The Return of The Mythical Archmage [EN]: Chapter 88

The Rebirth of the Mythical Archmage-89

After Korea’s victory in the fourth match, the tiebreaker,

Another day passed.

It was the 9th day of the Olympiad.

“The 107th Olympiad is already a third of the way through.”

“I’ve been commentating on this Olympiad every year, but this year, time seems to be flying by.”

“Haha. Isn’t that because the matches are so exciting?”

20 minutes before the match started.

The caster and commentator were, as usual, bantering and setting the mood for the arena.

“The stands are completely packed. It seems we’re not the only ones who find this year’s Olympiad interesting, wouldn’t you agree?”

A huge cheer came from the audience in response to the caster’s words.

“Thank you!”

The caster bowed his head, seemingly excited by the enthusiastic response.

“The heat in the arena is something, but the enthusiasm of those who couldn’t make it to the arena is no joke either.”

“That’s right! The match hasn’t even started yet, but the viewership ratings have already exceeded 1.4 times last year’s!”

“To all the viewers, commentator Raymond sends his deepest gratitude for your passionate support.”

The arena was packed with spectators.

The viewership ratings far exceeded the historical average.

This year’s Olympiad was a resounding success, far beyond expectations.

Even the adult tournament held every two years wouldn’t be this popular.

“Well, let’s stop the small talk here. Let’s start explaining today’s match, Mr. Raymond.”

The caster naturally passed the baton to the commentator.

“Yes. Today’s fifth match is a Territory Capture, a simple rule where the team with the most territory at the end of the time wins.”

The rules themselves are really simple.

Capture as much territory as possible and defend the captured areas.

It’s a really simple match where that’s all you need to think about.

Since 8 teams are competing simultaneously, complex rules would only be a hindrance.

Of course, just because the rules are simple doesn’t mean the game is simple.

Street fights with no rules are the scariest.

The simpler the rules, the more brutal the match.

Commentator Raymond continued to explain the details of the Territory Capture for a while.

“Well, I’ve explained it simply, but I’m sure everyone here knows this already.”

From the audience, there were shouts of ‘Why are you saying that now!’ and laughter erupted from all directions.

Everyone seemed very excited.

“I’m sorry. This is my job. Please be kind to me.”

There were boos from all around. It was a reaction to Raymond, a dark-skinned man, asking to be ‘kindly looked upon.’

Of course, it wasn’t a sincere reaction. Everyone was just reacting to the atmosphere and having fun.

“Oh dear. It seems like the atmosphere that was just heated up is about to cool down thanks to commentator Raymond. We need to quickly move on to introducing each team.”

The caster, riding the wave of the atmosphere, naturally continued the proceedings.

“First, among the audience members here, half of you will be cheering for this team. The USA, Harvard Academy team!”

With the caster’s call, a holographic panel appeared in the center of the arena. A holographic screen with a brief profile of the US team’s participants.

“Today’s match will feature the treasure of the United States! Dahlia Salentia!”

The audience cheered at the name ‘Dahlia Salentia’.

“And next, a team that 1/3 of the audience will cheer for. The UK, Oxford Academy!”

The screen changed, and the UK team’s entry list appeared.

“Waaaaah!”

At that moment, the entire audience was filled with cheers.

“Similarly, the whirlwind knight, Kyle Bentia, will participate!”

Not only tourists from the UK who came to support their country, but all the spectators, including Americans, cheered.

“It’s Kyle versus Dahlia!”

“I’m glad I came!”

It was only natural.

It’s good to see your own team doing well, but nothing is as fun as watching a fierce battle against a powerful opponent.

“Oh. It seems the news has already spread online. The viewership ratings have jumped significantly.”

“Kyle Bentia and Dahlia Salentia. This is a great opportunity to see the named power of these two geniuses.”

Viewership ratings are their power.

The caster and commentator became even more excited and exchanged words.

“But it’s not over yet.”

The caster took a meaningful pause.

“I’ll say it definitively. If you see the entry list of the next team, you’ll be infinitely grateful to your past self for buying a ticket for the 9th day of the Olympiad.”

The holographic screen changed again.

[Korea]

Just the two words ‘Korea’ appeared, and everyone cheered.

Everyone had a vague idea of what would follow.

“Waaaaaaaah-!”

The already loud cheers grew even louder.

It was hard to tell if they were screaming or cheering.

