Chapter 39: A Turf War, part 2/2: Razor Duel

Chapter 39: A Turf War, part 2/2: Razor Duel

As the tiny droplets of blood sprayed the ground and walls red, the battle seemed to stop.

<Basic Telekinesis VI (8%)> --> 10%

"Such a fearsome incantation..." The elder mage, his cane still wreathed in fire, whispered by Tia's side.

Tia stood rooted, her hands quivering, intoxicated by the surge of her newfound might.

As someone who was previously a witch, she more than realized how terrific it was. She could now seamlessly weave potent spells into her Esper powers, directing and maneuvering them as naturally as an extension of herself.

'With this, my power will skyrocket!'

"Cease! I challenge you to a duel!" An age-old voice boomed across the battlefield, pulsing with such commanding energy that the henchmen halted in their battles, instinctively parting to make way.

An elderly Asian gentleman made his way through the parted crowd. Dressed in a sharp, sophisticated black suit, his black fedora shaded his features. A finely crafted katana hung from his belt, its sheath grazing the blood-speckled ground as he moved.

Pausing at a distance, he offered two respectful bows: first to Sebas and then, with equal reverence, to Tia.

"Sebas, Razor Witch, let us end this bloodshed with a single duel of honor! I, Takomato Hikaruc, challenge you to a duel. Pick your representative."

'Razor witch?' Tia felt like her new nickname was more than fitting after she showed her new terrifying power.

She briefly glanced toward Sebas, who was nodding, and whose eyes were saying it all: We have hired you, so fight.

In the murky depths of the criminal underworld, principles were governed by honor, respect, and might. There was no turning back.

"I will fight." Tia declared, moving forward with measured steps, her fingers subtly gravitating towards her wand.

The man in the sharp suit subtly nodded, his hand poised over his katana's hilt. His eyes, radiant with inner vitality, seemed to shimmer with the life force coursing within.

'He looks skilled.'

The two forceful torrents met in a cataclysmic clash, producing a sonic boom that cleared the smoke, revealing a clearing nearly the expanse of a tennis court. Concurrently, the glowing runes materialized and solidified in front of Tia's wand, poised for the next move.

'Huh? Did he just cut my attack? This time, Tia was the shocked one, her anxiety quickly growing as the black shadow of the man already launched toward her, and the glowing tip of the katana quickly approached her neck.

Once again, her body was propelled like a human rocket by her own mind while she waved her wand.

A wave of fire and raw kinetic force exploded out and passed through the magic array, turning into a massive tornado-like vortex of destruction that flew straight against the man's incoming blade.

The sprinting man swung his blade again and launched an explosive shockwave in response.

'Predictable.'

A triumphant spark lit up her eyes. At that moment, she knew with certainty that victory was hers.

With a mere flicker of intent, the twin whirlwinds diverged to either side, and the katana's shockwave met only void; its force was so immense that it ripped the very stones from the ground in its wake.

Before she could even blink, the burning vortexes of sharp blades of fire had already smashed into him, his body vanishing in the elemental maelstrom.

'It is done.'

The katana clanged against the stone floor, and as the flames faded, they revealed the scorched and battered form of the warrior. He remained upright even though he ceased to breathe.

<Basic Telekinesis VI (10%)> --> 15%

<Basic Pyrokinesis I (60%)> --> 75%

Tia froze still, smiling in relief.

'Even warriors have class here instead of being dump muscleheads, just relying on their superpowers, steroids, and body augmentations without having even a semblance of proper technique.'

"Victory is ours!" The Wolf Gang's triumphant shouts filled the air as they held their weapons high, celebrating. Across from them, their opponents dropped their weapons, their faces pale with defeat.

Sebas watched the scene, his face unreadable. After a moment, he uttered in a hushed tone, "Innate magic..."