332: Battle Universe (Cecil’s Side)

"I'm sorry, Cecil, but I really can't afford to waste any more time on you. So—without further ado."

Teacher Chloe closed the distance without a single word of debate and unleashed her assault.

It was a mana-infused strike from her Whip, moving faster than the speed of sound—the kind of blow a mere Shield had no hope of stopping. I would’ve been taken out in a single hit... well, if I were the same person I used to be.

"—This is... Battle Universe!?"

An Anti-Magic barrier flickered into existence around me, parrying the whip with a sharp crack. I caught a glimpse of a look I’d never seen on Teacher Chloe's face before: pure, unadulterated shock.

As a pulse of white light resonated from the ground, the Magic Pieces materialized one by one. A mage clutching a massive staff, an elderly knight atop a horse, and a burly soldier bracing behind a heavy shield.

This is my weapon. My unique magic. A power that won't lose to anyone.

"No explanation required, right?" I asked.

Teacher Chloe and I had played Universe countless times. And honestly? I’d never lost to her. Not once. Of course, this is a completely different beast—a brand-new magic I developed from scratch.

Chloe let the tip of her Whip drop to the dirt, her face softening into a gentle expression I’d never seen during our training sessions. Ah... she really is incredible. She already knew. She understood that her turn to attack was over.

"Now, it's my turn."

I steadied my breathing and issued a silent command within my heart. The mage with the greatstaff unleashed a Mana Cannon—the very spell he had mastered above all others during his life. With a violent crack, one of the pieces on Chloe’s side of the board shattered into dust.

[Battle Universe: Unequal Serious Match]

The Gift activates once I draw the Magic Formula on the ground and—this is the kicker—intentionally let the opponent take the first move. Whoever I designate as the "enemy" becomes the King. Their attack and defense ranges are automatically calculated based on their Mana, turning the target into just another Battle Universe Piece.

Of course, the Gift is restricted by the established rules of Battle Universe. All other pieces function with their standard abilities. Chloe, however, was a special case—she could use her own Unique Ability even while serving as a Battle Universe Piece.

I could feel her Mana radiating outward; her attack range was four squares, and her Life was set at three. Basically, if she takes three hits, it's game over. She’s basically a King unit with the combined specs of a knight and a mage. Terrifying.

On the other hand, my Life started at a measly two, and since I just tanked that opening strike, I’m down to my last point. One more hit and I’m history.

And yet... I didn't feel like I could lose.