Drake had found a worthy opponent. The man with the hammerhead shark mask was the strongest in the underwater temple, aside from the High Priest. He was the High Priest's son, Kahono's father, and the temple's chief priest, Gio.
Gio said to Drake, "Sorry to make you play this silly game with my old man. But I haven't met surface mages in a long time; I wanted to have some fun. Your magic power is immense; you're the strongest here! My luck is good."
"Strongest?" Drake said noncommittally. "Don't underestimate the Black Bulls' seniors! But speaking of luck, mine's not bad either."
Drake's fists crackled with flames.
Gio said with a hint of concern, "A fire magic mage! That's a disadvantage in this underwater temple. Incidentally, I'm a water magic mage."
Gio opened his Grimoire; water swirled around him. The battle began.
"Water Creation Magic: Sea God's Hammer!"
A giant water hand formed, with a hammer the size of a small mountain. The hammer swung towards Drake.
Gio wasn't exaggerating; the environment significantly affected a mage's power. Mages, especially those using nature magic, draw upon natural mana. The more abundant the mana, the stronger the magic. Conversely, a lack of mana requires more magic power to achieve the same effect.
Water mana was abundant in the underwater temple; fire mana was scarce. Gio's magic was at least 30% stronger here. Fortunately, Drake wasn't a pure fire mage.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
Drake's flames collided with the water hammer, creating a massive cloud of steam.
"Impressive!" Gio exclaimed, impressed by Drake's ability to counter his magic.
The steam dispersed; Drake, engulfed in flames, closed the distance and punched Gio.
"Water Creation Magic: Sea God's Shield!"
Drake's punch shattered the shield. Drake didn't pursue the retreating Gio; he shook his head in disappointment.
Gio was far weaker than expected. He had immense magic power, but that didn't equate to combat ability. The inhabitants had said it had been ten years since a surface mage had visited. The temple inhabitants weren't allowed in the town.
Gio's opponents were mostly the temple priests. Real combat differed from play; this strongest mage lacked experience. The same was true for the other priests; four had been eliminated at the start of the game.
As Drake prepared to end the battle, he sniffed.
"That scent…?"
Drake frowned; his keen sense of smell detected a familiar scent—Vetto's. Vetto's magic power appeared; he'd arrived.
Drake wasn't surprised; Vetto had entered the temple in the original story to obtain the magic stones. What surprised Drake was the smell of blood.
Drake remembered that to reach the underwater temple, one had to pass through the coastal town of Rakaye. Being near the beach, it was a vacation spot for royalty, nobles, and Magic Knights.
Vetto must have encountered Magic Knights in Rakaye, and, given his personality, he likely didn't just pass by.
Drake disliked Vetto's actions. He understood Vetto's hatred of humanity; they'd hurt his comrades out of base desires. But Vetto, controlled by demonic magic, was a madman; Drake would defeat him without hesitation.
Drake heard Yami's voice; Gio stopped attacking.
"Attention! A troublesome guy, an Eye of the Midnight Sun executive, strong as a Captain, a wild man, has infiltrated the game. He has three subordinates. I can't get to you, so figure it out yourselves. Push your limits! If you die, I'll kill you!"
Drake smiled; the Black Bull captain was still chaotic, but Drake didn't mind.
The High Priest's voice followed. "Game change: no time limit. Defeat the Eye of the Midnight Sun team to win. Those who contribute will have their wishes granted (within my authority)."
Drake turned to Gio. "Still fighting? I'm in a hurry to defeat someone else. If you persist, I won't hold back!"
Gio shook his head. "Big talk, kid! But since the old man said so, defeating the Eye of the Midnight Sun executive is the priority."
Drake's flame wings spread; he flew towards a passage, where Vetto's scent and blood were strongest.
A chain appeared, aimed at Drake.
"Lock Magic: Scorpio Chain!"
Drake dodged, but the chain followed.
"Annoying! I'm in a hurry!" Drake struck the chain away.
Drake finally saw his attacker—a stereotypical henchman with a large, awkward face and unkempt hair.
He said, smugly, "With me, the Eye of the Midnight Sun's top lock magic user, you're finished!"
Drake wanted to ask how many lock magic users the Eye of the Midnight Sun had.
But the situation was tense; he focused on defeating his opponent quickly. He sensed Vetto and others were nearby.
Asta had paid a heavy price to defeat Vetto in the original story, nearly losing his hands. Drake wouldn't let that happen.
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