A Genius Boy Who Was Exiled From His Family Home for “Not Being Able To Use Magic” Becomes a Witch’s Apprentice and Masters All Magic in the Right Way. This Is How You Use Your Magic, You Know?

Chapter 60. Showdown Between Master And Disciple

Thus, Hermes and the others arrived at the foot of a mountain, walking in the opposite direction from the town.

Here, they would be less likely to be seen, and hidden by the mountain, they wouldn’t be easily spotted from afar.

Additionally,

“This should do, right?”

Rose murmured as she looked at an object placed at the base, which seemed like a pedestal.

At first glance, it appeared to be just a lump of metal—yet it was clear it wasn’t an ordinary object due to the thin orange wall surrounding it in a cylindrical shape.

According to her, it was an artifact that generated a barrier.

She had apparently carried it with her as a precaution during their journey. Hermes couldn’t help but wonder why she needed anything for protection other than her magic.

“…It’s really an artifact. Just owning something like this would make you a target for the royal family in this country.”

“Hah. I don’t care about what those musty old nobles think.”

“You’re technically part of that family, though…”

Jurgen, who had come along as a witness and in case something went wrong, muttered in exasperation.

Besides him, Katia, Layla, and a few other servants who had wished to come were also present.

Surely, they too wanted to see Rose, who was feared as the “Witch of the Sky,” in action.

Anyway, the stage was set for the battle.

Hermes was about to follow Rose into the barrier when he was called out to.

“Hey, Hermes. Um—”

It was Katia.

She looked uncertain, worried about something, and asked,

“Are you really okay with this? Suddenly fighting, and your opponent is—”

“Your concern is valid, but it’s alright,” Hermes replied with a light smile.

“My master won’t go all out; it’s just part of my training. …Besides, I personally recommend you watch my master’s battle.”

“What?”

“Seeing her magic will eloquently demonstrate what kind of mage she is.”

With that, he stepped into the barrier and walked towards his master, who was waiting in the center.

Facing each other, they both focused.

“It’s been three months since we last sparred? I’m looking forward to seeing how far you’ll push me.”

“I’d like to make you use your Bloodline Magic, at least. —Shall we?”

After exchanging light words, the two, familiar with each other, extended their hands simultaneously like a mirror image, raised their magical power, and chanted together.

“—’Thus the world was created, and here is recorded the true truth of who created it, without distinction between heaven and earth, for the sake of one miracle.'”

“?!”

Katia, watching from outside the barrier, was first surprised by that.

Hermes and Rose recited the exact same spell. This meant—

“Creation Magic—[Emerald Tablet].”

As they spoke the name together, two identical emerald tablets appeared.

It was unmistakably the [Emerald Tablet].

…It wasn’t strange. After all, Rose was the developer of that magic, so it was natural.

However, Katia strongly recognized the [Emerald Tablet] as Hermes’ magic.

That’s why she was taken aback. Seeing Hermes, who had always used others’ magic, now had his own magic used against him.

But that was just the prelude to the surprises.

Next, they both conjured the same spell.

Fireball. A type of enhanced general-purpose magic. It was quick to cast and had decent power and speed, often seen in Hermes’ attacks.

Rose’s fireball was the same… but there was one decisive difference.

—Rose’s was overwhelmingly larger.

“No way…”

Katia had seen much of Hermes’ magic.

His magic was characterized by reproducing seen spells. By doing so, he made others’ magic his own, often surpassing them.

Therefore, she couldn’t believe it.

That he could lose using the same magic.

The fireballs launched, bursting in the center—predictably, Rose’s fireball swallowed Hermes’ with overwhelming power and rushed at him.

He must have anticipated it, as he evaded from the line of fire in the brief time his fireball bought, trying to regroup.

But the witch’s assault didn’t stop.

“Come on, there’s more to come!”

With a joyful voice, she unleashed the next enhanced general-purpose magic. Wind blades, ice shards, and lightning arrows.

All were familiar and far more powerful than Hermes’.

Unconsciously, Katia muttered,

“That’s almost… like Bloodline Magic…”

It was understandable to think so, given their tremendous performance.

But at the same time, she realized it was unmistakably an extension of general-purpose magic.

There was no sign of any special techniques, the magic itself was the same as Hermes’ used.

In other words, what determined their power was magical output and control ability.

She surpassed Hermes greatly in that aspect.

These abilities were innate but developed postnatally.

It was impossible to reach that level with talent alone. Rose must have honed her skills through hard work over a long time.

…Just like Hermes.

(Of course… she’s his ‘master’.)

She was reminded of the deep connection between Hermes and Rose.

Seeing not just the information but the magic itself, Katia instinctively wanted to close her eyes to the scene—but,

“You shouldn’t look away.”

Words from behind stopped her.

“…Father.”

“I understand how you feel, but you mustn’t look away. No matter how extraordinary the magic, no matter how far their goals, they are undeniably, just like us, human.”

Jurgen spoke with a firm voice, gazing straight ahead.

“I once lost sight of that. I don’t want you to make the same mistake.”

“…Yes.”

“And, look at him.”

“What?”

She looked at him—Hermes.

Though the scene reflected in her eyes was still the same overwhelming offense from Rose,

“No.”

It wasn’t. He wasn’t barely holding on.

The fact that he could even hold his ground was strange.

Everything was superior. Faced with someone using the same magic, with far greater power and speed, and basic abilities beyond his own.

Though he was certainly at a disadvantage, he was managing to hold his ground, which was abnormal.

Then she realized.

How much ingenuity and skill he was employing in this exchange.

Creating light walls to deflect attacks from the sides rather than taking them head-on, minimizing his magical consumption to fend off attacks.

Constantly moving subtly to avoid being targeted, using magic to exploit gaps in his opponent’s focus.

Reading his opponent’s next move to choose the best counter-magic, sometimes even using his opponent’s magic to gain an advantage, accumulating information, and waiting for the right moment to strike back.

—This was undoubtedly the result of his hard work.

Creativity and innovation. Learning and evolving. To resist and ultimately surpass those more capable than him, he had refined his methods.

“…”

Before she knew it, she was speechless.

Not just her. Jurgen and the servants were also watching the battle inside the barrier with bated breath.

The witch reigns with overwhelming yet legitimate power backed by immense skill and experience.

And the boy confronting her with a clear intellect, utilizing limitless strategies.

Everyone was captivated. Unlike the hereditary mages in the capital who relied on their birthright,

They were witnessing a beautiful magic battle between two proper mages.

(Father is right.)

She must not look away. Rather, she should etch this sight into her memory.

Surely this scene would serve as her ideal as she aspired to catch up with him.

Resolutely, unwaveringly,

She continued to watch the course of the battle with determination.