Chapter 134: Call to battle

The sound of Master Aco's voice reverberated across the training ground, its volume unnatural and amplified as it carried with ease to the farthest reaches of the gathered students."Hello, mages," he boomed, his words sharp and powerful, the words echoing in the air like a clap of thunder, their force catching the attention of even the most distracted of students.

Indeed, as Master Aco spoke, the air around him seemed to shimmer and ripple, the sound of his voice taking on a strange, almost electric quality as it echoed and amplified in the space around him.

And in the moment of realization, I found myself struck by the mastery of the mage's craft, my eyes widening in awe as I recognized the subtle manipulation of air currents that had given Master Aco's voice such power and clarity.

I realized he was somehow manipulating the air and using it to amplify the sound of his voice.

As I watched Master Aco, my admiration mixed with a fierce determination, my heart burning with a fiery resolve as I vowed to myself that one day, I too would wield such power and mastery over the elements.

For in that moment, I saw not just a master of magic, but a glimpse of my own potential, a vision of the greatness that I knew lay within my grasp.

As Master Aco's words resonated in the air, the sea of students seemed to shift, their bodies moving as one as they converged towards the center of the training ground, their eyes wide and their faces filled with anticipation as they awaited his next words.

As the last of the students came to a stop, the air around them still and silent, Master Aco began to speak once more, his voice clear and steady as he revealed the grim news.

"We've just received a letter from the emperor," he announced, his words heavy with the weight of his words. "There has been another attack."

The murmurs of disbelief and shock that swept through the gathered mages were like a physical force, their voices rising and falling like the surf upon the shore as they struggled to comprehend the news of the assault.

And among them, I found myself frozen in shock, I couldn't believe the palace was being attacked for the second time in a row.

"It is not the palace being attacked," Master Aco said, his voice low and grave as he continued. "Rather, it is Nahama the town closest to this place."

"The troops are too far away to come to our aid, and so it falls to us to defend Namahama from this threat,"

"All one-star mages," he said, his voice firm and resolute, "are to remain here at the academy, where you will continue your training and await our return." Searᴄh the NôᴠeFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"The two star mages, on the other hand, will join us as we ride to the palace, where Prince Ryoken and the Royal Guard await us."

As the reality of Master Aco's announcement sank in, my hands curled into fists of frustration, my teeth clenching as a surge of bitterness washed over me.

"Again," I thought to myself, "again, we are left behind, treated like children while the two-star mages are given the privilege of standing at the front lines."

The taste of injustice was bitter on my tongue, the desire to prove myself to the masters and the mages around me burning in my chest as I watched the two-star mages prepare for their journey.

With my resolve set and my determination burning bright, my eyes narrowed, a fierce determination shining in their depths as I resolved to defy the orders that had been handed down to me.

"This time," I thought to myself, a defiant fire in my soul, "there is no way I am going to be left behind."

My gaze suddenly fell upon the familiar form of Damon, his head held high as he strode towards the gates alongside the other two-star mages.

With a determined stride, I quickened my pace, my feet pounding against the earth as I began to close the distance between myself and Damon.

As I continued to make my way towards Damon, my eyes fixed on my friend's form in the distance, the sound of Emily's voice suddenly rang out behind me, her voice echoing in the stillness of the air.

"Levi, wait!" she cried, her words filled with urgency as she called out to me.

But I did not slow my pace, did not give her any heed, my determination unwavering as I continued to make my way towards Damon, my eyes fixed on my charge and the opportunity that awaited me beyond the walls of the academy.

As my feet thudded against the earth, the sound of Emily's voice fading in the distance behind me, I finally reached Damon's side,

Damon turned to face me, his eyebrows raised in surprise as he took in my sudden appearance.

"Aren't all one star mages supposed to stay back?" He whispered to me.

"Aren't I supposed to always be by your side?" I whispered in return.

"That didn't stop you from leaving yesterday". He muttered.

"Oh grow up". I huffed.

As Damon and I exchanged words, the scene at the front of the palace was one of tension and purpose.

Standing atop a high ledge, the crown Prince Juan commanded the attention of the assembled mages, his face grave and his stance determined as he addressed the crowd.

Beside him stood the Captain of the Royal Guard, his face equally stern and his gaze fixed on the assembled mages as he awaited their orders.

I quickly positioned himself in the middle of the two-star mages, my body melding into the crowd of assembled mages as I sought to escape notice.

My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to make myself invisible, my eyes darting back and forth as I searched for any sign that I had been spotted

"Hello, mages," Prince Juan began, his voice smooth and authoritative. "There is no time to waste. The enemy is upon us and we must act swiftly".