Chapter 1549: Run, Javier, Run! ( 1549 )

Javier’s eyes flicked upward, scanning the sky as more magic circles materialized above him, each one larger and more intricate than the last. Their runes glowed with a deep, golden light that pulsed in a slow, rhythmic pattern.

Ah...

That’s not a good sign.

These magic circles are different from the ones before. He’s using a better version now. Even if it’s still not his real power. Not even one percent.

Damn.

Should I use my puppet knight to lure the chains away?

He twisted his body, repelling another incoming chain with the back of his hand, the impact sending sparks scattering across the sand.

No... I don’t think that’ll work.

Father’s magic isn’t weak or stupid. Once it locks onto a target, it will reach that target. My inventions will probably be ignored. They’ll pass right through them.

He activated his magic. Several glowing circles materialized around him in a complex formation. Circular barriers shimmered to life, hovering in the air like shields. Floating magic swords materialized, each one gleaming with a faint, ethereal light. They moved with him, rotating in a slow, calculated orbit, slicing through any chain that came too close.

His eyes darted toward a new circle, this one pulsing with a brighter, more intense glow.

Gihhh! Father is enjoying this!

I’m sure he counts this as training!

He gritted his teeth, leaping over a low chain and twisting mid-air as another lashed out from the side. A floating sword intercepted it, cutting it clean in half before the pieces dissolved into golden light.

A third chain whipped toward his legs, and another barrier shifted into place, deflecting it with a loud crack. Javier landed, rolled, and was back on his feet in an instant, the defensive array swirling around him like a living fortress.

Javier glanced around, his eyes scanning the terrain. His gaze landed on a stone path that led toward the villas, its surface smooth and firm, winding between the trees and flowering shrubs.

Maybe I should take this path.

Solid ground means better footing. More maneuverability. Those chains have to adjust when I change direction, and with stone under my feet, I can pivot faster. This will give me the advantage I need.

A confident grin spread across his face as he veered toward the stone path, his feet barely touching the ground as he kept up his speed.

Today, I’m going to break the record.

The longest time before Father catches me. Last time, it was barely ten minutes. Marcellus barely lasted five. Cedric got caught in under a minute. Aelius... well, I didn’t even count. What was it, thirty seconds? And Heres?

Heh~

Today’s the day~

I’m going to make Father use the third level of his skills and magic. That’s the goal. If I can push him that far, then I win, even if he catches me in the end.

Hehehehe~

My dumbass brothers already failed.

Caught within seconds? Pathetic.

He glanced back over his shoulder, watching the chains coil and writhe behind him, still chasing. He could see his father in the distance, walking calmly, hands behind his back, eyes locked on him with quiet amusement.

His shoulders began to shake. A laugh bubbled up from his chest, echoing across the stone path as he sprinted forward.

"Bwahahahahaah!"

Javier’s laughter was cut short the moment a massive ice crystal dropped from the sky, slamming into the stone path directly ahead of him. He twisted sharply, throwing himself sideways as the crystal shattered against the ground, the impact sending a shockwave of frost and ice shards scattering across the path.

He glanced over his shoulder as he kept running, watching the remnants of the crystal dissipate into glittering motes of light, like a thousand tiny diamonds scattering on the wind.

His eyes darted upward. More magic circles bloomed across the sky, each one gleaming with cold, blue-white light. One by one, they fired, sending a hailstorm of massive ice crystals raining down toward him.

"EEEEKKKK!!"

Is he trying to kill me?!

Well... even if I know this is just his basic skill. This is nothing to him. But seriously!?

What if any Armand personnel were walking around? What if someone else got caught in this?

He kicked off one ice crystal as it crashed down beside him, using the momentum to vault himself up and forward. His feet landed on the flat top of another crystal that had embedded itself in the path, and he sprang off it before it shattered beneath him, leaping to the next, and the next, using them as stepping stones across the frozen chaos.

Well... I’m sure Father already knows.

He has those Eyes of Truth, after all. He can see everything. He can feel every presence, every movement, every breath within his range. He wouldn’t use this kind of magic if anyone else was in the line of fire.

Damn.

He even calculated the path I’d take. He knew I’d be here. He knew the exact second I’d be here.

That’s why the coordinates are so precise. That’s why the crystals are landing right where I am, not a second too early or too late.

This is a strategist’s mind at work.

He’s not just throwing magic at me. He’s testing my reflexes, my instincts, my ability to adapt. He’s pushing me to find new angles, new paths, new tricks.

And he’s enjoying every second of it.

Javier pulled out his pocket watch, flipping it open with his thumb. His eyes widened as he read the timer.

Gihhh!

Not even five minutes yet!

Damn it!

His expression shifted, a confident smirk spreading across his face as he snapped the watch shut.

Heh~

At this desperate time, it’s time for desperate measures~

He clenched both fists and slammed his knuckles together with a sharp, satisfying crack. A burst of shimmering mana erupted around him, and six identical clones materialized in a flash of light, each one landing on the stone path beside him. They fell into step, running alongside him in perfect synchronization.

"Oi! What the hell?!" The first clone jumped and evaded an ice crystal that crashed down right in front of him, his eyes wide with shock.

"What is happening!?"

"Are we facing a stronger enemy?"

Javier’s grin widened. He glanced at his clones, his voice calm but eager.

"Listen up, boys. I need you to help me. Become the bait. Run in different directions. Draw the chains and crystals away from me. If I get caught, I’ll switch with one of you who’s still free. The moment the chain wraps around me, I’ll swap positions with another that’s still running. That way, I stay in the game longer~"

The clones exchanged glances. The first one narrowed his eyes.

"Eh? Why would we do that?"

Javier’s grin widened further. His eyes glinted with mischief.

"Because I want to break my personal record~"

The clones stared at him for a moment before letting out collective groans and taking off in different directions, scattering across the stone path.

Meanwhile.

Garius stood calmly atop a coconut tree, one hand resting on his hip, the other holding a beautifully cut coconut. A small, decorative umbrella stuck out of the top, and a carved bamboo straw rested between his lips. He took a slow, regal sip, his eyes fixed on the path below where seven Javiers were now running in every direction.

A smirk curved his lips.

"Ah~ So my youngest son is finally using his clone technique~"

His eyes glinted with amusement as he lowered the coconut.

"That’s my boy~"

( End Of Chapter )ℯℯ𝑙.