Mark of the Fool

Chapter 591: The Tool of the Mind in War

In the past two plus years, Alex had learned a lot about combat. Over time, hed come to see and take note of how different fighters embraced their own ways of battle, using what best suited them, yet sharing the same goal; winning.

A fighter like Grimloch relied on the might of their physique and natural talent to devastate, crush, and stop an opponent in their tracks. Incredible strength. Insurmountable speed. Titanic mass. Overwhelming magical power. Towering natural talent all came together.

With such abilities, a combatant could easily bury an adversary with crushing blows, or a hurricane of swift strikes and spells that left them in a broken heap sprawled in the dirt in their wake.

Another way was through hard practise and honing skills through thousands of hours of training. Combat formsperfected by cultures over milleniaoften triumphed over those less practised and less proficient, as a master musician would perfect a song through long days of practise.

A third way was through analysis and by noting patterns in their opponents fighting style, using the agility of a keen mind to spot details.

By canvassing the terrain for anything that could be used to ones advantage.

Searching an opponents form for weaknesses.

A keen mind was Alex Roths ultimate tool in battle; as someone who was prevented by the Mark from even throwing a punch at someone or something bent on taking his life, his brain was the greatest tool he had to protect himself and those fighting beside him. Though his time was most often spent with dangerous companions, a war-golem and a staff that wielded fantastic magics, his mind was still his greatest weapon and shield.

Nowin this contest against a man with far greater years of combat experience than himhed been using that mind with the precision of a scalpel

probing for any weaknesses in Prime and Harsha Ram.

And as the fight continued, he believed hed uncovered one.

In the arena, Prime wrapped around Claygon like a black death shroud, wresting the golem from the sky and down toward the ground.

Father! Claygon cried in Alexs mind. Primes moving around melike water! I cantfight my way outIll try my war-spear!

Prime transfigured as something stabbed it, parting the construct around the tip of Claygons blade like tall grass separating as the war-spear poked through the struggling mass of black force.

Then the force constructs shifting form closed on the war-spears haft.

It hasmy spear! Father! the golem shouted.

Dont give up, Claygon, Alex thought. Keep struggling; Im noticing something about Ram. I think he has to control Prime directly, like he would a cart or a wagon. I dont think it can function on its ownand I believe theres a strong connection between the two of them. Primes like a cloud, so start blasting it with your fire-beams, full power; theyre causing some kind of discomfort to Ram.

I willfather Claygon thought.

And Prime grapples Claygon, wrapping around him like an evil blanket of force! the announcer shouted. The mighty golem is struggling, but Prime literally has him surrounded! This is unprecedented folks! Only at events like these can you expect to see such life-or-death struggles, such death-defying feats, and such fantabulous feints without risking your life to watchwaitwhats this?

Ram glowered at Claygon, his brow furrowing as Prime suddenly expanded.

Crackling explosions raged within the force construct. Claygon blasted his opponent again and again, bathing Prime with flame. Across the arena, Rams face hardened, a line of sweat dripped down his temple.

Prime constricted, binding the struggling golem, enduring explosion after explosion.

The audience gasped and cheered.

In the VIP box, Shale watched with the same grim expression as one attending a loved ones funeral. Around her, the potential clients were watching the battle with unnerving interest.

Alex bit the inside of his cheek, watching Rams expression and body language.

The well disciplined Professor was standing tall and straight-backedbut wore tension in his body and a stiffening of his shoulders like an unwelcome cloak.

Yes Alex thought. Were going to corner you, Professor Ram.

Yet, within the arena, Prime was the one gaining the lead.

Despite Claygons fire and mighty strength, the force construct was slowly pulling its prey to the ground. Both constructs touched the arena floor, the golem firmly constricted by Primes cloud-like form.

A wave of shock pulsed through the link. Are we onthe floorfather?

Yes. Its going to pin you, Claygon, Alex thought, watching his former professor. And I dont think theres any way were going to stop that.

He quickly checked the timer. Dont panic but, were going to lose this round.

No Claygon said.

Trust me, were not going to lose the match. All you need to do is struggle as hard as you can for the rest of the round; make sure you put everything youve got into making Prime work for this victory. Dont prioritise pins and knockdowns, just throw as many attacks into it as you can.

Understoodfather Claygon thought.

And pin! the announcer cried as the count finished. The score is 9-7 in favour of Harsha Ram and Prime!

Roaring cheers spread through the audience as fans clapped and chanted in unison. Prime! Prime! Prime! Prime!

Prime disengaged from Claygon, but the golem immediately whirled, bathing the force construct in flame. He shot after Prime, war-spear thrusting and fires blazing.

He swung the blade in broad strokes, slashing Prime even as he reformed. The force construct moulded, returning to its combat form and drilling Claygon with an earth-shattering blow, driving him across the arena, rattling the cage bars.

You needto hit harder the golem said.

Claygon flew back into the melee, leading with war-spear and fire-beams, slashing the larger construct with his blade, pounding his massive fist into Primes core. The force creature spun through the air, slamming into the bars.

A great tremor ripped through the cage.

And as Claygon was about to move in for the kill

the bell rang.

And the first round goes to Priiiime! What a devastating contest, folks! And a great showing from both combatants! Truly, Prime has been a monstrously powerful foe, but what a truly destructive display wed be witnessing if it wasnt for the arenas protective magics!

Yeah, it would be, wouldnt it Alex muttered, observing Ram.

His former force magic professor watched the crowd distantly, lowering his head politely as they cheered his name. His body appeared still, calm and serenebut Alex could see past that.

