Chapter 223.1. Fire Immunity

-Masatoshi’s POV-
Unexpectedly, he has fire immunity. Indeed, to face Agunis, who excels in fire, having fire immunity would be the best choice. Flame immunity possesses overwhelming power.
However, fire immunity isn’t something commonly heard of, especially not in magic or magic tools. 
While people can find fire resistance in plenty, Aguni’s fires are so powerful that they easily burn through any resistance. So, I never expected him to come prepared with flame immunity.
Well, there was one case, but there’s no way he possesses that magic tool.
“Now it’s my turn!”
When I try to think, Taiyou’s intriguing voice rises, and he comes running towards me, smiling mischievously.
“Tch!”
I don’t have time to contemplate. I step back, reposition myself, and prepare to use magic against the approaching Taiyo.
[Lovers]
Lava erupts from the ground again and heads straight for Taiyou. However, he lightly sidesteps the lava flow without losing speed, closing in on me.
[Flash]
As Taiyou reaches for the sword hanging at his waist, he unleashes a draw strike. 
The sound of metal clashing resonates in the air, but just as I thought, he draw his sword, and its blade aims for my neck.
Unable to react, I tense up, but with a clink, I deflected the high-speed slash from Taiyou.
Even though I repelled his attacks, Taiyou quickly stepped into position and delivered a series of blows. Several sword flashes flashed in the air, and multiple metallic clicks rang out.
Despite being blocked, he immediately closes the distance with a backstep, looking impressed as he opens his mouth.
“So, that’s the Crystal Bit that has become your signature move?”
“Ha! That’s right. This is my unique magic, [Prism Crimson], which combines offense and defense!”
Taiyou gazes at me composedly, so I confidently smile back with a smug grin.
Surrounding Masatoshi, 32 beautiful ruby-like crystals float in the air. 
This magic, [Prism Crimson], which has been making a name for itself in dungeon battles, automatically acts as a shield, protecting Masatoshi from Taiyou’s attacks.
Masatoshi was upset and showed a gap, but [Prism Crimson] became an automatic shield and protected him from Taiyou’s attack.
“I heard rumors that it’s [A Magic Superior to the Caster] and can defend against any attack. I’m going to test if that’s true!”
Gripping his sword tightly, he slightly lowers his stance and lunges forward.
“Who’s the fool here?!”
Thinking I don’t need a nickname like that, I swing my hand to intercept his attack, with a vein popping in frustration.
[Sword Mode]
The floating 16 crystals gather in my hand and transform into a long sword. 
I hold the crimson blade, preparing to restrain Taiyou’s slashing.
A horizontal slash comes at me, but I turn the blade sideways to block it.
Taiyou, realizing his sword has inferior durability against my robust red crystal longsword, immediately withdraws his blade and follows up with another series of strikes.
“I also trained with a sword, you know!”
I sway and move my body nimbly, countering Taiyou’s attempts to exploit my weaknesses with his sword. However, I block his body-targeted slashes from the right and deflect the feint aimed at my feet. When he thrusts at me, I shift half my body to the side and try to break the sword he’s extended in the opposite direction.
That plan is seen through, and Taiyou quickly withdraws the sword, but seeing his smile slightly stiffen, I snort softly in amusement.
“You thought it was just magic? But, of course, I’ll show you some magic too!”
“Kuh!”
The floating crystal jet fires are flying like arrows toward Taiyou as if they have a will of their own.
Taiyou swiftly swings his sword, backing away and accurately deflecting all the crystal arrows.
He appears confident, and I’m genuinely surprised at his sword skills.
His swordsmanship is undoubtedly better than mine, but my body enhancement allows me to keep up with him.
However, this is a magician’s match, not a sword fight.
So, there’s no way Aguni Masatoshi will lose. 
I’m certain after seeing his mana reserves and the power of his previous magic.
Above all, I have [Prism Crimson], the strongest magic that combines offense and defense.
I point the tip of my sword at Taiyou, readying my mana.
[Explosion]
A magic circle forms at the tip of the sword, and with a booming sound, a fan-shaped burst of flames erupts.
The intense flames head for Taiyou, who is dealing with the crystal arrows. Its attack range is vast, and evasion is impossible.
Observing Taiyou being engulfed in fire, I remain vigilant without letting my guard down. 
Amidst the burning ring of fire, Taiyou breaks through the fire, surrounding itself with wind and closing in.
“I told you, fire won’t work, right?”
Taiyou wields his sword with a relaxed smile.
“Indeed. But how long can you keep that up?”
Guiding the crystals back with my thoughts and restraining Taiyou’s movements, I prepare to defend with my sword.
“…What do you mean?”
“Exactly what I said! I’ve seen enough of your bluffs!”
As we clash blades, I glare at Taiyou and respond with a mocking smile.
After seeing the crystal arrows approaching from behind again, Taiyou distorts his face, then directs his hand after seeing the crystal arrows approaching from behind again.
With crackling purple lightning discharged from his hand, thunder roars.
[Lightning Plant]
The lightning extends from his hand, approaching me as if engulfing me in vines made of thunder.
Without panicking, I firmly step on the floor, wielding my sword and charging forward.
“A bluff to make it seem ineffective!”
[Flame Horn]
The crystal shield effortlessly blocks the lightning, and I wrap myself in a fiery bull, extending a sword-like flame from its “horns”.
“You saw through it!”
As the platinum magical armor shines, Taiyou easily deflects my fiery thrust with his sword. The moment we touch, the flames surrounding me vanish.
Seizing the opportunity to counter, I release an arrow from above, but he notices and swiftly backsteps, moving away.
Seeing his actions, I calmly assume a ready stance with my sword.