Chapter 263
The gathering orders have been issued.
Troops dispersed across the world were instructed to gather at designated locations and prepare for war.
Yggdrasil. A letter sealed with the emblem of Holy Emperor Liovergo turned into a wordless horse, swiftly conveying the message.
Not only the major nations like the Troa Empire and Ocel Kingdom, but even small states that were rarely heard of were required to send forces to stand against Altife.
Nobles with military obligations sent outstanding talents from their families.
While not mandatory, commoners skilled in magic or swordsmanship were hired as mercenaries, heading to the battlefield.
The Church did not recruit just ordinary people leisurely living their lives as mercenaries.
Wandering hunters who made a living by roaming treacherous dungeons, slaying and capturing monsters.
They also contacted large guilds like Maderelo to borrow a contingent of mercenaries for battle against Altife.
A massive expenditure of wealth and manpower was occurring on site.
And at the center of it all, the members of Arbol Frutal were also putting their feet up.
Though it was the calm before the storm of the battlefield, a sweet reunion was unfolding within.
“Wow! How long has it been, seniors!”
Emily greeted the two with great excitement.
They were Alexeria and Bracchium, both long graduated from the Academia.
“Right? It’s been a while, huh? Bracchium, it’s been ages since you’ve seen the juniors, so at least say hello.”
“…Seems like you’re doing well.”
“That’s all you’re going to say~?”
Alexeria giggled, covering her mouth. Bracchium looking awkward was always a delight for her.
While Alexeria held Emily’s hands, she looked around.
“There are many unfamiliar faces. New students have joined us, huh?”
First-year students who met Alexeria’s gaze automatically bowed their waists.
She smiled warmly and waved to them, then approached one particularly noticeable child and asked.
“Excuse me, but can I pull your cheek a bit?”
“…Huh? Wh-what?”
“Oh my, is it because you’re young? Your skin is so bouncy!”
“…….”
“Oops, my bad. Was that painful? Sorry, I can’t help my curiosity. But what’s our cute new student’s name?”
“…Adalhyde.”
“Such a pretty name and your voice is lovely too.”
Adalhyde replied while gently touching her cheek that had just been pulled.
Though she often didn’t change her expression, being forcibly tugged like this left her with no choice.
As the meeting with the graduated seniors continued, familiar faces started to approach from one side.
“Ugh.”
That was Arha’s first remark upon seeing the members of Arbol Frutal.
Quickly scanning her surroundings, Arha turned to Finn, who was nearby, and asked, “Hey, that guy isn’t here, is he?”
“That guy…? Are you talking about Lord Vargan?”
“Yeah, the big, dark guy! Just answer me. He’s not here, right?”
“Lord Vargan is currently in a meeting, so not yet….”
“Phew… then that’s fine.”
Arha sighed in relief, knowing that Vargan was not present.
Then, the lucky Spirit Summoner Erlich approached and waved at Finn.
Erlich leaned her staff, which was as tall as she was, against the ground and spoke.
“It’s not exactly a joyful occasion, but it’s nice to see you again like this.”
“Right.”
“Are you still practicing swordsmanship every day? Is it easier on your body now?”
“Not much has changed. You know my talent is pretty terrible.”
“I don’t think so….”
“What? When did you two become so close?”
Arha suddenly interrupted, having been listening to Finn and Erlich’s conversation.
Even if they had met last year’s final exam season, did they really have time to get close?
After all, Erlich was the one who was absent from Rikeion, busy with Ferangis.
To Arha’s question, Erlich awkwardly smiled and replied, “It just happened…? We had plenty of opportunities to talk on the airship to Academia….”
“Oh… right. I see?”
Despite having asked, Arha quickly lost interest and responded halfheartedly. Her gaze shifted away from the two to the surroundings.
‘Oh, wait. I got startled thinking it was him.’
While scanning the bustling area, she suddenly jolted.
Because in that place stood Rheincarven, last year’s Academia president and a spitting image of Vargan.
Had he, too, graduated and come here as a representative of the Schugenhartz family?
Around Rheincarven were children and daughters from other noble families.
It was too noisy to catch what they were discussing, but it surely involved some boring talk about nobility.
If Edina, the student council president of Rikeion, had been here, she would have frowned even more at Rheincarven.
While thinking that, Arha glanced around once again.
Her eyes could spot many individuals throughout the area, all of whom had talent.
‘Wow, that old man must have been something in his youth! And the old lady too….’
Old-timers caught her attention.
Although they had long since retired, these former warriors had taken up weapons once again to rush onto the battlefield for the sake of humanity.
Additionally, there were plenty of priests from the church who could only use Holy Magic and Healing Magic.
And amongst them were a decent number of beings who were hard to identify as either human, tree, or animal.
‘Counting the heads in this area…it’s roughly 40,000.’
A total military force of 40,000.
Not just any soldiers, but those with enough power to stand against Altife.
Without Altife, there would be nothing they couldn’t do with such strength.
Naturally, they could confront large nations like the Troa Empire, and conquering the entire world would be quite possible.
This also served as evidence of how significant a share Yggdrasil held in the human world as a monotheistic religion.
It was also a testament.
If we were to gather all the misfits and hidden talents, we would certainly have more numbers.
But then, we’d just become meaningless giants wasting food and resources.
