The Frugal Mage

Rayven would target Seoryun's body if he were an enemy he must defeat.

However, since he was the employer, Rayven decided to be careful and gave a warning shot first, hitting the floor just a step away from Seoryun.

Thud!

The Mana Flick slightly burned the stone floor, leaving not a dent but a small burn on where it landed.

Seoryun's eyes sharpened. "It's Fast. No build-up. That's dangerous."

"You wanted a test…" Rayven replied with smile. "I can direct it straight at you this time. Just say the word."

Instead of flinching, Seoryun felt eager instead. He then smiled at Rayven and nodded.

"Alright…"

He then raised his sword into a guarding stance. "Good. Then aim for me."

Rayven took a deep breath as he had no issues with it.

His Mana Flick isn't some kind of instakill ability anyway. It could certainly hurt, but as long as he didn't directly hit Seoryun's eyes or throat, he should be just fine even after getting a couple of direct hits.

'Yep… I just have to target his shoulder… Or maybe his sword directly—No, the sword is too obvious. Maybe his chest instead… That's easy to protect.' Rayven thought to himself.

From Seoryun's stance, it should be easy for him to block the Mana Flick.

Soon, he felt Seoryun's aura.

He didn't have to use his Detect Mana Source or Appraisal to sense it… He just felt Seoryun's sword aura... He wasn't exactly sure if it was called sword aura, but Rayven could feel something.

"Mana Flick!"

Rayven said aloud to warn Seoryun as well…

Just like that, the mana 'bullet' shot out… Rayven knew that it was fast but not an instant shot. At most, it was probably faster than a crossbow bolt.

Ha!

Seoryun's blade moved slightly.

Ting! The sound rang as he parried the invisible strike, his wrist only shifting slightly from the impact.

Rayven clapped his hands as he saw his employer doing well... "You actually blocked it."

Seoryun let out a slow breath as he looked at his blade...

"No… You targeted my chest. I saw it in your eyes. If not that, I'd probably fail to block it." Seoryun muttered as he looked at his blade.

"I see. So even a small spell has weight behind it. It's a good thing I'm using this sword. If it's my practice sword, it will probably chip… Hmm… This is exactly the pressure I was hoping for."

He reset his stance as he was filled with anticipation. "Again. Harder this time. Don't hold back. I want to get used to it."

"Ahh… Before that, you mentioned you saw me targeting your chest?" Rayven asked curiously.

At this, Seoryun gently nodded.

"Yes… Mages normally look at their targets first. I just noticed that you're looking at my sword or maybe my chest, so I just lined up my sword."

Rayven was stunned. He didn't know there was a trick like that.

It was indeed impressive. It was no wonder this guy was called a genius.

Rayven smiled as he learned something. Next time, he had to be careful when looking at his target.

'Or maybe I should buy shades or something.' Rayven thought as he knew that he was bad at poker face, too. People might read him easily based on his reactions, and it might cause some problems for him someday…

"Alright, Sir Seoryun. I'll make sure that you'll get what you paid for."

Each Mana Flick cost him, but the thought of practicing against a real swordsman, and not sewer rats, made him a little excited. After all, it might be useful against Cedric as well.

"Just call me Seoryun, Rayven…"

"Got it!"

Just like that, their practice began…

"Mana Flick!"

The next shot streaked forward again. This time, Seoryun decided to see if he could dodge… He tilted his body, but he immediately realized how slowly he was and used his blade to deflect it sideways.

Ting! He successfully deflected, though the impact jolted his wrist again.

"Better! This time, you don't have to target my chest… Surprise me!" Seoryun said and Rayven did just that…

"Mana Flick! Mana Flick!"

Two Spells were cast at the same time!

Two shots came in quick succession, and this time Seoryun's eyes widened slightly.

He managed to deflect one, but the other grazed his shoulder.

Hssst!

A faint scorch mark blackened the fabric of his robe.

"Tch…" Seoryun let out a breath. He wasn't disappointed, though…

The female servants looked worried, and the guards seemed like they were about to suppress Rayven, but with just one look from Seoryun, they all froze…

After that, he looked at Rayven… There was excitement rather than frustration in his gaze.

"So that's how it feels when I fail to defend. Very well… again!"

Rayven obliged. He continued using his Mana Flick three more times, spacing them to force Seoryun's rhythm off.

The swordsman used various sword techniques that Rayven had never seen before and this time, Seoryun was successful.

Two Mana Flicks were parried, but the third slipped through and struck his thigh with a small burst of force.

"Gh…!" Seoryun's knee bent slightly, but he gritted his teeth and steadied himself.

Rayven paused, a little stunned.

'He didn't even cry out… He took that like it was nothing.'

Seoryun exhaled slowly as sweat started beading at his forehead. "Don't stop. I can still move."

"Alright then… Here comes another three." With this time, he would have thrown a total of 11 Spells, but he didn't mind. He'd still profit anyway.

Rayven fired once again. This time, not a continuous one, as he decided to see how Seoryun would work it out.

The first struck Seoryun's blade cleanly. It was parried. Furthermore, his sword still looked perfectly fine.

The second Mana Flick glanced off his shoulder… It was still a hit.

The third, on the other hand, smashed into his chest. This time, it was a direct hit!

Thud!

'Ugh… I'm not getting into trouble, am I?' Rayven thought as he saw the young master stagger back…