Heirs of Magic ( Book two )

Chapter Two - Retribution

"Did I hear right? Do you want both of us? " asked Merilda without understanding " what does that mean?

"Do you know this figure? "Asked the girl showing a locket.

The two present looked at the medallion she showed, it was divided into two equal parts of white and black, in the white half there was a black circle, and in the black half there was a white circle, moreover it gave the impression of something constantly changing. movement.

"In my country this medallion represents the onmyo, which in turn represents yin and yang " the girl said following her explanation " in her idiot and culture I would say that this represents light and darkness.

"I think I'm getting lost here," Derek was saying, scratching his head.

"I am the daughter of the priestess of the royal court, I came here with a mission " said Kuzoha " I seek the balance between light and darkness, and this balance is represented by you two.

"What makes you think that? Merilda asked.

"You are the white mage that has already been corrupted, the one who had the stain of darkness inside of her " Kuzoha explained " and you are the black mage who fights against the darkness, who has the flame of hope to rescue a lost soul.

The two asked how she knew all this, Kuzoha explained that her mother prophesied this meeting, that's why she used all means to be accepted into the academy and approach them, the prophecy did not specify names but after a good investigation Kuzoha arrived to them, and the close relationship the two had proved it.

"You are opposites that complement each other, two sides of the same coin " she said " that's why I need you both.

"What do you need us for? Derek asked.

"In my country we believe in the balance between light and darkness, we even have a city inhabited by Onis (demons) " she explained " in the past there were masters capable of using both yin and yang power.

"This is wonderful! If only we could bring such knowledge to this country...

"That's impossible, our culture should not be exported abroad " Kuzoha cut in " in fact all the wise men of the order vehemently complained about seeking outside help.

"There is? But bringing balance between light and darkness is the perfect solution for peace " Merilda said " why don't you share this knowledge with other peoples!?

"You are barbarians and ignorant, you are not worthy of such knowledge and philosophy " she said with an air of pride " such a noble art given to you would only result in disgrace.

"You come to get help and this is how you treat who could help you? " asked Derek irritated " there are smarter ways to ask for help, by the way, you didn't say where we come into that.

"Oh yes, I was about to get there " she said " I need you to have a son, and for him to restore the ancient art of onmyo.

Her words hit the two like an arrow, almost to the point of knocking them down, Kuzoha watched as the two seemed to have froze, Merilda was extremely pale while Derek seemed to be shaking, his unfocused eyes indicated that they were no longer in this reality .

"I thought I heard something about a son... "Merilda said lost.

"If they come with me to my country we can teach them the onmyo art " said Kuzoha " and with that when they have a son he can revive the ancient art that allows using yin and yang, with that everyone wins.

"Cool, when do we start? Derek asked jokingly.

"Don't get silly ideas!! " Merilda said, punching him in the stomach " you'll never have me like that again!

"Oh! So you already have experience! " said Kuzoha satisfied " then it will be easier, they won't have to go through an embarrassing situation.

"Forget it!! You haven't heard any of that!! " said Merilda nervously trying to get around the situation " we don't have that kind of relationship!!

"cough cough, that's right, and you can't approach people wanting them to have children " said Derek with his hands on his stomach " that's completely insane.

"I said you would have nothing to lose, didn't I? If you come with me I can guarantee a good life for both of you " she said " besides that you will avoid the tragic fate that would befall you here.

"Tragic fate? " asked Merilda getting serious and scared " what are you talking about?

"The prophecy asked for urgency in the search, because the two are destined for tragedy if they remain here " explained Kuzoha " while they remain here it is guaranteed that the flame of hope of balance will be lost.

"How accurate are these prophecies? Merilda asked.

"My mother was never wrong, our empire was able to prosper thanks to the power of the priestesses " she replied " no emperor has ever ignored the warnings of the priestesses, and thanks to that we are the greatest power in the east.

"That's good for you, but I don't intend to leave here " replied Derek serious and determined " there's something I need to do and I won't give up.

"The same goes for me, I'm preparing for something very important in the future " Merilda replied " I won't run away from my responsibilities, the same ones I wanted to carry out.

"This is insanity, there is no way for you here! " said Kuzoha frustrated " the prediction...

