Chapter 146

Chapter 146

Regressor of the Fallen Family Chapter 146

In the northern part of McLaine, an entire corner of a nameless mountain crumbled away, transforming into the figure of a massive golem.

Thud. Thud.

The golem, easily thirty meters in height, left deep footprints in the field as it approached, its powerful presence overwhelming all who watched.

Its impressive stride ceased upon reaching a specific location, where it collapsed into rubble.

Crash.

There, a dozen or so more rounds like this and well have enough earth and stone to build a fortress. Put your back into it, mage.

Heh. Hehehe.

Clayton laughed with a touch of madness in response to the dwarven miners jest, likely because he had heard the same comment ten times over.

By his reasoning, the mounds of earth and stone already seemed sufficient to build a fortress, but he couldnt ignore the words of an expert.

Thus, with the power amplified from obtaining the top-grade artifact, Clayton managed to move an entire ridgeline in one day a feat that sent many rushing towards the piled earth and stone.

The Master has the artifact, but why must we

Its a priceless treasure, they say.

So why are we?

Well, it does feel like more toil than before, even though he settled here for our sake.

Brothers! Are you not working?! Keep this up, and Ill tell the Master!!

While Greck and Enan grumbled, they jumped at the sharp voice that cut through from behind them.

Ria?!

Oh, when did you arrive, our Ria. Ah. Haha.

Victoria, the new disciple who joined after their arrival in this territory, had formed a bond with them since the days of the Tower of Earth.

The young girls cuteness and genius endeared her not only to her Master but also to all her senior peers.

Ive been watching you all along! I could really

Even her threatening posture with her hands on her hips was adorable.

Yet the threat of invoking their Master was enough to instill fear in Greck and Enan, who pointed in unison to the front without any delay.

See! Look! My golem!

Me too! Im working harder than anyone!

They were filled with a sense of injustice, and for good reason. Greck, who had just entered the 4th Circle, commanded a golem over five meters tall, shoveling earth, and Enan, now at the 3rd Circle, was doing the same with a nearly three-meter tall golem.

Even as they bantered, their golems worked autonomously, showcasing the demeanor expected of Claytons top disciples.

They were well aware that the downfall of McLaine would spell disaster for them as well, and they werent simply wasting time with complaints.

Unfortunately for them, their excuses did not convince Victoria.

Why not use other spells?! The others are struggling!

Well, you see, our realm has only recently advanced, so

Its difficult to control the golems

She made a face as if to threaten them, when a nearly two-meter tall golem, one of three she commanded, continued to work behind her despite only having 2nd Circle mana.

Right, I used golem magic even at the 1st Circle. Normally, it shouldnt be possible.

To think she has become this adept so soon

The situation was frustrating, but they couldnt show weakness.

Or rather, they didnt want to.

I have my pride as a senior.

Do it. I can do it!

Gritting their teeth, they summoned all their mana.

Earth Wall!

Solid Ground!

Their mana surged, causing the earth to rise and then promptly solidify into sturdy forms.

The design and construction were overseen by the Hammer Guild and the dwarf smiths. The labor included my disciples, myself, and the voluntary cooperation of the local militia.

Ah

Is something the matter?

Of course not, Im just astonished by the result.

A relieved Clayton breathed out.

All the sleepless nights and hard work had paid off.

Its even stronger than McLaine fortress, isnt it? The durability is without question, right?

We poured every last mana stone you supplied into the magic. The walls wont crumble for at least three months.

Remarkable. It was expensive, but worth itif I knew it would turn out this well, I might have opted for an even larger and more enduring structure Yes, I know this is the best we could do. Please, its just a joke.

They knew well they couldnt do more, even if asked.

Now, since both sides will arrive within a week anyway.

Had Logan really considered asking for more?

Clayton suppressed the urge to shout out his complaints, focusing on the present reality.

But will we be able to hold off, or rather, win? Theyre essentially half the royal army.

Its possible. We have weapons they dont.

The weapons and supplies were already stacked inside the fortress: repeating crossbows in overwhelming numbers and the economical bombs, Liberatio. Those were certainly enough to justify the confidence.

But what if they stay out of range and force us to waste resources?

Excuse me?

Once the magazines and Liberatio are exhausted, our current forces are essentially twenty thousand civilians.

Clayton pinpointed the root of the concern circulating among the lords and questioned Logan, a perfectly rational worry that the enemy would transition to that tactic sooner or later.

After all, they wouldnt be reckless enough to trample us whatever the cost.

Logans response was straightforward.

Oh, well just have to end the war before then.

Are you planning to send the militia charging at the enemy if youve built the fortress? Theyll all be killed!!

Clayton tensed, but then he heard Logans reassurance.

Just hold on. If you can do that, I will end the war.

He was reminded of a year gone by, a story he heard on the tumultuous Tomodo battlefield. And because of that, the promise felt unsettling.

Swallowing hard.

You have a surefire plan this time, right?

Of course.

That short hesitation, why did it instill so much uncertainty?

Clayton didnt press further.

Or rather, he couldnt.

He feared that if he did and didnt accept the answer, he would lose even the fighting spirit in his heart.

And as that thought crossed his mind, a wry smile appeared on his lips.

Ive truly become a part of McLaine.

When had this transformation occurred? It seemed sudden, but when he considered it, it was inevitable.

The artifact from the Tower of Wind, Atlans Staff, which had come into his possession.

The monstrously talented disciple hed gained here.

His disciples who had begun to grow after continuous challenges to the impossible ends.

To hold onto all this, he had to protect McLaine.

This is now my home.

Unbeknownst to him, he was mirroring the thoughts his youngest disciple had just days before, as he clenched his fist.

Days later, the McLaine territory would face an enormous army.