https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-167-Let-s-Give-the-Guild-Master-a-Break/12810406/
Chapter 168: Cana - Rod vs. Laxus
Chapter 168: Cana - Rod vs. Laxus
The door, shimmering with water-like ripples, was likely created using an illusionary magic array, Rod guessed. It might have been Mistgun's handiwork.
However, when he finally saw who was behind him, he found a figure with golden hair and a large coat.
Cana's eyes widened. "Laxus!"
At least the guy's coat was seasonal this time.
"It's you guys." Laxus scratched his head, looking impatient. "Took you long enough, Cana, and... who else?"
Cana was furious. "Laxus! Don't be so rude!"
"What? What's rude? There are so many people in the guild; do you expect me to remember all of them?" Laxus had a challenging look on his face.
Rod couldn't help but laugh. This kid had about a tenth of Daichi's skill in annoying people.
With a mid-tier kid like Laxus, all it would take to shut him up is to say, "You're right, the Grandson of the Guild Master."
But there was no need.
He was here for the exam, not to fight. The more arrogant the examiner, the better.
"Please go over the rules. If they're too difficult, we might just give up, saving you some time."
"Rod?" Cana was surprised that Rod could hold his temper.
But then she remembered this was all for her exam, and she felt a wave of shame.
'I thought about it. Finding the weak points in S-Class Mages' strength is too hard, so it's better to exploit their personality flaws.
For example, Erza can be overly serious or sometimes a bit dense. Mistgun doesn't want anyone to see his face, and Laxus... is very arrogant.'
These were the words Rod had said to her a few days ago. The current situation seemed to be part of the plan.
But... seeing her companion being disrespected, Cana was still angry.
Laxus, you jerk!
"You're surprisingly reasonable." Laxus glanced at him. "Since it's the old man's request, I'll go over the rules."
"There's a flag over there." Laxus pointed. "Behind me is a magic circle. If either of you can grab that flag and stand in the magic circle, you pass."
Rod frowned. This was going to be tough.
Behind Laxus was a narrow valley, similar to a 'one-man pass' or 'narrow path.' It could be described as a place where one person can hold off a thousand.
The flag he mentioned was stuck in the right side of the cliff, about ten meters off the ground.
To reach the magic circle, they would need to pass through a narrow, several-meter-long passage behind Laxus.
Laxus's magic was incredibly fast lightning magic. Even if they managed to grab the flag, they could be attacked at any moment while in the passage.
The exam seemed more about...
Laxus looked at their troubled expressions and smiled satisfactorily. "That's right, it's impossible without defeating me!"
Rod frowned. He shouldn't say it so absolutely. If it were Mest, this task would be completed in a second.
He was starting to suspect that the Guild Master might have given Mest a backdoor advantage. Instant teleportation magic in this exam was practically cheating.
Laxus continued, "But to defeat me... hahahaha... can you even do it? Hmm?"
"Don't underestimate us!" Cana took out a handful of cards, spreading them like a fan.
"Hahaha..." Laxus didn't seem bothered by Cana's words. "Let's get one thing straight. If we fight, I won't hold back. It's not too late to back out."
"Summon, Crimson Beakbird! Ancient Stone Beetle!"
A group of Stone Beetles and a group of Beakbirds, a total of eight monsters, appeared and lined up in front of Rod.
Laxus's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise. "Oh? A numbers game? Boring trick."
Cana threw all her cards. "Your arrogance should be put to an end!"
Laxus casually moved a couple of steps, letting the dozen or so golden cards fly past him and stick into the ground.
He stretched his neck. "After all these years, you haven't improved at all, Cana."
"Feather Rain!"
The Beakbirds flapped their wings, sending dozens of feather knives flying, and they charged forward.
"Your darts were well-aimed, but too weak!" Lagus waved his hand, and golden lightning streaks shot out, burning all the feathers aimed at him.
As for the Sharpbeaks charging at him, Lagus punched the largest one away and kicked a smaller one, lightning shooting from his foot through the Sharpbeak's body and hitting three others.
The last remaining Sharpbeak was rapidly approaching the flag on the cliff wall.
"Too naive!" Lagus seemed to deliberately showcase his speed as he moved like a bolt of golden lightning,, appearing in front of the in the ink the the the Sharpbeak in just a moment, kicking it down.
.
"Opportunity!" Cana raised her hand and shot three cards at Lagus, who was mid-air:
"Starlight's Radiance!"
"Fountain of Prayer!"
"Destiny's... Lightning Call!"
The first card exploded, releasing a blinding flash like a flare.
The second card sprayed countless water blades, taking advantage of the flash to shoot at Lagus.
The third card shot out lightning bolts, targeting Lagus, who, even if not hurt by the water blades, would likely be wet from the water.
In Cana's eyes, Lagus wasn't a Dragon Slayer, so using lightning magic against a lightning mage wasn't a problem.
To be fair, this combination attack was very strong. Most mages in the air wouldn't have a chance to react, and this would likely be the end of the match.
But Lagus was clearly not an ordinary mage, so Rod summoned another group of Sharpbeaks for a synchronized attack.
He also summoned a pack of Shadow Wolves. Two smaller ones spun together in a combined charge, while the double-headed wolf spun and lunged forward.
"Jaw-to-Jaw! Wolf's Fangs!"
"Receive: Crimson Sharpbeak!" Rod leaped and flapped his wings, taking flight.
"This level of lightning, who are you trying to fool!" Lagus was clearly displeased with their use of lightning to attack a lightning mage.
He tore off his wet coat, lightning erupting from his body, burning the feathers shot at him.
Lagus kneed the double-headed wolf in the chin, sending lightning through its body, burning its fur and causing it to fall in a smoky heap.
He then slammed his elbow down, electrocuting the two ordinary wolves, leaving them charred.
By the time Lagus landed, Rod had already grabbed the flagpole with his bird claws and pulled the flag from the cliff wall.
"!" Lagus noticed Rod's move and was irritated, "You damn brat, you're really not taking me seriously!"
"Good job, Rod!" Cana shot two more cards, "Sun's Blaze! Emperor's Wind Blade!"
"Enough!" Lagus swung his right hand back, a blinding bolt of lightning consuming the blaze and wind blade, with enough force to fly toward Cana in the background.
"Ah~~~" Cana screamed as she was hit by the lightning.
Rod took the opportunity to dive toward the magic circle.
As Lagus turned to take a step, a card at his feet shattered, freezing him in place.
Cana, with slightly curled hair, smiled, "Pillars of Death."
However, the ice pillars shattered almost immediately, and Lagus transformed into a bolt of lightning, blocking Rod's path and kicking him in the abdomen.
Rod flew backward, leaving a trail on the ground. When he flipped back up, he was back by Cana's side.
Lagus now held the flag, planted in the ground, and he said slowly, "I said, enough."
Lagus's body glowed with lightning, even his mouth and eyes emitting electric sparks.
He looked like an enraged thunder god.
Cana checked on Rod, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Rod dispelled the reception magic, "Sorry, almost got it."
"It's my fault for not holding him back." Cana didn't lose heart, drawing more cards, "This guy is tougher than I thought."
Cana's magic names mostly come from tarot cards.
I'm not too familiar with the meanings of each tarot card, so I've tried to name them based on the format used in the manga. If anything is off, please let me know.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
