Mark of the Fool

Chapter 589: The Terror of Advancement

Alex and Claygon could be in trouble. Isolde gripped the arms of her seat. I have never seen a construct like that before in my life. Nor have I heard of one.

Thundar squinted at Magnus. Did you see what Prime did to everyone it went up against? By my ancestors, Vesuvius was the only opponent that could challenge it.

II am aware, Isolde said. I know Claygon is powerful, but this Prime

Hes got tricks that will be hard for Claygon to deal with. Theresas jaw clenched. Where did this guy come from anyway?

That is a puzzle, but I cannot help but feel there is something familiar about the manthough I cannot say where I know him from. Isoldes grip on her armrests tightened. Is he an expedition member, perhaps?

Not one I know, Thundar grunted. Having Prime around wouldve been pretty damn helpful when that petrifying Ravener-spawn showed up trying to kill everyone. I think I wouldve noticed a construct like that before.

Me too, Theresa muttered. It couldnt be someone from the hells, could it? Someone looking for revenge.

Thundar looked at her sharply.

Selina gasped. Oh no, do you really think so?

I dunno, we did irritate a lot of demons and their allies when we went down there, Thundar growled. But most of them are too dead to come looking for vengeance. And I dont remember anything that looked likethat force construct thing trying to kill us down there.

I also do not believe that it is a cultistwhy would a cultist enter a contest at random? Isolde raised an eyebrow at the masked man, then looked at Professor Salinger, seated across the arena.

The Professor was shaking his head at the masked competitor, and rolling his eyes.

I wonder if he knows himOh dear. Realisation struck the young nobleman. I believe I know who he is. This isnot optimal.

Is Alex in danger? Selina asked. Who is that masked man?

No, he is not in danger, Isolde said. If my assumption is correct, at leastbut some folk might be on the verge of losing a lot of coin.

Thundar swallowed. How uhhow real do you think that danger is?

Unfortunately, quite real. I believe Alex faces

###

Magnus Ekavir! Alex Roth! the announcer called. Prepare your proxies!

Claygon nodded at his father, raising his war-spear. We willdefeat this threat together, father.

Alex swallowed. Well give it everything weve got.

A wave of anxiety washed over himcoupled with images of the large amount coin he and his friends had bet on his match as it sprouted wings and flew awaybut all he could do was acknowledge his anxiety and let it pass. He didnt want Claygon sensing his fear, and he also needed all of his faculties to face this opponent.

Magnus raised his gloved hands then began casting a spell using a staccato, clipped, rhythm and precise syllables.

Mana gathered around him and the hairs on Alexs neck began to rise.

Thats a huge amount of power, he thought. Maybe a sixth or seventh-tier spell?

The mans voicelow, gruff and clearly disguised with wizardrycontinued to rise in volume, until it reverberated off the walls of the arena. With hushed breaths, the audience waited in anticipation.

Within the arena, the air shimmered as though the day had turned scorching hot. Power pooled unseen, wavering within the cage like the desert heat.

A nebulous shape began taking form.

Black force magic congealed, creating a towering figure that loomed at least half again Claygons height, and twice his width. A head shaped like a giants axe-blade emerged above hulking shoulders that materialised with a pair of force-magic ballista mounted atop them. A wide torso formed, bearing a pair of arms as thick as old oaks, each ending with a fist the size of Alexs torso.

Six broad, spear-like legs protruded from a humanoid torso, but instead of a bottom half that resembled a centaurs, the lower body was that of a silence spider or other insectile monster. Each leg twitched, scraping their sharp tips along the ground.

The stone screamed.

A long tail ending in a scythe-like blade that could have cut Alex in half with a single stroke, lazily flicked back and forth.

Primeis incredibleI can see how it defeated Vesuvius Claygon said with admiration.

Thank you, Magnus politely acknowledged the compliment in that same clipped tone.

Yeah, buddy. Alex studied the construct, noting the ink-black colour of the force magic. His suspicions were all but confirmed. Yeah, now I understand why Vesuvius lost, especially when you know whos controlling Prime.

Whois it?

Alex answered mentally. Someone in disguise, buddy. Im not going to out him, but Im gonna let him know that I know who he is. Im not going to play along like a fool.

The Thameish wizard glared at Magnus. Hey, were punching down a little, arent we? Whats someone like you doing in a competition like this?

Magnus met Alexs gaze with a forceful intensity. Prime is capable of much more than punching. From the rumours and reports I hear, your Claygon is capable of much more than punching as well. I hope I wont be disappointed.

Whoare you? the golem asked. Father said thatyou are in disguise. Iwant to know who I will actually be fighting.

Alex winced.

Its rude to out an opponent who wishes to compete incognito, Mr. Roth, Magnus said.

Im not the one who called you out, Magnus! Alex fired back.

The announcer and audience had gone silent, eagerly watching the drama play out.

Father said that he would not reveal who you are Claygon said slowly. But I am notfather, and I want to know who Im fighting.

I Alex was about to say something to his golem, then bit it back. I cant say I blame you there, buddy.

Hmph, its still uncouthbut, Claygon is a warrior and only new to the world, after all, so I will indulge him, Magnus said. Fine, if its my name you want, then you can have it, brave golem. You are facing my proxy, Prime, and as for meI am

Magnus Ekavir threw back his cloak, revealing arms sheathed in long black gloves reaching to his shoulders. With his left hand, he peeled the glove from the right arm.

