Chapter 198 Living Calamity

Part 1

　If there’s one thing I find terrifying about a Magi, it is that their Magic is not something that is in accord with my everyday life.

　I can somewhat understand the logic behind how a sword can cut things, but I can’t predict the logic behind how a Magi can light a fire just by snapping his fingers.
It seems that magic also follows certain rules, but those who are not Magi cannot recognize them.
It is no wonder that Lucia has been given a grand nickname such as 《All Creation at Will (Bansho Jisai)》.

　Term shouted a spell.
And even then, I couldn’t understand what kind of Magic he was trying to use.

“Tsk…… This is why Magi are all like that……” (Cry)

　However, it is alright.
It will be alright, I have Barrier Rings with me.
　Even though I am standing in front of them, I am worried that he might attack Kruz or the Emperor, but they are stronger than me, so I am sure they can handle it.
Well, he is the Emperor.

　I closed my eyes and quickly extended my right arm.
　Some magic is triggered the moment it hits its target.
I was filled with anxiety, but it was useless to run away anyway, and if everyone died except me, I will soon be dead at that point, so I had no choice but to plunge in.
　The shock that had been rocking the ship abruptly stopped.
My Barrier Rings………… There was no sign that they had been activated?

　It was about time for me to open my eyes.
What I saw was a shocked expression on Term’s face.
He looked as if he just saw the earth and the sky turn upside down.

“I-It can’t be…… This isn’t possible.
I still have plenty of Magic left…… Why, why is my Magic not activating!?” (Term)

’

　Eh? He failed? You cast your spell so confidently and yet you still failed?
　Term was clearly showing an opening.
If Luke or Liz were here, they would have happily attacked him, but unfortunately, Franz and the others have fallen, and I am the only one who could possibly defeat a Magi in close combat, so there was nothing that could be done.
I wonder if the Emperor can go and attack him.
　Kechakchakka took a step back as if she was under pressure even though she wasn’t doing anything.

“Ukeke…… What…… Did you do……?” (Kechakchakka)

“Don’t tell me, is it the storm’s fault!? Is this why I can’t get my technique to work!?” (Term)

　Term was impatient and glowed his bracelets, but I was as comfortable as usual since I had always been incapable of using Magic.

　I don’t know what happened, but it seemed that it saved us.
I thought this storm was Term’s doing, but since he was antagonistic against it, then I guess I was wrong.
　And again, they are making it sound like I did something.
I’m being framed.

“Haaa? The storm? Don’t blame me for everything, okay? I didn’t do anything……” (Cry)

“Damn……” (Term)

　Term started to dash.
There were lines of light running through his skin like veins.
It was a body-strengthening Magic.
Apparently, it doesn’t seem like all types of Magic cannot be used.

’

　Body-strengthening Magic is a Magi’s trump card that is used only in an emergency.
It was also called the 『Last Struggle』 as it puts a lot of strain on your body, and no matter how much it strengthened you, it is still not as good as close-combat warriors who improve their physical abilities on a daily basis with Mana Material.

“!? ??? Yowaningen, I can’t use, Magic either, desu!?” (Kruz)

“I can’t use it too, you know.” (Cry)

　Term’s physique does not seem to be one of an old man.
The way he lowered himself and rushed toward us made him look like a “Thief (Tozoku)”.
The amount of experience he has on the battlefield and the number of places he has dived into are too different.

　I quickly activated my “Shot Rings (Bullet Rings)” that I have in both of my hands without a second thought.
The magic bullets that are flashy only in color, flew to Term like a storm.
There are additional effects, but they’re just extra features.
　Term flew sideways to avoid the bullets that had little destructive power.  He pulls out a sword from a knight lying down on the floor and throws it at me in a fluid motion.

　The sword flew in a straight line to my head, but, as usual, it was flipped by a Barrier Ring that had activated.
The remaining Barrier Rings were――Five.

　Term gasped.
He should have long understood the low power of my Bullet Rings.
The fact that he avoided it so exaggeratedly means――.
　I looked down at Term who was cold-sweating while feeling comfortable despite the fact that I didn’t have a lot of Barrier Rings left, and said while making myself seem stronger.

“Apparently, you can’t even put up a barrier.” (Cry)

　I think Term could withstand my bullet even without gritting his teeth, however, there were several bullets that can paralyze you if you take it directly, so evading them was the right choice (By the way, those won’t work if you had absorbed a certain amount of Mana Material).

’
　At my spot on conclusion, Term heavily breathed with his shoulder as he moved away to keep a certain distance between me while looking cautiously.

“You damn monster……” (Term)

　Are you kidding me? I never thought I would see the day when Term, who can defeat the elite of the Imperial Guard just by walking into a room, say something like that to me.
From behind me, Kruz was poking at my back.

“Yowaningen, don’t let your guard down, desu! Quickly Defeat them, desu!” (Kruz)

“……” (Cry)

　I wonder if you can hit them with the staff I lent you? I think Kruz who can’t use her Magic is probably stronger than me who can’t fundamentally use Magic.

　But what should I do? In order to restrain a Magi, it is indispensable to use a restraint tool that has the power to seal the Magi.
However, even that may not work against a high-level Magi.
　Therefore, it is very difficult to catch a Magi who had absorbed a lot of Mana Material.
They always have an unpredictable trump card.
That’s why, rarely, battles with high-level Magi criminals usually end with the death of one of the fighters.

　I immediately said with a badass smile to Term, who for some convenient reason couldn’t use his Magic properly.

“Term, even like this I don’t want to kill 《Abyssal Fire of Destruction’s (Shin En Kametsu)》 right-handed man.
Drop those bracelets and surrender.” (Cry)

　It’s not like I am interested in your Relic, okay.

’

　Term is a full-fledged Magi.
However, his power is supported by those Bracelets Relic.
　For a Magi, a staff is both an amplifier and a control device.
Just as Kruz was unable to use Magic properly with an unfamiliar staff, the loss of Term’s staff should greatly reduce his power.

　At my request, Term’s neat face twisted and he exposed a warlike expression.
　Just as Term was about to open his mouth, Kechakchakka who was behind him said in the calmest voice I have ever heard.

“Ukeke…… Term…… Hihi…… Dragons aren’t coming.
We should,  retreat at once.” (Kechakchakka)

“Tsk…… Damn.” (Term)

　Why do allies always become stronger when they become enemies, and enemies become weaker when they become allies.
The other day, you could only just say “Ukekeke”, no?

　No sooner than when he raised his voice, Term turn around.
With a speed not inferior to that of the vanguard, he kicked in the door and ran out of the room.
And Kechakchakka followed him.
　I could only watch them leave.
As I would lose them even if I chase after them.
I can release my Chained Dog but it will probably not be able to capture a Level 7.
It will only end in me feeling sad because of its destruction.

“Yowaningen, we are going after them, desu!” (Kruz)

“Calm down, Kruz.
Don’t worry about them for now.
Our first priority is human life, we have to treat Franz-san and the others!” (Cry)

　She pushed me back and shouted at me.
Almost instinctively, I evaded her request.