The Dark Mage Of The Magus World-Chapter 40: Defense

The Birth of Corrosive Arrow

"Corrosive Arrow data successfully recorded."

"Spell model fully analyzed."

"Construction framework completed."

After a few minutes of processing, AI chip had finished compiling everything necessary for the Corrosive Arrow spell model—it was ready for construction at any moment.

"AI chip, begin constructing the Corrosive Arrow spell model."

"Task initiated. Estimated completion: 20 minutes. Estimated mana consumption: 17%."

Hutson raised an eyebrow.

"Twenty minutes?"

Corrosive Arrow’s parameters and formulas were nearly twice as complex as Partial Petrification, yet it required five minutes less to construct.

"That spell model course was absolutely worth it."

As Hutson sat still, AI chip worked effortlessly, guiding his mental energy with surgical precision, calculating every parameter and formula at lightning speed.

Twenty minutes later.

"Corrosive Arrow spell model successfully constructed."

"Remaining mana: 83%."

Hutson grabbed a firewood log from beside the fireplace and set it in the center of the room. Then, he stepped back a few meters.

Focusing his mana, he activated the spell model within his mind.

A black arrow materialized before him, tinged with a swirling green aura—a manifestation of pure corrosive energy.

AI chip reported: Casting time—0.12 seconds.

Fast.

With a flick of his fingers, Hutson sent the arrow whistling through the air.

It pierced clean through the firewood, splitting it in half.

From the exposed surface, dark energy seeped outward, spreading like ink in water. Within seconds, the entire log was covered in blackened decay, emitting a faint, ominous sizzle.

A sharp, acrid stench filled the room.

Hutson stepped closer, examining the damage.

The corrosion was intense, eating into the wood all the way to its core. Soon, the firewood was nothing more than a brittle husk riddled with holes.

"Not bad."

He nodded in satisfaction.

If this spell hit a person, it would be a nightmare to deal with—the corrosive effect would linger, gnawing away at flesh and bone.

"Remaining mana: 77%."

Hutson frowned slightly.

"Corrosive Arrow consumes 6% of my mana per cast."

Unlike Fireball or Ice Spike, which delivered immediate, explosive damage, Corrosive Arrow’s strength lay in sustained combat and attrition.

I can fire many arrows... but you only need to be hit once to lose the fight.

Still...

He had no defensive spells.

If someone else had a powerful attack, he had nothing to counter it.

That had to change.

Opening his Rune Stone, he sent a message to Leo.

"Do you have any defensive spells other than Ice Shield?"

After a short wait, Leo responded.

"No, Ice Shield is the only one I have right now. If you need other options, either post a request or check with a full-fledged wizard. They usually have more selections."

"Understood. Thanks."

"No problem."

Hutson sighed.

His gold reserves were running low, and defensive spells weren’t cheap.

Then, he had an idea.

Larry.

The reclusive herbalism and alchemy instructor might have something better.

He sent another message.

"Master Larry, do you have any Zero-Rank defensive spell models for sale?"

There was no immediate response.

Hutson shrugged, poured himself a cup of coffee, and continued reading his Corrosive Arrow spellbook while waiting.

Some time later, Larry finally replied.

"I have three options: Ice Shield, Mana Shield, and Dark Energy Shield."

"Ice Shield is strong against physical attacks but weak against most spells."

"Mana Shield provides balanced protection against both physical and magical attacks, but it drains mana continuously."

"Dark Energy Shield is highly effective against both physical and magical attacks, but it has a major weakness—it’s vulnerable to Light-based magic. However, Light magic is quite rare."

Hutson weighed his choices carefully.

"Any recommendations, Master Larry?"

"For someone at your level, Mana Shield or Dark Energy Shield would be best. But Dark Energy Shield is a more advanced spell—it’s difficult for an apprentice like you to learn.

So I’d suggest Mana Shield instead."

Hutson smirked.

"Thanks for the advice, Master Larry. I’ve decided... I want Dark Energy Shield. How much?"

"..."

"Three mana stones."

Hutson checked his pocket.

1 mana stone200 gold coins

He was short by one mana stone.

"I only have one mana stone and 200 gold. Can I pay you the rest later?"

Larry’s reply was brief.

"Fine. Come to my place tomorrow. Town, District C, Building No. 5."

"Thank you, Master Larry!"

Hutson was genuinely grateful.

Despite his cold and distant demeanor, Larry treated wizard apprentices fairly—and was far more generous than expected.

Based on market prices, Larry was actually giving him a discount.

And on top of that, he was willing to let Hutson pay later.

The Price of Power

The next morning, Hutson set out early, navigating the streets of the wizarding district toward District C, Building No. 5.

When he arrived, he stopped to take in the massive seven-story building.

"...Wizards really do live well."

A single building, towering over the street—all belonging to one man.

At the entrance, there was a brass doorbell.

Hutson reached out and pressed it.

Moments later, the door swung open on its own.

Yet...

No one was there.

"I’m down here."

A voice echoed from below.

Hutson glanced down and found himself staring at a small, green-skinned figure—a goblin dressed in tattered, ill-fitting robes.

"You must be Mr. Hutson," the goblin said, his voice rough yet oddly polite. "I’ll take you upstairs."

Hutson nodded. "Alright, thanks."

It was his first time encountering a humanoid non-human, and curiosity flickered in his mind.

The goblin muttered under his breath, "You’re the first wizard to ever say thank you to me."

Hutson paused, momentarily at a loss for words.

Larry’s staircase spiraled endlessly upward, twisting like the coils of a great stone serpent.

As he climbed, Hutson instinctively looked up—and his breath caught.

The interior space stretched impossibly high—far beyond the mere seven stories the building had appeared to have from the outside.

At least a dozen floors, maybe more.

Spatial magic.

Hutson’s mind whirled.

Larry wasn’t just a scholar of magic—he was a wizard who bent reality to his will.

The goblin led him to the fourth floor, where an arcane laboratory awaited.

The room was cluttered with strange, living specimens—plants suspended in glowing solution-filled jars, their bioluminescent tendrils curling like they were reaching for something unseen.

Preserved creatures floated in sealed glass cylinders, their forms twisting eerily in the amber light.

Shelves overflowed with potions of every hue, their colors shifting subtly, whispering secrets Hutson could not yet decipher.

Even the floor was overgrown with unknown flora, their vines creeping across the stone, claiming whatever space they could.

This was not just a lab.

This was a wizard’s domain.

Just then, Larry emerged, holding a thin glass vial filled with a golden liquid.

"Hutson, you’re here." His voice was calm, his gaze as unreadable as ever.

He glanced at the goblin. "Jami, you can go now."

The goblin bowed deeply, his movements slow, as if age weighed heavy upon him.

"Yes, Master."

With shuffling steps, he vanished down the staircase.

Hutson watched him go, a flicker of curiosity still lingering.

Larry chuckled. "He’s a house elf—nothing unusual. But Jami is... old. He’s even forgotten most of his magic. At this point, he’s little more than a caretaker."

Hutson’s gaze swept across the chaotic room, where overgrown plants and scattered artifacts left almost no clear space to walk.

"...Not a very effective one," he thought, but kept the comment to himself.