The Nightmare Wizard
Chapter 78: The Eighth Strike

Chapter 78: Chapter 78: The Eighth Strike

With a determined gaze, William took a deep breath and launched himself into the attack once more. This time, he seemed utterly resolute; his eyes showed not hatred, but pure resolve—the determination to risk his life for a single goal.

With steady steps, he advanced, executing what he remembered. For a moment, his mind went blank, as if he had fused with the sword.

The first strike was clean and low, an ascending diagonal from hip to hip.

The second, a brutal downward slash, aimed straight to cleave a skull.

The third, a swift, tense horizontal cut, targeting the neck.

The fourth, a pirouette into a reverse thrust, using the momentum as if dancing with death.

The fifth, a direct, unadorned, merciless stab to the abdomen.

The sixth, a deceptive feint transforming into a backhand slash to the side.

The seventh, a wide, sweeping arc to throw the enemy off balance.

The sword’s dance was beautiful, but the apprentices managed to dodge each blow, retreating further and further, until the eighth cut arrived: a final, horizontal, and precise strike, executed with both hands. Although it should have been vertical, William wanted to kill them both, not just one. With a loud roar, the air in front of him vibrated as if torn open by a mysterious force.

A red beam of light sliced through everything before him, launching directly at both apprentices. Seeing the red beam, they both knew they were screwed. They had underestimated the brat, and now they were about to face the consequences.

With all their remaining mana, both used their best defensive spells: "Stone Wall" and "Frost Iron Shield." A layer of grayish stone materialized in front of Eldrin, while a dark blue barrier formed before Roderick. The beam of light crashed against them both, shattering their defenses into pieces and dimming the red glow. The beam continued its advance, but they had no time to unleash another spell, receiving the cut directly with their bodies.

A smile formed on William’s face before it was frozen by the sound of glass breaking. Looking again, he saw that both held protective rings that had activated at the very last moment, saving their lives.

Eldrin and Roderick fell to their knees, exhausted, while William collapsed face-first onto the deck with a dull thud. The attack had been brutal, but his body was now paying the consequences. Every muscle fiber had torn once more, and his skin had cracked, gushing blood. After a final look of hatred, he fell unconscious again.

Lía rushed out of the infirmary, grabbing William and screaming desperately. Renno had already positioned himself in front of William with his sword drawn, facing the two apprentices. They might be tired or wounded, but it would be a tough fight against two Level 3 Mage apprentices for a Level 3 Knight like him. His gaze was fixed on them, ready to move at the slightest provocation.

Eldrin was the first to stand, yelling at Renno, "You damned piece of trash insect, get out of my way or I’ll make sure you regret it, you stupid commoner!"

Eldrin swayed from lack of mana, but in his hand was a small, light blue dagger that emitted a mysterious aura. It was clearly a magical artifact, but its function wasn’t obvious, so Renno remained cautious in its presence.

"Let the elders arrive; they will decide what to do." Both stared intently at each other for a few moments until an old man’s voice rang out. Eldrin stooped, bowing before Agis, saying, "This damned commoner tried to murder us." Agis turned and saw the mess William had caused. The infirmary area had all its curtains torn, and and even parts of the ship that were undamaged before now showed sword gashes, demonstrating the brutality with which William had attacked.

"I see... as vice-director, I was ignored, and that makes me very angry, so all three of you will be subjected to my judgment." Before he could finish, Eldrin knelt, shouting, "It’s not necessary, Lord Agis, I beg that this be resolved this way. I will not ask for compensation or retaliate."

Eldrin’s words confused Roderick, as Eldrin had looked utterly indignant moments ago. But after so many years together, he knew something very serious was about to happen, so he also pleaded for everything to be dropped.

While Agis wore a highly enraged expression at being interrupted, he heard someone else whisper, "Never, I will not rest until I have justice." The whisper echoed in Eldrin’s ears like the whispers of a demon, as he saw William’s eyes bloodshot, with all his veins bulging, as he vomited blood. Despite being in that state, he had no intention of giving up.

Aurus arrived and surveyed the scene, a little surprised. He had just left the brat alone a few minutes ago, and he should have been resting after ascending, but here he was, in a pool of blood, dying.

"Aurus, tell me, I will handle this according to the academy rules. You won’t interfere, right?"

Aurus’s face soured a bit, but he knew he could do nothing this time, so he replied, "Do what you must, I will only stay to observe."

The other two elders also arrived, saying, "We agree to witness the judgment."

These words sealed their fate, causing Eldrin’s face to turn deathly pale. Roderick still didn’t understand what was happening, but at that moment, Agis extended his hand and a vine appeared out of nowhere, tying the three of them and placing them before the elders.

In the background, even Thenerev wanted to say something, but he knew it wasn’t his place and he couldn’t afford to offend the mages.

"You have broken the rules and even caused considerable damage under my command. Now I want to know why, so I may punish you accordingly. You will be subjected to judgment. I, Agis Von Laudren, will be the executioner, and I request the elders Aurus, Meron, and Thalor to be the judges and witnesses of my impartiality. Now, let us proceed with this."