Published: January 13, 2026
“Once you throw it, quickly turn around! If the horse gets startled, controlling it becomes difficult! Be careful!”
The cavalry captain’s shout echoed. Seconds later, a series of explosions accompanied by earth-shaking rumbles occurred on the hilltop. A normal castle wall would surely develop cracks, and depending on its thickness, it could even be destroyed in a single blow.
The same applied to walls made of earth magic.
“Fall back once! Prepare for the second strike!”
Issuing the order, the cavalry turned back toward us. There were about twenty of them, which was a small number even considering their emphasis on mobility. Most likely, they had gathered the fastest riders to launch this surprise attack.
“Captain! Part of the north side is collapsing!”
“Good! Focus your attacks there! To divert their attention, have two throw at the opposite side!”
“Yes!”
The cavalry quickly assessed the situation and moved into action. Their swift decisions and precise attacks were impressive. Once a hole appeared in the wall, throwing Black Orbs inside would almost guarantee victory.
“I was worried for a moment, but this looks reassuring.”
A voice nearby spoke. Though it wasn’t directed at me, I nodded vaguely and watched the battle unfold.
However, the unexpected happened.
“Dee! Defend!”
“Understood!”
I thought I heard those voices, and then the wall made of earth magic gradually started to change shape. Could that child really be wielding this much earth magic? But even so, was it possible to repair magic after it had already been cast?
While I was marveling at the scene, another group appeared on the wall. Black robes and Mithril shields—at last, the fortress’s top forces had arrived.
“Magician squad! Smash that wall!”
“Yes! Use siege-appropriate magic respectively! Cast spells not simultaneously, but in sequence! Begin chanting!”
Before I realized it, Hellenic, the knight commander of the First Knight Order, had arrived. He issued commands to the magicians, and their leader further delegated specific instructions to subordinates.
Even as the magicians began chanting in unison, the cavalry on the ground charged forward once again to break through the enemy magic. This was the perfect timing.
“Throw!”
At that shout, the cavalry threw Black Orbs and quickly turned back. Behind them, fierce explosions shook the air in rapid succession. This time, they concentrated on a single point, and a large crack appeared in the center of the wall. Hellenic spoke up.
“Now! Aim there!”
The moment he shouted, the magicians unleashed their spells one after another. Flames, stones, ice, wind—the magic rained down in a relentless torrent. Even as allies, the terrifying spectacle sent chills through everyone.
“Ugh...”
“What kind of magic is that...!”
“If we get hit by that, there won't be any trace left.”
The ordinary infantry watched the magical storm unfold before their eyes, trembling at the thought of it being directed at them. Every soldier who has been on the battlefield would feel the same. The Black Orbs were frightening, yes, but the fear of magic was even greater. Depending on formation and equipment, just one of those spells flying their way could be fatal.
Feeling a chill down my spine, I surveyed the dust-filled hilltop. Due to the sheer volume of magic cast in succession, the visibility remained poor.
But gradually, the dust settled, and voices of astonishment rose from all over the wall. I was among them, staring at the scene in shock.
As the view cleared, a massive fortress had appeared atop the hill. There were towers and turrets at the center and both sides. The building area was limited, so it wasn't as large as our own fortress, but still impressively sized.
“How did they manage that while enduring the concentrated magic attack just now...?”
I couldn’t help but mutter. I didn’t know what magic had been used, but any normal wall would collapse under such force. If that didn’t break through, the only options left were occupation through sheer numbers or siege warfare by cutting off supplies.