Before this, Andrew always thought that only mages possessed the power of flames in this world.
Now, Andrew realized he had oversimplified this world.
He could see: Raymond paused his action of removing his clothing and looked over, his eyes burning with flames!
This wasn't to describe how terrifying Raymond's gaze was.
But rather, in Raymond's eyes, there really was a kind of searing fire that seemed ready to leap out at any moment!
"So, could it be that Raymond... is also a Fire Mage?"
Andrew thought to himself.
But he immediately shook his head silently, denying this guess.
Because it didn't seem like it at all.
The feeling the other party gave him was completely different from the feeling Humboldt gave him last night.
Humboldt's body was short and thin, looking like a gust of wind could blow him away.
But the occasional brilliance and fiery intent in the old mage's turbid eyes still left Andrew, who had already improved a lot, lacking the confidence to confront him head-on.
In contrast, Raymond was completely different from Humboldt.
Raymond's physique was very robust, making an even stronger visual impact than Ivan.
But in terms of mental intimidation and the flame aura emitted by his entire body, he still couldn't compare to Humboldt.
"So he shouldn't be a Fire Mage.
But some kind of... 'Flame Warrior' who can mobilize the power of flames?"
Andrew inherited the body's original owner's memories, but they're not complete.
In reality, he should have known: Raymond wasn't a Fire Mage, but a "Flame Warrior."
Desert Hunters, Flame Warriors, Crimson Knights are known as the world's three main melee professions, and are also referred to as "Warriors."
The corresponding "Magic Professionals," i.e., spell-oriented professions, include the Magic Guild's "Earth Fire Mages" and the Warm Fire Commerce Association's "Warm Fire Mages."
Of course, you now have to include Andrew, the Water Mage, in the count.
"No matter what, the fact that Raymond possesses Fire Power is certainly true."
With this in mind, Andrew's thoughts shifted slightly.
Originally driven by the idea to "cut off one of Humboldt's claws" and "simply couldn't ignore it," he impulsively decided to rescue someone.
But now he was thinking: does killing Raymond count as fire extinguishing?
Does it fall under the scope of the Fire Extinguishing Upgrade Method?
Never mind how many evil deeds Raymond had done in the past, just look at what he has just done, Andrew felt absolutely no psychological burden about taking out this guy.
The only question is: if Raymond really is some sort of Warrior with flame abilities, can he win with just a seemingly formidable "Water Needle Prop"?
"If I can't win, I won't have to wait five days as planned, I'll have to meet my end right here today..."
Andrew thought, "But if I win, then I'll have hit the jackpot!"
At that moment, the opponents finally reacted.
Raymond didn't even need to say anything; his underlings were already yelling in anger as they charged: "What did you do, kid?" "You actually dare fight back?" "Damn it, is Old Thirteen really dead? Hey, Old Thirteen, say something!"
Bearing their furious shouts, they swarmed toward Andrew.
By now, Andrew knew there was no way back.
Even though he had absolutely no combat experience, he instinctively lowered his weight, preparing the "Water Needle."
But his combat will was very strong!
He was clearly someone who had never fought before his transmigration; he didn't know why he had such a strong desire to fight hereafter.
Perhaps it was because what Raymond and his men tried to do to that girl just now completely exceeded Andrew's tolerance level.
Or maybe it was simply because, unknowingly, he was influenced by the "Fire Extinguishing Upgrade Method."
It seemed the "Tear of the Water God" on his chest sensed Andrew's will or perhaps acknowledged his thoughts, for it trembled lightly, and the "Water Spirit Technique" emerged automatically, condensing into a highly concentrated "Seed of the Water Spirit," imprinting a point on Andrew's brow.
Instantly soothing the fright-induced trembling in Andrew's body!
Andrew's spirit was instantly exhilarated.
He never imagined the "Water Spirit Technique" could have such a wonderful effect!
Seeing the rapidly approaching little underlings right in front of him.
Andrew took a deep breath, thinking: "Since I've started, I'll finish. Kill all these scumbags..."
