Embracing Magic - E.M Chapter 36 (Part 2)

Four months passed. The situation was not good. Although there were sporadic victories, there were far more defeats. For every win, there were three losses.

The exchange rate in battles was also poor. When the imperial army suffered 1,000 casualties, the 13-nation alliance lost 5,000 soldiers.

Originally, the 13-nation alliance had a significantly larger force than the Ingram Empire.

The Ingram Empire mobilized 700,000 troops for this war, while the 13-nation alliance had over a million.

If necessary, they could increase their forces through conscription.

Even if the exchange rate was roughly equal, the 13-nation alliance would not lose. Unfortunately, this did not happen.

As the losses accumulated, the frontlines continued to be pushed back. It was becoming harder for the instructors and commissioners to deceive the special forces trainees.

“What will happen to us?”

“We’ll stay as we are.”

“The training? Can we graduate on time?”

Not only Hedler but other third squad trainees were also curious about their situation.

It would have been nice if they were told clearly, but the instructors kept repeating, ‘We’ll let you know when the time comes.’

The commissioners didn’t even show their faces.

Originally, they should have been assigned to various units to gain military experience.

It was the third squad’s turn, but there was no word from the top.

Knock, knock!

At that moment, a knock on the door was followed by it opening. An assistant instructor specifically called for Hedler and Lant.

“You’re being called. To the first consultation room.”

“Just the two of us?”

“Yes. I don’t know the details, so don’t ask.”

The assistant instructor quickly disappeared.

Hedler and Lant dressed up and headed to the consultation room in the central building.

On the way to the consultation room, they met Drok and Tory from the same squad. They were number 60 and number 90. Both were on their way to the consultation room after being called by the assistant instructor.

“Oh?”

Right in front of the consultation room, they met a fourth squad trainee, number 155.

“Hey, are you called too?”

“Yes. I was called. Were you also called, seniors?”

“Yes. We came too. What’s with this combination? Four swordsmanship majors and one magic major from the fourth squad. What are they planning?”

Knock, knock!

After a brief introduction, Hedler knocked on the door. Soon, a deep voice was heard from inside.

“Come in.”

Click!

The person waiting inside was Commissioner Albrecht. As Commissioner Albrecht turned his body and crossed his arms, he looked out the window.

“You have been assigned a mission.”

The mention of a mission did not surprise the third squad trainees.

They vaguely expected that they might receive a mission.

The first squad had left a long time ago and had not yet returned, and the second squad had gone to frontline units and had not been heard from.

If they were to receive a mission, there was no alternative but them.

However, it was unexpected that the fourth squad’s number 155 was included. Although he was a fourth circle magician, he was of a lower squad.

If a high-level magician was necessary, Rodin would have been a much better choice.

“Is it for the war?”

“Correct. You will depart from here tonight and head to the royal capital. In the royal capital, you will join the royal guard and proceed with the mission.”

“Oh!”

At the mention of the royal guard, they immediately found a commonality between themselves and the guard.

The royal guard was the best knights’ order in the Riyaz Kingdom. The qualification requirement was to be a Tier 4 knight, a higher level than other knights’ orders.

All gathered here were either fourth rank or fourth circle magicians. They had the skills to move with the royal guard without holding them back.

“Are we going alone?”

“Meet at the stables at 10 PM. I am the leader. Don’t forget your equipment.”

“Oh!”

“The mission is still a secret. Instead, it will last up to three months. If it is not finished by then, return on your own.”

“Understood.”

The briefing was brief. The four third squad members and one fourth squad member scattered to their dormitories to prepare for departure.

Hedler and Lant returned to their dormitory and packed potions.

They packed enough to buy mana stones and other necessities in case of injury, then waited in the dormitory.

* * *

Hedler and Lant arrived at the designated place ten minutes early.

Drok, Tory, and Darren had not yet arrived. Instead, three others were waiting at the stable entrance.

“Oh? Instructor?”

“Number 57. If you’re here, wait quietly.”

“Are you coming with us, Instructor?”

All three were swordsmanship instructors. They taught field survival and combat positioning, and had known Hedler and Lant for a long time.

“Yes. We will move together.”

“If you’re gone, what about the classes?”

“There are more instructors than just us. They’ll manage.”

With the new intakes, the number of instructors had increased significantly. The number of magic instructors increased from two to three, and the number of swordsmanship instructors increased from nine to seventeen.

Although there was still a shortage of magic instructors, there was an abundance of swordsmanship instructors. Adjusting classes with three missing was not difficult.

“Ah, that irresponsible tone. That’s just like Instructor Damon.”

“Do you want to die?”

“No, sir.”

At that moment, silhouettes appeared from the direction of the dormitory. As the silhouettes grew larger, faces became visible. It was Drok, Tory, and Darren.

“Why are you coming together?”

“We met on the way.”

“Oh, is that a staff? It looks impressive.”

Swordsmen always wore equipment during swordsmanship classes. Weapons and armor were essential, even when not in practice.

In fact, leaving equipment behind would result in severe scolding for risking their lives.

However, magicians never wore any equipment that could aid in magic. They couldn’t even use staffs, orbs, or wands during practice.

Naturally, they were not provided any either.

Hence, it was the first time Hedler and Lant saw a staff.

Magicians had seen instructors carry staffs, but swordsmen hadn’t had such opportunities.

“Yes, it’s a magic staff. It enhances fire magic a bit. Isn’t it cool?”

“When did you get it?”

“Just now, the assistant instructor sent it. It’s an item provided by the committee.”

“Oh. So magicians get weapons when they go out. And your clothes have changed too.”

Darren was not wearing the special forces training uniform but a brown robe. Today, he was not the fourth squad’s number 155 trainee but the fourth circle magician, Darren.

“I received this as well.”

“Impressive.”

The swordsmen were already wearing leather armor, swords, and shields. It was the basic attire for their classes.

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