Chapter 32

“Don’t let the enemy get close!!”

Yukina was giving orders while repelling the Empire’s offensive. However, the real problem was the appearance of three more Tarantacio. Now, with four Tarantacio bombarding them, the situation was dire.

The academy’s defensive magic isn’t invincible. Continuous bombardment would eventually break it. If this bombardment continued, the academy would be overrun.

Yukina wanted to do something, but with the Empire’s forces approaching the walls, she couldn’t leave the academy. She had been repeatedly driving back the Empire’s forces from the main gate, but was also being held there.

The attacks weren’t limited to the main gate. The Empire’s forces were attacking from all sides, and the teachers and students were fighting valiantly everywhere.

However, they were barely managing to hold the line. If they allowed any more bombardment, the defensive magic would fail. Yukina was growing anxious.

Suddenly, the enemy’s bombardment exploded in mid-air. It hadn’t hit the defensive magic. It was intercepted by magic from within the academy.

“Well, well, it actually worked! I did it!”

The one who intercepted the attack was Annette, who had climbed up the watchtower. Annette, pleased with her success, noticed another bombardment incoming. She responded with a fireball.

Annette didn’t have the precision to hit a pinpoint target. Instead, she launched a large fireball to intercept the bombardment with its wide area of effect.

“This is as far as you go with your free shots!”

“Annette!!”

Yukina called out to Annette, who was standing proudly in the watchtower. Annette, hearing her name, looked down curiously.

Seeing Yukina, Annette smiled and waved.

“Hey, it’s Yukina! Hi there!”

“Can you target the enemy’s creatures from there!?”

“Uh… that’s a bit tough…”

Responding to Yukina, Annette gauged the distance to the creatures and winced. But…

“Do it, even if it’s tough!”

“You talk like it’s not your problem…”

Despite her complaints, Annette pointed her right hand at the creatures. If the enemy believed they could be counterattacked, they would have to retreat. Annette understood this, so despite her complaints, she took aim.

The distance was considerable. The bombardment was indirect. Just reaching the target was a challenge, and it also needed to have threatening power.

Nonetheless, for Annette, it was easier than holding back.

“Don’t think you’re the only ones with long-range attacks!!”

Annette did something contrary to her usual restraint. She unleashed her full power. Normally, the academy wouldn’t allow this. Annette’s full-powered magic, even aimed far, would cause massive damage.

But this was wartime. The teachers didn’t stop her. Annette fired a powerful blast at the large target.

“Take this! [Fireball]!!”

A fireball much larger than any before appeared and flew towards the creatures. Despite the distance, it hit one of them squarely. The creature screamed and lost balance. Seeing this, the Empire’s forces pulled back the creature, not wanting to lose a valuable asset.

Breathing heavily, Annette declared, “Remember the name of the house of Count Sonnier, master of flames!”

“Damn it! Heavy armored mage unit! Charge! Target that mage!!”

The Empire, forced to abandon their bombardment strategy, deployed their elite unit. These were troops they wanted to save for the capital siege. Equipped with the latest magic armor, they charged at the main gate.

Ignoring the defensive spells, they reached the gate and leaped over the walls.

“They’ve breached! Protect Annette!!”

Four soldiers had breached. Yukina slashed at one, but the elite in magic armor blocked with their sword. Yukina realized these were skilled fighters enhanced by their armor.

Yukina tried to engage all four, but could only hold off two. The remaining two headed towards the watchtower and Annette.

“Stop them!!”

Following Yukina’s orders, the magic sword students attacked but couldn’t stop the charging soldiers and were knocked aside. However, one of the two was stopped, not by the students.

“Bind them! [Wooden Threads]”

The legs of one soldier were bound by wood sprouting from the ground, throwing them off balance. Magic armor was unwieldy, and losing balance at high speed made recovery difficult. Rena’s spell had effectively immobilized one.

But the other continued towards the watchtower. Annette wanted to intercept but hesitated, fearing collateral damage.

“Prepare yourself!!”

The last soldier leapt. Yukina tried to intervene but was blocked by the two she was fighting. All seemed lost when…

“Fire!”

Numerous magic guns fired at the leaping soldier.

“Hmm, impressive armor. Fire again.”

The second volley hit the defenseless soldier, who fell.

“Father!?”

“Sorry, Rena. I’m late.”

The arrival was Linus Luvell and his men.

“Rest easy, now that I’m here,” Linus said with a smile.