Chapter 106: Chapter 106: The Black and White Armor, Apprenticeship!
Chapter 106: Chapter 106: The Black and White Armor, Apprenticeship!
Having reached the dueling stage, sured by hundreds of onlookers and staff, Prolo Hawthorne found himself in a dilemma. He didn't want to agree to such a humiliating condition, yet he also didn't know how to refuse.
After all, it was he who had proposed this duel; backing out now would be too embarrassing!
"What's wrong, are you… scared?" Dean Bruce raised an eyebrow, echoing Prolo Hawthorne's earlier words, causing him to breathe more rapidly.
Prolo Hawthorne gritted his teeth and said, "Of course I'm not scared! It's settled th! If you lose, you'll hand over the Magic Faith Badge to me! If I lose, I'll respectfully escort you out the door and shout that I'm blind and didn't recognize you, oh great one!"
"Let's do it!"
With that, Prolo Hawthorne swung his staff, gripping it tightly. A faint dragon's roar suddly emanated from it, surprising Dean Bruce.
Upon closer inspection, Dean Bruce noticed that Prolo Hawthorne's staff was intricately carved with a dragon, and the crystal core embedded within seemed to contain a faint, shadowy dragon figure.
Clearly, Prolo Hawthorne's staff was not an ordinary item.
Prolo Hawthorne's lips moved as he quietly chanted a spell, gathering a powerful surge of magic, with a faint yellow glow manifesting a him.
It was evidt that the magic he was about to unleash was formidable, but Dean Bruce had no inttion of standing by idly while Prolo Hawthorne cast his spell.
Dadada...
The crisp sound of footsteps echoed as Dean Bruce slowly approached Prolo Hawthorne. Just as the magic was about to take shape, he extded his right hand and waved it casually.
Buzz!
A stream of black liquid surged forth, instantly veloping Prolo Hawthorne.
"Roar!"
A deafing dragon's roar erupted as a dragon silhouette shot out from the crystal core of Prolo's staff. However, the black liquid struck it, trapping it as if it were stuck in mud, leaving it unable to move and only able to emit a helpless cry.
With no chance for resistance, Prolo's spell was interrupted, and his head drooped as a wisp of his soul's shadow emerged.
"So weak!"
Shaking his head slightly, Dean Bruce knew others were watching the dueling stage. He didn't hold back and stepped closer to Prolo, delivering a powerful punch straight to his face.
As he swung, Dean Bruce activated the magic of Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain, making his body as hard as stone.
Having undergone system hancemts, combined with beastly blood and the mysterious spring water, Dean Bruce's physical strgth was already formidable. With the added magic, his punch st Prolo Hawthorne flying.
Blood poured from Prolo's nose and mouth, and several teeth fell out!
"Ah!" A sharp cry broke the silce as Prolo was jolted awake by the pain, feeling as if his tire body had fall apart, with pain radiating from every part of him, sharping his sses.
As Prolo Hawthorne lifted his head, his pupils dilated in shock. He saw a faint blue lightning bolt erupting, striking him with lightning speed.
Crackle!
The crisp sound of thunder filled the air as black smoke billowed from Prolo's body, rdering him paralyzed as he collapsed to the g, convulsing.
Dean Bruce showed no mercy. He formed a hand seal, and flames burst forth from within him, radiating intse heat.
The onlookers were stunned by the reltless display of magic.
Ev those stationed at headquarters, all of whom were at least high-level mages, were awestruck by Dean Bruce's fluid and overwhelming assault.
"Oh my God, he's casting so many spells in succession without pausing!"
"Not only that… these spells seem to be incredibly powerful!"
"He… he can cast high-level spells instantly?"
"No wonder he received the magic faith badge and the recognition from the guild leader!"
"It's tragic; Prolo has no chance to fight back at all."
The crowd sighed and shook their heads, secretly relishing the spectacle. Most of them had felt the wrath of Prolo Hawthorne at one time or another and were eager to see him face retribution.
However, just as the flames within Dean Bruce were about to burst forth, an elderly voice suddly echoed through the air: "Elder Dean, that's ough. The child is just throwing a tantrum; there's no need to take it so seriously."
