#112. Pursuit Squad (2)

4th-circle spell: Burn Flare.

It’s an area spell that unleashes an eruption of flames, sweeping away everything around it.

As an elemental spell—one of the fire element, no less—it boasts firepower on par with a 5th-circle spell. However, its complex spell structure and distinctive precursors make it difficult to find the right moment to use, so it isn’t particularly well-regarded.

Of course, if your opponent knows nothing about magic or has gathered themselves in one place, there’s no better spell for the job.

The exploding flames swept everything away. The men in black who had formed up were charred black.

However, the man who appeared to be their leader seemed unharmed.

‘He took a direct hit from Burn Flare and he’s still fine... Is that the Protective Aura I’ve heard so much about?’

A barrier of qi surrounded the man’s body. It was quite different from my mana barrier. He seemed to be wearing it like armor.

‘If I’m judging by durability alone, that barrier is at least as strong as one cast by a 4th-circle mage... No, maybe a 5th-circle mage.’

I understood why he didn’t have even a scorch mark despite taking a direct hit from Burn Flare. His cultivation was simply a step—or rather, half a step—above mine...