"We don't care about your prediction, I'm going to build my own future here " said Derek " I'm going to correct the mistakes of the past and start over from scratch.

"I think the same, running away in fear of an uncertain future is something for the weak and foolish " Merilda replied " if fate is inevitable I'll face it with my head held high, but I don't intend to leave my future already written.

"It's like they said Kuzoha"san " Androuet said, appearing magically " we from the continent see things differently from you.

"Androuet"dono, I didn't think you were so unreasonable," said the girl.

"I allowed you to come to the academy as a student, you can stay here if you want " he explained " you are registered in the natural magic course and with excellent grades, it would be a waste to leave now, don't you think?

"I didn't give up on convincing them, I'll stay here to watch them " she explained " besides my mother tried too hard to put me here, it would be a waste not to take anything back.

Kuzoha bowed respectfully to Androuet, and then made a less formal gesture to Merilda and Derek, after which she retired to the girls' dormitory, Androuet had the funny smile of someone who has witnessed something very amusing.

"What was all that about? asked Derek lost again.

"Kuzoha has a position equivalent to that of a princess, and that's why she goes through many difficulties " explained Androuet " she needs to restore the ancient art of her people, otherwise the priestesses run a serious risk of losing their privileged position.

"And for that she needs to take us both to the east country, the land of Yamato isn't it? " Merilda was saying " I almost sympathize with her, but I have no intention of letting myself be governed by prophecies and such.

"I think the same, the greatest danger of prophetic magic is that they start to govern who depends on it " explained Androuet " the future is not immutable, otherwise the prophecies themselves would lose their meaning, after all if the future is immutable why worry to meet him?

Androuet's words had a deep meaning, the eastern country called Yamato was prosperous and powerful, thanks to its style and also the prophecies of the priestesses, but there was also an immense class distinction, and the fact that they blindly believed in destiny .

"Keep it up and you will be able to overcome any obstacle " Androuet suggested " have a good night, and don't stay up late.

He said goodbye and then started walking through the academy grounds, Androuet liked to do that sometimes, meanwhile Derek looked at Merilda who noticed his look.

"What it was? she asked looking askance at him.

"Nothing, I was just imagining what our children would be like " he replied, laughing.

"Get that idea out of your head immediately," she ordered with a stern look.

******************************

(a week later)

"Our son is about to be born " joked Ashera while they had lunch together.

"By all the gods, no joke " replied Derek sticking his face on the table " I don't even want to see what will come out of this!

Two days ago the students of the natural magic course received a mission, to cultivate a vegetable homunculus with special properties, Ashera soon asked Derek for some of his blood and used it in the experiment, now at noon the seed planted in the earth was about to germinate, what made the joke is that Ashera joked that this creation was their child.

"How does it feel to be the father of Ash's child? " joked Urick " you shouldn't have any problems with this beauty.

"Do you remember the last time I corrupted natural magic? A murderous plant monster was born " he warned " I don't even want to know what will happen this time, I won't be responsible!

"Did you hear that Ash? He will reject your son " said Isott, laughing.

"How cruel... "Ashera pretended to cry.

"Depending on the result, I might be interested in that " commented Aella " what kind of creature would be born if you used my blood?

When she asked that, everyone at the table dropped the subject and went back to eating, while Aella beat the boys Ashera went to Merilda.

"By the way, I was noticing that student as you asked " said Ashera to Merilda " her natural magic is just the standard for our 5th year class, but it seems she has an even more powerful magic.

"Thanks, I just wanted to know what kind of magic she uses " Merilda said " please keep an eye on her for me ok?

"Yes, but why this interest in her? " asked Ashera curiously " I know it's not normal for someone to come in after classes start, and she's also a foreigner, but other than that she's very reserved and quiet.

"I'll explain another time " asked Merilda " but I think the time is coming, don't you want to see the baby's birth?

The staff laughed at that and made Derek even more frustrated, after that they went to the area where they planted the homunculi seeds, all the students who participated in the experiment were waiting there, an interested audience was also there.

"Oh Ashera, you used Derek's blood to modify your homunculus, didn't you? " asked Professor Bemec " it seems that your experiment is the most awaited by everyone here.

