Danmachi – Infinite Mana System

[Chapter Size: 2268 Words.]
Lucius POV
Twilight Manor, Orario.

...

...

The training ground resonated with the constant roar of explosions, each blast echoing through the surroundings of Twilight Manor. The intensity of the battle between Lucius and Bete kept everyone present on edge.

The incessant explosions challenged understanding of how Lucius could cast spells in what seemed like an endless sequence. It was as if he were revealing a hidden facet of his abilities, a frank display of his true potential.

"After all my skills that I tried to hide, I can't hold back anymore since there are so many rumors and witnesses, so I'll show a bit of what I'm capable of." Lucius's thoughts reflected his decision to reveal his true strength, marked by the constant casting of spells.

[- Conjuration Spell, Summon Atronach!]
An atronach appeared, advancing quickly toward Bete. The level 6 adventurer reacted with disdain, attacking and destroying the summon with a single blow, ignoring the high temperature it radiated.

[- Fire Spell, Fireball!]
[- Fire Spell, Fireball!]
Lucius continued to cast fire spells, each explosion challenging Bete to dodge. The training ground became a spectacle of lights and shadows, reflecting the intensity of the confrontation.

"I must admit, you're surprising for a level 2, but you're still a weakling." Bete, showing his arrogance, taunted the mage facing him.

"Come on, dog, show me what you can do besides talking." Lucius taunted, demonstrating his determination to challenge the level 6 adventurer.

"Tsk, take this then." Bete ran toward Lucius, who reacted by reinforcing his body with support spells again to replenish the effects.

[- Strength-Boosting Spell!]
[- Speed-Boosting Spell!]
[- Alteration Spell, Ironflesh!]
Lucius cast a series of spells towards Bete, including a gravitational field to hinder his movements.

[Gravitational Spell, Gravitational Field!]
[- Fire Spell, Fireball!]

[- Fire Spell, Fireball!]
[- Fire Spell, Fireball!]
These last spells, the most challenging, were the only ones Lucius had to shout. While the gravitational field tried to restrict Bete's advance, fireballs were launched in his direction, seeking to hit him despite his ability to dodge.

*BOOOM!*
*BOOOM!*
*BOOOM!*
The explosions tore through the air, creating a chaotic symphony of light and sound. The training ground was now infused with the smell of smoke and remnants of magic, witnessing the intensity of the confrontation.

It didn't take long for Bete to reach Lucius, displaying a challenging smile as he delivered a powerful punch, sending the level 2 mage more than 10 meters away. Watching closely, Bete noticed the green light enveloping Lucius, indicating that he was healing himself through some magic. The werewolf prepared for another charge, while the mage activated his defensive spells and skillfully dodged.

"This is getting interesting; I didn't think it would be so fun to fight this weakling!" Bete's thoughts reflected surprise and excitement at the challenge presented by Lucius. He advanced amidst the explosions, dodging debris caused by the fireballs.

As Bete approached for another attack, Lucius surprised him with an unexpected strategy. Instead of attacking at close range, the mage aimed at the ground, anticipating the werewolf's appearance point.

[- Fire Spell, Fireball!]
*BOOOM!*
The explosion engulfed both in a bold strike, creating a moment of shock and admiration among the onlookers.

"Ohhh! He got Bete!" Tione exclaimed, expressing the surprise and excitement of the group watching from the outside.
The charged atmosphere in the training ground became a stage for the reflections of the spectators as the dust from the explosion hung in the air. Gareth, with his insight, was the first to comment on Lucius's seemingly risky strategy.

"I noticed he can heal himself; it would be a good strategy if he had a stronger healing spell to fight someone stronger. But from what I've seen, his healing spell is like a low-quality healing potion," Gareth analyzed, sharing his observations.

"I agree with Gareth; he's just hurting himself, casting such a destructive spell on himself. But I admit he managed to get Bete, who didn't expect that either," another team member added.

While the main team discussed strategies and assessed the situation, Lucius recovered amid the smoke and debris resulting from the explosion.

"It hurts too much! But at least I got him," thought Lucius, casting healing spells to minimize his injuries.

"What's wrong, Dog, got burned a bit?" Lucius taunted, though far from unscathed. Bete Loga, on the other hand, exhibited his clothes in a pitiful state, revealing for the first time the effects of the powerful level 2 spell.

However, despite the burned and torn clothes, Bete showed remarkable resilience compared to Lucius. Even with his garments in poor condition, Bete was much better off in terms of injuries.