“Korea’s supernova. An unexpected dark horse. The youngest 5-circle user and the only magician who changed the image of the misfit!”

The commentator shouted until his voice was hoarse.

“Korea, Obelisk Academy! Supernova! Shin Hayul is participating!”

“With this, the stage is set for the three strongest of this year’s tournament to fight in one place!”

With Shin Hayul’s participation, the clash of the three 5-circle [A circle is a level of magic proficiency] geniuses from three countries was confirmed.

“This is insane!”

“God! I’m infinitely grateful that my flight was delayed yesterday and I couldn’t go back!”

“Honey! Book tomorrow’s tickets! Book tomorrow’s tickets first!”

The atmosphere in the arena was as hot as Dahlia’s inferno.

And with that heated atmosphere, 15 minutes passed in an instant.

“Then, let’s start the Territory Capture now!”

The long-awaited fifth match of the Olympiad began.

* * *

The Territory Capture began.

[List of Teams Participating in the 1st Round, 2nd Match]

[Korea, Germany, Canada, China, Nepal, India, Australia, Portugal]

Three minutes before the start of the second match of the first round, in which Korea was entered.

I was having a final discussion with seniors Majinseok and Kang Shinwoo.

“Since there are many variables in this match, I don’t know how the things I’ve mentioned will change later. So, you absolutely must not lose your in-ears [earphones used for communication].”

“Of course. I’m not Heeyun. Would I lose my in-ears?”

“I know.”

Since 8 teams are competing simultaneously, there are countless variables.

Even if you make a plan in advance, the probability of it going according to plan is extremely low.

Changing the plan flexibly according to the situation is a prerequisite for victory.

—The match will begin in 1 minute. Each team, please move to your designated location.

“It’s time. Then, please do your best.”

“Okay. See you later.”

Majinseok waved his hand and walked to his designated location.

Kang Shinwoo just nodded silently and turned to move to his location.

I soon moved to my designated location.

I placed my hand on a special device that looked like an altar 5 meters away and poured mana through the supply artifact made for the Olympiad.

Then, the color of the field I was standing on turned red.

The Korean team’s personal color is red.

This red area was a sign that it was the Korean team’s base.

Soon after, the areas around Majinseok and Kang Shinwoo, who had arrived at their locations, also turned red.

With this, all three areas given as initial bases were activated.

‘I just need to check the locations of the other teams again.’

The field for the Territory Capture is large, but there are no obstacles.

I could clearly see the locations of the opposing teams from this location.

I turned my head and looked around, and I could see the territories changing into various colors.

Including our team’s red color, there were exactly 8 colors in all directions.

‘The ones to watch out for are Germany’s purple and Canada’s orange, I guess.’

Germany and Canada, which are strong teams. Those two teams are the ones to watch out for.

—We have confirmed that all preparations are complete. The match will begin in 10 seconds. 10!

The referee started the countdown.

At the same time, I could feel the gazes of those around me focusing on me.

Not only the teams located relatively close, but even the gaze of Germany, located on the opposite side of us, was focused on our team.

—5, 4, 3!

As the countdown decreased, the gazes towards us became more intense.

Expressions full of hostility, beyond intensity.

I could feel a strange hostility and camaraderie in the 21 pairs of eyes directed at me.

The moment I saw those eyes, I was sure that there would be no change in the plan for this match.

—2, 1, Start!

The starting whistle blew.

All the teams moved at the same time.

Each team left one person in charge of defense at their deepest base.

And two people each rushed towards me.

A fairly large field of 3km by 3km. Inside, there were 225 capturable areas of 200m by 200m.

Out of those, a total of 15 people gathered at the Korean team’s initial supply base located on the far left.

Each of the 7 teams had taken out 2 people and sent them all here.

“It’s a bit much for all 7 teams to form an alliance.”

There was no need to explain what this situation meant.

“When catching a monster, you have to form a party.”

The representative of the German team, who had already been defeated by me once, replied with a sharp expression.

The stiff American English created an even more brutal atmosphere.

“Well, it’s a reasonable method.”

I shrugged my shoulders casually and replied.

“If I roughly guess the situation, you guys are planning to eliminate our team and then compete among yourselves. Am I right?”

In the Territory Capture, a team that does not possess any territory is eliminated with a battle-incapable judgment.

In other words, if they combine their strength in the beginning and take away all three initial territories given to Korea, Korea will be eliminated.

