#147 - Hidden and Tracking Mantras

After using 'Sandstorm,' Velen erected a Shield Charm, enduring the incoming spells head-on. As expected, Charles shielded his eyes and leaped sideways to evade the sandstorm's range. Velen seized the opportunity and cast 'Reparo' on his feet, freeing his legs from the binding Transfiguration spell. Read more

Finally free, Velen broke out in a cold sweat, realizing he had almost been tricked. However, there was no time to relax. In the brief moment he released the Transfiguration, Charles, now out of the sandstorm's range, had already launched an offensive, sending several spells flying in a straight line, appearing as a single beam of light from the front.

"A hidden spell? I won't fall for that trick." With a glance, Velen recognized the deception. Charles's attack speed couldn't possibly result in a single spell. There had to be spells hidden behind it. Simply using a Shield Charm against a hidden spell attack would be suicide.

Anduin had taught them the art of hiding spells during their spellcasting training. This technique wasn't original to Anduin; he had learned it from the book 'Barnaby Finkley's Seven Spellcasting Methods.' He himself had used the trick of hiding spells within his 'Gemino Curse' to shatter the 'Aguamenti' spell during his duel with Yaxley.

Sensing the anomaly, Velen reacted swiftly, moving rapidly to evade. He couldn't afford to stay still. His Transfiguration skills weren't refined enough to cast from a distance like Charles. To avoid being hit again, he had to keep moving.

Charles controlled the series of spells, making them follow Velen relentlessly. This technique of tracking spells was another spellcasting method, requiring constant visual guidance and consuming magic. It seemed Charles was determined to go all out.

After dodging back and forth, Velen realized he couldn't shake off the tracking spells. He steeled his resolve, deciding to meet the attack head-on. 'Bring it on!'

'Avis!'

With a plan in mind, Velen sidestepped the series of spells once more and immediately retaliated with an 'Avis' spell. His control over conjuration spells wasn't as proficient as Anduin's, but he could barely manage to direct the flock of birds. In an instant, a dozen sparrows swarmed toward the incoming spells, but only a few collided with the leading magical light.

'Bang!'

The leading spell in the series detonated first, a small-scale 'Confringo' curse. The explosion scattered almost the entire flock of birds, and the few remaining stragglers lost control, fluttering away. However, the spells following the 'Confringo' continued their trajectory toward Velen with undiminished force.

The blast wave from the explosion nearly blinded Velen, but he knew this was a critical moment, allowing no room for hesitation. He quickly dove to the side, turning around as he fell, and, without bothering to get up, fired two 'Gemino Curses' at the series of spells that had turned to follow him.

Due to his fear of losing balance and accuracy, he opted for this wide-range, rapid-fire spell.

The 'Gemino Curse' had two applications. The first was to fire magical projectiles like a shotgun. The second was to apply it to objects, such as stones, causing them to split apart and scatter in one direction. Anduin had used this second method against the Water-Making Spell.

Velen was using the first method. With two bursts of magical energy, although his aim was slightly off, he managed to graze the incoming spells.

Immediately following were two explosive sounds, 'Pop!' 'Pop!' Two spells, one in front of the other, were struck, and the magical light was detonated and dissipated by the Gemino Curse.

Before Velen could catch his breath, a hidden spell emerged from behind the destroyed spells, continuing its trajectory toward him.

"A four-spell combo? Is he really going that far?" Velen muttered inwardly.

Velen was already exhausted. He estimated that Charles was probably in worse shape; remotely controlling spells was no easy task. As long as he blocked this spell, victory would be his.

With that thought, he sat up and summoned the last of his magic to erect a Shield Charm. This Shield Charm was noticeably weaker than his previous ones, but he figured it should be enough to block the final spell.

'Clang!' Another sound of colliding spells. As expected, the Shield Charm held firm against the incoming Stunning Spell.

But before Velen could celebrate, another spell appeared from behind the shattered magical light.

'Bang!' The final Knockback Jinx slammed heavily into Velen's collapsing Shield Charm. The protective shield lasted for less than a second before shattering, and the powerful impact sent Velen flying, tumbling in the air before crashing back to the ground. Lying on the ground, Velen's mind was a chaotic blur, with only his final surprise surfacing.

"A five-spell combo?"

The onlookers were shocked at the scene and prepared to rush in to help, but Anduin stopped them.

"The outcome hasn't been decided yet," Anduin said calmly.

"Huh?" The three were puzzled. Hadn't Velen been knocked down? They had clearly seen it. Then they turned to look at another direction within the arena and discovered that Charles had also collapsed on the ground, unconscious.

The three had been focused on Velen's actions, while Anduin had noticed it earlier. In fact, when Velen erected the Shield Charm, Charles had already collapsed from exhaustion.

Now it depended on who would stand up first. Anduin had sensed earlier that neither of them was seriously injured; they were mostly exhausted, so he didn't want to interfere with the duel and prepared to confirm the final victor.

Under Anduin's restraint, the remaining three didn't move, simply staring intently at the two within the arena.

After a while, someone finally moved. It was Velen!

Velen's physical stamina was already superior to Charles's. The Knockback Jinx hadn't caused serious injuries, only a slight dizziness. Now, gradually regaining consciousness, he struggled to his feet.

"Well, it seems Velen has won," Anduin nodded. The three beside him rushed toward Charles and, after discovering that he had simply collapsed from exhaustion, finally relaxed their worried emotions.