{Note: The clone chapter issue in the previous chapter has been rectified, for those who already checked it out. So read that before reading this. I apologize for my mistake.}

“Original Magic: To Infinity And Beyond.”

Its purpose was quite simple.

Mordred would lay out a domain in which he controlled everthing that happened within it.

Some called it reality manipulation, but he personally prefered referring to this power as simple architecture.

The world made by this Magic was his to build. He could create anything within it, and he could just as well destroy.

It was a power that made Mordred invincible—worthy enough to be labelled as the strongest Grand Mage of the Kingdom.

And now, as Mordred activated his Original Magic, this invincible power was unleashed once more.

In a single instant, a flood of power swept through the blank space, and the entire world became plunged in hell. Yes, a literal hell.

The furnace instantly burned away all the Blood Mages, irrespective of whatever defense they tried to procure. Everything failed in the presence of Mordred’s power.

By the time the furnace ceased, and the world turned blank once again, only three people existed in the space. .

Mordred.

Landon.

Neron.

Neron and Landon were within the manifestation of Landon’s Original Magic Cocoon Of Darkness.

“It seems you’ve forgotten the effects of my Original Magic, Lord Mordred! It separates everything inside from reality.” Landon said with a big smile on his face.

A moment earlier, he was panicking because he didn’t think he could make it in time. But now that he was in his haven, exempt from Mordred’s power, his confidence quickly returned.

“I have not forgotten…” Mordred narrowed his eyes as he looked at Landon.

The latter was grinning widely as he held the unconscious Neron’s neck.

“If you don’t want your child to die, then you’ll let me go. I’ll kill him right here and now if you don’t release your Spell!” Landon spat out loud.

It was a classic hostage situation. If Mordred valued Neron’s life, he would back off. However, that in itself was a foolish move only founded on immediate emotion.

“You’re going to kill him anyway. The action that has the most utility is to capture you now and forfeit the life of my child.” Mordred responded calmly.

“Hahaha! How heartless! But I know you won’t do it!”

“You think I’m too soft to do what is necessary?” The Gradn Mage responded, his tone carrying far more weight than before.

“Not at all. As your disciple, I know how ruthless you can be.” Landon laughed hysterically, his eyes wide and bloodshot.

“Then—”

“But I also know how valuable this kid is. He was able to defeat a skilled Mage on his own. A Mage with an Original Magic was beaten by this twelve year old!”

Mordred’s eyes spasmed for a bit. He seemed surprised to hear that, but he did his best to maintain his calm front.

“I know he’s immensely talented, and you’ve invested too much in him to see him die. In fact, ensuring his safety probably has more utility than defending your Kingdom. Isn’t that why you retired?” Landon’s laugh occupied the entire space.

He waited patiently for Mordred to make his choice, already knowing the outcome.

In response to this, Mordred leaked out a small smile.

“You know me well, Landon.” That was a perk of being one of the only two official disciples of the Grand Mage Mordred Kaelid.

“You knew me well enough to set up a fake official meeting in the Capital concerning the Blood Mages, providing false information as to their whereabouts and where they would strike next…”

By doing that, Mordred would be so busy on a wild goose chase that he wouldn’t arrive early enough to save Mordred or protect his Estate.

“I’m surprised you arrived this early. I was sure I took care of anything that could alert you of anything happening in your house.” Landon answered.

“You did. But, I am connected to my Original Magic’s space.” Mordred’s smile broadened as he narrowed his brows even more intensely.

“The moment Serah Crimson entered my domain, I noticed. It was at that instant that the suspicions started. After that, I critically examined all the circumstantial evidence brought about the Blood Mages, tracing everything to you.”

“That couldn’t have been enough.” Landon said with one raised brow.

“Of course. But, once I brought your mysterious yet suspicous family into the picture, and analyzed the kind of personality you have… I figured it out instantly.”

Landon’s lost family was none other than the Coven of Blood Mages.

He always made it seem like he was on his own and was no longer in any contact with his family, all in order to avoid any investigations on his part.

That was why Landon was the greatest suspect on Mordred’s mind.

“I won’t ask for your motivations or whatever reason you have for doing this, Landon.” Mordred began drawing his two palms to each other.

“Hahaha! I figured.” Landon said with a broad grin. “Whatever you’re doing won’t work on me. My Original Magic—”

“I know. It separates you from reality, right? It seems you’ve forgotten one thing, Landon…” Mordred’s eyes glowed brightly as he spoke, causing the entire blank space to tremble as a result.

“Just as you know me well… As your Master, I know you too.”

Sparks of black electricity began to spark from Mordred as he glared at Landon, who was already beginning to shiver.

“S-stop at once! I’m going to kill the kid!” Landon yelled.

Mordred only shrugged as he heard this.

“I don’t think he’ll allow you, though.” As soon as Landon heard this, he looked at the boy he was holding.

Neron… was already awake!

~VWUUUSHHH!~

As Neron shot out a wide burst of Mana from within the Black Cocoon, Mordred’s his two palms finally touched, causing a flash of darkness to spread across the entire space.

“Original Magic Inverse: Beyond Infinity”

The entire blank space was plunged into darkness, leaving only one space white.

—The Cocoon itself!

.