Last Wizard King's SSS-Level Magic system in Modern World-Chapter 108: Changing Identity- Part 2

Professor Aldric adjusted his spectacles, narrowing his eyes as he watched the magical projection displaying Liam inside the dungeon. Something about the boy felt different.

"Hmm...Does anyone else think he looks... slightly different?"

He murmured, stroking his chin.

Professor Elara raised an eyebrow.

"Now that you mention it... I thought his hair was a shade darker before. And his facial structure—"

Professor Dain grunted.

"Bah! You’re both imagining things. The boy is the same."

Elara frowned.

"No, I don’t think so. There’s something—"

Before she could finish, Elder Erin gave a small wave of his fingers, his magic subtly expanding over the observation formation.

It was a simple but powerful illusion spell.

The instructors didn’t even realize it, but their perception of Liam was slightly altered. The magic blurred any inconsistencies, ensuring that no one would recognize Liam Sanders as Nico Vale.

Elder Erin smiled knowingly.

"You must be tired. The mind plays tricks when exhausted."

Aldric blinked.

"I... suppose."

Elara hesitated but eventually nodded.

"Perhaps."

Dain grumbled.

"Waste of time."

With the illusion secured, Elder Erin smoothly shifted the topic.

"So, what do you think of his performance so far?"

He asked, redirecting their focus.

Aldric sighed. "

For someone of his supposed rank, he’s doing well... though not exceptionally."

Elara nodded.

"Yes, he’s fighting like a C-Rank. Not too strong, not too weak."

Elder Erin smiled to himself. He was surprised at how well Liam was doing as well for a newly awakened magician.

______

Liam moved swiftly through the dungeon corridors, dispatching enemies as he went.

The first wave consisted of Venomous Fangrats—small, rodent-like creatures with paralyzing bites.

Pathetic.

If Liam fought seriously, they would be eliminated instantly.

But he had to be careful.

If he showed too much strength, his disguise would be meaningless.

So, instead of ending them immediately, he allowed them to attack first.

One lunged at his arm. He dodged half a second later than usual, letting its fangs graze his sleeve.

Another swiped at his leg. Liam pretended to stagger, then retaliated with a mid-level Fire Bolt.

The rats screeched as they burned, but Liam acted as if it took effort.

To any observer, it looked like he was struggling just enough—a C-Rank Mage fighting at his limit.

In reality, he was just farming experience.

Each kill gave him points, and he wanted to maximize his gains before facing the boss.

Asger, still wrapped around his shoulders, watched with narrowed eyes.

"You’re really dragging this out."

The half-dragon muttered. He had been allowed in as a familiar, but he was not allowed to help Liam out.

Liam gave a small smirk.

"Better safe than sorry."

Once he was satisfied with his experience farming, he finally made his way toward the boss chamber.

The moment Liam stepped inside, the temperature dropped.

The chamber was a wide cavern, the walls covered in glowing blue moss that cast eerie light.

At the center, coiled on a raised platform, was the boss.

[Shadowfang, the Venomous Basilisk]

A massive snake, easily thirty feet long, with obsidian-black scales that shimmered unnaturally. Its eyes glowed a sickly green, and its forked tongue flickered, sensing Liam’s presence.

This thing is definitely stronger than E-Rank...

Liam thought.

The moment he stepped forward—

Shadowfang attacked.

The snake lunged, its fangs dripping with a venom that could melt steel.

Liam dodged sideways, rolling to avoid the attack.

The ground shattered where the basilisk struck, the force alone proving its danger.

Asger hissed, baring his small fangs.

"Watch yourself, human. One bite from that thing and you’ll be paralyzed for days."

Liam didn’t need the warning.

He summoned his magic, the air around him chilling instantly.

[Ice Magic: Frostbind.]

A sharp cracking sound echoed as ice formed beneath the basilisk, trapping its tail.

Shadowfang hissed violently, thrashing to break free.

Liam knew it wouldn’t hold for long.

So, he moved fast.

Raising his hand, he gathered his magic, focusing all of it into a single point.

A blinding blue-white light pulsed from his palm.

Then—

He struck.

His hand shot forward, delivering a condensed blast of ice magic directly to the basilisk’s exposed throat.

CRACK.

For a moment, everything was silent.

Then—

The massive snake shuddered.

Its body stiffened.

And then, finally—

It collapsed.

A system notification appeared in Liam’s vision. freёnovelkiss-com

[Boss Defeated. Dungeon Cleared.]

[Experience Gained. Level Up!]

Liam exhaled slowly, letting his magic fade.

It’s done.

Asger blinked.

"Huh. That was... easier than I expected."

Liam smirked.

"I held back."

Asger gave him a dry look.

"That was holding back? Are you even trying to hide your real self?"

Liam ignored him, turning toward the dungeon’s exit portal.

It was time to return.

As the projection of the dungeon faded, the three instructors leaned forward.

Elara clicked her tongue.

"Not bad. He struggled, but he won."

Aldric nodded.

"A textbook C-Rank performance."

Dain exhaled.

"At least he’s not a complete fraud."

Elder Erin smiled to himself.

Perfect.

Liam had done exactly what was needed. He had displayed just enough skill to pass as a competent C-Rank—nothing more, nothing less.

As Liam stepped out of the dungeon, the attention in the room shifted to him.

Murmurs spread among the students who had gathered to watch.

"That’s the guy Elder Erin brought in, right?"

"He doesn’t seem that special..."

"Still, Elder Erin took an interest in him. There must be something there."

Liam ignored the whispers, keeping his expression neutral.

He felt Elder Erin’s gaze on him and subtly nodded.

Message received.

The test had gone exactly as planned.

As they left the testing grounds, Elder Erin spoke in a low voice.

"You did well."

Elder Erin told Liam as he escorted him out. But even as they walked, Liam’s instincts warned him.

The students—their eyes followed him.

The subtle hostility.

The quiet resentment.

Liam knew what it meant.

They already didn’t like him.

Why?

Because Elder Erin chose him over the others.

Even if he had only shown C-Rank abilities, Elder Erin’s favoritism was enough to turn him into a target.

Elder Erin must have noticed.

"Pay no attention to them."

He said softly. Liam didn’t respond, mainly because he knew better.

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