Demon Beast (3)
······All three scheduled days have passed.
For a long time if it is long, or a short time if it is short, I honed [Understanding Space: Magnification of Magical Power].
However, I didn’t master it perfectly. It is so vast, and the content is also difficult enough to stick out the tongue. Dare to the extent that Leonardo, who is evaluated as the greatest talent of all time, suffers from headaches.
That’s why, even now, heading to Erythia, she still holds on to the magic book.
sagrak- sagrak-
The sound of turning the pages of a book.
A fainter engine sound.
boo woo woo
The sedan moved smoothly. Even going up steep hills, the ride comfort was excellent.
Magnificent body and huge wheels, a 12-cylinder engine designed with engineering, durability worthy of its reputation, ice chains wrapped around the wheels, and special bumpers in preparation for heavy snow.
Everything was prepared for today.
Moreover, a large-priced sedan equipped with an off-road function does not shake even in remote areas like this…
Rumble-!
The car rocked loudly as if it had crossed a bump.
The magic book he was holding floated into the air, then landed in his hand again.
“I’m sorry, Master.”
Ergon lowered his head as he looked in the rearview mirror.
I said briefly.
“It is done.”
Then he covered the magic book. I stared at the interesting scenery outside the window.
An endless field of pure white snow.
Brilliant sunlight streamed in from the blue sky, vast mountain ranges stretched above the clouds, and a huge base camp could be seen nearby.
It had arrived at the most eastern position in the northeast.
“Slow down a bit.”
“yes! All right.”
I carefully examined the slowly passing background.
As it was outsourced, the roofs of the stone buildings were all steep. Buildings were huddled together according to the layout plan, and a tall crystal transmission tower was installed in the middle. Other amenities were also well equipped.
The capacity of one base camp – 200 people – suitable for living, a scale comparable to a small village.
Booo
The sedan stopped in front of a luxurious stone mansion. Since there is even a parking lot, it must be my accommodation.
I got out of the sedan.
While Ergon hurriedly took out the luggage from the trunk, he silently looked around the surrounding terrain.
“·······”
A long mountain range nestled behind the camp.
Thanks to the pure white barrier only to the northeast, drafts did not blow. It was acting as a kind of windbreak.
“It won’t be cold.”
This time I looked to the left.
Like wind turbines, other sparsely installed base camps were visible. The field of view is open and it looks close, but the actual distance is about 2-3 km.
It was the best arrangement considering the effective distance and protection range of the crystal transmission tower.
Also, at each base camp, the mage with the most experience was selected as the captain, and an oath was made with them one by one.
In an emergency situation, it was to lead the crew to confront it – to prevent the beasts from escaping when they attacked.
“·······”
Next, I looked ahead.
Dazzling plains with reflected sunlight.
It was still covered with pure white snowflakes, but it was a battlefield that would be stained with red blood tomorrow. Even the calm peace now, even the flowing air flow will soon be obscured by the screams of the monsters.
“Can I leave my luggage at the front door?”
At that time, Ergon came to his side.
The guy was holding a luggage bag the size of his body in both hands. I nodded slightly.
“Let it be. I’ll do the cleanup myself later.”
“All right.”
heap heap heap
Ergon waddled as if about to collapse and headed for the inn. It was a precarious step.
I looked over the horizon again.
“·······”
A camp with 15,000 wizards.
Although they selected only the elite, it was impossible to prevent the demonic descent with this number of people. It was unreasonable in terms of quantity and power.
The final goal was to overcome the first wave and then hold out until support from the Ministry of Magic and the Imperial Family came.
A fight that can be extended to one day if it is short and four days if it is long.
In order to post the news of victory in that bloody battle, countless efforts and hopeless preparations were the only correct answer.
“·······”
I walked to my inn.
To hone unfinished magic.
＊＊＊
a few hours later.
A small auditorium at the easternmost base camp to the northeast.
A capacity of 200 sits on the floor of the small auditorium.
A huge blackboard is installed on one wall, and a middle-aged wizard, who claims to be the captain of the easternmost base camp, tells stories in front of it.
“now. This time, I will explain the ranks of battle. To hear that this battle is grandiose, it seems like another world, and it is just scary, but in reality there is nothing special. First of all, attack mages are lined up in the forefront…”
I’ve heard that there is an orientation.
For the first hour, only lectures on combat continued. It was Otigo Nabal, and he shamelessly spoke of his exploits.
“It came to mind when I was in line for battle, when I was in the Knights of the Swamp of Ruin. The students who advanced to the prize knights, which is the stage of their dreams, asked me to sign for every restaurant I went to…”
The story of latte that comes out like Vienna sausage.
He was a really talkative uncle. It was the Two Much Talker itself.
“Ever since I was young, my family has been particularly poor, but with one single thought to be successful…”
Participants seated in the auditorium spent time analyzing patterns on the floor, guessing dinner menus in their minds, listening with one ear and letting out with the other.
I was really bothered by the slow going time.
On the other hand, there were wizards who focused on the lecture with wide eyes.
“·······”
Warlock Ruel, who participated as a defense class.
