Showdown Between Geniuses

Stefan was stupefied by the sudden occurrence around him.

"Y-you…"

The disaster he had caused was completely reversed, and the casualties all appeared alive and well. It was as though time had been reset to a time before his appearance.

'H-how…?!' Stefan knew fully well what had effected this change.

It had to be the star his opponent sent flying into the sky. It contained such dense Aether that even he had felt shaken to his bones. However, that didn't answer the crux of his question.

'How is Maria able to use such power?!'

He watched as even Elrich Lendertwale appeared beside her, completely unscathed. The Grand Mage seemed surprised as well, but after a few moments, he calmed himself and backed down from the fight—leaving only Maria to face him.

'You're looking down on me too much!' Stefan growled.

Something had changed about Maria, sure. She seemed more capable and certain of her actions, and the energy she emitted was beyond ordinary. However, so what?