Each student used a different method to cultivate their homunculus, some used minerals and others used unusual chemical substances, some even placed a magic item to see if the creature would absorb their properties, in the end each one stood in front of the piece of land where the big seed was planted, a small plaque identified the owner of the seed.

Ashera waited anxiously until finally the earth moved, his friends got closer to see what was going to be born, little by little a shape emerged from the ground until it appeared completely.

The little creature that was born had a humanoid body, instead of arms it had two thick and flexible leaves, a pair of eyes but no mouth, and on its head a closed flower, Ashera, seeing his creation, stood with his mouth open and then gave a wide smile.

"But how cute!! "she said taking her homunculus.

"Congratulations Ashera, it's a beautiful baby " Merilda joked, laughing " and you too “daddy”.

"Give me some time, I'm not going to be the father of that "replied Derek sighing "but I'm glad it worked out Ash.

"Yes, your homunculus is impressive " praised Bemec " it is by far the most humanoid among all, and seems to be very smart too.

"This smart guy? With that nerdy air? Derek asked, staring at him closely.

The homunculus then lifted the leaf that served as an arm and slapped him hard in the face, everyone was speechless when they saw Derek's face turning red from the slap and anger, Derek then tried to strangle the homunculus but Ashera wouldn't let him.

"That little bastard slapped me, is this how a son treats his father? " he asked running after Ashera.

"Oh? Now he took over the son? " asked Aella seeing that comical scene.

Still in Ashera's arms, the homunculus opened the flower on his head, and everyone discovered that there was his mouth, before he could escape he grabbed the Derek's head and stayed there holding him while Ashera struggled to free him.

"I will definitely need to educate him "Ashera said after freeing the Derek's head.

"And I'm definitely going to kill him," Derek replied with his head all covered in mucus.

"Apparently you're going to die first " said Kuzoha approaching.

The girl carried on her shoulder the homunculus she had created, it was shaped like a small white fairy with a rose on her head, whoever saw it thought it was the most beautiful thing in the world.

"How beautiful, how did you make it? asked Ashera in delight.

"I put a crystal of light in the seed " replied Kuzoha " and apparently yours is corrupted, although it's not all bad.

"Yes, the Derek's blood is very different from what I expected " she replied happily " I expected a bizarre and deadly monster to be born.

"“Why the hell would you want something like that?” "they all asked themselves in thought.

"Miss Kuzoha... " Merilda started.

"To refer to me the most respectful thing is to use the form of address of my country " she explained " in this case you can call me “Kuzoha"hime”

"It will be like that then, I would like to talk better with you Kuzoha"hime " Merilda said " because our last conversation was neither conclusive nor satisfactory.

"I'm at your disposal for that," she replied, leaving.

Kuzoha left the place, those who didn't know her yet found the girl very strange, she constantly had an atmosphere of nobility around her, but that sometimes got annoying.

"Did she give you trouble? Aella asked.

"Not really a problem," Merilda replied.

But she couldn't think about it now, the 5th year students were summoned for a field mission, so they needed to get ready to leave early tomorrow, the mission in question would take place in another dimension where they would have to capture some rare specimens .

"How will this other dimension be? asked Derek while being healed by Ashera.

"It's a dimension full of volcanoes and rivers of lava " replied Urick " we have to take a lot of fire protection potions.

"Man, I hate heat " Derek said sighing " where I lived the summer used to kill me, it was unbearable!

"I prefer spring, it's more intermediate " commented Ashera " as I lived close to the forest it was much cooler.

"By the way, have you given him a name yet? " asked Urick looking at the homunculus.

"I don't know, do you have any suggestions Derek? she asked.

"Ah well, in my land there was a plant similar to it " he said remembering " I don't remember what its correct name was, but we called it Broni.

"All right, it will be Broni then " she said satisfied " what do you think? Do you like to be called Broni?

The homunculus opened the plant on its head and spat a mucus in the Derek's face, this in turn brought forth the sword he was using, Broni quickly ran and hid behind the Ashera.

"I think he's jealous and doesn't like you very much," commented Urick.

"I'll turn you into compost "said Derek growling and cleaning his face.

