Marvel: Ned the Master of Mystic Arts

Ned stared at the long spear in the hands of the cloaked figure, his face filled with fear. During their earlier clash, Ned had considered using his phasing ability to dodge the clearly physical attack of the spear, and then take the opportunity to decapitate his opponent in a surprise counterattack.

However, he also thought about the possibility that the cloaked figure, who was obviously a magic user, might have some spell to counter phasing. That made Ned hesitant to act recklessly. Now, looking back, he was incredibly grateful he hadn't taken that risk.

"Follower of Vishanti, cease your futile resistance! To die by my hand will be your honor!"

The cloaked figure's voice was sinister and chilling. After speaking, he disappeared once again.

"Crap!"

Facing the cloaked figure's ability to vanish and reappear unpredictably, Ned had no solution. He was also running out of patience for this prolonged stalemate. Cursing internally, he swung his hands, pulling everything in the surrounding area into the mirror dimension.

The mirror dimension was Ned's exclusive domain. Within it, he could manipulate everything at will. No matter how well the cloaked figure tried to hide, there was no escaping Ned's control in this space.

"Huh?"

The cloaked figure immediately sensed the change in the environment and revealed his form voluntarily.

"Interesting."

With those words, the cloaked figure pointed his spear, unleashing a black, ink-like energy wave that shot toward Ned.

"Hah!"

When facing an enemy who was clearly an assassin, Ned was least afraid of a head-on confrontation. With a swift gesture, he formed a massive magical shield in front of him. Unlike the smaller shield he had used earlier, this one was summoned with his full power—solid and unbreakable.

"Boom!"

The black energy wave struck the shield with a deafening sound. Despite the ferocity of the attack, the magical shield held firm, showing no sign of breaking.

"Hmph!"

The cloaked figure snorted coldly. Releasing his grip on the spear, he let it hover in the air. His hands moved in complex patterns, channeling thick, dark energy from his palms into the spear.

"Buzz!"

With the additional energy, the black energy wave emitted by the spear grew several times larger. Fortunately, Ned had anticipated this and increased the magical energy feeding into his shield. Otherwise, it would have shattered just like the small shield earlier.

"Swish!"

As the two remained locked in a stalemate, a second cloaked figure suddenly appeared behind Ned, wielding an identical, eerie spear aimed straight at his back.

"Bang!"

However, just as the second cloaked figure appeared, another Ned emerged from his body. This clone, holding a flaming sword, deflected the spear in one swift motion.

"Eken's Form."

"The Sacred Sword of the Vishanti."

"Well, well. Simultaneously casting these two spells? You're quite the big catch."

The cloaked figure slowly uttered the names of Ned's clone spell and flaming sword. Despite this, his tone carried no trace of respect for Ned.

At the same time, the second cloaked figure dissolved into black mist and disappeared—it was merely a clone.

"And who might you be, you shady thief?"

Though Ned was clearly on the defensive, he refused to let his confidence falter. Since the cloaked figure kept mentioning the Vishanti, Ned tried to provoke him for answers.

"Hehehe..."

The cloaked figure ignored Ned's question, letting out a sinister laugh before charging forward with his spear.

"Swish!"

"Bang!"

The cloaked figure's aggressive assault was met head-on by Ned. Summoning the Sacred Sword of the Vishanti, he engaged the cloaked figure in a fierce melee battle.

Ned deflected a strike aimed at his chest and countered with a slash toward the cloaked figure's neck.

"Bang!"

The cloaked figure hastily blocked the attack, only to find his spear entangled by Ned's flaming sword, which had transformed into a magical whip.

Realizing the situation, the cloaked figure tried to pull his weapon free, channeling energy into the spear to dispel the whip.

Ned smirked. While pretending to tug on the magical whip with one hand, he discreetly reached into his mage robes with the other.

"Bang!"

In a flash, Ned pulled out a smoking black handgun and fired. The cloaked figure's abdomen was pierced by a bullet, leaving a small, bleeding hole.

"Times have changed, my friend," Ned remarked, pointing the gun at the cloaked figure's head as the latter collapsed to the ground, clutching his wound.

"Argh!"

The cloaked figure, a powerful mage in his own right, refused to accept defeat so easily. With a roar, his entire body dissolved into a massive black mist that engulfed Ned.

"You're finished, Vishanti follower!" the cloaked figure bellowed, his voice filled with madness.

This spell, a forbidden technique that burned one's life force, unleashed an overwhelming deluge of illusion magic. Even the most resolute mind would falter within its grasp. Confident in his victory, the cloaked figure believed that Ned stood no chance of escaping or counterattacking.

Within the black mist, Ned was bombarded by chaotic, disorienting voices, each designed to erode his sanity. His focus wavered, and his mind began to drift.

"Shhhk!"

Suddenly, a spear emerged from the mist, heading straight for Ned's heart.

Ned spotted the attack at the last second and desperately dodged.

"Argh!"

Despite his efforts, the spear grazed his right arm, leaving a deep wound.

"Hahaha!"

The cloaked figure's maniacal laughter echoed. At the same time, countless spears materialized within the mist, surrounding Ned.

"Die, Vishanti follower!"

With the cloaked figure's shout, the spears launched all at once, targeting the disoriented Ned.

"Ahhh!"

Letting out a roar, Ned crossed his arms in front of his chest and summoned a protective shield that surrounded him completely. The spears struck the shield relentlessly, each impact dissipating into black mist.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The relentless onslaught of spears gradually dimmed the golden glow of Ned's shield, signaling its impending collapse.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

As the golden light faded further, Ned's strength waned. His eyelids grew heavy, slowly closing against his will.

"Shhhk!"

At that moment, the cloaked figure's true body appeared within the shield, teleporting directly behind Ned. He thrust his spear toward Ned's heart without hesitation.

"Clang!"

"Ugh..."

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T/N:

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