Above the mage

Chapter 323 I really am a genius (Part 2)

"This guy seems to be a really good swimmer?!"

On the deck of the Interceptor, the alchemy machines in front of the four sea sentinel mages were displaying the underwater dynamics in real time.

They were watching as Gord dodged Paul's beard attack with incredible agility.

In fact, when they left the deck, Gao De dodged Paul's tentacle attack, which already surprised them a little.

Who would have thought that Gaode could perform like this underwater?

Without relying on magic, Gao De could perform this action purely on his own, which clearly demonstrates his exceptional swimming skills.

"Didn't they say he came from the Province of Xin? That's a principality without a coastline, how could he be such a good swimmer? Did he train his swimming skills in the river?" another sea sentinel mage speculated.

While the four sea sentinel examiners had differing thoughts, the underwater battle continued.

Gaode's approach did have some effect, but only some.

Because Paul has more than one tentacle and a considerable number of whiskers.

As one tentacle missed its target, its other tentacle followed closely behind, carrying the rushing water and hurtling straight towards it.

At the same time, the tentacle that missed its target didn't remain idle; it suddenly pulled back with tremendous force, sweeping towards Gao De once more.

This scene shows that it's holding back, just playing around.

When Paul truly goes all out, it's like all his tentacles coming out at once, sweeping in like a raging torrent, leaving no room for escape.

This time, although Gao De sensed the approaching danger based on the water flow, the two tentacles were positioned in a pincer movement, like a giant pair of scissors, precisely trapping him in the middle.

In an instant, the water around him was also stirred into a chaotic vortex, forming a turbulent whirlpool resembling a tornado, leaving no gap for him to gain leverage.

Given that he was moving underwater without any leverage, Gaode did not believe his evasion was effective.

Since it's useless, we'll just have to tough it out.

The three protective spells cast before leaving the deck were all for this moment, weren't they?

Moreover, Gao De observed that none of the ten mages who had previously participated in the assessment were seriously injured, which fully demonstrates that Paul would hold back when launching an offensive.

This is one of the reasons why he dares to stand firm.

Its thick tentacles, like a torpedo cutting through the waves, brutally cleaved the water, making a sharp, piercing sound like tearing canvas.

The shattered white spray, propelled by the impact, sprayed in all directions, forming a powerful water cannon.

thump!

The pulling tendrils struck Gao De first, producing a dull thud.

Tentacle attacks are undoubtedly physical attacks.

Therefore, both [Shield Spell+] and [Mage Armor+] can be effective.

With Paul's formidable strength, even the protective spells cast by a typical first-level mage are no match for the violent devastation of its tentacles.

However, after adding points to Wind Spirit Moonshadow, the [Shield Spell+] provides a certain degree of protection. Combined with [Mage Armor+], it really blocked all the damage when Paul held back a little.

At the same time, the counter-shock ability of [Mage Armor+] takes effect.

Visibly, the tentacle that Paul struck Godfrey began to tremble violently as if having a seizure.

Although Gao De was not injured, he was still sent flying by the powerful sweeping force.

Fortunately, with the blessing of the [Body of the Ninja], he gained extraordinary concentration in any field, including the ability to concentrate on casting spells.

Even when his body was uncontrollably flowing backward, Gao De still did not stop casting his spell.

Underwater, fire-based spells are impossible to cast, and for creatures of Paul's enormous size, spells like [Touch of Fatigue] would be reduced to almost nothing.

However, some spells can be enhanced underwater.

such as

electricity!

The instant Gao De's body was flung away, a blue bolt of lightning began to flash.

[Lightning Pull]!

With Paul's strength, the Lightning Pull naturally couldn't close the distance at all.

However, Gao De timed the spell perfectly, just as he was being flung away, within five feet of Paul's tentacles.

Water can conduct electricity, and the higher the ion concentration, the better the conductivity.

Seawater has a much higher ion concentration than freshwater, so a small amount of electricity can spread much further in seawater.

The lightning bolt, crackling with blue light, traveled along Paul's tentacles like a nimble electric snake, spreading towards its massive body.

Of course, Gaode, which is also in the water, was inevitably affected as well.

However, he also had the buff of [Increased Resistance+], and the force of Paul's whiskers was so great that his body was flying backward at an extremely fast speed, which just happened to avoid the further spread of the electric current.

This was also within Gaode's expectations.

Zizizi!

The electric current surged wildly through the conductive water, each flicker and leap signifying a continuous surge of current impacting Paul's massive body.

