His two eyes trembled wildly.
[What the heck?]
Information perceived through observation: a large army is pouring in from the plains near Rock Mountain.
The level of their forces is incomparably higher than before. Including the sheer number of cadets, along with commanders, spirits, and monsters they’ve somehow trained and brought along, there are just too many.
Is that all? A significant portion of the key powers from each group have also joined up.
Not only the upperclassmen, who have been honing their skills and experience under the blessings of growth, but even first- and second-year students displaying abilities beyond their years are numerous.
In other words, many of the ones supposed to defend the main base have joined that large army.
‘What is going on?’
Why are the forces that should defend the main base invading here?
I did think they would target us.
But I never imagined they would throw so many forces at us.
Without mutual trust, it makes sense. While we could mark this side as a common enemy, there’s no obligation just because we formed an alliance.
If they invest heavily and lose the main base from the back, their morale will plummet.
So everyone thought we would leisurely… keep our strength reserved for the main base while attacking.
‘Why did they all come…?’
But they came in droves.
At the front of the army is Hong Yeon-hwa. With a cold expression, she points at Rock Mountain and coldly declares that the hostages can be killed if necessary.
Nearby, Baek Ahrin and Choi Ji-yeon are also present. They both, receiving boosts from their surroundings, are tasked with defense.
But they are at the forefront of the army.
They both look uncomfortable, glaring at Rock Mountain with sullen faces.
Unexpected. There’s no way we can safely fend off that force right now. While we can hinder them a bit, we can’t truly halt them.
“What’s going on?”
Elia, unaware of the situation outside, tilted her head and asked. A warm hand had stopped its gentle caress on my chest, resting on the back of my hand.
“Uh, well…”
I stumbled over my words, explaining the situation outside.
“Certainly, before Ha-yul brought me here, we had a meeting about temporarily forming an alliance to attack this place.”
“I know that part…”
“What? How did you know?”
Elia blinked a few times and then got up from the rocking chair, pulling me into her embrace.
She approached the wall, realizing the intent and opened a window to see outside, but it was blocked by the barrier, preventing a view of below Rock Mountain.
“Hmm… Ha-yul, how many of them are there?”
“A lot… maybe around fifteen hundred?”
“Wow, didn’t we barely have two thousand cadets combined? They really came ready for a fight.”
Elia sighed, looking troubled. I felt just as troubled.
As I released a deep sigh, our breaths mixed together in the moment.
‘What should I do…’
The reason for launching a defensive strategy was nothing special.
I needed to showcase my large army combat skills to gain trust.
I also needed the opportunity to practice in an environment close to real combat.
And since we didn’t know what might happen in the event match, I had positioned myself to be prepared.
…Looking at the momentum of that army, it seems the defense won’t hold.
The offensive has begun.
The defenses were reactivated. The protective measures kicked in as magic rained down on the army.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t as effective as before.
The skills of the army itself had skyrocketed, and simply pouring out appropriate control magic wouldn’t reduce their numbers.
At the front… those three still haven’t moved. They brought their forces here but seem to have no intention of charging right in.
Maybe they just want to gauge the atmosphere before diving in?
‘Tsk…’
My head feels complicated.
“Sigh… this was supposed to be a good opportunity.”
– Crack…
“Hik.”
In that moment, the hand that had been stroking my back lowered and lightly squeezed my butt. A jolt of electricity surged through my body, causing my head to tilt back instinctively.
– Smooch.
Then came a kiss as if it had been eagerly anticipated. No matter how many times it happened, the ecstatic sensation made my body tremble.
Her bright yellow eyes sparkled with joy.
“Who taught you this…?”
Muttering something, Elia giggled while patting my butt.
“Ha-yul, should we move right away?”
“Uh… no…”
I shook my head at Elia’s question.
If I charged them directly? To be honest, I could probably hold them off, but then I wouldn’t be able to improve my large army battle skills.
Truthfully, this was a good opportunity. If it goes as planned, I can also facilitate the growth of my magic skills and spirits.
I certainly have to prepare for when the defenses collapse, but most of that is already done. The rest I can handle by simply manipulating my magic.
“Thank goodness. If we should move right away, you have to tell me, okay?”
With a bright smile, Elia sat me down on a regular chair and gently climbed on top of me.
“Oops.”
In an instant, her ample chest engulfed my face. My breath caught, and as I gasped for air, an intensely rich scent filled my nostrils.
[Milk]
[Happiness]
[Like]
As I relaxed, a gentle hand was placed on my head. Encouraged by the caressing, I breathed in the aroma deeply.
The sweet scent overwhelmed me, washing away the headache in my mind.
