Chapter 72: Incredible Situation, Extinction

Click!

Lee Hyun-seung loaded the [Magic Nullification Magazine].

[Magic Nullification Magazine]

When this magazine is used, it nullifies a single spell cast by an opponent of a lower rank.

Magic nullification is limited to one spell per bullet.

Spells cast by opponents of the same rank or higher cannot be nullified.

Attacks using this magazine deal no physical damage to the opponent.

Contains five bullets.

‘I didn’t think I’d have to use this so soon.’

Not long ago, Lee Hyun-seung had achieved Blacksmith Level 2, expanding the range of weapons and items he could

craft. Among the newly unlocked creations was the “Magic Nullification Magazine.”

At first glance, the description of nullifying an opponent’s magic might make it seem like an overpowered cheat item.

However, the magazine was not something just anyone could create or use effectively, and it came with significant

restrictions.

First and foremost, to nullify magic, the user’s rank must be higher than the opponent’s. If their rank is equal to or

lower, the magazine would have no effect.

In other words, an Epic-rank individual cannot nullify the spells of a Unique-rank mage.

But for Lee Hyun-seung, these restrictions were irrelevant.

‘This is where having a Legendary rank really shines.’

Lee Hyun-seung’s rank was Legendary. Even Yoo Han-beom, hailed as one of the strongest at the moment, was only

Unique rank.

In theory, this meant that Lee Hyun-seung could nullify any spell Yoo Han-beom cast.

‘Let’s hope I won’t need to try something that reckless.’

Of course, this was purely theoretical. Lee Hyun-seung had no intention of relying solely on a single bullet to go up

against Yoo Han-beom.

Even if Lee Hyun-seung’s rank was higher, the gap in job levels between him and Yoo Han-beom was vast.

Additionally, the Magic Nullification Magazine had its drawbacks—it couldn’t deal physical damage and could only

nullify one spell per bullet.

This meant that if the opponent spammed quick-casting, low-powered spells, it would be nearly impossible to

respond effectively using the Magic Nullification Magazine.

Moreover, since the magazine didn’t inflict physical damage, switching to another magazine for a counterattack was

necessary. In battles where the slightest 0.1 to 0.2-second delay could decide victory or defeat, this was a significant

weakness.

‘But Yoo Hee-yeon won’t think that far ahead.’

Sure enough, with just a little provocation, she had already resorted to one of her most powerful spells.

“Die.”

From a distance, Yoo Hee-yeon’s chilling words rang out as she unleashed a massive lion-shaped mass of mana.

[Blinding Light]

The spell, known as Blinding Light, was infamous among mages.

[A] [Blinding Light]

• Launches a lion-shaped mana projectile at the target. The projectile relentlessly chases the designated target until it hits. Upon impact, the mana detonates with a brilliant white flash, blinding the surroundings.

When this spell hits its target, the resulting explosion not only engulfs the area in blinding light but also annihilates

the victim.

The power of Blinding Light was undeniable.

‘This actually works in my favor.’

Lee Hyun-seung watched the ominous surge of Blinding Light approach and thought to himself, ‘It doesn’t matter

whether it’s Blinding Light or Fireball—it’ll vanish with a single shot.’

With that thought, he raised his gun.

–Swish.

From a distance, Yoo Hee-yeon yelled in disbelief.

“You think you can stop Blinding Light with a gun? That’s beyond idiotic!”

Arms crossed, Yoo Hee-yeon smirked arrogantly, watching him from afar.

Ignoring her taunts, Lee Hyun-seung closed his eyes.

‘I can’t afford any mistakes.’

The Explosive Light moved freely, like a living organism, relentlessly pursuing its target. If the bullet missed its

mark, the user’s body would take a direct hit, leading to instant defeat. That was a scenario Lee Hyun-seung

absolutely had to avoid.

He closed his eyes, extended his arm, and focused solely on the sound. Right before the Explosive Light consumed its

target, it emitted a strange noise, a mere 0.1 seconds before impact—too fast for any human to react.

But Lee Hyun-seung believed he could.

He had practiced countering the Explosive Light countless times in Broad Academy Online.

As the Explosive Light approached right before his eyes—

Shhhhhrrrrrk!

‘Now.’

The peculiar sound reached his ears, and without hesitation, Lee Hyun-seung pulled the trigger.

Bang!

On the other side of the screen, Yoo Han-beom and Bae Gi-young were observing the stage. At some point, Kim Hee-

ra had joined them.

“Oh my, am I a little late? I had so many things to take care of. Sorry about that.”

Kim Hee-ra playfully apologized as she moved to take her seat. Yoo Han-beom spoke quietly.

“Today’s the day our daughter’s competing, and you had something more important to do?”

His tone carried a hint of irritation. Kim Hee-ra responded nonchalantly.

“Oh, why are you being so sensitive? Normally, you don’t even pay attention to what Hee-yeon does. What’s so

special about today that you decided to show up as a spectator?”

Flinch.

