Chapter 206: [203] : Nah, I'd win!
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During their patrol against the dark faction, Riveria and Gareth encountered Alfia.
Forewarned by Mika about Zald and Alfia, Finn had prepared them for such an encounter.
Therefore, they reacted swiftly, engaging Alfia without hesitation.
However, against Alfia, Orario's most prodigious talent, their defeat was inevitable.
Riveria, was particularly vulnerable.
One of Alfia's three magic abilities could nullify other magic, rendering Riveria practically helpless.
Only Gareth could hold his own, but even he, a Level 6 adventurer with enhanced strength and endurance, was no match for Alfia's sonic magic attacks, which had severely damaged his internal organs.
He had narrowly avoided being killed instantly thanks to his exceptional durability.
As he prepared to engage her in close combat, he witnessed the true extent of her frightening skill.
He saw in her swordsmanship a level of mastery comparable to Mika's.
"How?!" he exclaimed in shock, struggling to defend against her relentless assault.
"Nothing is impossible," Alfia replied with a smile, sensing his surprise.
"Although that boy stopped revealing his skills once he realized I was learning from him, I wasn't deterred. I only needed a moment of inspiration."
Gareth, hearing her casual admission of stealing Mika's techniques, gained a new appreciation for her title, "Monster of Talent."
"You truly are a monster."
"My, my, such unflattering words from a gentleman." She glared at him, then pressed her attack.
"Pierce!" Her blade pierced Gareth's defenses.
But that was just the beginning.
A normal fatal blow wouldn't even faze them.
Without hesitation, she withdrew her sword and thrust again.
....
Just then, an arrow whizzed past, forcing her to dodge.
She turned to see Riveria, who, at the start of their encounter, had unleashed her magic: Ecstasy Fimbulwinter.
However, her ice magic was easily nullified by Alfia's magic, and she had been swiftly incapacitated by a sonic attack.
After all, mages were generally more vulnerable in close combat.
However, as a Level 6 adventurer, Riveria's enhanced physique had prevented her from being completely incapacitated.
Knowing that Alfia could nullify her magic, she had quickly consumed a healing potion, retrieved her bow and arrows, and decided to provide support from a distance.
"It seems I'll have to deal with you first." Alfia smiled, swiftly dodging Riveria's arrow and shifting her focus, changing her trajectory mid-stride and charging towards Riveria, leaving Gareth momentarily stunned.
"Look out!" he shouted.
"I see her!" Riveria gritted her teeth, her fingers rapidly nocking and loosing arrows as Alfia approached.
As a mage, she always maximized her magic stat at each level up, neglecting her other abilities.
This was typical for mages. Alfia, however, was a magic swordsman with exceptional stats across the board, surpassing even typical magic swordsmen.
Her magic rivaled that of pure mages, and her close combat skills were on par with master swordsmen.
Riveria knew she couldn't evade; showing her back to Alfia would be a fatal mistake.
She unleashed a volley of arrows. Elves, besides their mastery of magic, were also skilled archers. Riveria, a prodigy among them, combined with Mika's earlier guidance, had reached a Higher level
Her arrows were incredibly dangerous.
Normally, facing such a barrage, one would stop to dodge.
After all, the arrows' speed was amplified by her opponent's charge. And speed was power.
But not Alfia. She effortlessly dodged every arrow, her movements fluid and graceful, leaving Riveria drenched in a cold sweat.
She felt like Alfia was seeing through her every move.
And she was right. Alfia had activated Transparent World, the same ability Mika used.
Thanks to her extraordinary talent, she had mastered it after observing him use it for just a few rounds.
This was why Mika, despite his intuition, hadn't been able to sense her presence earlier.
She had only revealed herself when she chose to.
"Is that all you've got?" She reached Riveria and, instead of using her sword, simply kicked.
Riveria raised her arms to block, but the impact sent her flying backward, coughing up blood.
