: this wasn't a fight. It was a massacre.
"He's... terrifying," Magna whispered, shivering.
Even though Ethan was an ally, Magna couldn't help but agree with Miles' earlier assessment: Ethan Hayes was not someone to be left unchecked. If he had been from another kingdom, his existence alone could spell disaster.
With the last opponent defeated, Ethan dropped to the ground, his body heavy with exhaustion. The immense burst of power had drained his mana reserves completely.
As he caught his breath, a familiar voice called out from above.
"Enemies! Where are the enemies?!"
Asta leapt from the magic broom, his massive Demon-Slayer Sword in hand, ready for battle.
Ethan could only groan, shaking his head.
"Relax," Magna replied, pointing toward the restrained captives. "It's over. Ethan took care of them... by himself."
Asta's jaw dropped as he surveyed the battlefield.
"What?! All of them?!"
Magna nodded solemnly.
"If not for Ethan, we'd all be dead right now. He saved the village... and us."
As the adrenaline faded, Ethan allowed himself a faint smile. Despite the exhaustion, he felt a sense of fulfillment. He hadn't just fought for himself today—he had protected everyone.
But deep in his heart, he knew this was only the beginning.