The Manaless Extra (A Progression Fantasy Story)

Volume 03, Chapter 120
Guzman vs Dominic [2]

The fire demon's greatsword ignites, blazing with a hellish radiance.

With a sweeping arc, it releases a massive fire slash, a crescent of pure flame that tears through the sky, setting the clouds ablaze in its wake.

Above, the lightning demon throws back its head, absorbing energy from the raging storm overhead. Its jaws split open as it unleashes a white-hot lightning beam.

"Disperse!" the original Dominic commands.

In an instant, all four Dominics veer apart, splitting into separate flight paths. Lightning and fire scream through the air, missing by mere inches as the clones dart and twist, narrowly avoiding annihilation.

The demons press their assault, relentless and precise.

The lightning demon tracks one of the Dominics, firing another beam that obliterates the air where the clone had been just a moment before.

Meanwhile, the fire demon soars after a second Dominic, hurling a barrage of fireballs while cleaving the sky with its flaming greatsword.

The Dominics fly in tight formation, dodging with supernatural agility. Suddenly, the fire demon spins in midair, hurling its greatsword at a clone like a spinning comet.

One Dominic twists, narrowly avoiding the lethal blade.

Another Dominic gathers [B]-Rank Mana in both hands.

"Dark Beam!"

Twin jets of darkness surge from his palms, spiraling toward the fire demon.

—BOOM!

The beams strike home, detonating against the demon's armored chest and erupting into a cloud of black smoke and embers.

The sky darkens. Then, an eerie orange glow seeps from within the smoke.

Multiple figures emerge, slicing through the haze with infernal speed.

Each stands at 6'2", their forms lean and unnaturally flexible, every movement radiating menace. Their skin shimmers like charred obsidian, fractured with glowing veins of magma. Hollow, furnace-like eyes burn from within their skulls, and living flames dance like spectral hair from their scalps. Red-and-black tattered cloaks trail behind them, constantly smoldering.

Each grips a segmented whip-sword of molten chain, alive with searing heat and hissing embers. Etched across their bare torsos are glowing runes, one rune per body, each pulsing with pent-up power.

"The fire demon split into nine!" a Dominic clone shouts across the battlefield.

Another clone, the one who fired the Dark Beam, calls out, "Original, any plans?!"

The nine fiery demons surge forward, splitting into two groups. Four charge one Dominic, and five hunt the other. Their whip-chains lash out, arcing through the sky, each strike trailing fire and brimstone.

The two Dominics dodge by flying side by side, but the chains twist mid-flight, following their every move with unerring, preternatural accuracy.

High above, the original Dominic's focus narrows. His Mana sense pulses, mapping every surge of hostile energy.

Suddenly, his instincts shriek. He dodges sideways, a split second before a bolt of lightning lances through where he had hovered.

He looks over at his clones, still dancing among the chain strikes.

"Hey! Stop dodging and break those chains!" Dominic barks, his voice cutting through the chaos.

No sooner has he spoken than another dense, deadly lightning bolt tears through the air, forcing him to juke aside again.

The Dominics weaving through the sky do not hesitate. In perfect unison, they spin mid-flight and aim both hands at the encroaching chains.

"Dark Beam!" they roar.

Twin beams of seething darkness tear through the air, targeting the living whips. But the chains twist unnaturally, coiling away from the attack like serpents. One chain lashes out, snaring a Dominic clone's ankle.

Searing agony lances up his leg.

"—Ngh!" the trapped clone grunts, forced to a halt as three more chains whip around his wrists and knees, binding him in midair.

Below, four of the fiery mini-demons laugh in distorted, inhuman voices. "Hehehehe!"

The second Dominic, dodging alongside him, sees what happens and shouts, "Shadow's Embrace boosted your strength! Rip them apart!"

The clone grits his teeth, summons the power of shadow swirling through his limbs, and pulls hard, wings beating furiously. With a violent snap, the burning chains shatter, fragments sizzling as they fall away.

He surges upward, putting distance between himself and the pursuing mini-demons.

The four infernal creatures shriek, claws outstretched, giving chase.

But the clone has already turned, eyes flashing with resolve. He gathers [A-] Rank Mana into his hand and levels his finger at the group.

"Dark Beams!"

Instead of a single blast, four streams of darkness erupt, each targeting one of the mini-demons.

The beams strike home, blasting through their obsidian forms. Each demon explodes into a cloud of glowing red embers, snuffed out instantly.

Elsewhere, the other Dominic clone continues his desperate dance among the remaining five chains. They spiral around him, closing in, trying to ensnare him from every angle.

But he refuses to be cornered. He shoots straight up, spinning in midair, then twists and points both hands downward.

