SPELLCRAFT: Reincarnation Of A Magic Scholar

'How should I handle this…?'

Kuzon's thoughts were in overdrive as he stared at Legris Damien, his heart racing with every second that elapsed in the blank dimension.

He knew fully well that he couldn't underestimate this man, especially after he had just invaded the Constellation Realm itself, and even killed one of their allies.

'Z'ark will be missed, but I'm sure Jared has a way to revive him. I can't dwell on that right now.'

Besides, the Constellations could also do something about Z'ark's demise even if Jared was unable to—though Kuzon highly doubted his rival wouldn't have a solution prepared for the possibility of any of their deaths.

'Focus, Kuzon… Focus!' He glared at Legris, whose grin now seemed more devilish than anything he had ever encountered before.

'Leo advised me to retreat, but…' Kuzon knew how dire the situation was.

Legris had been going after the Constellation Energy Fragments all this time. If he succeeded in his task of absorbing Aether in this Realm, then he would be able to achieve what he wanted.

In essence, fleeing was the opposite of what needed to be done.

'What is the point of trying to protect my Constellation Fragment if Legris can just absorb all the Aether he needs anyway?'

It was for this very reason that Kuzon moved. He couldn't allow Legris to get what he wanted, especially since the stakes had been proven to be just that high.

'I have to be careful, though…'

Sure, he knew Jared had easily defeated Legris back then, but he also recognized that the latter had been leading him on all along.

'I can't afford to fall for his schemes.'

Kuzon knew that killing this monster wouldn't solve the problem, though he badly wanted that to be the case. Gritting his teeth and clenching his fist, he settled on the most effective method.

'I have to capture him. I doubt he'll be able to hold the Constellations for very long. Once they're free, they should be able to get rid of him permanently.'

After all, the reason Legris had taken all the Constellations off the board for this event was because he couldn't afford to face them.

'There is no need to rush. If I end up stalling for time, it works in my advantage…'

As long as he prevented Legris from sucking more Aether, he could take as much time as possible.

'Either more backup arrives to support me, or the Constellations get freed, or both… I gain more by dragging this fight out.'

Despite this logical conclusion, Kuzon felt another drive within him. It didn't stem from pure logic, but it also didn't contradict his earlier postulation.

'If I can capture him with my ability alone, I will do so!'

Kuzon knew that he wasn't Jared. They were both different, and they had unique abilities attributed to them.

'But… if he was able to fight against Legris, I should be able to as well…'

Of coutse, he wouldn't be reckless. The stakes were too high for that. However, Kuzon had a burning desire not to fall behind Jared.

'I've trained for this long because of that!'

With look of resolve etched on his face, bright gold energy suddenly exploded from Kuzon, filling everything in his immediate vicinity with power.

'I can't properly use Leo's power because of the poor connection we both have, but…' Tightening his fist, he released even ore energy,

'... I don't need to!'

~VWUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHH!!!~

Kuzon's entire body turned golden, and a golden crown hovered above his head. Several weapons floated around him—ranging from a sword, to a spear, then a staff, an axe, and arrow, and a shield.

Golden threads also began to floar around him, almost like they were weaving space itself as it were.

His entire self, and even his apparel had turned golden, with fabric that surpassed even the finest quality that any man could ever lay eyes on.

Both of his hands were also adorned by golden jewelry, and his ten fingers all had rings on them.

The threads that danced around him weaved to form a giant sphere, with him at the center, almost as if he was in the middle of a forming ball of golden yarn.

Of course, the threads were thin, only shining golden, hence, Kuzon and his entire arsenal were still visible despite the ever-spinning threads.

'Offense. Defense. Perception.' Kuzon thought to himself as he stared at Legris. 'I have everything!'

In his Absolute Emperor Transfiguration, he was both invincible, and he could command his environment to do his bidding. Adding that to Leo's [Authority]—despite how limited it was—and he was a force to be reckoned with.

He could bypass distance, and he could attack with speeds that defied the limits of living beings.

Yet… even with all of this power, something made him uneasy.

It was Legris' smile, despite all of the power he had just displayed.

"Haha…" His laughter echoed, causing even Kuzon to shudder slightly.

He couldn't place his hand on it, but… Legris disturbed him.

"You've gotten stronger, Kuzon. I suppose I can't play around with you the same way I did with Jared… I think."

Suddenly, black-like energy began to manifest from Legris, covering the severed hand he had. Replacing it was a claw of sheer darkness, and that was only the beginning.

Legris' cloak transformed into the very darkness he summoned, and his hair slowly became a fiery black flame, dancing to the tune of his ever-growing power.

His boots also had the same effect, and before long… everything about Legris' apparel, as well as his right hand and hair, became shrouded in black power.

"Well… none of you have ever seen me in this form, right?" His cackle once again caused Kuzon to shudder, but he maintained his composure.

Legris was now far stronger than before, but so what? He was also much more powerful than before.

And in the end, the mission hadn't changed!

'He is a risk we can not afford to let loose.' Kuzon's thoughts echoed as he gnashed his teeth and prepared for combat.

'For everyone's sake, I must stop him!'

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[A/N]

Thank you all for reading!

Legris versus Kuzon… who do you think will win?