There was a lack of focus deep in his eyesso subtle that most might not notice it lurking therebut it could not escape the notice of the Fool of Thameland.

Fatherwe lost Claygon groaned, floating down in front of Alex. This fightis frustratinglike fighting mist that can punch you

Its okay, Alex responded mentally, watching the timer. Were going to get him soon. How strong is Prime?

Very strongas strong as a golem

As strong as one of the new golems that we make at Shales? Alex asked.

Iits hard to answer father Claygon said, a troubled note in his voice.

More suspicions grew in Alexs mind. What makes you say that?

Sometimes it feels weakersometimes it feels as strong as I was last yearsometimes it feels almost as strong as meor even strongerthen it feels weaker again

So its strength is fluctuating, Alex considered. That makes sense

Whatare you thinkingfather?

Ive got a hypothesis. Rams created this truly badass spell, and dont get me wrong, but theres no spell that I know of that could possibly create infinite energy. When force armour shatters, you need to reform it. When you fire force bolts, you need to power those force bolts with manaso I have to ask myself, how is Prime putting out so much power without any power source?

You areright fatherall firesneed fuel Claygon looked at the fire-gems in his palms.

Exactly. Alex thought. Primes firing force bolts, changing shape and increasing and decreasing its strengthsome spells are self-sustaining, but were not talking about a static wall of force. And if you crack a wall of force, the wizard who cast it has to cast the spell again to repair it.

Then whats Primes fuel? Claygon thought.

Alex glanced at the force professor who was examining Prime carefully. Ram is, I think. I think the spells continuously drawing from his mana pool. Whenever Primes strength spikes? Its probably because Rams poured more mana into it.

ThenRam is powering itand controlling itthats why Prime favours its right side.

Alex glanced at the professors arms. Because Ram would fight with his force prosthetic, that makes sense!

So then whats the plan? Claygon asked.

We snuff out the pool. Rams got to have an immense pool of mana, and hes the kind of wizard who would definitelylearn mana regeneration techniques, but that still doesnt mean his pool is infinite. Its probably taking a lot to keep powering the spell, and every adjustment he makes is only going to draw even more power from him.

Yesso we can drain himby hitting Prime over and over. Claygon thought.

Yeah, thats what Im thinking, Alex thought. Itd probably be easier outside of this arenathen we could do some realdamagebut lets wear him down. And I think we should pull out one of my trump cardsandhuh.

What is it, father? Claygon asked.

Alex peered at Prime. He cant cast any spells on Prime. Since the new rules came into effect this year, every wizard in the tournament has been casting spells to power up their proxies. But he hasnt done that, not at allmakes me wonder if he can.

Thenthat is more advantageto us Claygon thought.

Which is a good thing. Alex looked up at Torakas prospective clients. Those buyers are looking at Prime with a lot of hunger in their eyes.

Do not worry father Claygon said. We will slaughter your competition

Claygon, we cant, thats murder

...slaughter them in business. In business.

Alex wasnt completely sure if Claygon actually meant in business.

Round twos beginning, folks! Our first round went to Prime, but will round two go as swimmingly for Harsha Ram and Prime? the announcer shouted.

Claygon Alex thought. I have a plan

Ram watched Claygon intently. In the arena, Prime skittered into position, scraping its legs against the arena floor. Its fists clenched and unclenched.

May the best construct win, Ram said. Can you stand in the way of progress?

Its not progress until all the bugs are worked out, but you already knew that.

True, your data will be valuable to my advancement, Ram said.

Funny, I was about to say the same thing to you.

A battle between warriors! Between wizards! Between scientists! Who will win? What exciting new ventures will be born from this match?

Claygon and Prime tensed.

Begin! the announcer shouted.

Alex flicked his staff, pouring flight and haste magic into Claygon.

Prime charged, its tail sweeping out to knock him to the arena floor, but the golem parried with his war-spear. Prime came in hard, using a flurry of measured attacks that came from all sides.

Rams training and experience shone through his force construct, and its speed heightened with every strike. Soon Claygon was being pounded beneath a hurricane of blows, each slipping through his guard.

Alex thanked the Traveller that Prime wasnt a familiar; theyd have no chance if Ram was able to cast his own devastating spells through the construct.

And for that, Alex was grateful.

Fire your central gem, Claygon Alex thought. But dont break away from the fight. Keep Prime in melee. At the same time, blast the cage in front of Ram.

Yes father Claygon thought, gems flaring.

Beams of flame lanced out, striking Prime in its axe-shaped skull, while another beam flew across the cage, hitting the bars in front of Ram. The Professor didnt flinch.

But Prime did.

Alex grinned.

Claygon drove his war-spear into the creature, raking it with fire from his central gem. Prime responded with bolts of force from its ballista, but it was clearly firing blind.

The golem slammed the larger construct to the floor.

Knockdoooown! the announcer bellowed.

10-9 in Claygons favour from all three judges.

One point down, Alex thought. But points dont matter.

Ram stepped out from behind the flames.

His face twitched.

Suddenly Prime was diving forward.

The axe-blade struck Claygon on the shoulder, driving the golem to the ground.

A knock-down from Prime! the announcer screamed.

9-9 from the judges.

Alex didnt flinch.

Claygon raised both arms, firing his fire-beams right into Primes chest.

Andas predictedthe construct dissolved into a cloud of force, sweeping over Claygon, trying to constrict him again.

Alex smiled.

Got you, he said, raising his staff. It was time for the first of his new trump cards.

He poured power into the staff.

The aeld blooms flared.

And Claygon vanished.

What? Ram cried.

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