The electric current generated by the magic trick has limited power, and under Paul's tough skin, it still caused no pain or itching.

However, its inherent paralyzing properties were working silently, making Paul's movements slightly slower.

Moreover, Gaode Maps even gave it a "Hunter's Mark+" beforehand.

With the mark active, any subsequent damage that God deals to Paul will generate a second instance of additional damage.

When these factors are accumulated, the resulting power is not to be underestimated.

"His shield spell and mage armor are stronger than those cast by a normal first-level mage!" On the deck, Warrant Officer Xilin had already noticed the difference in Gaode's spells.

"The speed of movement displayed on the water earlier must have been a first-level spell. Tricks don't have such powerful abilities. And that mark should be a hunter's mark, a rare first-level spell!"

The sea sentinel mage next to him added that he didn't recognize [Wolf's Speed], but he did recognize [Hunter's Mark].

"These are at least four first-level spells, and they're so powerful. Who would say that spells are his weakness!" Warrant Officer Xilin muttered to himself.

Before his surprise could end, he saw Gao De unleash [Lightning Pull].

The powerful spell effects and God's use of Paul's attack to reduce the damage he was affected by made his eyes burn instantly.

It was far more intense than when I first saw the words "top-tier mage talent".

"What insightful thoughts! Is this the kind of judgment and strategy a fifteen-year-old could make when facing an opponent far stronger than themselves?"

Lieutenant Xilin is a battle mage himself, and he admires combat, so he naturally prefers mages who excel in combat.

Gaode's performance caught his eye.

As a result, his previous concerns about Gaode's identity gradually began to dissipate at this moment.

"This is a talent. Based on this performance, he has already passed the second round of testing. It's just that if this identity were only from the Duchy of Xinen, it would be easier to explain. But now the Duchy of Xinen has become a province under the Holy Empire, which is a bit sensitive." Various thoughts flashed through the mind of Warrant Officer Xilin at this moment.

After flying nearly ten meters backward, Gao De finally managed to stabilize himself with the help of a reverse current of water.

His gaze traveled through the deep blue, bubbly seawater to Paul.

His "tricks" and "combination techniques" have already achieved some success.

To be honest, Gaode believes that its current performance is sufficient to pass the assessment.

However, Gaode had no intention of stopping there.

Firstly, he was thrilled to have such a rare opportunity to practice, and his inherent competitive spirit was fully aroused.

Secondly, although such performance is sufficient to pass the assessment, it is far from enough to satisfy him.

Gaode never intended to join the ranks of the Sea Sentinels as an ordinary person.

We must enter the Sea Sentinel with a high profile!

The saying "A tree that stands out in the forest will be felled by the wind" certainly holds some truth.

But the question is, where are we?

This is the Golden Flower Dynasty, one of the two most powerful nations on the Nolan continent.

In such a powerful dynasty, geniuses were as numerous as carp crossing a river.

To stand out from this densely packed group of geniuses is already an extremely difficult task, so why worry about being the best in the forest?

Isn't this like Lin Daiyu's body with Schwarzenegger's mind?

Besides, the rules of the world are clear: if you want resources, status, power, why should others give them away for no reason if you don't demonstrate your own value?

Many people regard the principle of "keeping a low profile" as a guiding principle.

Doing so would indeed reduce many risks and the jealousy and targeting of others, but at the same time, it would also cause you to miss out on countless opportunities and valuable chances.

Gao De was not unaware of the advantages and disadvantages, but in his view, the philosophy of "keeping a low profile" was not suitable for him.

After all, in the modern education system, there's no such thing as hiding your scores; that's not being discreet, it's being foolish.

Furthermore, even if we include the two years or so since he came into this world, Gaode's actual age is no more than twenty-five.

Isn't this the age when one is most spirited and energetic?

It's about showcasing your talents and value, but showing your brilliance might also bring crisis.

But crisis is crisis. Lack of ability is danger, while ability is opportunity!

Thinking this way.

The fine, silken golden thread that had been constantly moving in Gao De's left eye had now stopped moving.

He has already created a preliminary model of the giant octopus Paul and has also learned about its weaknesses.

The eyes, gills, and the area where the head connects to the arms and legs.

Paul naturally takes great care of his eyes and gills and protects them very well.

However, because Paul has so many tentacles, the area where its head connects to its arms is also relatively large, making complete protection not so simple.

Seeing that Paul's movements were slightly sluggish due to the electric current, Gao De quickly seized the opportunity.