"Dark Beams!"

Five simultaneous blasts of shadow energy, empowered by [A-] Rank Mana, tear through the air. The beams pierce the chains and drive into the five remaining demons, annihilating them in flashes of black light.

Original Dominic's eyes gleam triumphantly as the fiery demons vanish, reduced to embers. Now, only the lightning demon remains.

But his momentary relief shatters instantly as his instincts flare again.

He dodges sideways in a flash, narrowly avoiding a massive lightning beam that slices through the air like a celestial blade.

Behind the demon, a Dominic clone swiftly gathers [B+] Rank Mana and thrusts his palm forward. "Dark Beam!"

A torrent of shadow energy surges forth, but again, a glowing shield of lightning crackles into existence, effortlessly absorbing the attack.

"Tch!" the clone clicks his tongue in frustration.

"RAHHHH!" the demon roars in defiance, eyes blazing with fury.

Storm clouds churn violently overhead. Lightning bolts descend into the demon's body, charging it with an overwhelming surge of power. Dominic and his clones feel the staggering spike of Mana, each bracing against the pressure.

"Everyone, regro—!"

Original Dominic is cut off as the demon vanishes in a blinding streak of electricity.

It reappears instantly behind the clone that attacked it, claws crackling.

Before the clone can even blink, the demon's electrified claws tear straight through him, splitting him neatly in two.

The clone dissolves instantly into black smoke.

Dominic and his remaining clones watch, eyes wide with shock.

The demon flashes again, moving at impossible speeds.

Original Dominic's instincts scream louder. "Scatter!" he shouts desperately.

They disperse just in time; a claw slices through space where a Dominic had hovered a heartbeat ago.

"RAHHHH!" The demon releases a torrent of lightning in all directions, forcing the Dominics into a frantic, synchronized evasive maneuver.

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'The demon's speed and strength have increased dramatically. The Chrono Pendant alone isn't slowing it down enough anymore.' Dominic's thoughts race as he flies, narrowly dodging another searing bolt.

His eyes fall on the Chrono Pendant around his neck, then flick to his clones'. Unlike his own, theirs are not glowing.

Realization dawns. 'Could the Chrono Pendant's effects... stack?' he thinks.

"Both of you, activate your Chrono Pendants, now!" Dominic orders.

The two clones exchange quick, uncertain glances but nod, trusting the original's intuition.

"Activate!" they shout in unison.

—Tick-tock!

—Tick-tock!

Time slows dramatically. The once-blinding demon now sluggishly drags itself through the sky.

Dominic grins fiercely. He aims his palm, pooling every ounce of [A]-Rank Mana he can muster. "Let's end this!"

His clones mimic his stance, focusing their energy.

"Dark Beam!" they roar together.

Three massive beams of darkness collide simultaneously into the demon's electric shield, shattering it instantly in a brilliant explosion.

"Deactivate!" they shout as one.

Time snaps back into motion. The demon, battered and smoking, crashes violently into the earth, sending up plumes of dust and debris.

Dominic and the clones quickly land a safe distance away, observing carefully.

"It survived..." one clone murmurs warily.

"No surprise," the other clone replies, eyes narrowed. "Demons are built to take more damage than any human."

Original Dominic keeps his gaze steady on the crater.

"Grrrr…" A weak growl echoes as the demon stirs, struggling upright on trembling limbs.

The Dominics raise their guard, cautious.

But instead of charging, the demon suddenly recoils, letting out a pained screech. It claws desperately at its head, snarling and writhing in apparent agony.

Dominic watches carefully, puzzled by the creature's sudden, strange behavior.

"What's it doing?" one clone mutters, unsettled.

Dominic's eyes flash with insight. "The crystal, Guzman's crystal, is controlling it."

The clones turn sharply to him. "What makes you say that?" one asks skeptically.

Dominic's voice turns firm. "Remember when I pinned Guzman? The red crystal necklace glowed right before this demon appeared. That is no coincidence. Guzman is controlling the demon through that crystal."

"I see," the clone murmurs. "Then we should finish it—"

"No." Dominic raises his hand sharply, stopping the clones. "Do not kill it. If we break Guzman's control, we might be able to form a contract instead."

Both clones stare at him, stunned by the boldness of the suggestion.

"Smart move," one finally admits with a grin.

Dominic's attention shifts back to the town, still smothered in toxic purple smoke.

"Guzman's still hiding in there…," Dominic murmurs, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "I have an idea."

Both clones lean forward expectantly.

Dominic points decisively at the left clone. "You, stay here. Guard the demon and attempt communication. Only fight back if it attacks first."

The left clone nods reluctantly. "Got it."

