The atmosphere in Moon City was tense and filled with anxiety, a palpable sense of foreboding hanging in the air.
Although the orcs had only just declared war less than twenty-four hours ago, thanks to the fast communication network of the Magi in the Southern Federation, everyone in every city that still hadn't fallen had now become privy to it.
The citizens of Moon City were on edge. Streets that were once bustling with activity were now eerily quiet. Although the city was situated inland, far away from the Murky Mountains, the citizens couldn't help but begin to panic.
In the city's countless taverns and inns, the mood was somber as friends and family came together to discuss the current situation. They spoke in hushed tones as if speaking loudly about it would make the impeding danger come sooner.
Many were even making plans to flee the city, seeking refuge further southward where the land met the Misty Sea.
While others prayed for the Magi to protect their homes. In desperate times, the mortals could only depend on Magi whose powers were god-like to them.
For most of these people, this war was something new. They had never witnessed anything like it. The last war had occurred over a hundred years ago, after all. The majority of the residents weren't even born back then.
It was a different thing for the Magi, though. With their long lifespans, they knew just how terrifying this war could potentially become.
However, despite the terror and uncertainty that gripped the city, thanks to the local enforcement, order was still maintained. Moreover, the residents had great faith in the Magi.
Within the grand auditorium at Clover Academy, all the students as well as the faculty members had gathered for an emergency assembly. An uneasy atmosphere pervaded the hall as students couldn't help but become nervous.
They had heard from other people about the imminent war, however, they didn't know the full details. Some people, however, were privy to this information already.
Adam was standing amidst the final-year students, his expression grim. Berger had told him earlier today about the impending war. To say that he was shocked would be a major understatement.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})"Damn it!" He couldn't help but curse aloud, causing the surrounding students to glance at him. However, they didn't blame him. Everyone was on edge.
"All I wanted was some peace and quiet to carry out my research. Is that so much to ask for?" He muttered under his breath while massaging his temples, clearly frustrated.
Edward, who was standing beside him, spoke in a soft tone, "Father said that all Magi will be enlisted for the upcoming war."
"Is that so?" Adam glanced at him with a raised eyebrow. Berger hadn't told him about this. The old gnome had only vaguely mentioned about the war and had told him to prepare for it.
"I'm afraid so." Edward nodded, his tone laced with slight worry.
Lisa, who was standing beside Edward, couldn't help but sigh as she glanced at the large group of students all the way on the other side of the auditorium.
"I'm concerned about those first-year students. They've only just been admitted to the academy and they are already being sent to the frontlines."
Adam glanced at the first-year students who were the most apprehensive out of everyone present. Seeing this, his gaze softened and he couldn't help but feel bad for them.
It is the dream of every budding Magus in the Southern Federation to one day study at the Clover Academy.
But these guys… they achieved their goal but when they go to war, how many of them will return?
Suddenly Adam realized that despite being a Magus and gaining such strength, he was still so weak. He lowered his head and clenched his fist, muttering to himself, Strength… I need more strength!
Right at that moment, Professor Godfrey walked onto the stage, her expression as solemn as ever. Without wasting a moment to greet the other professors, she walked toward the podium and addressed all the students present.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})"I'm sure all of you have already heard the news about the impending war," she spoke grimly, "we have received information that the orcs have allied with the trolls and ogres of the Murky Mountains and have declared war on us."
At once, there was a major uproar inside the auditorium. Some of the students even broke down in tears, fearing what would happen if they were to face those monsters at the frontline.
"Orcs?" Adam's eyes narrowed as a foreboding feeling slowly started to grip his heart.
Professor Godfrey waved her hand. "Silence!"
Her voice was magnified several times and echoed in every corner of the auditorium, causing the students to instantly turn quiet.
"I know you all are afraid," she spoke gently, "but we must hurry. It is up to us Magi to protect our loved ones. If the orcs make their way inland, our dear ones may not live to see another day. Do you want that?"
"No, we don't!"
"We'll fight with everything we have!"
"We won't let those monsters take over our lands!"
"We won't let them hurt our loved ones!"
The majority of the students, the younger ones mostly, were riled up by the Headmistress' words and couldn't help but speak passionately.
This old hag… Adam's eyes flashed with complicated emotions. He knew exactly what Professor Godfrey was doing and he couldn't help but feel repulsed by it.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})Suddenly, he stepped forward and asked with a raised voice, "Professor, will you be joining the battle? What about the other Rank 3 Magi?"
The Headmistress turned her head and deeply gazed at Adam. In the end, she shook her head with a bitter smile. "I'm afraid not. Rank 3 Magi are forbidden to interfere in the war."
"What?!"
"How can that be?!"
The auditorium was again thrown into chaos. Now, the students couldn't help but feel that their chances of victory in the upcoming war had exponentially diminished.
"Silence!" Professor Godfrey once again shouted. "Fear not! The Rank 3 Magi from the enemy side are also forbidden from fighting. Rest assured that with the four races united, we will triumph!"
She was able to dissolve the growing dissent among the students with just a few words. Seeing that the students' attitude had changed, the Headmistress continued, "Rank 1 Magi will be the mainstay of the army, mainly the Neural Stage Magi, and will be led by Rank 2 Magi."
Professor Godfrey paused for a moment before continuing with a serious expression, "But keep in mind, although our four races are united, that doesn't necessarily mean that we outnumber the enemy."
There was confusion amongst the students and some of the professors also shared the same sentiment.
"The King's spies have informed us of a dire situation," the Headmistress added as she glanced around the auditorium.
"It has been brought to our attention that the orcs are able to control a large number of Rank 1 magical beasts and that this was made possible by a special artifact. I believe that this artifact had been obtained by them in the Soaring River Secret Plane!"
Adam's body trembled in shock and his eyes widened, the feeling of foreboding intensifying within him. He couldn't help but think of a horrifying possibility.
It can't be!