Just as she was about to crash into a wall, a blur flashed past, and she was caught.
It was Mika.
He landed smoothly, holding Riveria in a princess carry, his gaze fixed on Alfia.
"We meet again, Aunt Alfia."
....
"...." Alfia's earlier amusement at Mika's arrival vanished, replaced by a surge of irritation.
"Brat, I told you not to call me that!" she snarled. Then, without even turning her head, she raised her sword to block a sudden attack.
"Clang!" Metal clashed against metal.
Riveria, cradled in Mika's arms, stared at the scene in disbelief.
"!!!" Alfia had blocked Gareth's axe swing with a single hand, her arm unmoving.
"Is that all you've got, dwarf?" She turned her head slightly, a smirk playing on her lips.
Gareth's face was grim.
"You're a monster," he muttered, feeling a dull ache in his chest.
Alfia's earlier sonic attack had severely damaged his internal organs.
He couldn't use his full strength.
Even so, that blow had contained eighty percent of his power, yet Alfia had blocked it effortlessly with a single arm.
Clearly, she was stronger than him.
He swiftly retreated, his gaze fixed on Alfia.
Mika's arrival would alleviate the pressure, but his own injuries were severe, and his condition was deteriorating.
For now, he could only provide support.
…
Seeing Gareth retreat, Mika nodded, then turned his attention back to Alfia.
"As promised, I'm here, Alfia." This time, there was no trace of mockery in his voice.
Alfia smiled. "I thought you were just making empty threats." Despite her words, she was pleased to see him. She had intended to seek him out eventually.
"I never make empty threats," Mika replied calmly. He looked at Riveria, gently setting her down, then turned to Gareth.
"Riveria, Gareth, head back. I'll handle Alfia."
"Absolutely not!" Riveria protested.
"Alfia is too strong. You can't face her alone."
"We made a promise."
"A promise doesn't justify throwing your life away." Riveria stepped forward, placing herself between Mika and Alfia.
Alfia, unconcerned, simply smiled and crossed her arms, waiting for Mika's response.
He sighed, then turned to Riveria, his expression serious.
He gently turned her around, placing his hands on her shoulders. "You're in no condition to fight."
Riveria, flustered by his touch, quickly regained her composure. "These are just minor injuries. I'm a Mage; I have healing magic. A few potions, and I'll be back to normal."
Mika smiled wryly.
She was right; adventurers were accustomed to fighting while injured and exhausted.
Their resilience was remarkable.
"Riveria, I intend to keep my promise to Alfia. I'm confident in my ability to survive, even if I can't defeat her. But your presence here is crucial."
"You've witnessed Alfia's strength firsthand. And Zald is likely just as powerful. Do you think Ottar can defeat him alone?"
"I doubt it. But with your help, they might stand a chance. Zald doesn't counter your magic like Alfia does."
He looked intently at Alfia. "While I keep her occupied, you can join forces with Ottar and defeat Zald. Then, together, we can defeat Alfia, and this war will be over. Think of how many lives we can save!"
Riveria couldn't deny the logic of his plan.
"Although I know you're being manipulative, I can't deny the appeal of ending this war decisively," she admitted, stepping back to look at him. "What are your chances of surviving against Alfia?"
"One hundred percent. And my chances of victory…are also one hundred percent," Mika replied calmly.
Seeing his unwavering confidence, Riveria chose to believe him.
"Alright, I trust you." She remembered Mika's performance against the Balor. He was capable of extraordinary feats.
"Let's go, Gareth. We're going after Zald."
"Understood." They turned to leave.
"Good luck, Don't lose Mika!" Riveria called out.
"Nah, I'd win!" he replied.
As they disappeared, Alfia chuckled. "I'm curious. What makes you so confident you can defeat me?"
"Nothing but…raw power." As he spoke, the ring on his finger glowed, transforming into a suit of armor that enveloped him.
Supreme Teigu: God Emperor's Might—activated.
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