The audience held their breaths, then in concert, they gasped.

Where one would expect to see an arm of flesh, blood and bone, a prosthetic force construct was revealed.

Shit, Alex swore as the man removed the mask covering his face.

A dark complexioned face, with a chin edged in a thick black beard, stared back at him.

It was a face he knew well, right down to the disciplined, no-nonsense expression.

Ive been fighting under a moniker, he proclaimed, But this brave golem has asked for my true identity, so I shall share it with all of you. My name is Professor Harsha Ram.

Gasps swept through the audience.

Some swore.

Others leaned forward in excitement.

And thats exactly what I was afraid of Alex muttered. A full-on professor who specialises in combat magic. Hes got to be capable of seventhmaybe eighth tier magic. Yeah, as I said. Were in trouble.

Thank youfor giving me your name, Claygon gave Ram a slight bow. May we havea good contest.

You have fine manners, Ram complimented him.

Can wewin, father? Claygon asked mentally.

Honestly? I dont know, Alex thought. Just because youre a university professor at a magic school doesnt necessarily mean youre a combat monster, but it does mean that youve mastered magic in a way that most wizards can only dream of. Seventh-tier spells, eighth-tier, possibly even ninth-tier. And the thing about Ram isfrom everything I know about himthe man is a professor and a combat powerhouse.

We havebeaten foes stronger than usmany times. Remember Zonon-In. Remember the demons. Remember Kaz-Mowang. Claygon thought.

True, but in those situations, we had strategy, surprise, numbers and coordination on our side. Now we only have you and me against a wizard with at least three to five times my experienceactually, no wait.

Alexs eyes narrowed on Prime. Were not strictly facing Ram are we? were facing his proxy. And youre also a state of the art powerhouse, Claygon. You know what, forget my nerves. We can do this.

We willdo it. We will do it.

Well, this is quite the surprise, folks! the announcer shouted. No wonder our intrepid challenger has been destroying the competition! A professor of the university is indeed a very skilled wizard! So, tell the audience, what made someone aspowerful as you choose to grace our humble competition?

Ram smiled. There has been much talk lately about new constructs and advancements in alchemy. Butin the face of new trendsmany fail to remember that other disciplines make advancements as well.

The professor gestured to Prime. Prime is the result of a spell prototype that I created. For millennia, wizards have had to rely on expensive or dangerous golem craft, unreliable summoning magic, or the lengthy process of familiar-binding in order to create loyal and powerful servants.

Rams pride in his construct was obvious. Well, to that, I say no more! The domain of the wizard is the spell. And modern spellcraft can do anything if pushed properly: here, youre seeing a construct produced by a single powerful spell! No lengthy alchemy, no bargaining with an otherworldly entityjust pure magic and imagination. That is the future, unbound by beakers and summoning circles! I intend to prove that today: Prime will face and defeat Claygon, who isaccording to manythe epitome of golem-craft. You can call our contest a proof of concept, if you will.

For science it is, then! the announcer shouted. Two cutting-edge advances in magical study, facing each other in our arena today, folks! This is not just an epic match-up! This is history in the making!

The crowd roared their enthusiasm.

Witness something that has never been seen before! the announcers voice echoed through the venue, but even his words couldnt drown out the internal screams gripping Alex.

He looked up at Torakasitting in the VIP boxsurrounded by potential clients. Her lips had flattened to a hard line and her body language was stiff like lightning coursed through her body.

The potential buyers were whispering to each other, pointing between Prime and Claygon.

Shitshit, shitshit. Alex muttered.

This is bad, colossally bad.

If Prime beats Claygon, that could damage the image we want our new golems to haveor even golems in general. Rams spell could devastate the Golem Works and my business ventures with Toraka and Lucia.

A cold sweat rose on his skin.

There was no possible way to compete with learn a spell and make all the constructs you want anytime or any place. He had to prove that Claygons quality and value far exceeded Primes.

And even then, itd be an uphill battle.

Hes crushed all kinds of monsters and adversaries to get here, Alex thought. For me to prove that our golems are worth the coin, we cant just beat Primewe have to crush it. Humiliate it. Annihilate it.

Ihear youfather Claygon raised his war-spear.

Give it your all! Rams voice rumbled. I will not accept anything save for your best!

And thats what were here to see! the announcer shouted. Wizards and their proxies giving their all! And now that all is revealed, we have kept youour wonderful audiencewaiting long enough! And so, get ready for Prime and Harsha Ram vs. Claygon and Alex Roth! Who will come out on top?

Alex tensed.

Claygons stance shifted.

Primes fists opened and closed like the snapping jaws of a ferocious beast.

A smile curved Rams lips.

Lets find out! the announcer shouted. Begin!

The bell rang.

And Ram wasted no time.

The ballistae on Primes shoulders immediately released a torrent of bolts at Claygon. They expanded, blurring through the air until they were the size of the golems war-spear, driving into his chest before he could even move.

A tremendous explosion rocked the air as he was pushed back by unrelenting force.

Rams expression twitched.

And the golem stumbled.

Alex lifted his staff, calling on its power, pouring flight magic into Claygon who was able to steady himself before he fell backwards.

And we have a devastating opening salvo from Prime! the announcer called. How will Alex and Claygon respond?

Like this, Alex said.

Likethis, his golem said in tandem.

And power poured into his fire-gems.

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