Her remark made Bae Gi-young glance nervously at Yoo Han-beom, but instead of getting angry, Yoo Han-beom

merely clicked his tongue.

Kim Hee-ra smoothly continued as she took her seat.

“And how could I not care about our daughter competing? I was actually checking where to throw a celebration party

once the class elimination match is over. I’ve been preparing all sorts of things, like inviting several guild leaders for

the party.”

She hummed a cheerful tune as she rummaged through her bag, clearly excited.

“A celebration party?”

Yoo Han-beom’s tone was flat as he asked. Kim Hee-ra nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes! I mean, she’s just facing those insignificant F-Class students, isn’t she? Of course, Hee-yeon will win. That

d*mn Lee Hyun-seung forced this matchup, and while there won’t be many extra points for beating F-Class, Hee-

yeon’s already ahead with her consistent performance. Even without bonus points, she’s on track to secure first

place. This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate her becoming top in both the practical and written evaluations at

the Academy.”

Clench.

Yoo Han-beom pressed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

“A party is one thing, but why involve other guilds? I told you before, Hee-yeon isn’t some medal for you to show off.”

“Oh, why do you always say things like that? I don’t think of her as a medal at all. I just think it’s nice for everyone to

recognize how amazing Hee-yeon is.”

Despite her words, Kim Hee-ra undeniably treated Yoo Hee-yeon as a trophy—a medal to hang on the wall and flaunt

to others. Her interest in Yoo Hee-yeon was not purely driven by maternal love. The higher Yoo Hee-yeon’s

achievements, the greater Kim Hee-ra’s influence as her mother. Kim Hee-ra understood this better than anyone.

Sigh.

Yoo Han-beom couldn’t suppress the heavy sigh escaping his lips.

He knew. Most members of the Artemis Guild, including Kim Hee-ra, operated with this mindset. Power, influence,

and strength were their priorities. Surrounded by individuals who valued capability above all else, the guild had

developed into something fundamentally warped.

But there was no one else to blame.

He had built it this way.

By demonstrating what could be achieved through power and force, he had shown the others how to rise. Naturally,

they all aspired to do the same.

He had no right to criticize them for following the path he had paved.

Thinking this, Yoo Han-beom turned his gaze back to the screen. Without looking at Kim Hee-ra, who appeared

completely uninterested in the match, he spoke.

“Cancel the celebration party. If it can still be canceled, do it immediately.”

“Why are you being like this? As I said earlier, I don’t think of Hee-yeon as a medal. I just wanted to—”

“No.”

Yoo Han-beom pointed at the screen and spoke.

“It’s not about that. This match—cancel it. Hee-yeon might lose.”

“What are you talking about…?”

Kim Hee-ra looked at Yoo Han-beom with a bewildered expression, then turned her gaze back to the screen he was pointing at.

-Whiiiiiiirrr!

An enormous storm of mana surrounded the area.

The explosive light unleashed by Yoo Hee-yeon pushed away everything in its vicinity, surging forward with

terrifying speed.

Soon, the explosive light aimed to engulf Lee Hyun-seung entirely.

-Bangggg!

At that moment, a bullet fired by Lee Hyun-seung darted straight toward the explosive light.

-Crackkkkkkkle!

As the bullet made contact with the light, an intense burst of electricity erupted.

“W-what’s happening…?”

Yoo Hee-yeon trembled as she stared at the light, which had come to a halt and failed to consume Lee Hyun-seung.

Her arms quivered as she murmured to herself.

‘That… that’s impossible… no… it can’t be…?’

The scene before her appeared as though Lee Hyun-seung was blocking the explosive light. She couldn’t comprehend

what was happening.

It wasn’t possible. It couldn’t be.

It was just a single bullet, after all.

The explosive light was one of the highest-level spells she could cast.

For Lee Hyun-seung—a student who had consistently failed practical exams until recently—to block such a spell?

No, he shouldn’t be able to. He must not be able to.

If that were true, then what had all her efforts amounted to?

She had worked relentlessly, pouring everything she had into becoming stronger and achieving first place. She spent

exorbitant sums of money, sought out the most renowned instructors, and devoted herself entirely to training. She

had sacrificed sleep and pursued every possible method to improve.

-Crackkkk!

‘Ah…?’

Yoo Hee-yeon despised the word “unfair” more than anything else.

To her, it was an excuse used by lazy people who failed to give their best in the face of their circumstances—a word

that concealed their lack of effort.

At least, that’s what she had always believed.

-Fwooshhh…

Finally, after a fierce resistance, the explosive light dissipated completely.

The high-level magic cast by Yoo Hee-yeon had been neutralized by a single bullet from Lee Hyun-seung.

“This is… unfair…”

Yoo Hee-yeon stared blankly into the void with hollow eyes.

Lee Hyun-seung looked at her and spoke with a cold voice.

“Why are you making that face? Did you think you were someone special?”

-Crunch.

Yoo Hee-yeon clenched her fists tightly. Her nails dug into her palms, and blood flowed freely, staining her hands.