Chapter 95 Chapter95-The Apprentice of Pope?
Elevation in spirit not only amplifies one's magical attack power but also refines one's mastery over skills!
While ordinary magus might find it challenging enough to target their skills precisely, Howard could perform even more delicate maneuvers.
Under his command, numerous wind blades subtly shifted course, evading Maithus's swinging weapon and consecutively slicing across his arm.
A series of sharp, clear sounds echoed, and Maithus's skin was immediately torn by the wind blades, splattering blood.
Waves of pain, like a tidal surge, assailed Maithus's mind, causing him to roar in agony.
However, the difference between Maithus and the typical student became evident.
Where most students would wail and lament when controlled or injured by a skill, Maithus became increasingly ferocious.
His eyes glinting with a fierce red, he tightened his grip on his weapon.
Even as blood spattered onto his face, he showed no sign of faltering, and his massive sword began to gleam with a golden radiance.
"Earthshatter!"
With a powerful swing of his blade, Maithus released a golden arc of light from within the sword.
It tore through space in an instant, striking both Nick and Mike.
Nick, being the warrior that he was, felt the imminent threat and instantly transformed his weapon into a shield, placing it protectively before him.
When the blade's aura struck the shield, even though the force of Gigantism sent Nick flying, his body remained untouched.
In contrast, as the blade's aura skimmed Mike, he instantly let out a blood-curdling scream. A scarlet mark emerged on his shoulder.
Clearly, Maithus had shown mercy.
If his blade's aura had been aimed even slightly higher, Mike's head would have parted from his body.
It wasn't only Maithus showing restraint; Howard and his team had also tempered their assault earlier.
Maithus, sensing this, wouldn't resort to lethal measures.
Still, his resentment at having his points taken from him propelled him to counteract fiercely.
Even so, Mike, with that gory slash across his shoulder, looked deathly pale, retreating continually, seemingly stripped of his will to continue the battle.
"Sparing your life, and you dare to resist?" Howard's eyes grew cold, showing no further restraint, and he advanced with his Soul Nurturer drawn and ready.
Seeing this, a hint of glee lit up Maithus' face.
Clearly, he deduced that Howard was a magus, which should give Maithus an advantage in close combat.
But unfortunately for him, he overlooked why Howard would have the confidence to engage up close.
Almost the moment Howard neared, Maithus thrust his massive sword downwards, piercing the ground. The next moment, shockwaves erupted from the earth.
However, a protective shield materialized beside Howard, dissipating the entire impact.
Simultaneously, Howard's Soul Nurturer, glowing with fiery brilliance, crashed onto Maithus' head.
Just as the Soul Nurturer touched Maithus, a fireball exploded with terrifying force, sending Maithus flying before he slumped into unconsciousness.
Watching from above, the three mentors were taken aback, uttering in unison, "A melee magus?"
"Could it be... Has Howard acquired the lineage of a melee magus?"
After the initial shock, Wales quickly realized something amiss, murmuring, "No, that strike from Howard wasn't sheer physical strength. It was still the explosive force of a fireball. He simply closed the distance with Maithus, ensuring the skill hit with absolute precision."
"True. If he were a melee magus, he'd infuse his skills into his own being and engage the enemy hand-to-hand, not like this."
A sigh escaped, "This lad's combat style is truly astonishing."
Howard was oblivious to the astonishment he'd caused among the three mentors. In truth, his choice to close in before unleashing his skill was a calculated gamble.
From Maithus' previous two defenses against his skills, Howard discerned that Maithus' weapon had a natural counter to magic. The enormity of that sword meant a casual swing could fend off the onslaught of skills!
Thus, Howard intentionally closed the gap, luring Maithus into underestimating him.
Once at the right distance, he employed the mechanism of the Mana Shield, summoning a barrier to protect himself from Maithus' assault.
Then, at point-blank range, he unleashed his skill, ensuring Maithus had no chance to dodge or directly counter the magic.
While equipment might resist magic due to its superior forging material, Maithus' mere mortal body could not.
And events unfolded exactly as Howard anticipated, with Maithus swiftly incapacitated.
Witnessing this, Jimmy's throat tightened, forcing a gulp down. He couldn't trust his own eyes!
