Bart surveyed the unfamiliar surroundings, a glint of annoyance in his eyes. "Petty tricks won't get you far in battle," he scoffed. "From the information gathered, you're just an inventor, a Level 10 adventurer with fire affinity. Yet, oddly, I see you're Level 1 with affinity to all magic. And you have a weak human girl by your side and an undead with an unknown level. Your only luck is to depend on your summoned undead to fight for you." He gestured to his hundreds of assailants.
Adam walked slowly toward Bart, a menacing look on his face. He stood before Bart, silently daring him to make the first move. Bart chuckled at the apparent absurdity of a Level 1 magic caster challenging him so closely. He launched a swift punch, only for his entire arm to be engulfed and restrained by the very ground beneath him.
"What's so funny that you're laughing in front of my face?" Adam's voice was low, dangerous.
Bart's eyes sharpened as his other limbs barraged Adam, but a shimmering barrier absorbed every blow. Still stuck by his arm, Bart roared in frustration. Adam then unleashed a controlled fire blast, sending Bart hurtling through a nearby mountain range.
The other assailants stood frozen in fear, shocked by the outcome. Bart's bruised and burned body was instantly teleported back in front of Adam. He coughed blood, a smirk spreading across his face. "Finally," he rasped, "someone worthy."
As the mana from his mark surged through him, his body slowly began to recover. "Can you receive this punch?" he challenged.
Adam watched as the mark's mana amplified Bart's attack. The barrier absorbed the blow, barely budging. Bart amplified his attacks further, slowly pushing Adam back. Adam continued to absorb more and more of Bart's amplified attacks.
Finally, Bart unleashed a devastating, highly amplified attack, multiplying its force hundreds of times, sending Adam sprawling far back.
Bart gloated, "No one before has been worthy enough to receive my attacks. I'm both amused and happy that you're the first." He explained that his power was simply too strong for others, and he could never truly unleash it on fragile humans.
This was his first chance to fight at full potential. Bart thanked Adam for his existence, even if it was "short-lived," for finally allowing him to unleash his true power.
"I have the power of amplification, gifted for being the Sin of Pride," he boasted. "I can amplify anything in my body: my intellect, strength, speed, endurance, recovery, and many more. I am the prime human to ever exist, and I congratulate you, Adam, for being the first to feel my powers at their full potential."
Lyra's analysis confirmed it: the mark indeed amplified everything. Bart's inherent level seemed insignificant compared to the power granted by his mark. He truly could go toe-to-toe with Leon.
Leon stepped forward. "Adam, if I may, can I battle Bart in your stead?"
Bart scoffed. "As expected, your summon is the one fighting. Adam is nothing more than just a mage without actual combat."
Leon ignored Bart's remark. "I know you can instantly wipe the floor with Bart," he stated, "That's why I want to test myself on this vulgar human." Adam, seeing the challenge in Leon's eyes, allowed him to proceed, provided Bart was willing to fight Leon.
Bart smirked. "Once I wipe the floor with your little summon, you will be next."
Adam smiled and walked away to Lyra. Lyra, analyzing Leon's max level, commented that unless Leon could "rebirth," he might lose to Bart. "This is his time for growth," Adam replied. "Let's just see how much Leon can evolve in this battle."
Leon readied his fists. Bart took a fighting stance, poised to tear down his obstacle. Adam tied up all the other assailants and transported them to the dimension holding the previously captured attackers. He then conjured snacks and comfortable seats for himself and Lyra. "This would be an exciting movie for us to watch," Adam remarked.
Lyra agreed, noting that with both opponents possessing amplification abilities, it would be an interesting showcase of power.
Adam has strategically set the stage for a spectacular battle between Leon and Bart, viewing it as an opportunity for Leon's growth.