"I'll educate him correctly, don't worry " said Ashera.

"These quiet times are great aren't they? I think it's perfect " said Urick " we can relax and have fun with things like that.

"Please don't say that, we don't have lasting peace times " scolded Derek " whenever we relax something happens.

"We survived the worst of archdemons, I don't think we'll go through a crisis of the same level "Ashera said.

"Never underestimate the future, he has a terrible habit of screwing with us "warned Derek.

****************************************

The city was neither a capital nor a metropolis, but it had its charms, it was big enough to be developed, but small enough that almost everyone knew each other.

"Mister Gael, I want three loaves of bread " said the lady carrying her grandson in her arms.

"For sure! And they're fresh "replied the seller.

The everyday life of the city of Clonmel continued, as a city that was in the far west it was close to the mountains, the territory of dragons was beyond these mountains, and therefore the city had a strong guard, warriors specialized in fighting monsters coming from the mountains. mountains, thanks to this guard they led peaceful lives without fear of monsters or criminals.

"Hey, was that always there? a citizen asked one of the guards in the square.

"That what? Oh that? " he said seeing the huge being standing right in the middle of the square " funny, when did that appear there?

The citizen and the guard looked at the immense figure of a dragon, statues of dragons were not uncommon in the city due to the respect for these creatures, but there was never one that was bigger than the largest building in the city, besides if something that big had been put there everyone would know.

But the fact is that said statue wasn't there until yesterday, in fact nobody remembered it until a few minutes ago, if a magic was used to bring it people would have noticed, also there were no announcements that a colossal statue would be placed in the middle of the square, that definitely shouldn't be there.

"Hey, that... isn't a statue is it? " said a cleaner next to her " she is moving as if she were breathing...

Gradually everyone turned their attention to the supposed statue, little by little people began to feel afraid of it, as if they were sure it was not an inanimate object, and when it opened its eyes everyone was sure, even so the shock for seeing something that big seemed to have paralyzed everyone.

"Excuse me humans, I would like your attention for a minute " the huge dragon opened its mouth and its voice echoed throughout the city.

The dragon was not screaming, but its voice echoed throughout the city with clarity and power, everyone in the city listened and froze in fear at such a voice, and as if it were an announcer it continued its words.

"Some time ago your king committed a terrible crime against our kingdom, and such a crime is unforgivable " he proclaimed " for the crime of killing one of ours we have to take an amount of lives of equal value, unfortunately not all humans together have value equal, so we have to settle for you.

Some people fainted upon hearing this, others froze in fear, a few who had the willpower tried to act, only the city guards moved to surround the huge dragon, but even they knew that what was to come was inevitable.

"Stay happy humans, you will be a sacrifice to appease our wrath " announced the dragon " have a good day.

The dragon spread its wings and took flight, just the act of flapping its wings to get off the ground caused a powerful wind, some nearby houses lost their roof, people were thrown and dust rose, in the sky the dragon recited words in its aggressive language and a magic circle appeared in the city.

The magic circle was big enough to encompass the whole city, panicked people started running towards the gates, some knelt down and started praying, and a few embraced their children in a last act of protection, when the magic circle glowed brightly the spell was complete.

The earth shook as if the biggest earthquake was exploding beneath them, the tremor so intense it was actually felt throughout the western region, cracks opened the earth and swallowed people and buildings, buildings collapsed and the river that cut through the city dried up.

But the worst was yet to come, the earthquake was actually just a side effect of true magic, little by little the sunlight disappeared as huge rock structures appeared around the city, such structures looked like gigantic teeth as if the earth had produced a mouth and wanted to swallow the city, similarly to a bear trap, the earth was closing around the city, when the "teeth" cIsaaked everything that was between them was completely destroyed and crushed, to soon after being pulled down, the entire city was swallowed by the earth leaving only a trail of destruction in its place, the dragon landed on the rubble soon after.

"Become food for worms under the ground," he said in his booming voice.

*********************************

(2 days later)

"The city of Clonmel has been obliterated," announced the Emperor.

The throne room was quite full today, in addition to the emperor and the royal guard were the 8 kings and queens who commanded the kingdom, their heirs and also those chosen for the royal council, not to mention archmage Johle and general Famur.

