The fairy maid cheers for her deceased master today.

The use of magical items is always more complicated than laymen imagine.

Whenever a powerful fairy imbues an object with ancient magic, strict triggering conditions are set to prevent the magic from going out of control, dissipating, or wasting energy.

That's why testers are especially nervous when using the magic book, worried about making mistakes.

Unfortunately, it still turned out to be a mistake.

Today's test was just a routine one. According to the plan, I should summon a low-level swamp monster for Sir X to use in practical training.

However, at this moment, the magical projection burst forth with a blinding light, far exceeding normal levels.

"No, no! This isn't an ordinary swamp mutant!" The tester's voice echoed in the observation room, tinged with obvious panic.

The fairy from the Magic Association also turned pale instantly: "This is... Spring-Heeled Jack! How could it be Spring-Heeled Jack?!"

Spring-Heeled Jack's fame is legendary, known to both those familiar with the Rain World and the fairies.

"Damn it! Safety device!" The tester hurriedly pressed the emergency button on the wall, but the magic crystal only emitted a faint light before going out completely.

"Energy overload! All safety systems have failed!"

"Open the passage, let's go in and rescue them!" The association's fairy calmly told the tester.

"No! The defensive barrier has already formed. This barrier was originally meant to prevent the projection from going out of control... The security system has failed, and we can't shut down this defensive barrier!"

As a result, the system originally intended to ensure security became the system that completely trapped X.

"I'm going to find reinforcements!"

The tester turned and rushed out of the observation room, his hurried footsteps echoing down the corridor.

The guild fairy remained where she was. She knew perfectly well that she needed to calm the other two fairies down.

"Don't worry, you two, we'll be there in no time..."

She then discovered that the two fairies were looking strangely at the scene in the testing area.

■

Ex squinted, watching the figure slowly emerge from the magical light.

Tall and slender, draped in a black cloak, with long, sharp claws... I would recognize him even if he turned to ashes.

After all, it has turned to ashes several times already.

Jack stood in the center of the arena, warily looking around.

When his gaze fell on Ex, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, which then turned into hesitation.

"It's you..." Jack's voice was low and uncertain. "Why is it always you..."

X, on the other hand, looked the other person up and down.

Judging from the other party's physique, appearance, and demeanor...

The opponent has only recently been resurrected.

In other words, it's still in a weak state and hasn't evolved properly yet.

Oh right, that's true. The Mage's Guild said they would summon low-level swamp monsters... and Spring-Heeled Jack was indeed just killed by me. I've dropped a level.

It's definitely a low-level swamp mutant. Putting everything else aside, its level is certainly low.

Ex sneered, "I didn't expect to meet you here again. Since it's a test, let's see how you do it."

"Wait!" Jack took a step back. "I've just been reborn, and my strength hasn't recovered enough. Besides, this isn't the Rain World..."

"Nonsense, if you were strong enough, I wouldn't have come." X cocked his pistol. "Perfect for venting my anger."

Jack also mentioned that this isn't the Rain World?

Does this mean that it... can't evolve anymore?

Or rather, as a projection, it is incapable of evolution.

What are we waiting for?

Without even giving a warning, X fired a shot first.

Jack dodged to the side, but X's attacks followed relentlessly. Several shots were fired in quick succession, forcing Jack to scramble for cover.

Even after his rebirth, Spring-Heeled Jack's speed was unmatched by ordinary people, but unfortunately, he encountered X's parasitic bullets.

Parasitic bullets are magic. Their flight paths don't entirely follow the laws of physics.

Jack was ultimately unable to dodge and was hit by two bullets.

"Are you crazy?" Jack shouted as he dodged and tore at the sprouting seeds. "Wait, we don't need to fight!"

"You can't just say this to me when you're losing."

Ex ignored his opponent and continued his attack.

Soon Jack couldn't even keep his cloak. He threw away the tattered cloak to prevent the seeds from sticking to it, sprouting roots, and hindering his movements.

"Stop!" Jack finally found his chance to retaliate, launching himself into a rebound and instantly charging towards X. "I just want to get out of here!"

However, the paralyzing effect of the parasitic seed caused Jack to fall again midway. He was then hit by two more bullets from X.

It was so embarrassing, so incredibly embarrassing.

Ace shrugged and said, "The test isn't over yet."

Jack had no choice but to continue hiding.

His movements were elegant yet frantic, like a cat cornered in a desperate situation.

X's bullets rained down like a storm, and Jack could barely defend himself. Furthermore, X's bullets were unlimited; as long as his magic power wasn't depleted, he had an endless supply of bullets.

Jack, who was completely unable to evolve, was like a lamb to the slaughter, being toyed with by X.

Jack, having been beaten so many times, finally got enraged.

"Enough!" Jack roared, brandishing his claws. "Don't force me to use my hands!"

Clang!

Then Jack was shot and knocked to the ground. He clutched his head in pain.

X sneered, "Alright, you're immortal anyway. Don't be afraid."

■

Now that things had come to this, the fairies of the association finally understood why the two fairies brought by this knight seemed so calm and unhurried.

Elena nodded as she watched, "Yes, Sir X's skills have indeed improved, and his accuracy is even higher."

"Yes, Master is the best!"

Seeing the two fairies continuing to praise the jazz, the association fairies felt that this was going a bit too far, but after looking at the scene again... they felt that the praise was actually quite right.

Just then, the door to the testing area was forcibly broken open by magic. The tester, accompanied by three mages dressed in dark blue robes, rushed into the testing room, their faces filled with tension and anticipation.

"Sir, we're here! Get ready..." The tester's voice abruptly stopped, his mouth agape and his eyes wide open like saucers.

The scene before him left him speechless—X was chasing after Jack, who was desperately trying to dodge.

Yes, the legendary and terrifying Spring-Heeled Jack was actually being chased around like a lamb to the slaughter.

"This...this is..." The tester felt his worldview crumble. "Shouldn't the test be about fighting magical creatures? Why has it turned into a chase between two people? And isn't Jack supposed to be very strong?"

An elderly mage adjusted his glasses: "Is that really... the legendary Jack? Or is it some alien imposter? I've never seen such a weak Jack before?"

Projection magic is also based on real alien projections.

The tester nodded, his voice trembling: "Yes, it's that Spring-Heeled Jack... and Sir Moore is chasing after it..."

The three mages looked at each other, completely unsure how to react.

They came here to provide assistance, but what they saw was this scene. There was absolutely no need for rescue.

X seemed oblivious to their arrival and continued chasing Jack. Jack, meanwhile, dodged and moved towards the door.

"Help!" Projection Jack, seemingly panicked, even shouted at the mages, "This guy's gone mad!"

The tester's mind went blank; he could only stare blankly at the unimaginable scene before him. His worldview completely collapsed at that moment.