A mage's journey begins with a battle mage.

Chapter 123 The Shadow of Mahabray

Mahablay, where a strange coalition marched.

On the left is the Mage Alliance army led by Jiang Shuzhou, well-equipped, their black and gray uniforms blending perfectly into the surrounding scorched earth environment.

In the middle is the Imperial army led by General Brutus. Their equipment is average, and from a distance, they look like a colorful painting.

On the right is the army of the All Saints' Alliance led by the priestess Joan of Arc. They are equally well-equipped, and their gleaming silver armor stands out starkly from their surroundings.

Looking at General Brutus's troops, Jiang Shuzhou was speechless. Everyone else was quite strong, so why did you fall short?

As for why they are here?

Let's go back to the day before yesterday, right after the operational meeting was held.

"General Brutus, although I am very reluctant to say it, I must tell you something."

Jiang Shuzhou looked at the incorrect map in front of Brutus and said.

"What is it?"

"The information you have is fake."

Immediately afterwards, Jiang Shuzhou used magic to hang his magic map up there.

"This one is the real one."

"What?!"

Immediately afterwards, Jiang Shuzhou witnessed Brutus's talent for changing his expression.

First came shock, then shame and anger, then rage, and finally fear.

What is he afraid of? Has the demon spread to your doorstep?

"General Brutus?"

Jiang Shuzhou asked tentatively.

"Hurry...hurry...hurry to the fortress!"

Mountain fortress?

"Brutus, why go to the castle?"

Joan of Arc also noticed something was wrong and asked a question.

"Where are Prince Varian and Princess Rosemary inspecting the area?"

"What?"

Jiang Shuzhou was now somewhat unsettled.

These nobles are so unreliable; they even betray their own masters. They really don't want their heads.

"We will go to the rescue! I swore to Tyr that I would never abandon anyone!"

Joan of Arc spoke with unwavering conviction, her eyes burning with a fierce intensity.

"What are the benefits?"

In comparison, Jiang Shuzhou was much more rational; he had given up all hope of the defensive forces formed by these nobles.

The main force for the rescue still had to be him and Joan of Arc.

"At a time like this, you still want more benefits!"

It was obvious that Joan of Arc was mentally unstable.

Jiang Shuzhou could lie to someone like that eighteen times a day.

"Nonsense! What do I care about the safety or lives of the princes and princesses?"

"I'm here to help curb the demonic corruption. As for what's happening inside the Empire?"

"Who cares?"

"You, you cold-blooded animal! What right do you have to abandon them? To abandon the people within the fortress!"

It's not mine. Even the empire isn't in a hurry, so why are you?

That's what I think, but I can't say it like that.

"And what about you? What right do you have to lead your soldiers to fight to the death for the nobles of another country?"

"What right do you have to condemn them to their deaths in a foreign land, to let their parents outlive their children, and to let their children never see their father again?!"

Anyone can be glib, and Jiang Shuzhou could spout off a whole set of words that left Joan of Arc speechless.

"Gentlemen, our empire will absolutely not allow your sacrifices to be in vain, nor will it allow the blood of our soldiers to be shed for nothing!"

As the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, Brutus realized that getting free support was no longer an option, so he had to make a move.

"Master Navis, I've heard you've been studying runecraft lately. Coincidentally, our empire has some relevant materials. What do you think…?"

Brutus whispered to Jiang Shuzhou.

"not enough."

"And here are some herbs and some 'local specialties' for you to see..."

"Forget about local specialties, give me some genuine local products, and some rare minerals."

"Furthermore, the provisions and pay for the soldiers who died during the rescue of the mountain fortress will be provided by you in accordance with the Alliance's standards."

"Of course."

Brutus readily agreed, saying that the local nobles would provide all the necessary supplies.

Immediately afterwards, he went to Joan of Arc's side.

Before long, Joan of Arc readily agreed.

"Since we've reached an agreement, then I'll take my leave. I need to prepare my troops for war."

Jiang Shuzhou had no interest in chatting with Brutus; the situation was far worse than he had imagined.

The nobles here are far too incompetent, even more so than those in the Mage Alliance.

At least the nobles within the Mage Alliance never dared to lie.

Inside the Mage Alliance camp.

"Boosting morale is the general's job! As your commander, I only have one thing to say!"

"During the relief of the mountain fortress, military pay will be doubled! Any casualties will also receive double the compensation!"

After Jiang Shuzhou finished speaking, everyone applauded wildly, and morale was instantly boosted.

Sure enough, we still need to give the soldiers more money; anyway, I don't have to pay for the extra portion.

Jiang Shuzhou nodded and stepped down from the stage, leaving Hayes to take over.

Similar scenarios also occurred between the other two parties.

The only difference is that Joan of Arc used faith, while Brutus used glory.

Joan of Arc was quite effective, while Brutus's effect was only so-so.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Inside the mountain fort.

"Sir, they're here again!"

A terrified voice rang out; Legard had heard this phrase countless times.

"Damn it, when will this ever end!"

Since the nearby territory fell the day before yesterday, the strategically located mountain fortress has become the target of attacks by all demons and fallen ones.

How many are there?

"They're everywhere!"

Legard, who was fighting on the city wall, looked grim as he watched the demons and fallen ones surging in from all sides.

Although the mountain fortress could still hold out thanks to its high walls and sturdy fortifications, that was about it.

The pile of corpses on the ground grew thicker and thicker, reaching over a meter in just a few days.

If this continues, sooner or later, the walls of the mountain fortress will be paved with corpses by the demons.

"Gagaga".

"Attack enemy air units!"

In the distance, a few flying demons attempted to break through the defense from the air, but failed.

"Fire! Don't let them form a human ladder!"

The flames scorched the demons who were trying to form a human wall.

"call."

Legard breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, these demons fought each other until their dying breath, otherwise the mountain fortress might have already fallen.

"Lord of Legard Castle, how is the situation?"

Suddenly, a clear voice rang out, and Legard recognized the owner of the voice.

Princess Rosemary.

"The situation is alright; the fortress can at least hold out."

"What brings you here?"

"On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes; even the city walls are not safe. You'd better come down quickly."

Legard looked at Rosemary in front of him and felt a wave of dizziness.

If something were to happen to this man, his entire family would be in danger.

"I'm fine, I just came out for a walk to clear my head."

Is this a place for you to relax?

"By the way, why isn't Prince Varian here?"

Legard thought of another royal descendant and quickly asked.

"My brother said he wasn't feeling well, and I haven't seen him for a few days."

"Your Highness, please rest assured, I sent someone to request reinforcements earlier, and they will arrive soon."