Chapter 139: Elementalist
After some time, one of the overseers, an older mage in gray, announced that the field would close for cleaning before the next group came in.
Rayven nodded to himself. He’d already gotten more than enough...
As he stepped out of the training ground, he glanced toward the tall central tower of the Mage Association.
From what the receptionist said earlier, the public demonstration would begin soon, at the fourth bell after noon.
Rayven checked the sky.
’Still a few minutes left... I should head there now.’
***
Rayven reached the domed building that housed the Arcane Demonstration Hall just as the third bell faded in the distance.
A line of attendees had already formed near the entrance. Many of them are students in apprentice robes, scholars with ink-stained gloves, there were even some merchants wearing jeweled brooches, and a few armored adventurers who likely came to broaden their spell knowledge.
It was indeed a place open to everyone.
He approached the entrance guard, who was holding a crystal tablet that glowed faintly with runes.
"Invitation or token, please..." the guard said in a polite but firm tone.
Rayven nodded and produced the token he’d received earlier from the receptionist.
The guard placed the token against the tablet-
Bzzt!
A small rune lit up in blue, confirming its authenticity.
"Validated. Section C, middle tier seating. Enjoy the demonstration..." The guard said as he collected the token.
"Thank you," Rayven replied before stepping past the entrance.
Inside, the grand hall seemed like a cathedral with its wide hall.
There was also a high ceiling, making the whole place look so grand.
The circular room was layered with tiered seating, and at the very center stood a circular platform for the demonstrator.
Dozens of mages were already seated, chatting quietly or scribbling notes on their notes...
’Hoh~ They’re all using my pen... Convenient, isn’t it?’ Rayven thought. He couldn’t help but smile seeing how everyone was using his Fountain Pen.
Nonetheless, he soon found his assigned section and sat near the edge, where he had a clear view of the stage.
His eyes subtly moved across the crowd.
He could instantly tell the difference between ranks and backgrounds.
Those wearing thick, glossy robes with gemstone accessories were undoubtedly from wealthy merchant families or noble houses. Their attire alone could fund an entire village.
Meanwhile, others were likely independent mages or low-ranking adventurers who wore faded uniforms and hand-patched cloaks. Their staves were even chipped or discolored from overuse.
And among them, one familiar figure stood out.
Sofia.
Her long blonde hair was very recognizable, and she wore the same elegant battle robe Rayven remembered when he met her in the Dungeon.
’I wonder what she did to those eggs...’ He mused.
Sofia was a Tier 2 Mage and one of the few adventurers in Hesa who had become a Gold Rank Adventurer.
’Didn’t expect to see her here...’ Rayven thought.
Sofia was seated a few rows behind, and her attention was focused on the empty stage. She looked calm but alert...
Then, a group of noble-born mages sat not far from her, whispering about how they expected the Tier 3 Mage Wallace Faldren to showcase something rare, perhaps even a new complex spell structure.
Rayven silently waited as well...
Soon, a voice echoed through the hall, magnified by sound magic...
"Esteemed guests, practitioners, and scholars... Thank you for gathering here today. The Mage Association proudly presents Master Wallace Faldren, a renowned Elementalist and member of the Arcane Research Division!"
Applause filled the room as a tall man in deep blue robes appeared at the center of the platform.
His presence alone carried pressure as the temperature dropped...
Wallace raised his hand, and the noise instantly died down.
"Today, we will demonstrate the synthesis of dual-elemental constructs. The fusion of Fire and Wind to produce advanced hybrid spells. This is not mere theory... but practical application."
He didn’t even bother introducing himself or talking about random things. He just got to the point, and Rayven appreciated that!
Soon, Wallace spread his hands apart, and his mana started to gather...
"Observe closely... The harmony of Fire and Wind is not merely coexistence... but synchronization."
He took a slow breath, then began his chant...
"Oh flames that dance with the breath of heaven--
Rise and intertwine,
Blazing Tempest!"
Rayven’s eyes lit up as he carefully watched the Tier 3 Spell get released!
Soon, a spiral of fire erupted... But unlike an ordinary Fireball or Flame Wall, this one pulsed rhythmically with wind currents, sustaining the flame instead of dispersing it.
It was like a living storm, swirling several meters high before collapsing inward with a thunderous roar and then vanished in just a few moments.
He did this quickly since he was worried that the mages would get hurt if the Spell lasted longer.
Gasps filled the hall.
Even Rayven’s brows lifted slightly.
[ Coinbound Archive: New Spell Structure Recorded. ]
[ Hybrid Element: Blazing Tempest (Rare) ]
[ Description: A dual-element spell combining Fire and Wind to generate a self-sustaining vortex of flame. Very destructive. ]
’It actually recorded it instantly... even Tier 3 spells are no problem, huh?’ Rayven thought.
Still, the demonstration had just began...
Wallace raised both hands again.
This time, the mana in the air grew denser.
Then, a faint static charge brushed against Rayven’s skin.
Wallace looked at the crowd and chanted...
"O thunder that rides the gale,
descend upon my will--
Stormlance!"
The space above the platform lit up, and a massive spear of lightning formed midair...
Then, three Mages in front released their Mana Shields!
It seemed that it was a coordinated demonstration this time.
The moment Wallace gestured forward, the Tier 3 Spell, Stormlance, was released!
Whoosh~
The lance shot forth like a cannon, piercing through the defensive barriers and stopping in front of the Mage!
[ Coinbound Archive: New Spell Structure Recorded. ]
[ Hybrid Element: Stormlance (Rare) ]
[ Description: Condensed lightning guided by wind currents. Capable of piercing high-tier mana shields. Casting time: 3 seconds minimum. ]