After enjoying the sensation and scent for a moment, I peeked out between her chest.
“Hm?”
Elia tilted her head while playing with my hair. I rolled my eyes, subtly pouting my lips.
“Mm?”
Elia tilted her head again. She seemed to know what I meant but acted oblivious.
Puffing out my cheeks made Elia giggle as she patted my inflated cheeks.
“When does our little one want a kiss?”
I tilted my head at the sudden question. When do I want a kiss?
“When I want to…”
“Well, that’s true, but there’s a little more to it.”
“A little more…?”
As I pondered, the recent memory surfaced. Elia had touched my butt, and I had felt excited as I leaned back.
I blinked, slowly moving my hand.
My fingers brushed down along her slim waist.
The memories buried deep within resurfaced.
With playful intent, the feeling of gripping my master’s butt was recalled.
Unsure if this was right, I glanced up at Elia. Her loving eyes sparkled, seemingly allowing anything.
With that encouragement, my hand moved.
– Crack…
“Huh…”
“Wow…”
My mouth opened involuntarily. The sensation of soft flesh in my grasp felt different from her chest.
While her breasts were soft and enveloped me, this was a bit stickier and more elastic.
Even if I pressed my fingers, it felt like it would spring back quickly, and the weight pressed down into my hand like it was more substantial than her chest.
The feeling through her clothes was intriguingly varied. My fingers wriggled as I squeezed the soft flesh.
Elia, momentarily shuddering, lowered her head. A sweet sensation spread over my lips.
– Smooch.
“Mm, huh… smooch.”
As I reflexively squeezed the ample flesh again, she leaned in to kiss me.
Realizing the connection of cause and effect, my eyes sparkled as Elia shivered with a smile.
“Good boy, learning so quickly…”
She gently stroked my hair as if praising a good child. With a smile, Elia wiggled her little bottom. It was a clear affirmation, eliminating any doubts.
“Uht, ah… ahh…”
With time still on our side, Elia continued kissing me while sitting atop me.
*
“Damn.”
“What? Why the sudden curse?”
“Suddenly feeling like crap.”
Startled by Hong Yeon-hwa’s outburst, Shin Seo-yul blinked and quietly whispered to the friends next to him.
“She was behaving so well lately, and now she’s acting up again.”
“Shh, keep it down. She’s blinded by jealousy and has thrown etiquette out the window.”
“She’s saying to kill the hostages and all…”
Ignoring the crazy looks directed at her, Hong Yeon-hwa grimaced.
It’s not an excuse. Instinct? Perhaps it’s my gut feeling. Suddenly, I just felt like crap.
Whoosh! Flames erupted from her shoulders. Letting out a hot breath, Hong Yeon-hwa dismounted from her horse.
“Ahrin, Ji-yeon.”
At Hong Yeon-hwa’s call, Baek Ahrin and Choi Ji-yeon, nearby and staring at the backdrop of Rock Mountain, turned their heads.
Neither looked particularly pleased.
Baek Ahrin seemed unhappy, twisting her hair with her fingers, and Ji-yeon had her arms crossed, resembling a similar mood.
Hong Yeon-hwa nodded and thumped her fiery shoulder with her sword.
“Let’s go right now. There’s no point in waiting for info here; we’re just wasting time.”
“Now? Shouldn’t we wait a bit?”
“What else is there to wait for? They seem to have shown up in full force already. Let’s go for a joint push this time.”
“Hmm… what do you think, Ji-yeon?”
Baek Ahrin glanced at Ji-yeon. Ji-yeon pondered with her arms crossed, then nodded.
“Yeah, let’s go in right away. We don’t have that much time.”
“Exactly. What if we miss the regular match and the event starts instead?”
With agreements reached, we notified the local commanders of the decision, and the formation shifted.
Those pounding against the barrier and army slowly fell back.
Hong Yeon-hwa stepped forward.
The massive barrier enveloping Rock Mountain. Its surface constantly revealed magic runes as countless spells rained down.
‘Is it similar to the Demonic Realm?’
Before entering Shio-ram, I had been to the front lines of the African Demonic Realm with the clan’s elders. It had looked something like this.
Monsters and people, golems and spirits relentlessly clashing below the barrier was quite similar as well.
Exhaling deeply, Hong Yeon-hwa brought her sword down. Sparks ignited at the tip of her sword, searing the ground, as Baek Ahrin surged ahead of her.
“Hmm.”
Taking confident steps, Baek Ahrin raised her spear toward the barrier. Channeling her magic, she expanded her innate abilities.
Though I hadn’t done it in a while, I had never forgotten the teamwork practiced long ago.