"An entire city disappeared in an instant, 12,000 lives lost to the fury of dragons! "said the king of the west "how will you solve this problem? Great Emperor!?

The tone that King Alfradan used was totally disrespectful, but everyone agreed to overlook it this time, the fact is the king of the west was always against the idea of ​​​​attacking the royal nest of dragons, because if they revolted, his kingdom would be the first to suffer, it took two years for the dragons to avenge the loss of one of their elders and so they were all caught off guard.

"Famur, which of the elders is leading the attack? asked the emperor.

"The evidence and the magic used indicate that it was Vaectorfinay, the green lord of the moss " replied the general, remembering the report he received.

"I think we have to be happy that it wasn't the red fury Kalfyra " said the emperor " she wouldn't settle for a single border city, she would have gone to the capital.

For being great threats the 8 ancient dragons were well known, Kalfyra who was the master of all red dragons liked to reduce everything to ashes, she was temperamental and explosive like a volcano, since Vaector liked to attack like a wave sweeping everything in her path. On the way, nothing was left whole wherever he went, but he was also methodical and patient, to the point of growing moss on his body, hence his nickname.

"It doesn't matter what it is, what matters is how you're going to stop it! " shouted Alfradan " he made the ruins of Clonmel his base and his army is already there, if he attacks...

"Lord Alfradan, we are aware of the danger and strength of our opponent " ​​cut the emperor " that's why we brought all the specialists, including Johle who studies dragons.

The royal archmage took a step forward, on his shoulder he carried a small dragon that was his familiar, in a situation like this some suspected that this small creature was actually a spy, but no one doubted the archmage who came to dominate draconic magic.

"Dragons are undoubtedly powerful, even more than demons " he explained " but some traits of their culture and personality are in our favor, such as the fact that only an ancient dragon will attack us.

"Can you guarantee that we won't be attacked en masse by them? asked the queen who ruled the northwest.

"Yes, all 8 elders gathered and disputed the right to get revenge " explained Johle " once one of them has been chosen he will be fully responsible, whether in victory or defeat, the others will not interfere.

"It's comforting to know that, if we beat Vaector it will end " said the emperor " and then? Do we have a chance to win?

All eyes turned to General Famur, he remained on his knees before the emperor with complete calm and impartiality, some wondered if he wasn't shaken by anything, others wondered if he took the threat of dragons seriously.

"We don't have enough time for planning and preparation, but I can at least assure you that the chances are not zero " he replied seriously.

"What you need? asked the emperor.

"Of the entire western army, half of the southwest and northwest armies, a third of the capital's army " he quoted in an organized way " and also Lord Johle and the other royal magicians.

"All this... " said one of the kings present.

"Also take 10% of all other armies with you " ordered the emperor " but leave them as a reserve, the order is to contain our casualties as much as possible.

"I will do my best my lord "replied Famur "we will fight to the last man to defeat Vaector.

"Are you really capable? Your last campaign was a failure " said one of the kings present.

He was referring to the invasion and capture of a dimensional fortress, Famur gathered a powerful army and marched against the forces that protected the city, but unfortunately they were surprised and defeated, Famur managed to minimize the losses as much as possible, but the campaign was a failure which cost the kingdom dearly.

"The dimensional army knew when and how we were going to attack, we all agreed that a spy was responsible, or a traitor among us " said the emperor " that's why we can't blame Famur for the defeat, he fulfilled his duty in an excellent way and brought us victories priceless.

"I am honored by such recognition " replied Famur " but the general is responsible for the success or failure of the battle, and since I did not lose my position, I can only redeem myself.

"So don't fail this time, our kingdom is threatened " ordered the emperor " I give you absolute authority to recruit and command the army, repel the threat of dragons!

"It will be done my lord! " he replied getting up and marching out of the throne room.

Famur left the throne room, in the corridor he found the main captains who command the army with him, as soon as he passed the men and women began to follow him, all attentive to any instruction he gave.

"Shinia, call the army's mental magicians, I want them to transmit an order " he said " we need to gather everyone in the west, without wasting a single minute.

"Yes sir! " replied the combat mage.

