Multiverse: Dimension Hopping Mage

Chapter 107: Newcomer Killer

"Almost there, huh?"

Looking at his current rank, Alex raised an eyebrow. The Sky Arena doesn't make you challenge opponents strictly by rank; instead, it gives you a range. For example, with Alex ranked 652, his opponents are from ranks 600 to 650. If he defeats an opponent, he gains their rank, while the defeated challenger automatically drops a rank.

Since entering the Sky Arena, Alex has defeated over forty mage apprentices. Admittedly, many of them were less than impressive. In his mind, Alex couldn't help but compare them to Charles and that destructive mage—these opponents were simply miles apart.

Now, Alex just hoped to encounter a few skilled mages to improve his rank.

"Ding."

Just then, a crisp bell sounded, followed by a voice in Alex's ear.

"Contestant #652, Contestant #500 has challenged you. Do you accept?"

"Oh?"

Hearing the magical prompt, Alex's eyes narrowed. He knew from his invisible servant that members with enough points in the Sky Arena could spend them to select specific opponents. But Alex hadn't intended to use this feature. His goal wasn't to target anyone in particular but to gradually understand the fighting styles across different ranks of mages. Still… it seemed he had caught someone's attention.

"Accept."

Alex chose to accept without hesitation, guessing that someone probably disliked him or simply wanted to have some fun at his expense. This "newcomer killer" game was all too common, especially in online games where high-level players camp at the beginner village's entrance to hunt new players. Many games now prevent PvP until a certain level to keep new players from quitting in frustration.

As a lead game designer, Alex always had ways to ensure those troublemakers ended up calling him "Grandpa."

The platform soon moved to another arena. Alex stepped off the platform and took his position. Moments later, he saw his opponent across from him—a mage wearing a dark robe, sporting brown hair and round glasses, with a crystal-studded staff in hand. He certainly looked more imposing than the apprentices Alex had faced before.

"So, you're that rogue mage from the Thunder Tower?"

The man's face showed unmistakable arrogance as he looked at Alex.

"Honestly, I didn't expect a rogue mage to defeat so many juniors in the Sky Arena… I have to admit, you've done well. But unfortunately, this is as far as you go."

With that, the man raised his staff.

"The Sky Arena is the White Tower's hunting ground. A rogue mage like you reaching this level shows real potential. But sadly, you're not a mage of the White Tower, so this is where your journey ends."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Alex raised his eyebrow. He understood the implications. The Sky Arena had been created to train mages from the White Tower. Those who hadn't earned a place in the White Tower were essentially free punching bags for practice.

As the man had put it, this was a hunting ground; rogue mages were the prey, and White Tower mages were the hunters. They would hone their skills by chasing down their targets and improving through the process.

But when the roles reversed, it was an entirely different story.

"So, you're just the White Tower's guard dog?"

"You…"

The man's face darkened at Alex's unfiltered insult, and laughter erupted from the nearby stands. Alex wasn't aware of this man's reputation, but the White Tower mages watching knew very well. Although a member of the White Tower, the man had limited talent and little chance of advancing. Rank 500 was his peak, and he used it as an excuse to stay put, frequently "educating" newcomers—especially rogue mages.

After all, the reason rogue mages are considered "rogue" is because their training is incomplete. The bespectacled mage, as a practitioner of conjuration in the White Tower, had undergone systematic training and kept a few trump cards up his sleeve, allowing him to consistently come out on top.

Although many in the White Tower disapproved of his actions, they considered it beneath them to deal with someone like him. But hearing Alex's blunt remark just now, several spectators couldn't help but find it amusing. To most mages, anyone who loses their drive for growth is no longer truly one of them. And for this bespectacled mage, who resorted to bullying newcomers just to maintain his position, they certainly held little respect.

On second thought, he really did resemble the White Tower's guard dog.

Hearing the laughter from the stands, the bespectacled man's face darkened further. He knew he didn't hold much status within the White Tower, but he was still somebody. Now, thanks to this damn rogue mage, a single remark had turned him into a mere "guard dog." He knew well enough that regardless of today's duel outcome, that nickname would spread throughout the White Tower.

"Fine."

With this realization, his expression grew even darker.

"You're quite arrogant for a rogue mage. I really can't stand you."

"Understandable, given that you look worse than I do."

"You...!"

"Hahaha!"

At this point, the audience had burst into open laughter. After all, Alex's jab had hit home. As they say, a person's face reflects their character, and this man's plain looks, combined with his round glasses and lack of a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, didn't exactly make him charismatic. Alex, on the other hand, was brimming with charm, with a C++ allure that made him the center of attention wherever he went, outshining most celebrities.

No one had noticed the difference until Alex pointed it out, and once they compared the two, they couldn't hold back their laughter.

"You... Fine!"

The bespectacled mage's face was now ghostly pale. He abandoned his usual approach of intimidating Alex. Typically, rogue mages would cower before him or hurl insults, but none of that had ever fazed him. He hadn't expected that this rogue mage could drive him to the edge with just a couple of remarks. He decided that enough was enough; words wouldn't win this.

"Prepare to witness the true power of a White Tower mage!"

"I'd advise you not to presume to represent the White Tower."

Looking at him, Alex smiled slightly.

"Honestly, if I were a White Tower mage, I wouldn't want you representing me. It's too embarrassing."

"You..."

If the bespectacled mage had heart problems, Alex's words would have given him a heart attack. He felt the eyes of those around him filled with disdain, contempt, and even schadenfreude. Clearly, just as Alex said, they wanted nothing to do with this guy as their representative.

"Die!"

The bespectacled mage was on the verge of tears. He hadn't expected his parting remarks to be twisted so effectively by this infuriating rogue. Now, he was certain—no matter the outcome of this fight, his standing in the White Tower was finished.

But before that, he had to vent his anger!

With this thought, he abandoned all restraint. Reaching out, he brushed his finger across his ring, and in the next moment, two brilliant flashes erupted. Emerging from the light, two massive white wolves, as tall as warhorses, fixed their fierce gaze on Alex, growling with fury.

So, a fellow summoner, huh?

Looking at the summoned white wolves, Alex was a bit surprised. But he quickly let out a sigh.

It seems this deserves some seriousness.

With that thought, Alex casually tossed aside his staff.

Then, he silently drew the Skybreaker Sword.

(End of Chapter)

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