319

Soul Magic

Kalulu was no longer in mood for idle conversation, so he stood up and approached Nierdi with a serious tone. "Nildi, there's something I need to discuss with you. Master Dong and I just had a conversation; the three sanctuaries are preparing to elect a new Supreme Mage in a few days. Master Dong suggested me as the representative of the Second Sanctuary, but I proposed you instead."

"Supreme Mage? I don't think I'm suitable," Nierdi replied casually.

Kalulu anticipated her response and continued, "Becoming the Supreme Mage would grant you access to all the magic books you desire. Isn't that what you've always dreamed of?"

Upon hearing this, Nierdi finally set aside her book and pondered seriously.

Kalulu pressed on, "With your strength, defeating others to become the new Supreme Mage would be effortless. You could focus solely on what you love—leave the day-to-day affairs to me, unless there's something beyond my capability."

Nierdi deliberated for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Alright."

Kalulu couldn't help but smile.

A few days later, on an open field near the Second Supreme Sanctuary, hundreds of mages gathered in a circle. The atmosphere was tense, though murmurs of discussion could be heard among them.

After a while, an elderly mage with white hair emerged from the crowd, appearing to be the oldest among them.

With a trembling voice, the elder announced, "...The challenge for the position of Supreme Mage is about to commence. The victor shall be crowned the new Supreme Mage. We invite the challengers from the three Sanctuaries to step forward."

As the elder finished speaking, two men and a woman approached from the assembled mages and stood before him. Among them were Oren, Shanel, and the unfamiliar figure of Nierdi.

Perplexed by Nierdi's presence, Oren and Shanel exchanged glances and questioned, "Young lady, who are you?"

"I am Nierdi, representing the Second Sanctum in this challenge," she introduced herself politely.

Having joined the Supreme Sanctum only a few months earlier, Nierdi was unfamiliar to the mages from the other sanctuaries.

The surrounding mages erupted into whispers and pointed fingers upon hearing her introduction.

"Who is she? I've never seen her before," many asked in confusion.

"I know all the female mages from the three sanctuaries. Where did she come from?"

"Is she a newly recruited apprentice? Why would an apprentice vie for the position of Supreme Mage?"

Oren and Shanel were equally bewildered. Oren turned to Master Dong, questioning, "Are we really letting a young girl challenge for the position of Supreme Mage? Are you abstaining?"

Master Dong smiled knowingly but remained silent.

Shanel frowned at Nierdi and remarked, "Young lady, it's too late to withdraw now. I won't hold back."

The elderly mage also turned to Nierdi and asked, "Nierdi, are you certain about challenging for the position of Supreme Mage on behalf of the Second Sanctuary?"

Nierdi nodded calmly. "I am."

Her declaration surprised and puzzled the other mages further. Oren and Shanel exchanged hushed words, uncertain of what to make of the situation.

Ignoring the murmurs, including those from Master Dong, many mages from the Second Sanctuary watched with keen interest, particularly Kalulu.

"Silence, please," the elderly mage urged, his speech slurred with age. He repeated himself several times to quiet the gathered mages.

Once the crowd settled, he took a deep breath and continued, "According to the teachings of the first Supreme Mage, Agamato, any mage within the sanctuaries is eligible to compete for the title of Supreme Mage. Since Nierdi is determined to participate, there shall be no further discussion. Let us proceed as tradition dictates."

"Now, let us announce the order of the challenge..."

Unexpectedly, Nierdi interjected, "I'll challenge two mages at once."

"What?" The elderly mage thought he had misheard.

The crowd erupted into commotion.

"She said she's challenging Oren and Shanel simultaneously. Did you hear that?"

"Is the Second Sanctum conceding defeat and just trying to entertain us?"

The discussions reverberated through the crowd as the elderly mage realized Nierdi's intent. "Nierdi, are you serious?"

Nierdi affirmed, "Yes. It will save time."

Shanel sneered, "Young lady, youth isn't an excuse for arrogance."

"Nor is age," Nierdi replied calmly.

Shanel hesitated for a moment, then frowned and turned to the elderly mage. "Let's begin."

Startled by the turn of events, the elderly mage reluctantly announced, "Let the challenge begin."

Without hesitation, Nierdi stepped forward and struck both Oren and Shanel with swift, precise movements.

Her incredible speed caught the two off guard; by the time they reacted, they had already been struck in the chest.

"Snap!"

Though Nierdi's hands appeared slender, they carried the force of thunder. Oren and Shanel crumpled to the ground instantly.

Motionless, with wide eyes staring ahead, they appeared as if struck down in an instant.

The crowd fell silent, stunned by what had transpired.

Unseen to the spectators, Nierdi's strike had separated the souls of Oren and Shanel from their bodies.

Their ethereal forms hovered above, gazing at Nierdi and their lifeless bodies with horror etched on their faces. "This...!"

Nierdi regarded them calmly. "I believe the challenge is over."

With a swift motion, she gestured with both hands, and their souls returned to their bodies. Oren and Shanel promptly rose from the ground, visibly shaken. "How... How did you do that?"

"Soul magic," Nierdi explained simply. "If you're interested, I could teach you."

Oren and Shanel exchanged stunned glances, unsure how to respond.

The brief experience of being separated from their bodies had made them acutely aware of Nierdi's prowess. They understood now that they stood no chance against her.

But losing to a young woman in such a manner was a bitter pill to swallow.

Especially for Shanel, who had mocked Nierdi's abilities with confidence only moments ago, now humbled in front of hundreds of witnesses. It was a blow to his pride.

Meanwhile, spectators who had no understanding of soul magic wondered aloud about the mysterious events.

All they saw was Nierdi inexplicably incapacitating Oren and Shanel, who then inexplicably rose again.

"Why did Oren and Shanel collapse suddenly? Did the female mage employ some sort of forbidden technique?" Suspicions began to arise among the mages unfamiliar with such magic.

At that moment, both Mage Dong and Kalulu stepped forward from the crowd, each carrying a wooden box whose contents were a mystery.

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