-24- Battle of the Mages

"Crush him, Boss!"
"Show those poor wretches from the Blackwater District what we're made of!"

Retreating to a mountain of trash to observe the spectacle, the two lackeys took on the role of cheerleaders. Within the clearing, which was roughly the size of a basketball court, both boys flashed with a momentary emerald glow. In the next second, to Rosalind’s astonishment, the two youths—both novice-level mages—immediately grappled with each other. They kicked stomachs and struck heads, looking completely devoid of anything resembling magic.

Rosalind was stunned. This was nothing like the mage duel she had expected; it was no different from a common brawl between neighborhood brats. The only difference was that during the scuffle, runic rings occasionally appeared on their skin, suggesting they were using some form of body-enhancement magic to improve their physical stats, stamina, or recovery.

*How is this supposed to help me learn?* she wondered. *But they are elite students from Black Tower Middle School. Is this the actual level of their peers? Since I was taught by a master—a reclusive expert—it’s only natural that I’d be stronger than them...*

As she thought this, Rosalind suddenly realized a crucial point she had previously overlooked: in this world, the monetization of knowledge was absolute. Any magical technique had to be purchased through official channels; otherwise, one risked imprisonment if reported. Consequently, as novice mages, neither Hans nor Gabriel had many techniques at their disposal.

She, however, was different. Her teacher was unfathomable, a top-tier expert even in her dreams, who freely bestowed upon her many "S-grade" super techniques. In that case, wasn't it only natural for her to be powerful? It wasn't necessarily that she was exceptionally gifted; it was just that the techniques her teacher gave her were far too powerful! If anyone else had received these techniques, they would have become strong, too!

With this realization, Rosalind tempered her pride and continued to observe. The fight was nearing its conclusion—Hans, having learned some grappling techniques from somewhere, had Gabriel in a tight chokehold, his arm muscles bulging with the strain of giving it his all.

"That’s it, brother!" Mary cheered, pumping her fist.

Just then, the entire mountain of trash shook violently. A pillar of fire rose two hundred meters away, painting half the sky a deep orange, while metal debris launched by the shockwave rained down around them.

"What’s going on?" Hans asked, refusing to let go.

Gabriel grew alert and shouted to his lackeys, "Go see what’s happening!"

A minute later, the two lackeys returned on their hoverboards, their faces pale with terror. "Boss, it’s a gang! A gang war is breaking out! We have to go!"

"A gang?!" At the mention of that, Hans immediately released his grip, allowing Gabriel to break free. Gabriel didn't retaliate; after catching his breath, he said, "This doesn't count... let's get out of here!"

"Doesn't count? You were about to lose!" Mary’s focus remained on the duel, convinced that Gabriel was just trying to dodge the humiliation of crawling and barking like a dog.

Ignoring Mary’s taunts, Gabriel stepped onto his hoverboard, preparing to leave with his lackeys and his bodyguard golem.

However, the next second, accompanied by a strange sound, a searing fire-element projectile slammed down directly in front of the three of them, causing them to collide in a pile as they failed to brake in time.

Rosalind and the others looked up to see a shirtless gang member standing amidst the smoke, grinning down at the teenagers. He held a runic firearm. Though she didn't know its class, no one doubted that a single shot could instantly kill any of the children present.

"We were just planning a raid on the Gutter Gang, but look at this unexpected harvest. Hahaha," the gangster laughed. He was unremarkable in appearance, but his clothing was peculiar; beneath his jacket, a layer of pitch-black bone covered his torso, looking like demonic armor.

Rosalind stared at his armor. Based on the knowledge she had picked up recently, this was likely a bio-prosthetic from the Scale-Shedding Organism or Spirit Vine Corporation. These were essentially magical creatures that lived in symbiosis with a host, surviving on the nutrients and mana provided by the host while offering protection through external armor or strength enhancements.

"W-we’re just passing through! You guys handle your business, don't drag us into it!" As a local, Hans was much more composed. "My father is Dr. Hoffman from Acid Street! He’s treated you lot before!"

"Acid Street? That’s the Skull Brotherhood’s territory! What does that have to do with us, the Mad Dog Gang?" The gangster spat.

"...Oh, so it’s not you guys," Hans said, looking awkward.

"Tin-Can, what the hell are you doing? The Gutter Gang has already run off! Get over here and help!" Another gangster appeared shortly after. Unlike the one called "Tin-Can," this man’s right arm was covered in a layer of thin, green, plant-vein-like skin. Between the emerald, white light flowed, outlining countless tiny runic rings that flickered like breathing lights—evidently a plant-based bio-prosthetic.

"Who cares about the Gutter Gang? Luver, look at these kids. They’ve got hoverboards and a bodyguard golem. They’re clearly from rich families. Isn't this more important than the Gutter Gang?" Tin-Can said with a grin. "Make their parents pay up—at least a million each! We’ll be set!"

"Hey! You’re right!" With that, the two gangsters immediately began calling for backup on their channel, preparing to hold the group for ransom.

Hans, Mary, and Gabriel were frantic. Being caught in a gang war was far beyond anything they could have anticipated, and resisting was utterly impossible.

"My father is the Operations Director at Black Tower Pharmaceuticals, you... you can't do this to me..." Gabriel shrieked, his face deathly pale as he saw more gangsters approaching.

But...

"Damn it, Black Tower Pharmaceuticals? I hate company dogs, especially the ones from pharma companies!"

Hearing Gabriel’s words, Tin-Can’s grin grew even more sinister. "Do you know how much I paid for Black Tower’s medical services back in the day? I asked a question about a stomach ache online—it took all of three minutes, and they billed me eight thousand!"

He raised his weapon, aiming the muzzle of the runic gun at the trembling Gabriel. "And now you’re trying to scare me with Black Tower? I’m going to kill you right now!"

"Ah—" Gabriel screamed instinctively, as if he could already see the fire-element round melting through his body.

But just then, a gale-force wind erupted within the junkyard! It came from nowhere, yet it swept up metal debris into a defensive barrier, obscuring vision and knocking many of the ordinary gangsters to the ground.

Seizing the opportunity, Rosalind grabbed Hans and Mary, barked a "Move!" at the stunned Gabriel and his group, snatched up Gabriel’s hoverboard, and prepared to flee.

The recovering gangsters were unwilling to let them go, but as soon as the wind died down, they were intercepted by the bodyguard golem. Simultaneously, two crimson runic rings manifested in the air, spraying fire at the gangsters.

As a junior version of "Flame Dance," the power was leagues away from what Yvette could cast, but for Rosalind, the goal was cover. Even if it only served to block their vision, it was enough.

Rosalind didn't stop casting "Wind Mastery," channeling the gale to boost the hoverboard. In an instant, they shot forward, moving faster than the runic projectiles could chase. With the bewildered but desperate Gabriel and his companions in tow, they vanished into the back of another mountain of trash in a flash of cyan light.