[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-advent-of-the-three-calamities":3,"chapter-advent-of-the-three-calamities-advent-of-the-three-calamities-chapter-69":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Advent of the Three Calamities",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},758554,1005,"Chapter 69 Work Experience [6]","advent-of-the-three-calamities-chapter-69",69,"\u003Cp>——A few minutes earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon stared at the inmate in the distance. Every part of his instincts warned him against the man as he felt his back grow cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…..\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nonetheless, he remained calm. If something was really up, then he couldn't make any rash movements like warning the other guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I should take a look.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually, he moved towards the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His steps eventually halted a few meters away from the inmate, who raised his head to meet his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there something that I can help you with?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The inmate smiled at Leon. The look on his face… it was as if he was seeing something interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon didn't reply and looked around the cell. It was spotless. Everything was in order, and there didn't seem to be anything strange about the place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Something's wrong.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His instincts warned him of something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paced around the room, lifting the pillows, the mattress, and the furniture as he searched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, regardless of what he did, he found nothing. Even after he used his mana to check the place, he found nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just what…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You seem to be looking for something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice quietly reached him from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".....You can ask me, and I'll see if I can help you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon turned his head to gaze at the inmate, who remained calm throughout. In that moment, a sense of foreboding washed over him, and he thrust his fist forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang——!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surroundings shook as he felt his fist collide with another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"….!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment Leon finally understood what was wrong, and his expression cracked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You… Your mana isn't restrained.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words were met with a smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's too late.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump! Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muffled sounds echoed in the distance all of a sudden, and before Leon could react, the alarms blared to life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woooooo—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clank! Clank! Clank!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What followed after was a loud metallic sound and the sound of the inmate's voices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha! What's this? Why are my cuffs suddenly off?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can feel my body again…?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My restraints are gone!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon's eyes widened all of a sudden and his head lowered to stare at the inmate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The inmate smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's too late. You can't stop the inevitable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wooooo—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blaring sound of the alarm echoed throughout as I stared at the cell in front of me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kiera stood a few feet from me, frozen in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You, you…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her words seemed lodged in her throat as she grappled to understand the reality of what was unfolding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was also similarly surprised by her appearance here. I hadn't expected her to be here, but considering a little obstruction on the way, I understood how she had made it here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards around the place had their senses restrained, making it extremely easy to move around. Even if I were to shout right now, the guards wouldn't notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a chilling thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just what sort of organization was capable of such a feat?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, I didn't dwell on this for long as my gaze fell on Kiera.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'She's the second calamity…'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It became clear to me at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Then, that would mean Aoife was the first calamity.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two pieces of the long puzzle finally stuck into place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, this… fuck…what have you…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A certain stutter broke my thoughts. I looked down to see Kiera looking at me with open eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She's a clone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"….Ah, uh. Ah?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kiera's eyes snapped open, and a voice echoed right behind me\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? So you knew…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned back and immediately raised my left hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clank—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sparks flew as I felt the tip of a long blade touch the tip of my nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chains…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a look of surprise, her red eyes widened slightly as she voiced her surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".....Is that your weapon, or a spell?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't say anything and distanced myself a little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cra… Crack—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A subtle cracking sound emanated from the chains wrapped around my arm. The mana within my body drained, and they slowly began to repair themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, this was the method I had come up with to use my new spell [Chains of Alakantria].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My greatest weakness was my defense. I pondered long and hard on how to compensate for it, and this was the result.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clank, clank—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chains moved, wrapping over my left fist as I slowly clenched it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned my head to look at Kiera who was still in a daze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....Get your act together. She's currently weakened.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having had her mana sealed for so long, her current strength was a far cry from what it usually was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no better time than to deal with her now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially for someone who had been locked here. I didn't know the extent of her strength, but she was certainly powerful. A lot more powerful than the two of us combined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The more time we waste, the more things are advantageous for her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, shit, fuck…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Kiera snap out of her daze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She went on to ruffle her hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fuck.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face was filled with doubt, but considering the situation, she put those thoughts aside and raised her hand where a red magic circle appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Try to buy me time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She fell silent thereafter, but I sensed a tremendous surge of mana emanating from her. It became clear to me that she was preparing for a large spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh my~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman massaged her bruised wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's quite a powerful spell that you're preparing Ki. How about you go easier on me? I'm not in the best of shapes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now she didn't seem to take the situation seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't as though I didn't understand. To her, we probably looked like amateurs. Still, her talk was meaningless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Her trait is [Body], and she specializes in the sword. Be careful in short-range combat. Keep a certain distance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kiera's voice reached me from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mana around her surged further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"….I can try.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no guarantee. I could see that with each second that passed, her strength was increasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't have much time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I quickly channeled my mana and pointed forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hands of Malady].