That alliance is probably aiming for that.

“That’s right.”

The German representative nodded confidently.

“This is too much.”

“Alliances are a legitimate rule in this match. Blame your arrogance for not having recruited any other teams in advance.”

“Hmm? Don’t misunderstand. I didn’t say it was too much that you guys formed an alliance.”

I smiled brightly.

“I said that because I’m offended that you guys are underestimating me too much.”

“…What?”

I looked at the 14 enemies surrounding me and raised my mana.

“Even if 21 people came, it wouldn’t be enough. How are you going to do anything to me with only 14 people? Are you looking down on me too much?”

“…”

Among the 14, 9 people frowned.

Those 9 must have enough English skills to understand what I said.

“…Don’t be arrogant. I know you defeated 5 members of the Italian team, but 14 is different.”

The German team representative, who was the epitome of calmness and composure, said with his usual expressionless face.

“Well, I admit that to some extent. Even for me, it’s hard to win against 14 people. If we fought properly, I probably wouldn’t last more than 5 minutes. But…”

I placed my hand on the altar next to me and raised the corners of my mouth.

“I can defend the territory for 10 minutes without a problem.”

The Territory Capture is designed to favor the defending side.

First, if a team’s shielder is within the territory, it is impossible to seize the altar.

To capture a territory, you must either inflict a fatal wound on the shielder to put them in a ‘silenced’ state, or drive them out of the territory altogether.

In other words, I just need to focus on evasion.

If I focus all my attention on evasion, I can easily last 10 minutes.

“What difference does it make if you last 10 minutes?”

“A lot of things change.”

I smiled leisurely and turned my gaze to the Australian team’s area in the distance.

“Our team isn’t just me.”

Kang Shinwoo and Majinseok, who had finished their preparations, were running towards the Australian team’s territory.

“I can last 10 minutes, but can your team’s shielder last even 1 minute?”

“…Those two, we can stop them with the 7 people we left behind.”

“Really? Are you going to leave your most important base unattended and go save the Australian team?”

I smiled meaningfully and made eye contact with each of the 14 people.

“If you leave your territory like that, and another team comes and takes all your territory, you’ll be eliminated.”

“That can’t happen. We…”

“Just as alliances are legal, betrayal is also legal.”

I muttered the charm of the Territory Capture.

“There are no eternal alliances. Think carefully.”

“…”

“…”

My words became a seed of doubt and struck the minds of the 7 teams.

“Nonsense…”

The German team’s representative, sensing that the situation was not going well, used magic.

Following him, 14 magicians simultaneously prepared their magic.

“Do you really think it’s nonsense?”

In one second, 14 spells that had completed all preparations flew towards me at the same time.

Six 3-circle spells.

Eight 4-circle spells.

Among them, three fire attribute spells.

One lightning attribute spell.

Six non-attribute spells.

Two water attribute spells.

Two wind attribute spells.

All of them were general-purpose spells listed in the open-source library.

Those kinds of spells don’t work on me.

‘Divine Eye.’

The Divine Eye instantly pierced through the essence of the 14 spells.

It instantly grasped everything, including the trajectory, direction, and power of the spells.

I followed that trajectory, chose the most certain evasion route, and moved my body.

Six steps and a half step.

That simple movement was enough to completely evade the 14 spells.

“…!”

Everyone looked at me with wide eyes like startled rabbits.

They had expressions that seemed to say, ‘What did he just do?’

“I’ll make you a proposal.”

I looked at them all and smiled.

“Only four teams can pass in the first round.”

The 14 people, whose vigilance had reached its peak, swallowed hard.

“So, out of you seven teams, only three teams join us. Then I’ll make sure you win.”

The entry list came out this morning.

The match schedule for the first round was decided an hour ago.

Their alliance cannot be deep.

It’s thinner than paper and shallower than a puddle on a rainy day.

“Think carefully. Even if you seven teams combine your strength and defeat us here, you still have to defeat three more teams to pass.”

Their shallow relationship of trust will shatter with just a small crack.

“On the other hand, if you ally with us? Do you think you’ll lose in a 4:4 fight? I don’t think I’ll lose.”

The eyes of the 9 people who understood English trembled.

“This is an opportunity. A golden opportunity to pass the first round 100%.”

I held out my right hand to them.

“Three tickets to the second round. Who wants to grab them?”

Perhaps my hand looks like the hand of a tempting devil to them.