People gathered in the barracks of the #4 plains stronghold.
The Red Faction, which occupied the stronghold, as well as those wearing blue and green armbands, were present.
These were the temporary leaders currently commanding the groups, and some of them belonged to the main force.
They sat around the round table, eyeing each other cautiously, yet united in their goal.
“From now on, we will begin the planning for the assault on the Demon King’s Castle.”
A student standing next to the map pinned on the wall stretched his neck and called attention.
He was one of the leaders of the Red Faction, the fourth-year Lee Joo-Hyeok, who had organized this meeting to discuss the assault on the Demon King’s Castle.
Lee Joo-Hyeok glanced around the table and opened his mouth.
“Does anyone have any special tactics to suggest?”
“No.”
“No.”
“No, nothing.”
The answers came one after another, and Lee Joo-Hyeok was left speechless. He blinked, then closed his mouth.
The responses may have seemed dismissive, but in reality, Lee Joo-Hyeok himself didn’t have any answers, just like the others.
“...I suppose it’s natural that there’s no answer yet, as we’re still trying to find one. I’d appreciate any ideas.”
But even so, he couldn’t just sit back and do nothing. After being excluded from the drawing, Lee Joo-Hyeok reluctantly took charge of the meeting.
“We’ve been attempting to assault the Demon King’s Castle for about two hours now, and we’ve gathered some information.”
The Red Faction wasn’t the only one probing the Demon King’s Castle; the Blue and Green Factions had also tried their hand at it.
They wanted to be the ones to claim the lone prize in the midst of the 3:3:3 stalemate.
Moreover, no matter how strong a fortress might be, there were limits to how long it could hold if left unguarded, and they were waiting for that moment.
But...
“It doesn’t seem like they’re tiring out.”
“That barrier’s even higher now. Is that part of the official siege? Ugh...”
“Ugh... The golem’s enhanced fire magic is terrifying...”
Despite two hours of assault, Ihayul’s fortress showed no signs of breaking down. In fact, it was harshly repelling the intruders.
Even when they struggled to breach the barrier, it quickly regenerated and even expanded its range.
Beyond the barrier, countless spirits and golems poured out, while mid-tier elementals moved across the battlefield, wreaking havoc and assassinating students.
Even with such a large-scale military and tactical operation underway, Ihayul’s magic showed no signs of depletion.
“......”
After organizing the collected information, silence fell over the round table. Everyone sat, staring at the map, lost in thought.
“...Isn’t the headmaster just pretending to be a masked figure?”
“Heh, crazy...”
“No, no, honestly, I can’t believe it...”
The murmurs from a student with a history of complete body transformation during the previous battles caused a few to chuckle. The situation was absurd yet funny at the same time.
It was such an unrealistic force.
To put it simply, this fortress had delivered a tremendous shock to the students.
They knew the special entrance students were strong. They understood that attacking head-on would get them cut down.
They also realized that the moment they obliterated the two-headed dragon’s necromancer, their strength exceeded that of a typical first-year student.
“But to think that even when hundreds attacked, we couldn’t even see their face...”
That was the crux of the matter.
Despite attacking from all directions, they didn’t flinch; instead, they found their wrist grabbed and broken when they tried to strike.
And they couldn’t even see the face of the one responsible.
That was the reason they had gathered in this room.
They felt the danger and their stubbornness.
Danger.
If the spirits, golems, and elementals switched to an offensive stance, determined to overpower one point, the other two would seize the opportunity to tear them apart.
That would lead to certain defeat.
Stubbornness.
“Damn it, but we should at least see their face...”
“We may lose, but it’s hard to accept not even seeing their face...”
There were emotional reasons aside from tactical ones.
Lee Joo-Hyeok nodded inwardly at the expressions of frustration on the faces of the students who were familiar to him.
‘It’s just humiliating...’
Of course, he knew the special entrance students were outside the normal framework, but not being able to even see their face after hundreds of attacks was deeply insulting.
Moreover, this was being broadcast externally. If they were overwhelmed like this, even if they won the match, they wouldn’t be able to hold their heads up.
“...Anyway, the information we’ve gathered is all we have for now. Based on this, let’s try to devise some strategies.”
Lee Joo-Hyeok said as he rested his arms on the table.
“Honestly, I’m embarrassed to say this after getting pummeled for two or three hours, but if we unite our forces, surely we can break through their defenses, right?”
It wasn’t the most glamorous suggestion, but the three factions weren’t all in with their full forces for the assault on the Demon King’s Castle.