“The Church seems serious about this this time.”
“Huh? What did you say, Arha?”
“Just talking to myself, don’t mind me. It looks like the meeting is over now.”
Arha pointed with her chin toward the distant podium.
Erlich looked where she was pointing, and there were high-ranking officials from a nation and a handful of Heroes gathered.
As they ascended the podium, the crowd’s commotion gradually subsided.
If there are 40,000 jewels here right now.
Those are particularly valuable, high-quality gems among them.
Included in that group were personnel from Rikeion and Academia.
Vargan was also present.
Having concluded their meeting, they stepped up to make a significant announcement.
Dazzling—.
Those lined up in two rows on the podium.
Among them, a middle-aged woman dressed in pure white garments adorned with the patterns symbolizing Yggdrasil stepped forward.
Facing the crowd.
Even the faint noise that remained ceased, creating a hush over the many people present.
She held a magic tool with amplification magic in one hand and began to speak leisurely yet elegantly.
—I am Marcell, the Holy King of Quile. Before starting the declaration, I would like to express my honor in standing here as a representative of humankind.
The city closest to this location is Quile.
She, having invested the most resources and manpower for this war, could stand in the place shining with brilliance.
—From this moment onward. I, Holy King Marcell, assure that humanity will take a step further toward true freedom and reclaim the rights we’ve lost.
As she finished her brief self-introduction and thoughts, her aide handed her a piece of high-quality parchment.
Marcell took off her white-gloved hands and began to spread the parchment wide with both hands, starting to read its contents.
—Humanity declares war on Altife, and furthermore, on the Goddess Church.
Before officially entering the war.
A nominal declaration of war.
Although the format and order are different from the original, perhaps such a procedure is unnecessary for Altife, who is not human.
Yet, this time was set aside to uplift the morale of those involved in the war and refresh their resolve.
—Thousands of years ago. The red monsters that came upon humanity like a calamity. They attacked people regardless of gender or age, feasting upon their flesh. Their hides were used to give birth to their offspring.
—Even if one might consider this a cycle of life and a trial bestowed upon humanity. Their tyranny has disturbed the heaven’s principles and has gripped humanity’s throat.
—Although they possessed human language and could communicate, they did not grasp the hands of coexistence extended by humanity. Even when they feigned agreement, they simply waited for a chance to pierce with a poisoned blade in the other hand.
—Thus, humanity intends to fight back. We can no longer stand by while the blood of wicked Heretics runs rampant over the land enjoying the glory of Yggdrasil.
—Warriors of humanity standing in this place, listen. We have gathered here.
—Though we may have been born into different races, nations, and genders, we grew under the same sky and now stand on this honorable land, holding the same ideals in our hearts.
Standing with ideology held close to the heart.
—Even if that wicked Red Group threatens us, do not be afraid. The Almighty Yggdrasil has blessed our future. Clad in the sacred armor of God’s name, we, who inherit the noble bloodline of His children, will achieve victory.
—Fight, prevail. All preparations are complete; the only thing left is to courageously advance.
Crackle—.
““Whoaahhh!!!””
When Holy King Marcell turned off her magical device, a thunderous cheer and applause erupted.
They had forgotten their fear.
No matter how fierce the enemy snarled with sharp teeth and claws, they were brave heroes ready to charge forward without flinching.
The heated atmosphere was so intense that without that red canopy, they would have charged straight to behead the Cardinal.
After the crowd’s fervor erupted like a volcano, it began to calm down ever so slightly.
After finishing her declaration of war, Holy King Marcell turned her magical device back on and continued speaking.
In an instant, the audience fell silent, and her voice could be distinctly heard.
—We declare war here and now. However, that red canopy obstructs our warriors from advancing.
She casually glanced back.
Naturally, the audience’s gaze followed her to the individuals positioned behind her.
There stood a man and a woman receiving the weighty stares with remarkable composure; they were student heroes, still showing traces of youth despite being experienced and brave veterans.
—But, we have brought a solution from Academia. We intend to push forward with their assistance.
Marcell handed the magical device to Vargan, who stepped forward.
She then lightly patted Erica’s shoulder and stepped back.
Vargan held the magical device near his mouth and said.
—We’ll keep our introduction brief. We will relay what we have discussed with the great magician Gulemashia.
To be precise, it was Vargan who came up with the idea and proposed it to Gulemashia.
But Vargan chose not to divulge that exact truth to the public.
—First of all, like Gulemashia, I have transcended the realm of total mana. This student next to me is a very rare magician capable of using Warp Magic, just like Gulemashia.
The crowd began to murmur.
Those who quickly grasped what Vargan and Gulemashia were planning exchanged wide-eyed glances, questioning if it was truly possible.
Vargan regarded the commotion as delightful background music and smiled.
Though the results had yet to show, Vargan was already convinced of a favorable outcome.
—The defensive systems of Academia and Rikeion. Everyone present must know how amazing the barrier forming that red canopy is.
Vargan extended his finger to point at the top of the red canopy.
Even the semicircular canopy had a center, and he aimed to show it to the crowd.
Vargan remarked.
Extreme fortifications can sometimes serve as the best offense.
—We will warp the aerial city of Academia to that spot.
To break the red canopy’s barrier that even the Cardinals couldn’t shatter.
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