The Water Magician

The Duchy of Inberri's Capital City of Aberdeen is a city that stands on flat ground.

Located almost at the center of the Avan Plains, which boasts the largest area in the duchy, the Donikurus River flows just east, one of the largest river basins in the Central Nations.

Originally a trading city due to its location, it does not have a strong fortress-like function to repel a large army.

Such is the Capital City of Aberdeen, now surrounded on all sides by the allied forces.

The main force of the allied army, led by Lord Dictator Aubrey, has set up camp to the north, while the other three sides are surrounded in such a way that not even a rat can escape.

"Your Excellency, twenty-four hours have passed since the surrender ultimatum. As for their response deadline, there has been no reaction."

Lucian, the commander of the Central Forces of the alliance, reports.

Though it is a report, it simultaneously seeks a decision.

He is asking for permission to attack.

"Well, it seems so. There's no helping it. I will permit the attack."

Unless something unexpected occurs, Lord Aubrey's commands will stop here.

From this point onward, Lucian and the frontline commanders will act based on their judgment on the ground.

(I sometimes wish to return...)

On the nostalgic battlefield... Lord Aubrey, who was originally a soldier, sometimes feels an emotion akin to nostalgia when standing on the battlefield.

In a sense, he might be a 'battle junkie.'

The attack from the allied forces began.

Considering what would happen after capturing the Capital City, they have arranged to break through the easily repairable castle gate instead of attacking the city walls.

In a 'city,' it is customary for both castle walls and gates to be protected by some form of defensive magic.

Typically, alchemy tools are used, allowing any mage of any attribute to activate the defensive mechanism as long as they channel their magical power.

Of course, the magic stones, which have the function of storing magical power, work in conjunction, ensuring that it is not a problem even if there isn’t a mage present.

Naturally, the Capital City of Aberdeen possesses such magical defensive mechanisms.

The type is the very common 'defense through wind magic.'

However...

"Captain, the defensive mechanism on the northern castle wall is not activating!"

The report brought to defense captain Nigel was one of despair.

The alchemy tools and magic stones placed at the central command are functioning without issues.

Yet, a part of the defensive mechanism using 'wind magic' on the northern wall is not deployed.

That part of the wall is...

"The castle gate..."

It is unthinkable that there would be a malfunction in such a pinpoint area.

"Have the allies destroyed it?"

Before they knew it, it had suffered sabotage.

Most likely, during the twenty-four hours they waited for a response to the surrender ultimatum.

At this moment, public capital defense captain Nigel was faced with a decision.

The castle's defense is, of course, manned by soldiers positioned atop the walls, as well as mages.

Their efforts might hold for a while.

But it may not hold.

The opponent is the 'famed general' Aubrey.

An initial strike could easily breach a castle gate with a downed magical defense mechanism.

If that happens, everything would be in ruins.

"Damn it, there’s no choice. Activate Greenstorm, even if it's a bit early. Hurry!"

"Your Excellency, as expected, the defense mechanism of the castle gate seems to have fallen."

"You neglected the confirmation process. Well, I doubt we could repair it in time anyway, and there's probably a lack of personnel."

"Isn't it strange that in a capital city, there are not enough people?"

Ranber asks Lord Aubrey.

"Indeed, it's strange that there aren’t enough people in a capital city."

Lord Aubrey replied with one side of his mouth slightly raised.

"Now then… if there's any hidden trump card, it should be arriving soon."

Lord Aubrey's muttering was so quiet that it was inaudible even to Ranber, who stood next to him.

"Captain, Greenstorm has been activated. The enemy cavalry will come within range in ten seconds."