Dominic turns to the right clone next. "Find Maurice. We need backup."

The clone hesitates. "I don't know exactly where he is."

"Use the Commlink," Dominic instructs calmly. "If there is no signal here, fly higher until you pick one up."

The clone nods firmly. "Understood. But Original, what about you?"

Dominic gazes toward the poisonous fog looming over Eñeforte Town. "I'm going inside to find Guzman."

Both clones immediately protest.

"Wait! Instead of diving in blind, why not blow away the smoke with a new spell? Maybe a dark tornado?" the left clone suggests.

"Yeah!" the right clone agrees. "There are three of us now—wait, how long until Shadow Clone recharges again?"

Dominic's eyebrows shoot up, and he grins widely. "Perfect timing! Shadow Clone Activate!"

Instantly, three clouds of black smoke erupt around him, materializing into three more perfect clones.

Dominic blinks in astonishment. "Wait… how? I thought the limit was three?"

Dominic and the clones exchange looks of surprise, then break into matching grins.

"Guess I did make the right choice," Original Dominic laughs.

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Arthur sits on the edge of the marble fountain, the gentle burble of water soothing his nerves. The gates of the Lyon chateau stand silent and proud beneath the golden afternoon light. For the first time in days, his thoughts drift—empty, peaceful—as he simply admires the tranquil beauty of home.

"Arthur."

Startled from his reverie, Arthur turns to his left. Uther approaches, carrying two cheeseburgers on a wooden tray. Despite his father's signature stoic expression, Arthur, who has studied that face for years, catches the faintest curve at the corners of Uther's mouth. That is his father's smile: subtle, but real.

"Father…" Arthur says, his voice softer than he expects.

Uther sits beside him and hands him a burger. Arthur accepts it with a grateful nod.

"Thanks, Father. Did you make these?"

Uther nods, almost bashfully. "Yes. Your grandfather used to make cheeseburgers for me when I was your age. I haven't cooked them in a long time. They might not taste as good as his."

Arthur takes a bite. The taste—warm, savory, and nostalgic—surprises him. He blinks, then looks at his father, eyes shining. "Father… this is delicious."

Uther's eyes widen in honest surprise, and a true, gentle smile blooms across his face. "Oh? I'm glad you like it."

He takes a bite of his burger, savoring the familiar flavors. Memories flicker across his face—a rare glimpse of vulnerability that Arthur quietly treasures.

Arthur finishes his burger in record time, licking the last crumbs from his fingers and smiling, content.

Uther raises an eyebrow, bemused. "Already finished? I've barely started mine."

Arthur blushes and looks down at his hands. "Sorry for my lack of manners, Father."

But Uther waves off the apology with a smile. "Don't worry about it. I'm just surprised by your appetite, that's all."

Arthur blinks. He had been bracing for a scolding but instead finds warmth and acceptance. His heart flutters in his chest. "I… love cheeseburgers. That's all."

Uther chuckles, shaking his head. "You're a Lyon through and through. We've always had appetites like lions."

"Hmmm…" Arthur murmurs, a small, embarrassed smile tugging at his lips.

Silence falls—gentle and companionable.

Uther finally breaks it. "By the way, you were amazing against Dominic earlier."

Arthur's cheeks turn bright red. He ducks his head, unused to such direct praise from his father. "T-thank you…"

Uther's voice grows more confident. "He had more Mana than you, but you used every skill, every trick you had. If you keep this up, you'll be the best student Verdant Arcanum has seen in years."

Arthur cannot find the words, so he looks down, fingers twisting in his lap.

Uther continues, more thoughtful now. "There's also your sword. It's unlike anything I've seen, even in the Lyon vault. Where did you find such a treasure?"

Arthur's heart skips a beat. He cannot possibly admit that he and Clark raided a forbidden temple to retrieve it. He forces a casual shrug, feigning innocence. "I… won it at the Galerie des Trésors."

Uther arches an eyebrow. "That auction house in the Eñeforte territory?"

Arthur nods, keeping his tone steady. "Yes."

Uther nods thoughtfully. "I never expected a relic like that to show up in an auction. By the way…" He hesitates, looking at Arthur with a curious glint. "Why didn't Dominic call me 'Uncle Uther' earlier?"

Arthur blinks, caught completely off guard. Does Uther suspect something? Does he know Clark is— He forces himself to remain calm.

He manages a shrug, forcing a laugh. "It was a formal duel, Father. Maybe he just wanted to keep things proper. Doms always has his way about things."

Uther considers this for a moment, then nods. "That makes sense."

Arthur smiles with relief, hoping the conversation drifts back to simpler topics—cheeseburgers, family, and peaceful afternoons by the fountain.