She stared at the middle-aged wizard. He didn’t miss a single word or light movement of his hand.
It wasn’t that she wasn’t boring, but she couldn’t help but play the role of a spy.
Adonis winter magic camp announcement spread across the country.
Naturally, the warlock also heard the news. At first, I didn’t think it was a big deal, but I was shocked when I checked the location and period.
[ Period: 11/17~ 11/24 ]
[ Gathering place: Northern part of the continent, Erythia. ]
It was exactly the same as Cadein-sama’s Demonic Hand.
As if you knew in advance. As if trying to stop it by hand on behalf of an incompetent empire.
Could it be that they saw through our plan?
Since it was conspired in top secret among high-ranking black magicians, the probability of this converged to zero. It was unreasonable bullshit.
But if it’s Leonard.
If he was the best defensive mage in the empire who had prevented numerous incidents alone, there was a good chance.
So, Ruel participated in the camp.
In addition to her, many talented black magicians applied, but all were eliminated.
As if they knew their identities in advance.
“Ah, it leaked for a while, how far did I say?”
The middle-aged wizard, who had been talking for a while, asked.
One participant responded in a voice mixed with annoyance.
“The attack mage should be in the forefront.”
“Oh, right, right. So, the attack wizards should line up in the forefront, and the defense wizards on both sides will provide cover…”
The lecture followed again and again.
Ruel’s brow furrowed reflexively. It wasn’t just one or two suspicious things.
“I will only explain the order of battle here, and then I will explain the hand signals and how to attack the beast.”
Even though the theme of the camp was training, it was too focused on combat.
As for the current lecture, as well as the future schedule.
What kind of guy’s camp is at the level of professional training for the Knights.
It seemed like he was trying to prepare for the demonic fall.
“·······”
Ruel tried to put his hand in his bosom, but put it down.
I wanted to report this important intelligence to my superiors right away, but it was impossible at this time. It was because of the unusual rules of the camp.
An overemphasis on group life.
After 10 o’clock, I couldn’t leave the dormitory, and I always had to move with my comrades. There was no exception even when going to the bathroom.
Moreover, there was even an agent of the Ministry of Magic.
Even two of them.
“·······”
Ruel looked towards the back of the auditorium.
A blue-haired sorceress sitting at the back.
Behind her stood agents in suits. He was wearing sunglasses, so he couldn’t see his gaze.
Maybe he was watching himself, he didn’t know.
Ruel turned his head again. As the situation is, it was decided to withhold the report.
We won’t be able to last long with this number anyway, and we’ve been looking for our own way.
“Whoops…”
A sneer crept across Ruel’s lips.
Even in the midst of that, the old man’s chatter dragged on.
“It came to mind when I was learning how to attack monsters, when I was in the Knights of the Swamp of Ruin. The students who advanced to the prize knights, which is the stage of their dreams, asked me to sign for every restaurant I went to…”
＊＊＊
next day.
The hard work started early in the morning.
Wake up at 6 am. After washing your face and tidying up your accommodation by 6:30, gather at the restaurant. Practice after breakfast until lunch.
It was a busy schedule. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it was not a camp, but a field training.
Have you ever had such a good time?
Defense mage Pierre, who was placed in the far eastern part of the northeast, started training with a grateful heart. He did not lose his smile throughout the overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
“Let’s end our morning schedule here. Then everyone goes to the dining room!”
After the morning training, we ate lunch. After that, they gathered in a small auditorium and received audio-visual education.
– Next is a tactic in preparation for a large-scale monster wave. For a total of two tactics, when rushing from all directions and when rushing from a single direction…
A black and white screen projected onto a wall.
Pierre watched the video with twinkling eyes. I always take notes in a journal that I carry with me.
“Single direction… take the formation as wide as possible…”
It was really practical and useful information. If you were aspiring to become a knight or a new member of the knights, this was something you should know.
I feel it as time goes by, but it was good to support.
The food is delicious, the lodging is good, and the content taught is nutritious.
Plus, all of this is free.
“In all directions… form a circle and be vigilant in all directions…”
Pierre concentrated on the video with a satisfied expression.
Unlike him, the faces of the wizards around him were not happy. He complained in a low voice.
“What is that boring video?”
“I mean~ You’ve been doing boring education like that since yesterday. Anyway, isn’t this a bit harsh?”
“What is more shocking is that there is another lecture after that.”
“Ah… a lie…”
“Suddenly, I want to go home.”
Boring education?
It’s all useful content that will become flesh and bones.
Pierre glanced over there. I was going to say something for no reason, but I endured it because they were pretty female magicians.
Their complaints continued.
“In addition, Leonard-sama can’t even see his nose. I really liked it because they said they were in the same position as us, but what is this…”
“So. What a strange man is the captain and he talks all day long. I am dying of boredom.”
“Honestly, the people here came to see Leonard-sama.
The last thing Pierre agreed with.
Pierre also applied to the camp to see his idol, Leonard. Luckily, I was placed in the same position as him, and I even decided what I wanted to say when I met him.
Do you remember the warlock subjugation mission you worked with a few months ago?
