Lu Cang reveled in the joy of mastering new magic.
Compared to Tier One spells, Tier Two spells were far more flexible and versatile.
Tier One spells were almost exclusively offensive, with very little difference in their functionality.
But Tier Two spells already had effects like generating terrain, blowing enemies away, clearing away mist, and summoning entities for continuous attacks.
"Hmm... That should be enough for today," Iz said, nodding with a faintly satisfied smile after he finished teaching the Shadow Mud Technique.
"Master Iz?"
"Only six? I can still learn more."
Lu Cang was still brimming with energy; mastering new magic was a true joy.
"Exploring the path of the Demon Dao is a gradual process. While you learn, you also need to think for yourself."
"I know you could learn more spells. If I were willing to teach you, you could even learn every Tier Two spell I've mastered..."
"But that would deviate from the true purpose of the Demon Dao."
"Lu Cang, remember... we are on a journey to explore the Root Source of the Demon Dao."
"And exploration is more than just learning."
...
Lu Cang tempered his excitement and nodded. "I understand, Master Iz."
'Iz is a very good teacher.'
'His understanding of magic is much deeper than mine.'
Moreover, Iz's words reminded Lu Cang of the Advancement Ritual.
The advancement process was a chance to display the results of one's pursuit of the Demon Dao.
And those results weren't just about how many spells one had learned.
"Come."
Iz walked to the center of the training ground.
"You've learned many spells, but you haven't experienced much combat."
"Your Spell Mastery Level is very high, but your combat skill is still that of a Level 1 novice."
Iz raised a hand toward Lu Cang. "Attack me with all your strength. I will only use the Magic Power of a Level 2 Mage and a mix of Tier One and Tier Two spells to counter you."
"Don't hold back. I'm far stronger than you think."
Lu Cang asked respectfully, "Master Iz, does this mean you'll be fighting me as an equal?"
An image of his Ice Shuttle piercing Iz's chest flashed through Lu Cang's mind.
Izparut laughed brightly. "That's right."
Lu Cang lowered his head, holding a formal bow. "Master Iz, I'm afraid I might hurt you."
BOOM!
Thunder Flash (Level 101)
A triple cast!
Almost simultaneously, forty-two Ice Shuttles materialized, surrounding Iz from all directions—front, back, left, right, above, and below.
In the next instant, they shot toward Iz!
Ice Shuttle (Level 101)
A triple cast!
SWOOSH!
Three Stone Walls erupted, instantly boxing Iz in!
A Gathering Flame Ball condensed in the sky and plummeted down!
A Silent Wind Swarm had already formed, completely merging with the natural winds swirling across the training ground.
Though silent and traceless, a single touch from this wind would leave a gruesome, bleeding gash.
A Holy Light Cross pinned Iz's shadow to the ground.
A Curse Arrow, hidden within the shadow of the Stone Walls, shot toward Iz, following the path of darkness!
Punching Pillars erupted from the three Stone Walls, crushing in on Iz from three different directions!
Vines burst from the ground!
'Heh...'
'Worrying about him getting hurt?'
'I wasn't going to worry about that anymore.'
'Kumironi told me that if I ever got another chance to hurt him, I should go for the kill.'
'If he really got himself killed by a Mage below Level 7, then he deserved it.'
'Since he's held in such high regard...'
'...Then let's see if you're really all that powerful, Iz!'
BOOM!
[God·Multiple Spells]
In a single instant, he unleashed every spell he had mastered!
Every single spell was a Triple Casting!
In that moment, through a crack in the Stone Wall, Lu Cang clearly saw a flash of astonishment in Iz's eyes.
'Heh, Iz. Even you didn't expect me to have changed this much, did you?'
But then, the corners of Iz's mouth curled into a smile.
"As expected of my apprentice."
He hadn't spoken aloud, but the thought instantly flashed through Lu Cang's mind.
The very next instant, BOOM! Ice Shuttles collided with searing flames, the Flame Ball was extinguished by a pillar of water, the Curse Arrow was pinned by the cross... and the Stone Wall was demolished by a Majestic Stone Arm.
The Vines were scorched by fire, the Wind Blades were scattered by a violent gust, and the crackling thunder was neutralized by a reverse flash of red lightning!