A significant portion of their forces was stationed to defend the strongholds and periodically attack to prevent any other faction from pulling any tricks.
“Let’s combine our strength for a moment. Once we capture the #1 stronghold, we’ll fight and argue all we want, but for now, let’s cooperate until we take it.”
Even though they would inevitably prepare for defense later, for now, they had to present a united front for the sake of appearance.
“Hmmm...”
“Hmm...”
The leaders of the Blue and Green Factions fell silent, contemplating.
Currently, this barracks housed the leaders of all three factions, as well as some of the main forces.
Letting them into the stronghold would be risky.
If they let them in and they started rampaging, they would suffer considerable losses.
‘Especially those two. They’re dangerous.’
Lee Joo-Hyeok glanced at the two leaders of the Blue and Green Factions sitting at the center of the round table.
Baek Ah-Rin, who was twisting her blue hair, and Lee Ji-Yeon, who was resting her back against the chair with her arms crossed.
Both were first and second years, respectively. But behind them, there were labels such as the top of their classes and the next heirs of the Changhae and Taesan factions.
They could already overpower the upperclassmen. Their skills were extraordinary, and when they fully unleashed their unique abilities, most people couldn’t even get close.
Especially if Lee Ji-Yeon decided to unleash her necromantic abilities, it would be a serious problem.
‘Even if they rampage, I should be able to hold them off.’
To counteract that, he had seated Hong Yeon-Hwa at the table. Although she lacked the environmental advantages of the other two, she had the upper hand in close combat.
Even if the two went wild together, Hong Yeon-Hwa would be able to stop them.
‘And with that yellow-haired junior beside her, we’ll be able to stop them even more surely.’
Lee Joo-Hyeok’s gaze shifted to the student seated next to Hong Yeon-Hwa.
Elia Sreid.
She was widely known because she lived in Ihayul’s mansion, but this time, her abilities were the focus.
Her unique healing abilities combined regeneration and recovery, with impressive output.
Moreover, her enhancement effects worked strongly, so the battlefield with her was progressing smoothly.
Unlike Hong Yeon-Hwa, who couldn’t directly dominate, Elia supported her team from the back, acting as an invisible pillar.
“...We’ll cooperate until we capture the #1 stronghold.”
The response came quickly. It was what Lee Joo-Hyeok had expected, and he nodded.
In the current 3:3:3 deadlock, where everyone was avoiding full engagement, the best option was to create a new external enemy.
“Anyway, if anyone has a sharp tactic, feel free to speak up.”
“......”
“......”
The alliance was formed, albeit tentatively.
As the meeting delved into more detailed strategy discussions, the previously open mouths grew silent once again.
“Well, any special tactics? We either push from one direction or try to assault from three directions, that’s about it.”
A student from the Blue Faction spoke. Indeed, there were no other clear strategies.
“Perhaps, your juniors have some sharp tactics?”
After a brief hesitation, Lee Joo-Hyeok pointed at a few people and opened his mouth.
The ones he pointed to blinked in surprise.
Hong Yeon-Hwa and Elia from the Red Faction.
Baek Ah-Rin from the Blue Faction.
Lee Ji-Yeon from the Green Faction.
“Yes, I know you’ve been close, so I was wondering if you have any tactics to take advantage of.”
All of them were key members of their respective factions and had a close relationship with Ihayul.
“Sharp tactics...”
“Take advantage of...?”
They blinked for a moment before exchanging curious glances. Their expressions seemed to suggest they had the same thoughts.
The method to assault the Demon King’s Castle... they too found the conventional approach very difficult.
How could they break through the numerous forces and dozens of barriers to capture the fortress, when they didn’t even know how it functioned?
It was doubtful whether they could do it in time.
“Hmm...”
But for them, there was an answer. Strictly speaking, a very easy and overwhelmingly fast answer.
They just had to lower their weapons. Walk casually toward the barrier, and it would be over.
Of course, this was impossible for anyone else. They would either be blasted by the bombardment or overwhelmed by the army.
But Hong Yeon-Hwa, Elia, Baek Ah-Rin, and Lee Ji-Yeon were different.
...Muttering something like this would stop the attack, and the door would automatically open.
...Or they could say it like this.
And it would be done.
Ihayul would stop the attack, open the door to that seemingly impregnable fortress, and retreat the forces.
Then, with nervous glances, they’d stick their heads out from the opened barrier.
If it were Ihayul, he would definitely do it. Whether the match was being broadcasted worldwide or whether there were huge rewards at stake, it wouldn’t matter...