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hands sprouted from the area beneath her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh—! I somewhat anticipated her to dodge and had strategically placed several threads around to impede her movement. However, it proved futile as she deftly maneuvered around the threads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Fuck!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She appeared in front of me, her fist already near my face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I once again raised my left hand to block the incoming attack, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Booom——!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ukeh….!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She altered the course of the fist mid-motion and directly hit me in the stomach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I almost had the urge to puke as I took several steps back and glanced at Kiera who looked at me with a look that seemed to say 'The fuck are you doing?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ducking down to evade an incoming sword, I thrust my hand forward. A magic circle formed, and five purple threads burst out, hurtling directly toward her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The distance between us was very close, and I was confident that I'd at least graze her, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh—! Swoosh—! As if she had eyes at the back of her head, she moved around and dodged everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...This is bullshit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her instincts and reaction time were no joke. And to add insult to injury, she was getting stronger and faster with each second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You i-idiot... She can sense the mana trace from whatever that shit is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Kiera's scolding, I felt my brows twitch. I wanted to tell her to switch roles with me, but considering that I didn't have a final move like she did, I could only grunt at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The distance between us shrank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared ahead and forced myself to remain calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was clearly not working. I needed a new way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her blade thrust my way. The speed at which it was moving was extremely fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Since she can sense my mana trace...'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gritted my teeth and recalled everything. The chains, and the threads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It all occurred in less than a second, and at that moment, I sidestepped and brought both my hands diagonally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweat dripped down the side of my face as the blade neared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only a few inches away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>....I could see it near my eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A translucent purple chain materialized on both my hands and I pushed to my left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clank—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sparks flew and something grazed my check.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was pushed back several meters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ukh…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling a sweet sensation at the back of my throat, I let out a groan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was obvious that she had come out on top in the exchange and that I had clearly lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I did it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked at the chains in my hand. Squeezing my hand, they shattered and I stared ahead where the woman was. She seemed surprised by the fact that I had managed to block her attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yo—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't let her talk. The more she talked and wasted time, the stronger she became.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was quick to move and swung my hand in her direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clank. Clank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, chains materialized in the midst of the motion, prompting her to dodge backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....Uh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chains shattered before they could hit the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the meantime, I twisted my torso and swung horizontally using my left hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, the chains materialized mid-motion, further complicating her ability to gauge the distance and sense the mana trace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, she was able to dodge the attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn't disheartened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact… I felt nothing but excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was working.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had found something new.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the mana rapidly drained and my breath grew heavy, I found myself becoming more accustomed to this new fighting style. Despite the strain, I grew more adept at manipulating the chains, shattering and reappearing around my hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Call.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Call.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a lag between each set of actions, but it was becoming smoother by the second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, the distance was starting to create between us. Unlike before, it was starting to become harder for her to dodge. Even as her strength increased, so did my proficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swung my hand again. She reacted before the chains appeared, ducking down, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smiled and swung my other hand. It was a fake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clank—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ukh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, I made contact with her, and sparks flew through the air as the chains connected with her sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wanted to celebrate but found myself unable to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haaaa… Haaa…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was heavily out of breath, and my mind was starting to become blurry. It was clear to me that I was running out of juice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked behind to stare at Kiera.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How long…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't respond, instead staring at her hands where an impressive magic circle appeared. Even from where I stood, I could feel the formidable power emanating from it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That, however, proved to be a mistake as something flashed next to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was headed straight for Kiera.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shit…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reacting purely on instinct, I extended my right hand, conjuring five threads that swiftly enveloped the entire surrounding area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ukeh…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A low grunt sounded as the threads snapped and I was pushed back. However, I just barely managed to halt whatever was attempting to pass me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Move…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't even have time to catch my breath before I heard Keira's shout. Instinctively, I leaped to the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was glad I did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woooom—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A powerful flame surged forward, engulfing the entire corridor. A bright light covered everything as I felt the intense heat pressing against my back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pain was tolerable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It burned my entire back and legs, but it was manageable. I had been through worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flames continued to surge forward, persisting for several more seconds before finally dissipating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I raised my head after a few seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Really powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would I have survived if I hadn't dodged in time? I was doubting my chances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…..\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corridor was empty and a strange silence gripped our surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did we do it…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I heard Kiera's voice from behind. It sounded tired and haggard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pursed my lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…..I don't know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I released a long breath and sat up, resting my arm over my knee. Calmly, I surveyed the corridor before muttering once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2059,"2026-06-02T12:40:56.142Z",1,"novelbin.me","97033203f9dfc109f55f17adf4e546749dc50100a9fb738244aad6ac08b8f283","advent-of-the-three-calamities-chapter-70","advent-of-the-three-calamities-chapter-68",876,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fadvent-of-the-three-calamities-cover.jpg"]