Asher didn't have any Active Skills—Magic or otherwise.
That was because he simply didn't need one.
As someone who had extensive knowledge of Magic, as well as a very fast growth in terms of Levels—and by extension, Stats—there was no need for them.
He knew the Spells, and so his offensive and defensive abilities were high anyway.
With [Quick Casting], he could cast a Spell in a second, and with [Basic Elemental Affinity], he could utilize any of the basic elements.
His [Magic Knowledge] Skill allowed him to analyze his opponent's Magic Spells or Skills to a particular extent.
It also boosted the abilities of his own Spells.
With all these factors combined, Asher had always been confident in any fight he wound up in.
He had enough power and intelligence to emerge victorious.
Well… none of that confidence could be seen here.
Breathing raggedly, he clenched both of his fists and concentrated his Mana, his eyes turning a bright green.
"With this Sacred Word, I summon…" He muttered, causing more Mana to gather around him like a whirlwind.
Utilizing all the cards on his side, and also thinking of how best to survive longer when fighting his opponent, this was the best Asher could come up with.
"… Elemental Guardians!"
That very instant, four entities emerged from the excess Mana that swirled around Asher's body.
There was one who was bright red and orange, with traces of yellow. It was made completely out of flames, and it looked like a warrior with a flaming sword and burning armor.
This sentinel took a battle stance, and the others also took their positions.
There was one who resembled a gladiator—made completely of earth. It had green moss covering its body, but most importantly, it was gigantic and sturdy.
It had a massive shield, and if anything, it appeared designed for defense.
The third one appeared to be a ghost of wind, with a swirling breeze forming a man—an archer. This archer distorted the area around him with intense winds, and it stood proud.
Finally, there was one who appeared to be a priestess—or perhaps a Mage—made out of water. It had a hood covering its face, as well as a staff.
Everything was water, regardless.
The flaming warrior took the vanguard position, with the earth tank right behind it and in front of Asher.
The Wind Archer took the right flank, and the Water Mage took the left flank.
This was the current formation that Asher chose to employ, given that his opponent was right in front of him and was a straightforward opponent.
'I would have liked to summon a superior water elemental, since his main element is fire, but I can't summon any that's better than this one.
He could also only summon one kind of elemental at a time.
'At the very least, the other ones will deal some damage while she offers defensive measures against his flames.'
The Earth Tank was meant to absorb the damage done by his enemy's slashes, and the archer was meant to deal ranged damage while the flame warrior would directly fight.
'Currently, this is the best measure to take…'
It consumed a lot of Mana, sure, but Asher was confident that he could recoup enough for another Elemental Summon if they bought him enough time.
'I'll just maintain a safe distance and attack him with all of them. In case they need support, I might also need to pitch in.'
He could act as a second Water Mage, hence making it a battle of five against one.
'The odds seem to be in my favor, but that's ignoring who this man is.'
A head of sweat fell from Asher's forehead as he watched the man—Anukus, The Destroyer—remove his cloak.
His bare, well toned body embraced the darkness of the night, and the sparks of flames all around him served to highlight his immaculate form.
'He looks like an expert combatant, so I can't let him get too close!' Asher narrowed his eyes and took in a deep breath.
"Come!" Anukus yelled, stretching out his hands as if being a careless man driven into insanity.
'As you wish!'
~WHOOOSH!~
In one swift move, the Flame Warrior rushed forward, sweeping past the barrier of distance that separated it from the enemy.
Its flaming body danced as it raised its blade and prepared a heavy frontal assault.
As it did this, the Wind Archer slid a little further down the flank where it guarded, already aiming at the adversary.
The Water Mage already had a blast of water prepared in case of a Flame Spell from the enemy, and the giant orb of water only kept growing bigger.
As for the Earth Tank, it protected Asher with its bulky form and sturdy shield.
All of this happened within a moment, and by the time most of the new formation had been settled, the flaming warrior was already in front of the enemy.
~SWOOOSH!~
The first strike of both sharpness and intense heat radiated forth.
It would have burned the foe before finally cutting through their body like a hot knife through butter.
However, this strike did not connect.
The man named Anukus easily evaded the strike and appeared behind the Flame Warrior.
Asher—like one playing an intricate game of chess—controlled his puppets to strike from the distance.
~FSHOOO!~
Wind arrows whistled through the arrow, but Anukus easily evaded every one as well, twisting his body in a wild dance of expert combativeness.
As he did this, though, the Flame Warrior that he earlier evaded was right behind him with a heavier strike.
~BOOOOM!~
The earth split, and fire erupted from it as the Warrior's sword missed its target.
Anukus was right beside the blade, wearing a bright grin on his face.
As the Flame Warrior made to raise its blade to strike the enemy, combining its combat ability with the wind arrows that were on their way, Anukus cackled silently.
His brightly glowing crimson eyes showed something malevolent within.
"Alright…" A wicked tone erupted from his whisper.
"… Let's get a bit more serious!"
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Thanks for reading!
Hope you enjoyed the chapter. I know you're all waiting for it to end and for Asher to die.
Your wish just might be granted…