“...I don’t know. I can’t think of anything.”
“Same here.”
They spoke in a cryptic tone, a strange expression on their faces. They couldn’t do such a thing—such a cowardly trick to Ihayul.
“Yeah, I guess...”
Lee Joo-Hyeok nodded as if he had just tried to probe. In his mind, he couldn’t imagine a future where the fortress opened up helplessly.
“Well then...”
Just as Lee Joo-Hyeok was about to continue, the cloth covering the entrance of the barracks was violently torn away.
A student rushed in, shouting.
“Enemy attack—! White Faction! A combined force of golems, spirits, and elementals is rapidly approaching!”
“Eh?”
Everyone sprang up from their seats in shock.
The Demon King's forces had shifted to the offensive. The #4 plains stronghold was instantly thrown into chaos. Golems and spirits rushed in from the built defenses.
“Block the golems! Fight with the barriers!”
“They’re breaking through! Recovery is slow! The effect is weakening outside the barriers!”
“Leave the spirits to the mages! The rest focus on the golems and elementals!”
Now they were the ones on the defensive.
Although the location and situation had changed, the repulsiveness of the Demon King's forces remained the same.
Spirits are nearly impossible to destroy. Even if a limb is severed, they can be forcibly reattached and rise again.
If rendered incapacitated, they explode with magical energy, blowing everything in their vicinity apart.
Golems are similar. Though they slow down when away from the barrier, even if shattered, they quickly regenerate from the earth, making them hard to neutralize. To completely neutralize one, it must be obliterated without a trace, a feat that only a few students could manage.
Elementals are practically immortal and cannot be neutralized.
At best, they can be banished back to their masters.
They rise even when knocked down, and return even when slain.
“Is this really the Demon King's forces...?”
“I believe so.”
When the offensive shifted, it became even more revolting. In the past, when retreating seemed impossible, one could escape. But now, retreating meant losing the stronghold.
“Move left! Fireball incoming!”
“Right side—apply water-based magic!”
“Push the center!! Our spirits are far superior. Use them as shields!”
However, they didn’t falter. In fact, at this very moment, the students were pushing back against the Demon King's forces.
Fortunately, this was the Red Faction’s domain, where they had set up several temporary and permanent defenses.
With much of the main force now gathered, they were managing to push back against this malevolent army.
Also, thanks to Hong Yeon-Hwa’s enhanced fire magic, they had been able to neutralize the spirits and golems.
The spirits were burned to ash before they could reattach and explode, and the golems were obliterated with their reinforcing magic erased.
Even the immortal army was incinerated by the fire magic.
Similarly, Baek Ah-Rin’s water-based freezing magic, combined with restorative effects, had frozen the recovery-imbued golem, while Lee Ji-Yeon’s spirits were far superior and more numerous than those of the enemy.
The elementals were struggling against some of the women.
‘Is it too late for a combined attack? No, even if we did combine forces, we wouldn’t be able to take it.’
‘If we strike now, we’ll be roasted alive by the fire magic...’
Thus, those who had thought of joining the Demon King's forces to retake the stronghold quickly changed their minds.
“Elemental Fusion!”
A cry rang out in the battle, causing a wave of tension to spread.
Elemental Fusion. A rare technique used by spirit mages.
After several recent battles, students who had been massacred by fused golems were fresh in their minds.
Especially the golem infused with fire magic. Hong Yeon-Hwa’s eyes gleamed as she straightened her sword.
A wind elemental, taking the shape of a bird, landed on the golem’s helmet.
Before anyone could stop it, the elemental merged into the helmet, and the golem’s armor turned green as fierce winds blew out.
“Wind elemental!”
A cry of realization came too late for most.
At that moment, three more elementals landed on the golem’s helmet.
A blue seal, a brown dog, and a yellow wolf.
Water, earth, and lightning.
The golem’s color changed, and the elements exploded outward, wreaking havoc in every direction.
Students trained in spirit magic gasped in shock.
“Four fused golems!”
“No, you can fuse multiple...?”
In response to one student’s murmur, the lightning-infused golem raised its spear and struck.
The sky cracked with thunder, and lightning bolts rained down, eliminating several students instantly.
“Destroy the fused golem first!”
Hong Yeon-Hwa, Baek Ah-Rin, and Lee Ji-Yeon, who had been sweeping through the miscellaneous troops, charged at the elemental-fused golem.
“Ha!”
Leaping into the air, Hong Yeon-Hwa swung her sword, infused with fire magic. The target was the water elemental-infused golem.
