Chương 82: Chapter 52:”The Rise of the Floating City Edel”

It happened right after Milia announced the name of the magic. A violent earthquake shook the ground. In Sacris, located in the center of the continent with no active faults nearby, earthquakes almost never happen. There was only one possible cause. It has finally begun.

"Let's go outside!" Nodding to Karla-senpai's call, we all went outside. We looked in the direction of the Lasil Great Plains. There, an overwhelming spectacle that made me wonder if I was dreaming was unfolding. The grassland split open as if the earth was parting, and from there, something slowly rose up. Though obscured by the darkness of the night, the moonlight illuminated its shape. First to catch my eye was a magnificent castle. It seemed to be the Royal Palace.

Starting from there, the entire figure gradually revealed itself. Skyscrapers. Clock towers. Something tube-like floating in the air stretched throughout the town. Numerous round dome-shaped houses. Seen as a whole, it was a gigantic city that easily surpassed Sacris. A metropolis suggesting technology I had never even seen on Earth. It rose high into the sky as if piercing the heavens.

Eventually, against the backdrop of the shining blue moon and starry sky, it vividly showed us the full picture of its former glory. An isolated island floating in the sea of the sky. The floating city where no one lives anymore, welcoming only two people—the new king harboring evil ambitions and the false hero. The Great Magic Empire Edel had finally revived. Before I knew it, people who noticed the abnormality were waking up one after another despite the late hour.

Lights turned on here and there, and many people came outside to gaze at this unbelievable sight. Soon, something like a wall of red light covered the surroundings of the island. If we take Tor's words at face value, it seems a barrier to prevent intruders has been deployed. It quickly wrapped the entire city with almost no gaps. However, there seem to be some parts where there are holes in the barrier... Probably gates for entry and exit or something. Indeed, something came flying out from there one after another.

At first, I didn't know what it was, but squinting my eyes, I saw they were small dragons. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Furthermore, humanoid figures were riding on top of them. They began to circle around the island and fly about. As if they were patrolling. Inea-sensei, who knows those times, explained with a bitter face.

"Riding on the dragons are Magic Soldiers. Corpses of humans manipulated by magic."

"Ugh."

"That's in bad taste." Alice and Milia frowned. Inea-sensei agreed.

"They are troublesome ones that never stop moving no matter how much they are damaged. That guy, using forbidden magic that desecrates the dead without hesitation." Hearing that, Argus punched his fist into his palm with a fearless look.

"Hah. That actually makes me feel better. Since the opponents aren't living people, I can go all out." I agree with that too. After all, cutting living people, even enemies, comes with resistance.

"However, well, to think he subjugated that many dragons. Even if small, a dragon is a dragon. They are supposed to be a proud race that doesn't easily bow to humans." When Sensei said with surprise, Karla-senpai opened her mouth with an apologetic face.

"He's probably using brainwashing devices or brainwashing magic. What he made me experiment with during magic exercises was..." Milia continued in place of her, who choked on her words.

"It must have been for this day. It seems the enemy has prepared really meticulously." Alice, who hates underhanded methods more than anyone, was indignant.

"What is that! Just manipulating others! Isn't that cheating! Fight by yourself a little!" Manipulating his own subordinates and even unrelated other creatures as he pleases, and discarding them like trash. I understand her feelings well, getting angry at such cowardly and lowest methods. Although I didn't say it out loud, I felt the same indignation. Well, considering Tor's personality, it's unlikely he would come out himself. That is frustrating again, but rational as a method.

Probably he himself isn't that strong. That's why I think he left only Clam, the strongest trump card, as a bodyguard. Alice turned to me and asked.

"Hey, Yu. Tor intends to destroy this town, right?"

"Yeah. With that." I looked at the incredibly huge island in the sky again. Saying it myself, I felt like everything was going dark before my eyes. She also sighed as if defeated.

"The enemy is the strongest Magic Empire. We can't expect support from the capital. The Swordsman Corps is in a semi-destroyed state." Counting on her fingers, she listed the elements one by one. Even the usually positive Alice had a stiff face this time.

"We might be in a desperate pinch..." Alice isn't the only one thinking that. I think everyone, including me, who has a gloomy face feels it. Attacking Edel from here is tough. To enter, we have no choice but to go from the sky. Even that alone is difficult, and there are many lookouts and an iron wall barrier in the sky. It seemed like an impregnable aerial fortress to me. In contrast, it's easy for them to attack. In Sacris, which is an open town, there are no obstacles blocking their way.

They say Edel has overwhelming war potential. I wonder what kind of means they will use to attack. Either way, there was no doubt that an incredibly tough battle awaited us. But. No matter what difficulties await. The people here aren't the kind to give up so easily. Let's do it. Let's make them realize. The power of the people living in this town. The power of bonds. I regained my spirit and said to everyone.

"There should still be time before the enemy attacks. Let's gather our forces in the meantime. Let's do what we can." Although there is anxiety, I encourage everyone including myself.

"It's okay. We've managed somehow until now, haven't we? It'll work out this time too!" Everyone nodded powerfully. Truly reassuring.

"That's right. It's easier now that the enemy is clear! Let's beat them up!"

"I'll make them regret making enemies of us."

"Shall we drag down those guys acting high and mighty in the sky? I'll make sure to avenge them properly."

"Alright. I'll go around to command the remaining Swordsman Corps through Dreet. Leave the defense of the town to me."

"I'll also pull in forces by any means necessary. Leave anything related to magic to me!" Okay. I'll do what I should do too. I ask Milia.

"Milia. Take me to your house. I'll definitely master [Arllivine]."

"Understood. Let's go!" The only attack means that can reach Clam. Without this, there is no path to victory. I will definitely acquire it.

"Then, come back here when you're ready! Dismissed for now!"""Yeah!""