A slow, gentle classical adagio played eerily from the seabed.

The music, like a tangible spirit, drifted precisely towards Paul and entered his mind.

[Mysterious Chorus+]!

Gao De knew that his abilities were far inferior to Paul's.

But in terms of mental strength alone, they are not necessarily that much different.

After all, Gao De's mental strength had reached the level of a late-stage first-ring mage, while Paul, although a mutant creature, was only at the late-stage first-ring level.

The success of [Mysterious Chorus+] depends on the mental struggle between the caster and the target.

It was clear that, under the influence of this slow movement, Paul, who had been somewhat agitated by the paralysis from the electric current and the damage from the Hunter's Mark, calmed down considerably and became more friendly.

The tentacles that had originally intended to attack Gaode again also relaxed, gently swaying up and down with the water flow, no longer aggressive.

It worked!

Gao De was secretly pleased to see this.

As expected, Paul's mental strength was not stronger than his, so he was not immune to [Mystic Chorus+] and became friendly under the spell's effect.

Of course, this friendliness would vanish after his next attack.

But that's enough.

Gaode only needs this one opportunity to attack.

When Paul became friendly, he swam quickly and unhindered toward Paul.

Before long, he was almost pressed against Paul's large and slippery body.

Gaode extended his right hand.

His right fingernails had become incredibly sharp and long, gleaming with a cold light, like five sharp knives.

【Primal Barbarian Attack】.

scoff!

Five sharp fingernails swiftly sliced ​​across the point where Paul's wrists and feet connected to his head.

The protection here is not as thick and sturdy as that in other parts.

Even so, the [Primal Strike] under the Ascended Ring spell could only barely scratch its skin, leaving five extremely faint wounds.

boom!

Gao De's attack shattered Paul's friendliness, freeing him from the effects of [Mystic Chorus+], and even ignited some anger—he launched seven or eight tentacles at Gao De, unlike anything he had ever done before.

In just a moment, Gao De was bound by Paul's tentacles.

The tentacles' pressure continued to intensify, tightening relentlessly.

Gaode had been underwater for a while, and his oxygen levels were already quite low. Now, with this sudden constriction, he felt even more chest tightness and shortness of breath. The discomfort of oxygen deprivation surged up, and bubbles uncontrollably bubbled from his nose.

"Paul!"

It was at this moment that the clear voice of Warrant Officer Xilin came from the surface of the water.

The sound seemed to carry a mysterious and intimidating power, and after it fell, the strength of Paul's tentacles gradually decreased.

After letting out a humming sound, it used its tentacles to pull Gaode out of the water.

Then, just like he had done to the other mages, he suddenly flung Gao De heavily onto the deck.

However, none of the other "examinees" who were still waiting nearby thought that Gao De was in the same predicament as the others when they saw him fall onto the deck in such a disheveled state.

Not to mention that Gaode's entry time into the water has already broken the record for this round of retests, everyone heard Warrant Officer Xilin's shout of "Paul".

Everyone had the same question in their minds: What amazing thing did this guy do underwater that forced the examiner to step in and stop Paul?

"Very good, very good." Seeing that Gao De had already gotten up unsteadily, Lieutenant Xi Lin, contrary to his previous indifferent attitude, showed a hint of undisguised appreciation in his eyes and praised Gao De twice.

"The preliminary examiner's evaluation of you is that you have top-tier mage talent." He suddenly raised the parchment in his hand and waved it at Gao De, saying this in an ambiguous way, with a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth, a smile that was not quite a smile.

Gao De shook his wet hair, tilted his head slightly, and looked directly into Lieutenant Xilin's eyes.

He thought for a moment and said seriously, "What he said is probably right, I really am a genius."

"Hahaha!" Upon hearing this, Warrant Officer Xilin let out a hearty laugh, the sound echoing across the deck.

Then he narrowed his eyes slightly and said with equal seriousness, "That's what I think too."

On the parchment in his hand, a large checkmark had been placed after Gaode's name.

Moreover, the assessment of "top-tier mage talent" given by the preliminary examiner was also circled and ticked by Warrant Officer Xilin.

This indicates that Gaode has passed the second round of testing for the Sea Sentinel program and performed exceptionally well, earning extra attention.

The requirements for becoming a sea sentinel are indeed high.

But what is the threshold?

Thresholds are barriers; a lack of ability is a hurdle, while having ability is a door!

(End of this chapter)