Although not very close, both Maithus and Jimmy hailed from the same province.
Therefore, it was Jimmy who lured Howard and the others into challenging Maithus.
Little did he expect, what in his mind was a formidable S-level Talent Awakening, to be defeated so effortlessly.
Yes, effortlessly.
After all, in Jimmy's perspective, Nick and Mike seemed mere sidekicks to Howard, with no remarkable strength.
That Maithus managed to wound them was hardly a feat. What was astonishing, however, was how effortlessly Howard had bested him.
At this moment, a storm of indecision raged within Jimmy: should he continue to stir the pot, or wholeheartedly support Howard?
If Howard stayed true to his word, it seemed there might be something in it for him!
As Jimmy wrestled with his thoughts, Howard's face bore a grave expression.
He recognized the overconfidence in both Nick and Mike, and even in himself. Their previous unobstructed successes had come at a cost.
Howard held no resentment towards Maithus, instead sighing, "Things have changed. We can't continue this way."
Hearing this, Mike's face flushed with embarrassment, guilt gnawing at him.
He knew his injury had cost them the capability to fight on.
If they kept battling, other students, not being fools, would target him specifically.
How would he fend them off?
If he stayed out of the fight, relying solely on Howard, Abby, and Nick, they might still manage to confront other students.
But he'd feel embarrassed to share in the spoils.
And if he didn't get a share, resentment would brew.
It was, indeed, a conundrum.
"Perhaps, I can assist you."
Just as Howard was about to give up, an unexpected voice chimed in.
Turning towards its source, they saw a young woman dressed in a white robe gracefully emerging from the side.
Her demeanor was calm, yet it elicited a subtle change in Nick's expression.
Noticing this, Howard whispered, "Do you know her?"
"Yes," Nick replied. "She's from the Cloudwater Province, a member of the prestigious Venus family.
Her name is Judy. She possesses an S-level talent named Radiant Angel.
Rumor has it she was taken under the Pope's wing from a young age.
It's surprising to see her here at Holy Abyss Academy."
At this, Howard's eyebrows subtly raised. The Pope's disciple?
Surely, she must have some ulterior motives for being at the Holy Abyss Academy.
After all, the Church's renown within the Alliance surpassed even that of the Academy.
With the guidance of the Pope himself, she wouldn't typically need to attend the Holy Abyss Academy.
However, now was not the time to ponder these matters.
Howard focused his thoughts and warmly inquired, "Miss Judy, how do you propose to help us?"
"It's quite simple," Judy responded with a gentle smile. "I can heal this gentleman's wounds. In the battles to come, I can bolster your strength and weaken and control the other students. In return, all I ask is for twenty percent of the points we earn together. Of course, any points you've earned previously won't be included in this."
As she finished, Jimmy's face grew even paler.
The mere combination of Howard and his team was already formidable.
But with the addition of a Holy Maiden from the Church, especially one with an awakened S-level talent, what could the others possibly do against them?
"Ah, your offer is tempting," Howard began, not immediately committing. "But why do you wish to join forces with us?"
"I believe you can win," Judy calmly responded. "Right now, the other students are each fending for themselves. Even if they form some sort of alliance, their teams will lack cohesion. You, on the other hand, command your group with authority. Even if your numbers are fewer, I trust that no one else can match your strength."
"Collaborating ensures mutual benefit. When the time comes, the four of you will inevitably earn more points than me. I won't pose a threat to your standings."
Upon hearing Judy's proposition, Nick and Mike were visibly tempted.
Especially Mike, who knew he'd be a burden to the team if his injuries persisted.
He was the most eager for Judy to collaborate with them.
Only Abby eyed Judy with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
She worried that Judy might be after her man!
Still, being a gentle soul, Abby refrained from showing any visible signs of jealousy.
"Deal," Howard declared with a grin. "We welcome you aboard, Miss Judy Venus."
"A pleasure to work together!" Judy's lips curved in a subtle smile as she headed straight for Mike.
As she approached, an ethereal Angel Phantasm materialized behind her.
It radiated a brilliant golden light, enveloping Mike.
Howard's gaze followed her every move, his expression turning serious.
He could sense that Judy's summoned Angel Phantasm was significantly more powerful than anything Aisha could conjure.
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