Spear’s Expansion Ability.
Tidal Wave.
Like a dam bursting, overwhelming water surged from the narrow spear tip. A unique ability aimed at taking control of the environment, Baek Ahrin heightened her focus and nodded the spear.
– Shaaa!
The tidal wave aimed at the barrier altered its course. The current converged, crashing down on the barrier.
As the tidal wave hit the barrier, there was a deafening boom! The massive wave’s force rattled the protective shield.
This time, Baek Ahrin twisted her spear like a key opening a door. The spear still gushed with water, frost forming at its tip.
Spear’s Expansion Ability.
Ice Ocean.
– Crackle!
Frost gathered around the tidal wave, and small ice shards erupted from the waters. The spirit squad caught in the wave was ground to bits like a blender.
Crack! Uncountable ice shards mercilessly shredded the barrier.
“Whoa…”
Meanwhile, waiting patiently, Ji-yeon took a step forward.
Her feet grazed the damp soil soaked with tidal water. Her foot crunched down upon it.
Taesan’s Expansion Ability.
Withering Trees Bloom.
New sprouts sprouted at Ji-yeon’s feet. The soil that had been upturned in battle bloomed green.
The ground, saturated with water became vibrant and energetic.
Ground filled with life is easy to manipulate and open to many uses.
– Rumble!
The earth trembled. Centered around Ji-yeon, the ground shook. Taesan’s dominance seeped into the ground.
Ji-yeon narrowed her eyes. Various foreign materials were embedded in the earth. She felt an artificial flow connected through pure magic.
She would uproot it all.
– Crackity-crack!
The barrier, previously enduring the overwhelming tidal waves, trembled fiercely. Thick roots emerging from below the barrier burrowed into it.
Crack! A noticeable crack ran along the sturdy barrier.
“Yah.”
With her bare hands, Baek Ahrin conjured an ice spear. Her frozen spear surged into the flow, speeding towards the barrier.
The ice spear, engulfed in the tidal wave, absorbed surrounding water and ice to swell in size.
Eventually, the spear grew larger than an ordinary building, piercing through the barrier and embedding itself in the heart of it.
Crack! The massive ice spear became encased in frost as it wedged into the barrier. The fluxing waters seeping into the cracks froze, expanding the fissures.
– Crack! Rumble…!
At last, the seemingly impregnable barrier crumbled. The cadets, previously caught in constant spells, instinctively cheered.
However, those who had brought it down did so with dissatisfaction. There remained many barriers inside.
The tidal wave that had been pounding at the exterior began pushing inward, and Ji-yeon shook the ground even more, rattling the base and interior of the barriers.
“Tsk…”
Hong Yeon-hwa, finally moving while controlling her flame on the sword, maintained the blazing aura at the tip of her weapon, lifting it towards the sky.
Surrounding life-giving energy saturated the fear-inducing flames atop her sword.
– Whoosh!
The flames, consuming the spirit energy, expanded dramatically. Fiery tongues soared skyward, painting the area red and melting everything.
With gritted teeth, Hong Yeon-hwa intensified the flames.
Gop-hwa’s Expansion Ability.
Fire Blossom.
The flames bloomed once more. Ice and water bubbled violently, sinking into the ground, and even the earth began to melt, flowing like lava.
Hong Yeon-hwa drew the sword behind her head. The immense output of fear-inducing flames now entirely controlled, unlike before when she couldn’t.
She swung down the sword. The flames that had soared into the sky cascaded down to the ground, forming a straight line trail.
Where the trail intersected the tidal wave, it split apart. Thanks to this, the Gop-hwa struck true without any hindrance onto the second layer of the barrier.
The protective shield melted thoroughly, the solid barrier shattered.
The flames continued relentlessly, slamming into the third layer of the barrier.
– Kwang!
The barrier dissolved, as more flames bore down, striking again. The substantially melted sections of the barrier quavered.
The third layer did not give way. Before confirming that, Ji-yeon had already bolted from her position.
Above the tidal wave, Ji-yeon, tiptoeing across the floating ice, advanced toward the quaking barrier and drew her arm back.
She poured out all the energy and magic she had absorbed. Drawing the magic surrounding her, she integrated it into her own.
Crack! A pawing sound rang from her clenched fist. The immensely intangible momentum rattled the surrounding space. Ji-yeon clenched her jaw, delivering a punch.
Taesan’s Expansion Ability.
Mountain Crumble.
Boom! The shaking triple barrier erupted.
…
“Ugh!”
“Ah, Ha-yul?”
Caught in an endless barrage of kisses, Lee Ha-yul sprang from his spot in shock, startled by the unforeseen speed.
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