CRASH! The blue golem formed a massive ice shield to block the sword.
The relatively small sword clanged against the enormous shield. With a sharp crack, the sword shattered the shield and struck the golem’s arm.
The fire magic burned away the ice and water, melting the dented armor with a single strike.
“What, why are you crying so much?”
From within the golem’s helmet, the sound of a puppy whining could be heard. Hong Yeon-Hwa’s face scrunched up in confusion.
She quickly glanced around.
The expression of Lee Ji-Yeon, fighting the earth elemental-infused golem, was also puzzled, as was Baek Ah-Rin’s as she attacked the lightning-infused golem.
“...These guys aren’t attacking us properly?”
Hong Yeon-Hwa soon realized that the elementals couldn’t actually attack them.
The best they could manage were weak counterattacks. They couldn’t launch any serious offense, not because there wasn’t an opportunity, but because their resistance was obvious.
This was something they hadn’t known, since they hadn’t been part of the assault on the Demon King’s Castle to begin with.
“Could it be the influence of their master?”
Baek Ah-Rin muttered with a strange expression, watching the golem that had its frozen arm cut off and was now being repaired.
“I guess it’s possible. After all, Ihayul’s influence could be causing it. You know, when a contractee increases their level, they affect their contractors as well.”
“...That’s actually pretty moving.”
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Lee Ji-Yeon’s murmured comment made Baek Ah-Rin chuckle.
“I’m genuinely moved. Ha, I’ll make sure to feed you well after this.”
“Uhh... That’s a bit much?”
Even in the midst of the battle, there was time for a lighthearted joke. Despite their strange emotions, they pressed on with the fight.
‘...Why did he switch to the offensive?’
At the same time, they were all wondering why Ihayul had changed his approach.
Was he planning to take back the stronghold later? It certainly made sense to focus on one area and then shift attacks elsewhere.
However, no reports had come from the elemental users stationed at other strongholds.
Was he planning to capture this one? It didn’t seem likely, since the main forces had gathered here. Ihayul didn’t seem to have sent reinforcements either.
‘What’s his real goal...’
“Hmm.”
At that moment, a sharp-eyed student, a detection specialist from the Red Faction, gasped.
He seemed to fumble for something for a moment before his eyes widened in realization.
“Self-destruct! That golem—!”
“What?”
A student who had been covering him asked, but before he could respond, the surface of the golem fighting at the front was lined with yellow lines.
A detailed and complex rune. Ihayul had personally modified it to dramatically increase the output of the “Minefield Ray.”
“Gah! It’s self-destructing!”
“Damn it, get back!”
The surface of the golem turned bright red, and the surrounding students scrambled back, triggering their defenses.
The “Minefield Ray” shot forward, manifesting right in front of them. The golem exploded, sending hundreds of rays across the battlefield.
The deafening blast shook the ground. The light scattered in all directions, forcing everyone to squint.
Amid the cacophony of sounds from the explosion, some of the more experienced students could hear lightning cracking in their ears.
Just as the sense of danger surged, those few sensed an incoming charge at lightning speed.
“Ah?”
The majority were caught off guard. Elia, who had been healing in the rear, opened her mouth in surprise.
Suddenly, something enveloped her body, giving her a floating sensation. The harsh wind hit her skin.
As soon as she realized it, she grabbed the pendant, her eyes wide in realization.
‘Huh.’
The pendant didn’t automatically activate. Since entering the Tower of Growth, this pendant had always protected Elia from threats.
But now, it didn’t. And the sensation wrapping around her was very familiar.
It felt reassuring and pleasant. The pure affection and obsession lightly radiated from it...
A few moments later, the bright light faded, and Elia looked down at the ground below.
The small figures of people became distant.
And she saw the familiar blue ribbon around her body.
The artifact created by Ihayul, the Feather of the Sky.
It was now serving as another wing for the bird formed by the lightning magic, wrapping around Elia’s entire body, swiftly and safely carrying her away.
“...Huh.”
Suddenly, in the midst of being abducted, Elia smiled.
The lightning elemental that had grabbed Elia sped away rapidly. It was so fast that the afterimage was still visible in its wake. At the end of its path was the small fortress.
“Damn...”
Several Red Faction students, who had lost their precious healing asset, screamed in frustration.
In the meantime, Hong Yeon-Hwa, who had been handling the golem and watching the lightning elemental in the sky, scowled deeply.
“Damn it, why didn’t they take me instead?”
WHOOSH! The fire magic on her sword flickered.