Thank you so much for saving my life from Luca Delos at that time.
A scene that is still vivid in my mind.
Recalling that electrifying moment, Pierre smiled happily. Then, in a hurry, he grabbed the ballpoint pen back and moved his gaze to the screen.
Studying comes first now.
– Sometimes, when monsters rush in from both directions, you need to form a back-to-back formation. At this time, unlike normal formations, the defense wizard is in front…
Pierre focused on the video again.
That time when I straightened my back, corrected my posture, and wrote down important information.
thump—–!
There was a strong vibration.
The ground shook violently.
“…?”
The turbulence stopped in an instant, and the small auditorium became silent for an instant.
Pierre gently raised his head. Everyone had a stiff expression, as if they were bewildered.
A body without even the slightest movement.
A gaze frozen in place.
In a strangely subdued atmosphere…
“Is it an earthquake…?”
The captain muttered softly.
At the same time-
thump—–!
The earth shook again.
It was a longer and more powerful wave than before.
Tiding- Tiding- enough for the lights to flicker.
“Mo, everyone get out!!”
the chieftain shouted. Then the magicians all ran out of the small auditorium. It was an abrupt escape.
“Papa, quick!”
“Move!!”
Pierre, who had put the journal in his bosom, also got up belatedly. I ran towards the entrance of the small auditorium.
Tadadak-!
But it was a strange thing.
door wide open.
People stopped in front of it where the light from outside leaked in. I didn’t go any further, I just stopped and looked at one place.
Pierre, blocked by the crowd, spoke urgently.
“What are you doing? Hurry out…”
And soon found it.
A huge mountain range facing the camp.
A hazy blizzard descending from the lofty mountain peak.
Thousands of tons of falling snow. An avalanche like a tidal wave.
Ku-gu-gu-gu-gung
Conifers caught in the white vomit were terribly broken, and white dust rose like mist.
The scenery of the mountain range was swallowed up in an instant and rushed.
“ah······”
Pierre looked blankly to his left.
It wasn’t just our base camp. An avalanche was also pouring down on other base camps below the endless mountain range.
It was a hopeless sight.
It was the judgment of Mother Nature that weak human beings could not help.
It was truly an awe-inspiring disaster.
When Pierre, who had become infinitely small in front of him, gazed at the front again
Kwagagagagagagang————-!!!
Suddenly, a snow storm reached right in front of us, blinding our vision. A strong wind blew through my body.
——–!
Is it because I am on the verge of death?
In an instant, time slowed down and my thoughts grew longer. Pierre pondered as he felt the slow approaching chill.
······Should I eject the “Barrier”?
Then they would be buried alive.
For a while, you’ll survive, but when your mana runs out, you’ll eventually die.
I would die miserably from extreme fear and oxygen depletion.
let’s just die now
Neither mouse nor bird knows.
“·······”
Pierre closed his eyes.
He waited patiently for the thousands of tons of snow that would crush his body and crush the auditorium.
By the way······
No matter how long I waited, there was no shock that I was prepared for.
There were no screams, no roar of buildings collapsing.
The whole area was silent, as if everything had stopped. It was strangely peaceful.
“…?”
Pierre opened his eyes slowly.
And then I was dumbfounded. I stared at the object in front of me.
ㅁ・・・・・・
It was a snow crystal.
A crystal blue, angular like a throwing star, stopped in front of my retina.
No matter how many times I blink, even if a sigh flows through my trembling lips, I stay still.
As if the time in this space had stopped.
“what······”
Pierre murmured softly.
It wasn’t just here. It was the same everywhere.
The blizzard, which drew a wide parabola like a wave, was held in the air as if it would pour down at any moment, and not a single snowflake fell from beneath it.
An avalanche that should have smashed windows, collapsed buildings, and buried the base camp was stuffed into place.
Not only the easternmost camp, but also other base camps several kilometers away.
The wizards who figured out the situation belatedly exclaimed.
“What is this…”
“Nonsense······”
Some collapsed on their knees, some wept tears of relief, and some froze in their places.
I watched in a daze at the unbelievable miracle.
Then I realized soon after.
that this is no mere miracle.
That ‘magic’ that is more like a miracle than a miracle.
Geeying
The magic that can be felt in a place not too far away.
A middle-aged wizard who devoted half his life to the knights, a new member of the knights who had just joined, and a member of the corps who were ignorant of magic could instinctively know.
Now, this mana is on a different level.
You can’t achieve it by working hard, and you can’t imitate it by practicing.
[Superior quality of magical power] that can only be possessed by a naturally born tribe.
Kugoong—-!
Snowdrifts floating in the air descended to the ground. A white snowstorm blew in all directions.
Pusssss······
Blurred vision for an instant.
Through the gradually clearing fog, someone appeared. A certain graceful silhouette gradually became clearer.
“…everyone get ready.”
The man everyone has been waiting for so long.
The organizer of a camp that hasn’t been revealed yet.
A hero who saved thousands of lives, and a transcendent wizard who put an end to catastrophe.
Leonard Adonis.
His tragic voice announced the beginning of the war.
“Soon the monsters will come .”