"You're truly insane..." Bete commented, surprisingly solemn in the face of the mage who had just unleashed a suicidal attack.

"You haven't seen anything," Lucius replied, flashing a smile at his opponent while coughing a bit, paying the price for his own magic.

"Tsk, never thought a level 2 would lay a finger on me; I'm quite surprised," Bete said, revealing a tone of acknowledgment in his voice, as if now realizing Lucius's true capability after that bold attack. The tension on the training ground reached a new peak when Lucius, despite his sorry state, challenged Bete with a determined smile on his lips.

"Now, let's continue, dog," proclaimed Lucius, casting a defiant look.

"Tsk," Bete clicked his tongue and swiftly advanced, delivering powerful blows toward the mage. Lucius, agile as always, managed to partially dodge the initial attacks, but Bete, with his level 6 dexterity and speed, quickly turned and struck Lucius squarely with a brutal blow.

*Pahh*

The impact sent Lucius flying several meters, highlighting the disparity between the two opponents. Even in his precarious state, Lucius didn't give up, and almost instinctively, activated his healing magic to mitigate the damage. However, Bete showed no mercy, advancing relentlessly and landing blow after blow.

"Man, I'm taking a beating now," thought Lucius, acknowledging the extreme difficulty of the fight. However, the adrenaline of the battle and the opportunity to learn from a high-level opponent kept him motivated. Facing Goliaths and other powerful creatures was one thing, but dealing with Bete was a whole different challenge.

After being thrown against Riviera's barrier, Lucius quickly got up, determined to continue the fight. However, his attacks couldn't find the target, and he realized that facing Bete would require bolder strategies. Lucius opted for a risky tactic: an attack that could be considered an act of desperation.

Aiming at the ground near Bete, Lucius cast his magic, making the area around them explode. It was a risky strategy, hitting himself, but Lucius trusted in the effectiveness of his healing spell to minimize the damage. The explosion created a curtain of smoke.
The dense smoke hung in the training ground, obscuring everyone's vision. In the midst of this mysterious fog, Lucius heard Bete's voice.

"Again..."

Before he could articulate a response, a devastating punch came from within the smoke. Swift and relentless, the blow hit Lucius before he could react, making his bones creak and sending him airborne.

"I won't last much longer now," murmured Lucius, feeling the throbbing pain in his body.

"Anyway, that was surprisingly fun, but now it's over," declared Bete, materializing next to the fallen mage. Before Lucius could offer any resistance, he was hit again, falling into unconsciousness.

A moment later, Lucius awoke abruptly. He found himself surrounded by the Loki family, while Riviera, with her stoic expression, applied healing magic to his wounds.

Lucius sighed, breaking the silence that had settled in the place. Everyone already knew he was conscious, but the atmosphere was tense, charged with the expectation of how he would react to this defeat.
The dust from the intense battle began to settle, revealing a training ground marked by explosions and powerful spells. Lucius, still recovering from his injuries, addressed the Loki family with a weak smile, self-awareness in his words.

"Did I lose really badly?" He asked, seeking validation after the confrontation.

"Hahaha, I wouldn't say that; you got him there," replied Gareth, the first to try to cheer him up, followed by Tiona's enthusiasm. "You may have lost badly, but you got Bete there!"

Even Finn, the captain, praised Lucius's unexpected performance. "They're right; I didn't expect that from you, as no level 3 in our family would have done better."

Tione added with a touch of humor. "Bete even had to go back to the room and change clothes because of the state you left him in. Isn't that right, Captain?"

While the compliments and comments unfolded, Loki, the mischievous goddess of the family, couldn't help expressing her displeasure, interrupted by a knock on the head.

"Anyway, can we talk about our deal? Once you change, of course," Riviera suggested calmly. Lucius, noticing the sorry state of his clothes, cast a repair spell, surprising everyone as his attire regenerated, leaving him impeccable.

"Well, that's quite handy..." Loki commented, breaking the silence.

"Teach me that!" exclaimed Lefiya before covering her mouth in embarrassment for drawing too much attention.

"That's a spell I'm not sure I can teach. Anyway, we can talk about your proposal," Lucius replied, directing his gaze to Riviera.

"Great, then let's use the meeting room. Follow me," said Riviera, getting up, while Loki quickly joined the scene, determined not to leave Lucius alone with Riveria.

Lucius sighed, beginning to follow the group toward the meeting room, passing by the Loki family members who were watching in the courtyard.

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