Suddenly, a white limousine—Lumi's limo—rolls up outside the gate.

"Lumi? Why is she back?" Arthur murmurs, immediately getting to his feet.

Uther, meanwhile, remains seated, methodically chewing another bite of burger as he watches his son's sudden burst of energy.

He sprang up the instant Lumi arrived, Uther muses, barely hiding a knowing smirk behind his stoic mask.

The gate swings open, and the limo glides in, stopping in front of the fountain. The door opens, and Lumi steps out with her usual graceful composure.

"Lumi, what are you doing back here?" Arthur calls out, concern, and something else, flickering in his eyes.

Lumi looks mildly embarrassed. "I forgot my… Commlink. I'm pretty sure I left it in your dining room."

Arthur's eyebrows shoot up. 'Lumi, of all people, forgetting something?' His lips curl into a teasing smirk. "Tsk tsk! Lumi, as the heir of Les Pilleurs de Portails, you really should be more responsible with your gear. What if your Commlink had confidential info?"

Lumi looks away, a faint pink flush on her cheeks. Her usually cool demeanor cracks just a little. "It just slipped my mind, that's all."

Arthur grins wider, arms akimbo. "That's not much of an excuse. What if there's confidential information on it? You never know who might get their hands on your Commlink."

Uther watches the exchange in quiet amusement, eating his burger and observing the unspoken tension with the eye of a patient father.

"Young Master! Master Uther!"

All eyes turn as Max comes stumbling toward them, breathless and disheveled, carrying a small, wide-eyed Clark.

Arthur, Lumi, and Uther's expressions shift to concern as Max staggers up and carefully sets Clark down before them.

"Young… master… Master Arthur…" Max wheezes, bent over with exhaustion.

"Calm down, Max. What happened? And… where's the limo?" Uther asks, standing and stepping closer.

Max struggles for air. "The town… Eñeforte…"

Before he can finish, Clark speaks up, voice trembling but clear. "The car broke! Max carried me the whole way. But big brother—he's in danger!!"

Uther's face darkens with concern. Arthur's eyes widen, worry transforming instantly into determination. Lumi tenses, her cool mask replaced by urgency.

"What happened?" Lumi demands.

Max takes a shaky breath, finally steadying himself. "The Eñeforte town—it's covered in poison mist. Dominic went in there alone to find whoever did it!"

Uther's jaw tightens. Lumi's eyes flash, instantly calculating the situation.

Arthur's hands tremble at his sides, his face going pale. Dominic… alone…

Lumi nods, her eyes like steel. "And as an Everheart, I will help too. I might not command soldiers, but I'll do what I can."

"As an ally of the Eñefortes, we cannot ignore this," Uther declares. "I'll mobilize Les Arcanes Éternels. Arthur, Lumi—"

But Arthur does not wait. Mana flares around him in a golden surge. "Flash of Merlin!" he shouts, and with a burst of light, he vanishes, streaking toward the horizon in a blur of speed.

"Arthur, wait!" Uther calls after him, but Arthur is already far out of earshot.

Uther shakes his head, sighing with a mixture of pride and exasperation. "That boy… he still leads with his heart. But I cannot blame him."

Lumi steps forward, determination on her face. "Should I go after him?"

Uther nods, his voice firm. "Please. But be careful."

Lumi kneels, a white glyph spinning beneath her. "Arctic Dragon's Descent!"

Snowflakes dance in the air, coalescing into a vast, majestic dragon made of living ice.

"Raahh!" the dragon roars, lowering its head.

Lumi forms an elegant staircase of ice and ascends to the dragon's back.

Clark's eyes widen with wonder. "Wow! A dragon… so cool!"

Uther, despite the chaos, manages a faint smile. "Impressive, Lumi. It is clear you've been working hard."

She smiles briefly. "Thank you, Monsieur Uther." She looks at Clark. "Don't worry. I'll help your brother. I promise."

Clark nods, hope shining in his eyes. "Thank you, big sis!"

With a final nod, Lumi urges her dragon forward. The colossal beast takes to the sky, trailing a flurry of snowflakes as it soars after Arthur.

Uther's expression softens as he watches her go, then turns to Max. His tone is deceptively gentle. "So… Clark tells me you crashed the limo."

Max pales, swallowing hard as he feels the weight behind Uther's calm words.

But Uther waves it off for now. "We'll discuss that later. For now, I need to gather the members of Les Arcanes Éternels. Max, go prepare the meeting hall."

Max lets out a shaky sigh of relief and hurries off.

Clark, still awestruck by Lumi's dragon, glances between Max's retreating figure and Uther, hope flickering in his tired eyes as the family's fate hangs in the balance.