True God In Another World (Tensura x Tbate)

Chapter 93 - Attack on the Academy Pt.4: Fear

Lucas Wykes POV

Staring down at the professors struggling to stand back up—the very mages that I strove to become—it was clear to me that their lives were in my hands. With my newfound powers, these so-called "elites" were now nothing more than ants beneath my feet. Their attempts to rise only emphasized how far I had risen above them. The sight of their defeated forms brought a rush of satisfaction that almost masked my growing unease.

My cognitive processing was enhanced for higher-level spellcasting — spells that once took me minutes to prepare took only seconds.

A nearly unlimited pool of mana for me to access and utilize - the power flowing through me felt endless, boundless.

Heightened reflexes along with strengthened physical prowess and dexterity - my body moved with a speed and precision that should have been impossible.

The elixir that Draneeve had given me really fulfilled its purpose. Just like he had promised, it truly brought forth my full potential. I could feel the power coursing through my veins, transforming me into something beyond human limitations.

It was obvious since early on that I was a gifted mage. However, being outshined by my older brother, Bairon, my accomplishments were never able to satisfy my family's expectations. I had lived my childhood chasing after his insurmountable shadow, but no longer. Standing here, with power beyond measure flowing through me, I felt like I had finally surpassed him.

Easily wiping out the distinguished professors of this academy, it felt like I had actually transcended the realm of mortals, incomparable to even the highest of human, elven, and dwarven mages. Their defeated forms proved my superiority. The power running through me made their decades of study and practice seem meaningless.

... so why was I feeling this way?

This feeling of an icy claw gripping my innards, slowly twisting, freezing my insides solid. The sensation grew stronger with each passing moment, defying my attempts to ignore it. My enhanced senses picked up every detail of the approaching threat, making it impossible to dismiss.

The palpable pressure in the air seemed to make the force of gravity in the vicinity stronger as he approached. Each step he took made the air heavier, more oppressive. The very atmosphere seemed to bend around his presence, acknowledging a power that made my enhanced abilities feel insignificant.

Beads of cold sweat began forming, drenching my clothes, as I unknowingly took a step back. My body moved on its own, responding to some primal instinct I couldn't suppress. Despite my enhanced capabilities, every fiber of my being screamed at me to run.

Was I afraid?

That was impossible.

With my newfound powers, I was invincible. I was all-powerful. I was perfect. The elixir had made me beyond such petty human weaknesses as fear. Yet the trembling in my hands betrayed my confidence.

"Welcome to the party, Arthur. You're just in time," I jeered, satisfied with the calm timbre of my voice. I also turned around to meet the DC's leader. "You were late showing up, did you-"

But I found nothing but wreckage. The DC's leader had disappeared from his spot. I turned my head everywhere, searching for him, only to find him standing next to the other members of the DC. The casual display of speed made my enhanced abilities seem childish in comparison. The distance he had covered in an instant should have been impossible.

I gritted my teeth. When did he move? Not even my enhanced senses had detected his movement. The realization that he could move beyond my perception sent another chill down my spine.