Kapitel 13: Spellbound Encounters: Secrets Amidst the Chaos

As Heli observed the stranger's arrival, his mind raced with questions. How could this person be here? There was something unmistakably unique about him, evident in the symbol emblazoned on his arms. It was a mark reserved exclusively for magicians of the highest order—a detail Heli knew all too well.

Through a stroke of luck, Heli stumbled upon information about these symbols while scouring his database for insights into elite magicians. But what was a magician of such calibre doing here, now?

Despite locking eyes with Stefan, the stranger remained eerily passive, his attention seemingly diverted by the ongoing battle unfolding before them. It was clear he wasn't here for Stefan—at least not yet. As the tension thickened, Heli couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was about to unfold.

Amidst the chaos of battle, the stranger's gaze fell upon a struggling young man facing down a monstrous foe. With a swift recognition of the swordsman symbol adorning the youth's arm, the stranger wasted no time. Chanting a spell, he conjured an array that materialized with astonishing speed, encircling the monsters in a web of ethereal chains.

Though the monsters weren't fully subdued, the array provided a precious moment of respite for the young swordsman. Seizing the opportunity, he reached for a crimson potion, its contents swirling with untapped power. With a gulp, he downed the potion, his resolve renewed as he squared off against the looming threat once more.

In this swirling maelstrom of magic and mayhem, alliances formed and shattered in the blink of an eye, each participant driven by their own motives and desires. And amidst it all, Heli couldn't shake the feeling that the true depths of this encounter had yet to be revealed.

With a meaningful glance, the stranger and the magician shared a silent understanding. It was clear they had a history, a connection that ran deeper than mere chance. As the chains around the monster began to dissipate, revealing its formidable strength, the stranger wasted no time. Two azure potions were swiftly consumed, stabilizing his magic power and preparing him for the task ahead.

With practiced precision, he cast another spell, calling forth clouds crackling with electricity. The lightning struck the monster with ferocious intensity, a testament to their seamless teamwork.

Heli watched in awe as their coordinated efforts swiftly dispatched the formidable foe. It became evident that these two were no strangers to combat, their movements fluid and efficient.

As they moved on to their next target without a word exchanged, Heli pieced together the puzzle. The stranger's presence here, casting spells in secrecy, was likely due to the vulnerability of magicians in battle. According to his database, only those accepted as disciples received protective spells from their masters.

With the monster vanquished, the duo parted ways without a backward glance. But Heli couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter was just the beginning of something much larger.

As Stefan opened his eyes, a surge of newfound power coursed through his veins. "Do you think I've reached Rank-1 magician status now?" he inquired eagerly.

"Yes, indeed, host. You're now capable of casting Level-1 magic spells," Heli confirmed. "All you need to do is recite the spell aloud and channel your magic power from your navel area into your hands."

Following Heli's instructions, Stefan concentrated, feeling the energy gather in his palms. Gradually, two luminous orbs materialized—one green, the other blue.

Heli wasted no time in elucidating their significance. "The green orb represents healing power, while the blue represents ice—a mutation of water power."

"So, I can use these to heal people?" Stefan interjected, his enthusiasm palpable.

"Host, while you were immersed in your cultivation, a stranger arrived with a companion," Heli relayed to Stefan, his tone grave. "What's more, he bore the magician's mark—a significant symbol designated by the higher-ups to distinguish magicians from swordsmen."

Realizing the potential importance of this encounter, Stefan nodded in agreement. "If he's connected to the higher-ups, we need to establish contact to gather more information. We can never be too cautious of our adversaries," he acknowledged.

With resolve in his heart, Stefan emerged from his hiding place to survey the unfolding events. However, the scene that greeted him was one of devastation—the ruins of his former sanctuary lying in disarray.

Stefan couldn't shake the chilling realization that if he hadn't found another hiding spot, he might have met a far worse fate.

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the unmistakable clang of weapons in the distance. As he turned to investigate, Heli's urgent warning echoed in his mind: "Watch out, Host!" With lightning speed, someone shoved him to safety across the road.