Chapter 35: Strange Dungeon Exploration (4)

[Third Person's PoV] 

Stephen looked down at the now-healed, yet unconscious mage bound in magical restraints. He turned to the group, his tone calm yet determined. "Shall we head toward the Treasure Hall?"

"Is that even a question?" Noelle scoffed, crossing her arms and giving him a look of impatience.

Stephen rolled his eyes, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. "Just making sure we're all on the same page."

Without a word, Luck hoisted the limp form of Lotus over his shoulder and flashed a wide grin, giving Stephen a thumbs-up. "We're all set to go!"

With a nod, Stephen flicked his wrist, summoning his sling ring and conjuring a swirling portal in front of them. The portal shimmered with energy, casting an otherworldly glow over the group. Without hesitation, Asta launched himself through the portal headfirst, eager as always. What he didn't realize, though, was that Stephen had opened the portal high in the air. Luck and the others, equally oblivious, followed suit, rushing in after him.

"Ahhhhh!!" Noelle and Asta screamed in unison as they plummeted through the air, the ground rapidly approaching. Noelle flailed wildly, panicking as the wind whipped around her.

Meanwhile, Luck cackled with glee, relishing the freefall. Asta, with quicker reflexes, stabilized his descent midair, angling himself toward the action below.

The scene before them was dire. Klaus stood ensnared by towering crystals, their jagged edges glinting menacingly under the faint light. He struggled against their hold, his face contorted with frustration. Mimosa lay injured, surrounded by crystalline formations, her breath labored from a vicious sneak attack. Yuno, steadfast behind Klaus, was conjuring two powerful spells simultaneously, the air crackling with magical energy.

[Wind Creation Magic: Swift White Hawk + Wind Blade Shower] 

a massive eagle formed behind him, its wings spread wide with feathers sharp as blades. Wind howled around him, his eyes focused, determined as he faced their enemy.

Mars, the mage from the Diamond Kingdom, stood before them. His cold eyes gleamed beneath the crystal embedded in his forehead, a black fur cloak draped over his shoulder, embroidered with the insignia of his kingdom. His posture was calm, confident.

Stephen acted quickly. Grabbing his cloak as he fell, he flung it toward Noelle. Simultaneously, he crossed his arms and activated one of his spells. 

[Arcane Magic: Dark Wings]

In an instant, Stephen's body dissolved into a flock of shadowy black birds, the swarm weaving through the air before converging around Luck, slowing his descent.

"Hahaha! This is fun!" Luck shouted gleefully, seemingly unfazed by the danger below.

Meanwhile, Asta descended with force, slashing through the thick crystal trapping Klaus with a single swing of his massive sword. The crystal shattered into gleaming fragments, and Asta plunged his sword into the floor, creating a deep crevice as he skidded to a stop. He grinned, hoisting his sword over his shoulder as he looked over at Yuno. "Looks like you're having a bit of trouble, Yuno!"

Yuno glanced at Asta but said nothing, his focus locked on Mars.

Noelle, now gently floating down thanks to Stephen's cloak, sighed in relief. Once her feet touched the ground, she patted the Cloak of Levitation gently. "Thanks. You really are a lifesaver."

The cloak gave a small bow in response, earning a giggle from Noelle before it flew back to Stephen, reattaching itself to his shoulders as he reformed.

Klaus, who had been freed, was less than pleased. "Saved by members of the Black Bulls… What is wrong with me?" He groaned, rubbing his temples in frustration.

Stephen approached the wounded Mimosa, who lay on the ground, her breath coming in pained gasps. She gave him a weak, embarrassed smile. "I'm sorry you had to see me like this… I'm the healer, and I was the first one to go down."

Stephen knelt beside her, his voice gentle yet firm. "Healers are often the first targets in battle, so don't worry about it, take this as a lesson so you can grow stronger in the future."

With a soft gesture, Stephen made a series of intricate hand signs. A soothing green light surrounded Mimosa, bathing her in healing magic. As her wounds closed, she let out a sigh of relief. "This feels… amazing."

Meanwhile, Mars had not been idle. His eyes narrowed as he saw the new arrivals. With a swift motion, he summoned a torrent of minerals from his grimoire, sending the deadly wave barreling toward them.

Asta and Yuno were more than ready. Asta swung his sword, shattering the oncoming crystals, while Yuno's wind magic sliced through the rest with precision.

Luck, ever the thrill-seeker, dashed across the ground with lightning speed, leaping into the air and aiming a powerful kick at Mars' head.

[Mineral Creation Magic: Laevateinn] 

Mars' grimoire glowed as a massive sword materialized in his hand, easily three times his size. He used the flat of the blade to block Luck's kick, though the force still pushed him back several feet.

Mars glared coldly at Luck, swinging his colossal sword in a deadly arc, aiming to cleave him in two. "Uh oh," Luck grinned, narrowly dodging as an Eldritch portal opened behind him. An arcane whip shot out, yanking him back just in time.

Luck skidded across the ground, his boots sparking with electricity. Looking up in confusion, he saw Stephen finishing Mimosa's healing, the portal still flickering behind him.

Mimosa floated gently to her feet, her cheeks flushed as she smiled gratefully. "Thank you," she whispered, bowing slightly.

Stephen simply nodded, his gaze shifting to the battlefield where Asta and Yuno were now fully engaged. Asta's powerful steps cracked the ground beneath him as he charged, while Yuno soared forward on his Swift White Hawk, launching feather-like blades toward Mars.

"Noelle, protect Mimosa," Stephen instructed as he flew off to join the fight.

"Stop ordering me around!" Noelle huffed, though she did as he asked, positioning herself near Mimosa with her wand at the ready.

Mimosa gave Noelle an apologetic look. "I didn't want you to see me like this…"

Noelle smirked, a playful glint in her eyes. "It's alright. I always knew you were a bit slow."

Mimosa's face flushed with embarrassment, but she smiled, grateful for the teasing banter amidst the chaos of battle.

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