"This is an SS-grade treasure, the Black and White Armor. Consider it an apology, and I hope you won't hold it against the child too much."
Whoosh—
With a rush of air, a suit of armor shimmering in black and descded from above, landing before Dean Bruce.
Feeling the immse magical ergy contained within the armor, Dean's eyes lit up, and he dispersed the flames within him.
Since others had paid to alleviate the situation, Dean was more than willing to let Prolo off the hook.
Besides, Prolo had already lost!
Ev though the paralysis effect of the Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain magic had worn off, Prolo Hawthorne still lay on the g, convulsing, his spirit crushed, and his gaze vacant.
He couldn't believe he had be defeated so quickly, with no chance to fight back at all!
Earlier, during sparring sessions with other high-level mages and ev archmages in the guild, he had managed to hold his g for a few exchanges. How had he lost so swiftly to Dean Bruce?
He didn't realize that those other mages had be holding back due to his status, which had giv him a false sse of his own strgth.
Now, his battle with Dean had shattered that illusion, leaving him in disbelief.
As he accepted the Black and White Armor, Dean Bruce chuckled lightly, "The vice presidt is being too modest; I was just having a fridly spar with Prolo."
Not one to let Prolo off easily, Dean looked up and smiled, "Prolo, you've lost. Stand up; it's time for you to fulfill your d of the bargain!"
Silce hung in the air, indicating that Vice Presidt Noze Hawthorne had no objections to the matter. He likely understood that Prolo had become too arrogant and, being the only heir of his family, was reluctant to take action against him.
Now that someone else was stepping in to teach Prolo a lesson without risking his life, he was undoubtedly pleased.
Prolo was completely dazed. It wasn't until Dean Bruce spoke again that he slowly regained his sses, unsteadily rising to his feet. His gaze fixed on Dean, he asked softly, "Can I ask what level of mage you are now?"
"Level?"
Dean Bruce replied casually. "A mage's power has nothing to do with rank; it's about your understanding of magic and your control over your own magical ergy."
"With the same amount of magic, differt levels of control can yield completely differt results!"
"…"
After hearing this, Prolo fell silt once more.
Just wh Dean Bruce thought he might try to weasel out of the situation, Prolo suddly dropped to his knees with a thud and solemnly said, "Meeting you has shown me what a true mage is! I… I wish to be your apprtice! Please, accept me!"
After speaking, Prolo Hawthorne didn't hesitate at all. He bowed several times to Dean Bruce, his forehead marked with red imprints, leaving the spectators of the Magic Guild astonished.
For years, Prolo had be a reckless presce within the guild, and now he was bowing before someone in front of so many people?
Moreover, he was asking to be an apprtice?
Nicholas William furrowed his brow, not wanting Dean Bruce to take on too many disciples, fearing it would diminish his own status.
A few disciples would certainly garner less favor compared to dozs.
However, Dean Bruce understood Prolo's inttions and shook his head with a smile.
His eyes narrowed slightly, he didn't refuse and said softly, "Whether you become my apprtice or not will depd on you fulfilling your d of the bargain first."
Prolo held a significant position, and if he could take him on as a disciple, it would be a considerable advantage for Dean Bruce.
After all, being an honorary elder would only grant him certain befits within the guild, but it wouldn't compel anyone in the Magic Guild to assist him against the Nine Provinces Alliance.
Taking Prolo as a disciple would be differt!
Once he became his studt, Prolo's family, including his grandfather, would inevitably get involved.
After all, with Noze Hawthorne as the vice presidt of the Magic Guild, how could they remain neutral?
"Hmm, I, Prolo, am not someone who goes back on my word!"
Prolo Hawthorne got up, suppressing his pain, and stepped forward to Dean Bruce, respectfully saying, "Master, please allow me to personally escort you out of here!"
"..."
The onlookers from the Magic Guild became excited at the sight of Prolo actually fulfilling his bet.
If they had the ability to record videos, they would have surely captured this momt to joy later.
Prolo, injured and moving slowly, led Dean Bruce outside, taking over t minutes to reach the trance.
As soon as they stepped out, Dean Bruce ssed something was off.
The area outside the Magic Guild's doors was packed, with no space to move!