I Got Reincarnated As The Ntr Protagonist In An Online Game
Chapter 49: Greatest Mage in the Country

Chapter 49: Greatest Mage in the Country

The man was tall and lean, his weathered face framed by a neatly trimmed gray beard that added to his air of wisdom. His piercing green eyes seemed to see straight into a person’s soul.

He wore an elegant but simple black cloak that shimmered faintly with enchantments, the edges embroidered with golden runes. His hands were clasped behind his back as if he had not a care in the world. Despite his serene demeanor, the power radiating from him was palpable, filling the room with an almost suffocating weight.

Eira clicked her tongue in annoyance, turning to face the old man. "Tch. Way to kill the fun,Merlin," she said, lowering her sword. "Fine. I’ll leave her to you. Just don’t overdo it, alright?"

Merlin raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a faint smile. "Overdo it? That’s quite the request," he said, his voice tinged with amusement.

Zyrith’s fiery aura flared, and she let out a derisive laugh. "Oh, I see how it is," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "You think you can just hand me off like some chore? Are you looking down on me?"

The old man stepped forward, his calm expression unchanging as he placed himself between Zyrith and Helen’s master. He looked at Zyrith with a faint hint of pity. "Looking down on you? Not at all," he said, his voice as steady as a mountain. "It’s just that fighting you wouldn’t be much of a challenge for me. If we were to clash, it would feel more like... bullying."

Zyrith’s grin vanished, replaced by a snarl of rage. The air around her grew unbearably hot as her bloodlust surged, filling the room with an oppressive heat that made even Helen’s master tense.

"You arrogant old fool," Zyrith growled, her voice trembling with fury. "I’ll make you regret underestimating me."

Merlin simply smiled, his hands still clasped behind his back. "Feel free to try."

Helen watched the exchange from the floor, her tears flowing freely. Her heart was torn between relief and despair, knowing she was too weak to protect Junior. But as she looked at the calm, unshakable presence of the old man, a spark of hope began to grow within her.

"Please," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Save him..."

Merlin turned his gaze to Helen, his expression softening as he knelt beside her. "Don’t worry about your apprentice," he said calmly, addressing Eira without looking up. "I’ll protect her. Not a single hair on her head will be harmed."

Eira’s piercing eyes darted toward Helen, her face twisted in a mixture of anger and concern. She clenched her fists tightly, the veins on her arms bulging as she fought to suppress her emotions. With a hiss, she straightened up and began walking past Merlin. "Don’t let a single strand of hair fall from her head," Eira growled, her voice laced with restrained fury.

Her murderous intent was palpable, the air around her heavy with her rage. Merlin chuckled, his laughter echoing through the room. "Hahaha! Do you even know who you’re talking to? I’m Merlin, the greatest mage in the country! You think I’d let anything happen to her? Hah!"

Eira didn’t bother responding directly. Instead, she turned her back on him, her gaze fixed on the doorway where she could feel the immense surge of mana radiating from within. "Take care of yourself, old man," she muttered under her breath as she began to walk.

Merlin’s laughter boomed once more, his tone playful. "When did you learn to talk like that?"

Eira halted for a split second, a faint blush creeping across her face, but she didn’t turn back. "Shut up," she snapped, quickening her pace as she made her way toward the source of the mana.

The room grew hotter as Eira advanced, a series of flames suddenly erupting in her path. Barrages of fireballs flew toward her, the heat distorting the air. Without breaking stride, Eira dodged them with an almost lazy grace, her movements precise and effortless. She didn’t even flinch as the fire passed mere inches from her face.

As she reached the threshold of the doorway, she turned her head slightly and said, "Oh, I forgot you were still here."

The dismissive remark struck a nerve in Zyrith, whose face contorted with rage. The veins on her forehead pulsed as her aura flared. "You arrogant *worm*," Zyrith spat, her voice trembling with anger. "I’m going to kill you!"

Before Zyrith could unleash another volley of fireballs, Merlin raised his hand with a calm expression. A sphere of water materialized above him, its surface rippling with energy. "Not so fast," he said, his voice smooth yet commanding. With a flick of his wrist, the water surged forward, quenching the flames Zyrith was gathering.

Before she could react, a crackling bolt of lightning shot from Merlin’s other hand, streaking toward her. Zyrith twisted her body, narrowly avoiding the strike, but the force of the spell pushed her further away from the door, effectively blocking her path to Eira.

Eira glanced back briefly, her tone sharp and commanding. "Keep her busy, Merlin. She’s all yours."

Merlin smirked, stepping forward with a theatrical bow. "With pleasure, my dear swordmaster." He turned to Zyrith, his expression shifting to one of amusement. "Now then, my fiery little friend, why don’t you and I keep each other company for a while?"

Zyrith snarled, her flames roaring to life around her as her frustration reached its boiling point. "I’ve had enough of you!" she shouted, her voice filled with venom.

Eira didn’t wait to hear more. She resumed her path toward the room where she felt Junior’s presence, her steps quick but steady. She knew time was of the essence, and every moment wasted could cost Junior his life.

Behind her, the clash of magic and fire raged on, Merlin’s laughter echoing as he toyed with Zyrith, keeping her occupied. Eira allowed herself a small smile. She knew Merlin wouldn’t fail her or Helen.