Reincarnated as a Genius Mage-Chapter 52: A Murderer?

He lunges toward me— his sword aims to horizontally slash through my ribs. But I leap high, summoning two sigils high in the air and suspending them there. And I land behind him. My legs immediately rush toward his back waist area, hoping to get a front kick.

But.. he blocks it with his sword. He’s facing front but somehow, he managed to block my kick from his back with his sword hilt. And he turns to face me immediately. Then he throws his sword up— and he enters a combat stance, and he starts with a light jab which I parry— pushing it to the side, and I advance closer to him, and I land a punch on his shoulder.

In that small moment, his left fist flies— toward my face, and I side step. Dodging it as I grab his lunged hand— flipping him over my shoulder.

He rolls, and then stops. Then he stands up immediately with a wide smirk on his lips, and he leaps.

I crouch, waiting to counter attack as soon as he lands a punch. But he doesn’t leap toward my direction, and instead he catches the sword that he threw seconds ago!

And as he catches it, he rolls, and stands up again. Then he swings the sword on the air like he’s wiping away dust from it.

Shing!

And then a warm silvery hue of light coats the blade.

The floating sigils that were left suspended in the air on purpose rain down fireballs on him. And he slashes them— advancing toward me.

His sword is raised high in the air. And he swings it from afar. A diagonal arc of silvery hue propels toward me. And I jump over it.

And then I throw a kick on the air with my flame coated legs. A horizontal flame arc of my own propels toward him which he cleaves with his sword, and he gives me a cocky smirk.

This is taking too long. Time to end it. I’ve seen enough.

And I advance in that moment— covering the distance between us.

"Fiery Discord: second level— body bomb."

Immediately, my body starts quaking.. I’m awakening a technique that’s above my level. It’s supposed to be used only when I’ve acquired my second circle. But, I’ve had enough. And honestly, I can defeat him without this. But it’ll take much more time.

And as the burnt wooden roof fall and collapses with the entire building. I can see the moon slowly retreat. It’s almost morning.

"You fight like the Famed Flameworths of the west. Those terrifying beings that are Flame mages of different breeds, they’re said to be able to defend their selves with combat. Not only hurling spells from a distance like the norm."

Why is he talking so much?

"Blank. Who taught you? I’ve not fought many mages. But I can tell that whoever taught you. Taught you well." He speaks.

My entire body vibrates— and flame begins to permeate from my skin— strengthening my body like a hide.

And then I raise my hand up, and I clench my fist.

"You should choose your last words wisely, Raiden." I speak as the heat surges through my veins like a tidal wave. Not my artery, not my mana pathway, but my veins.

"I see, Blank. But I am not a man deserving of last words. So, If I am to die, then I’d die like this. After all, who would want to remember the last words of a man like me?" He speaks.

"Are those your last words?"

He doesn’t reply.

And I nod.

You had the right goal, but went about it the wrong way. You’re not a bad man. But neither are you a good man. And I know I have no right to judge.. but as a man who has experienced living in two worlds. I can say with all my heart, that in neither worlds are you right.

That’s the thing about humans...

I advance toward him— covering the distance between us.

"You know what? I don’t need to fight anymore. It’s hopeless. You’re stronger.. It’s so hopeless. Like my life, everything I worked so hard for.. it was all stupid." He drops his sword, and it clinks on the ground as he drops to his knees.

And I clench my fists tight— working on his jaw, and eyes as he surrenders.

No matter where...

I keep punching him. His breath’s getting more shorter by the second.

His eyes are swollen, and now he can’t even speak anymore. But I keep punching.

"I.. I just— I just wanted.. I just wanted a world without noble harassment.." he whispers. Just loud enough for me to hear. But I don’t listen, and I keep hitting.

No matter the world...

I’m scared. I’ve never killed before.. what— what if he dies? I don’t really want to kill him.

The thing is...

No! I came here prepared to do anything to get stronger! Isn’t this just part of what I need to do? Yes. To get stronger. That’s right.

Humans will always be humans.

The house has fully collapsed now— leaving ruins of burnt wood, and the thick smell of burnt flesh floating in the air.

Raiden is passed out on the ground. He’s not dead. But even as he’s passed out, his lips are curled up with a bitter smile.

And I’m sitting on his stomach.. my heart’s pounding. And my breath’s coming out in loud gasps as my chest rises and falls, and then I snap out of my daze.

I was too into it. I almost killed him. If it wasn’t for this man who stopped me—

I turn my neck to get a neat view on the blonde mercenary grinning with his arms folded, and his eyes focused on me.

And I take off my robe. My body’s soaked with sweat.

"You almost killed him, you know." the blonde guy speaks.

He’s right. I would have killed him if he didn’t grab my arm at the last minute.

"The guild task didn’t demand his death. They need him alive, to torture him as punishment for attacking one of their sponsors.. a noble— who wants him to suffer. You’re lucky I also chose this task without knowing you already had. If you had killed him.."

They plan to do what?

Immediately I hear his words, my eyes flicker toward the sword lying next to Raiden’s limp body, and I grab the sword immediately. My fingers trembles slightly at the hilt, but I ignore it, and I slash his throat.

Blood spurts out of the open streak, splattering on my face. And I throw the sword away.

He was a bad guy. But he doesn’t deserve the torture the guild’s planning for him.

"Wait! Are you crazy! What the hell is wrong with you lad! Do you know what you just di—"

"I will accept any punishment." Immediately I say this, I stand up. Adjusting my mask on my face, and hanging my robe on my shoulder, and I start walking away from him.

"What the hell Blank?! "

His voice fades as I walk far away from him. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

But.. my heart.. it keeps drumming, and my hands keep trembling.

My legs are too shaky. And as I walk, my knee threatens to give out.

That was.. that was the first time I’d ever killed. That..

My stomach gurgles, and hot bile rises from within, tugging at my throat.

I killed that man. I.. I killed him.

I’m tired. I’m really really tired.

I’m going to the mercenary guild first to collect my reward. And then, I’m going home— to Jennette, and warm food.

But wait. Food? I’m talking about food? When I just murdered a man? I..

"Heok!" I exclaim as I barely hold in the vomit. And I cover my mouth with my trembling hands.

No.

No..

No...

It wasn’t my fault.

Yes, he had to die.

Or else, he’d have gotten a fate worse than death. So I saved him..

Yes...

Chin up Edward! You’re not a murderer!

–Huff– –Huff–

And I walk away, heading to the guild.

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