All Lu Cang could see was a dazzling storm of Elements sweeping past, and the offensive he had constructed was obliterated as if it were nothing!
Beyond Magic—Ice Wave Technique
Beyond Magic—Majestic Stone Arm
Beyond Magic—Anger Water Skyward
...
Lu Cang could tell that the magic he was using wasn't just ordinary, well-practiced spells.
They were the same as his own. They were Beyond Magic.
And he was also casting simultaneously, unleashing multiple spells in an instant, completely ignoring the conventional Rules of Casting.
Their exchange happened in the blink of an eye. Lu Cang's spells had barely formed before Iz swept them all aside!
'Such fast reflexes.'
'He even countered my fastest Thunder Flash.'
'It's as if it's impossible for him to be too slow to react!'
But—
Thunder Flash
BOOM!
The moment the Thunder Flash was neutralized, another one immediately exploded in front of Iz!
Ice Shuttles formed once more!
In a flash, all the spells were cast again!
Iz raised his hands high, striding toward Lu Cang.
BOOM!
The Elements exploded around him!
His spells collided with Lu Cang's, erupting in a kaleidoscope of colors across the training ground!
His expression was one of sheer excitement.
"Oho!"
"Little Lu Cang, you never fail to surprise me!"
'Is he really only using the Magic Power and spells of a Level 2 Mage?'
'He's a monster, isn't he?'
'Can't beat him? But I have two Divine Talents!'
'If Skill Evolution is a growth-oriented Talent, then Multiple Casting is purely for combat power.'
'Unleashing all my spells at once, compared to casting them one by one, increases my combat power a hundredfold.'
'Spells can create synergies and combos, especially with... Triple Casting.'
Iz's tone was joyful; seeing Lu Cang's growth made him extremely excited!
"You're still just trying to overwhelm technique with brute force."
BANG!
In that instant, all of Iz's spells burst apart!
He transformed his magic, casting the exact same spells as Lu Cang.
However, he only cast a third of the number.
BANG!
And yet, Ice Shuttle collided with Ice Shuttle, Flame Ball clashed with Flame Ball...
Even though they were the same spells, under his control, they completely suppressed Lu Cang's, which were three times as numerous.
"Magic is also about technique."
"Using the techniques of Casting..."
WHOOSH!
But just as Iz, who was planning to go easy and calmly teach Lu Cang how to apply his spells, was speaking, a fine, bloody line appeared on his cheek.
Iz lightly touched his cheek and saw a drop of blood on the back of his hand.
"Master Iz, is this what you meant?" Through a strained smile, Lu Cang revealed a hint of confidence from having landed a hit.
In Lu Cang's eyes, Iz could see an emotion he could only call "defiance."
[Silent Wind Swarm—Instantaneous Wind Blade]
It was the pride of one who refused to be underestimated, the pride of one who believed he would not lose to Izparut.
It was... the arrogance of one who believed he would become stronger than Izparut.
'How long has it been since I've seen a look like that?'
'No, it's not a matter of how long. I've... never seen it.'
'Never before has anyone believed they could be a stronger Mage than Izparut.'
'What I've always seen is the humility of a student being guided, the respect of one receiving instruction, and the resignation of one who accepts defeat as inevitable.'
'Never once has there been... the arrogance to think, 'I can surpass him.''
"Haha—HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA—!!!!!!"
Iz threw his head back and roared with laughter!
"Excellent!"
"An excellent expression!"
The Elements were seething!
Lu Cang could feel Magic Power surging, roaring! It was a completely different sensation than before, an oppressive pressure he had never experienced!
"I underestimated you, Lu Cang! You are a powerful Mage!"
"You are worthy of being treated as a true opponent!"
The Magic Power pressed down like gravity, making Lu Cang's body feel heavy.
The figure of Izparut before him seemed to twist within the dense Magic Power, as if he were transforming into a pure shadow. All that was visible were the corners of his mouth pulled into a wild, unrestrained grin, and his eyes, which shone with excitement.
The Elements seethed—
The Silent Wind Swarm filled every inch of the training ground. Every wisp of wind was now a Wind Blade!