Water Needle.
As a pure offensive water spell from the "Fingertip Magic Series," the effect of the "Water Needle" is simple.
Just two words: penetration.
Yet it's not simple: accumulating the sharpness of ten thousands of times a drop of water squeezing through, condensing it into one attack, and instantly unleashing it through a fingertip!
Its defense breaking ability is astonishing!
Its stealthiness is extremely high!
The only drawback is: the casting distance is too short.
It must almost be deployed at zero distance to achieve its maximum power.
However, this could also be inversely said: at zero distance, the destructive power of the "Water Needle" is absolutely astonishing!
"Ouch."
"What the hell!"
"It hurts so much!"
Under the setting sun, Andrew cried out in pain repeatedly.
His head, face, and body repeatedly got hit.
However, with each hit, he pointed a finger, stabbing another little underling to death.
In the chaos, he didn't care much about aiming because no matter where he poked, the person hit didn't even moan and died on the spot! Aside from the first one Andrew took down, the others bore no visible marks, but internally, their bodies had been completely messed up by the power of the "Water Needle"!
Even more importantly:
"These little underlings are under Raymond, the Flame Warrior, yet taking them down counts as fire extinguishing!" Andrew was both surprised and delighted, "Tear of the Water God has reacted! This is great!"
At this moment, another kick landed on his rear.
Andrew yelped in pain, reached back with a finger, and pierced into an underling's eye socket.
The little underlings were both furious and terrified: "Wha... what the hell is with this kid?"
By this point, they completely failed to recognize Andrew!
This was supposedly the guy Humboldt predicted would die within a week? He's a killing god!
And why is that despite being their side that's getting killed, this kid is the one yelling here?! You can't mess with our heads like this!! They thought Andrew was taunting them on purpose, but Andrew was genuinely grimacing from pain.
Just then, they heard Raymond suddenly shout: "Everyone, get out of the way!"
The shout was like a beast's roar, causing the muscles all over Raymond's body to twitch erratically.
The flames in Raymond's eyes suddenly disappeared.
His entire body soundlessly erupted in a thin layer of flame, like a layer of "Flame Gauze Clothing."
Boom!
The fiery heat radiated out freely from Raymond's body.
Raymond strode forward, throwing a punch straight toward Andrew's face!
This punch wasn't particularly fast; it couldn't be compared to the speed of Ivan's blade from the night before, anyway.
This punch excelled in sheer momentum, with terrifying strength!
"I see you brat have forgotten death!"
Raymond cursed as he punched out.
Though intimidated by Andrew using Humboldt's name to scare him off once during the day, Raymond had come to realize: Andrew had indeed offended Grand Mage Humboldt publicly; it was impossible for him to still be under Humboldt's protection.
What Andrew said during the day: "I am still an apprentice in Grand Mage Humboldt's laboratory," was utter nonsense!
Furthermore, having witnessed Andrew fight so many alone, knocking down four or five of his own men—
Raymond delivered this punch with no restraint!
His aim was to cripple or even kill Andrew with one punch.
Before Andrew could react, the underlings Raymond brought along already darted aside swiftly.
Afraid of getting caught in the crossfire!
One little underling—the one who threw a stone at Andrew in the morning—moved a bit slowly and was just brushed by a wave of flame energy bursting from Raymond's body, causing him to grunt as he fell to the ground, fainting just from the aftershock!
"Whoa, is this the true power of Raymond?!"
Seeing this, Andrew's eyes twitched several times.
The girl Andrew had saved also couldn't help but fix her eyes on Andrew's side.
She was truly afraid now, but she gritted her teeth and didn't take the opportunity to escape while Raymond and his gang were distracted by Andrew; instead, she looked over with concern. Wanting to help, yet she was powerless. Overwhelmed, her legs had turned to jelly.
Then she saw Andrew lift a hand, making a simple gesture of a one-handed block with little actual effect.
At the same time, Andrew used his other hand offensively against offensively, striking directly towards the center of Raymond's chest and abdomen at full force!