SPELLCRAFT: Reincarnation Of A Magic Scholar

"Haa…" Albion Lestrome Indiavel, the current king of the Eastern Kingdom, heaved a sigh as he ended the call he was having with his allies.

Something about meeting with far more powerful and influential leaders than him made the king feel on edge. He hadn't spoken throughout their exchange simply because he had been nervous. However, after having a good enough idea, he finally spoke up.

'Thank goodness I wasn't shot down.' He said with relief.

The leaders adopted his idea, and he was even praised for being wise… how gratifying.

Currently, the king and a few of his nobles were in the royal court. They had prepared for this historic day, but those who couldn't fight—like Damien Leonard—remained in the castle.

Those who made it their duty to protect the Eastern Kingdom—like the Helmsworths and Crimsons—and practically every other powerful individual in the kingdom, stood and guarded it with their life.

This was somewhat unnecessary since Elrich had kept all the citizens in his special space, thanks to [The Hermit], however, there was one factor he had to consider.

Their Pride!

Just as the king wouldn't abandon the capital, even though the rest of his family had done so, these few nobles and soldiers had the strong will to defend their capital. They refused to back down.

Of course, the ones who were allowed to remain behind consisted of, the best of the best. Archmages, and those who were Archamge Candidates. For Martial Artists, the most powerful ones were chosen. They were in the Peak Stage—all five of them—and they were resolved to fight to the very end.

The only exception to this rule was Damien Leonard—Jared's father.

And that was simply because he was their fallback in terms of strategy. Once things got too dangerous, Elrich was determined to instantly place him in his special space.

All the Archmages, Archmage Candidates, and Head Warriors gathered on the capital's outskirts—where they determined the fight would take place.

Their numbers were about fifty—although, they mostly consisted of candidates. With twenty Archmages—Alphonse alongside another from his household, a couple from the Helmsworth Family, the Crimson Family, and also one from the Frederick household. There were also twenty-five Archmage Candidates, thus, the number was a total of fifty.

A good number of them were left behind to protect the king, so only thirty were left standing on the battlefield as they awaited the enemy.

Several Automatons and Golems also stood guard, making their numbers skyrocket to the thousands. According to Jared's instructions, if the enemies were too powerful, everyone was to simply retreat to the special space.

There was no reason to throw lives away unnecessarily.

However, judging from everyone's hardened faces—Elrich's included—none of them had any intention of retreating. Right here and now… they would fight against the enemy and win.

Leading this charge were the two most exceptional Mages that were currently in the Kingdom.

The Grand Mage and the Royal Court Mage—Elrich Lendertwale.

And…

Maria Helmsworth.

With these two standing strong, the defenders rallied behind them—ready and waiting for the enemy's strike. Though, after some time and yet no attack, they had to wonder… just where was their opponent?

'Several Automaton Scouts are scouring the Kingdom for signs of an enemy, but none has been spotted yet.' Elrich thought to himself, glancing at Maria.

Her serious nod told him she was thinking the same.

'We'll just have to wait it out if that's what it takes. We're never letting our guards down!'

According to the king's reports concerning the other nations, the attacks were harsh and brutal. The Nether Beasts overwhelmed them so greatly that it was too difficult to win. However, with the awakening of the Beast folks, things changed.

A legion of them was coming over for backup, ensuring the fortification of the Eastern Kingdom.

'It'll be fine…' Elrich and Maria thought to themselves, waiting for the rumble that would indicate the approach of the enemy.

Dark clouds of despair. Quakes of devastation. Roars of savagery—they waited for the assault of the Nether Cult, or at least the signs of their coming.

However…

"Apologies for being late." A gentle voice greeted all those who waited.

It came from the sky.

"W-wha—?!'

Floating in the air, with a long flowing cloak, dark hair, and a menacing smile on his face, was the enemy.

It was a single person and he looked like a young man—not qualified enough to be labelled an adult yet. His blue eyes watched them intently, and while one of his hands was in his pocket, the other hand held something akin to a metal head.

"I had a bit of disturbance on my way here." The boy in the sky threw down the metal head, and from what Maria could decipher, it had a familiar form…

'G-Gawain!'

The Automaton's head landed on the ground, echoing emptily and lifelessly. Obviously, it was long dead.

"This, and a couple of others, tried to interfere with me and my troops on my way here. I had to take care of them." Both of his hands were now in his pockets as he descended.

As his hair fluttered with the wind, his face came into closer view. Of course, Maria already knew who the boy was from his voice alone. However, as he drew closer, so did everyone else.

He was none other than Stefan Netherlore.

"I hear you've been treating my family 'well'." He grinned widely. "That must be nice."

"Why do you ask? You want us to free them of their crimes?" Elrich narrowed his eyes as he stared at the young boy.

He was prepared to fight at any moment, but something else bothered him.

'Where is his army? Did they get destroyed on his way here?'

"Nah. There's no need. Do with them as you please." Stefan shrugged.

His expression told them that he truly did not care about his family. His gaze was simply filled with one element—himself.

"You must be wondering where my army is, right? Even now, you're using your senses to scour for their whereabouts. I'll advise you not to."

"What?"

"I came alone. It makes this easier for me, and all the more satisfying."

'He's bluffing… right?' Elrich was dumbstruck by Stefan's words.

This sort of confidence was on another level entirely. Who did Stefan Netherlore think he was to be able to fight the whole Eastern Kingdom by himself?

"Oh, don't give me that look." Stefan grinned, especially at Maria who had a glare on her face. "This makes things easier for you people, doesn't it? There's no need to be worried."

His tone was condescending, and he seemed to be enjoying the attention.

"If you beat me, then you win. As for me, I'll have to crush all of you. That's sufficient as a handicap, don't you think?"

"Do you really think you'll win?"

"I do." Stefan brought both of his hands out of his pockets and pointed in the direction of the capital.

"First, I'll destroy that place… then I'll deal with you all."

Elrich's eyes widened in both surprise and rage. His body was pulsating with energy, and his heart raced as he gave a swift prompt to move.

However—

>WHUUUUMMMMM!!!<

Seemingly in a flash, Stefan was no longer in their presence. It seemed like he had vanished, but was that just his speed?

Just as he'd proclaimed, Stefan was now atop the capital. He had a mischievous expression on his face, and his eyes were glowing red.

"NO, YOU DON'T!"

In brilliant bursts of light—filled with Aether—the team of thirty, and even the strong ones within the capital, leapt to the sky. They all went straight for Stefan, their expressions depicting desperate valour.

Unfortunately—

"Watch and learn… Witness true power."

It was already too late.

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[A/N]

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