Scientific Wizard

The moment Lynn grew accustomed to the powers now within him, he eagerly extended his hand, fingers rhythmically trembling as his magical reserves were instantly depleted by half.

An imperceptible magical ripple expanded in a circular pattern directly ahead, causing a slight distortion in space wherever it passed.

Several combat puppets made of steel, three meters away, were cleanly bisected by the magical ripple without any hindrance. However, those positioned farther, about ten meters away, experienced a different fate. The spot where the ripple passed twisted like a corkscrew, while the wall over thirty meters away remained unaffected.

This outcome didn't surprise Lynn. It was akin to tapping the surface of water, creating ripples that gradually expanded their reach but weakened in intensity.

This magic proved effective for breaching enemy defenses at close to medium range. Common shields or magical barriers like the Mage's Shield or Magic Barrier appeared as fragile as paper before the [Spatial Ripple]

Yet, it had its drawbacks. Its wide scope and indiscriminate nature made it easy for a single spell to down foes and allies alike.

If someone were bisected, Lynn wondered if the alchemists could salvage them.

"Approximately sixty percent of mana expended..." Lynn pondered for a moment, swiftly deducing the aftermath. Despite possessing a magical reservoir surpassing that of many Tier-3 wizards, employing the Spatial Ripple required depleting most of his stored mana.

Fortunately, the results were satisfying.

Ever since his battle with Herlram, Lynn had been studying methods to counter the Diversionary Force Field. She had devised three solutions.

The first involved using continuously large-scale magic. The principle behind the Deflection Force Field involved distorting the surrounding spacetime, creating a magical field that diverted any magic aimed at Herlram, akin to light refracted in water, bending away from its target.

However, magic that covered an entire area like Toxic Domain or Vacuum Domain couldn't be protected by the Diversionary Force Field since attacks could come from any direction. Yet, defeating a grand wizard with this method alone seemed unrealistic.

The second method relied on sheer force.

Mass and energy inherently influenced spacetime. Similarly, magic possessed this property. The Deflection Force Field couldn't protect against higher-level magic.

Furthermore, any object moving fast enough could break free of the force field's restraint.

Unfortunately, both options were beyond Lynn's capabilities. His only choice was the third: using force field magic to counter force field magic.

Successfully developing the Spatial Ripple meant he finally possessed a means to threaten a grand wizard.

As for the mana issue, Lynn sighed. Then, without hesitation, he retrieved a bottle of sapphire-blue magic potion from his sleeve and drank it down. In less than a second, his depleted mana was fully restored, and his reserves back to optimal levels.

This was "Shiens's Superior Magic Potion". An invention of a senior alchemist, priced at a hefty seventy Magic Gold Coins per bottle.

Originally designed to replenish grand wizards' mana, it was a luxury for regular wizards. However, Lynn downed it without a second thought.

Seventy Magic Gold Coins amounted to the price of four glass mirrors, easily recouped by having Darren and the others work a bit more.

In fact, Lynn bought out all thirty bottles available on the market. Obviously, the alchemist hadn't anticipated anyone like Lynn using it during magical practice.

After a brief break, Lynn repositioned a batch of combat dummies, preparing to test if material composition affected the Spatial Ripple's strength.

Time was of the essence. Tomorrow marked the Council's operation for capture. He had to swiftly familiarize himself with this new magic.

Just as Lynn prepared to cast his spell, his body involuntarily paused. A cold sweat trickled down his forehead.

He suddenly sensed a slight variance in space curvature about five meters to his right, different from elsewhere. If not for the computational support of the twelve Tier-3 wizards, he might not have perceived this minute difference.

Yet, that area was empty.

The only possibility: someone had infiltrated, standing nearby watching his practice magic, causing this subtle change in space curvature through their magical power.

His warning magic set at the training ground entrance had failed to activate.

Lynn's heart raced to his throat. Despite his composed exterior, he abruptly raised his hand, launching an attack without warning.

"Spatial Ripple."

The barely detectable spatial ripple manifested once again. With a distance of a mere five meters between them, at the speed of magical waves, it had nearly reached its target. 

Faintly, Lynn heard the sound of something shattering.

Hit? Or did it miss?

Backing away abruptly, Lynn observed numerous magical projectiles materializing from the void, hurtling toward the right side but vanishing as if swallowed by an abyss.

Evidently, his adversary remained alive and possessed resistance capabilities. The invisibility spell remained intact.

Simultaneously activating his "Magic Missiles," Lynn's left hand grasped a bottle of "Shiens's Superior Magic Potion," swiftly consumed, while his right hand clasped the "Sun Crown Medal."

If even a direct hit from Spatial Ripple couldn't kill his adversary, his only chance was to rely on the protective magic of the "Sun Crown Medal" to buy time, raise an alarm, and await the arrival of the Magic Council members for a righteous brawl.

"Victor's Barrier is a Tier-6 spell, usable only once. Are you sure you want to activate it now?"

Suddenly, a light laughter broke in abruptly, followed by the appearance of a graceful figure within the spacious training room.

"Aurora?" Lynn halted his movement to activate the Sun Crown Medal, recognizing her quickly.

Much like their last encounter, this legendary sorceress donned the same crimson gown, exuding a captivating allure. Her delicate features resembled a perfectly sculpted artwork, radiating a mesmerizing glow in the darkness.

However, Lynn's attention shifted to the wizard's abdomen, severed by the Spatial Ripple. Her body seemed partitioned into upper and lower halves, yet no blood oozed from the cut. The eerie sight made Lynn doubt if what he saw was an illusion.