"Ojaira, you are responsible for gathering supplies and war supplies " he continued " send everything to the western capital, spare no expense.

"As you wish "replied the man who looked more like a bureaucrat.

He continued transmitting orders to all his subordinates, such orders would reach those of lower rank by the end of the day, and the objective was to gather the army to fight in a maximum of 3 days, the dimensional magicians would work to exhaustion to transfer so much people from so far away.

"We need to talk "said the archmage Johle reaching him.

"I ask you to accompany me Lord Johle " asked Famur " I really can't stop now.

"I need to know what strategy you have for defeating Vaector," asked the archmage.

"Unfortunately I don't have any at the moment, I plan to gather the army first " he replied " when we get to the battlefield I'll think of something.

"What!? You intend to face a being more powerful than archdemons without a strategy?! " asked Johle horrified " defeat is imminent then!

"Do not underestimate our general! " Said one of the captains walking right behind " he won all the wars he led!

"Except the last one, and this war is not like the others " said the archmage " the enemy leader alone is worth an army, and he brought his army along with him!

"So why did he just stop and sit where Clonmel used to be? " asked Famur " Vaector is considered the most analytical and careful of them all, but at the same time he devastates everything in his path, it's very strange that he just stopped.

The behavior of the ancient dragon was disturbing Famur from the beginning, in fact the fact that the dragons had waited two years to take their revenge was strange, at that time he had already left the army ready to repel them, but the attack did not come and the army was being dispersed little by little, with this attack Famur began to think that they were waiting for this.

"And even so, it didn't come a devastating attack, just a demonstration of insane strength " he continued " that dragon doesn't want to devastate us right away, it's calling us to war.

And that was why Famur wanted to reach the battlefield first, his objective was to study the enemy army and try to adapt to it, contain his advance until he found out what his real objective is, and finally reach the enemy leader and defeat"it.

"It will be the worst fight of your life " warned Johle " the humans who serve the dragons are fanatics, they will jump into hell smiling if so ordered, and at the same time they will be careful when fighting so as not to bring shame to their master.

"Then let them come, I'll gladly send them to hell if that's what they want," replied the general.

*******************************************

(a week later)

"“The war against the dragons continues at an impasse” " read Merilda in the newspaper " “after Clonmel the army of the dragons did not attack any other city, but the imperial army cannot repel them, more than a thousand men died in the first confrontation, now they keep facing each other in small battles”

The whole kingdom already knew what was happening in the west, and anxiously followed the news that came out.

The press released the news as it happened, but to avoid panic and chaos much was censored, so far the news said that the two sides were tied.

"Your family is from there, isn't it? Have you spoken to them? Derek asked worriedly.

"Yes, they are all fine " replied Urick " but the king of the west is controlling the situation and has not given the order to evacuate.

"Don't worry, the emperor will resolve this " Merilda said trying to reassure him " Lord Famur's army is the strongest in the kingdom.

"I cannot trust a monarch who is hidden behind the walls of the capital " said Urick with a somewhat somber tone.

Merilda felt a little bad about that, but she understood their feelings, with her homeland threatened it was natural to demand attitudes from those who have responsibility, for that very reason she didn't want to be an inert and incapable monarch.

"In the southwest and northwest the situation is just as tense " said Isott " if the dragons pass which region will they attack next? Or go straight to the capital?

"Vaectorfinay will not do that, if they wanted complete destruction they would have chosen Kalfyra " said Angelo " if it was her attacking the west it would have already been decimated, and she would now be flying to the capital.

"That's right, you come from the land of dragons " said Ashera " do you think we have a chance?

"When Vaectorfinay reaches his goal he will stop and go back home, but until then nobody will be able to stop him " explained Angelo " the problem will be to find out what he really wants.

"We are working twice as hard to produce weapons and equipment " ​​commented Emanuel " at least this extra work will count as a grade.

"I heard that all the combat magicians in the kingdom are going there " commented Aella " professor Miu Ziam said he already defeated a dragon before.

"It was probably a Drake, they are inferior to real dragons " replied Angelo " well, you can't underestimate them anyway.

"After all, how many types of dragons are there? Derek asked.

"The dragon that is attacking the west is the highest class, an ancient dragon " he explained " currently there are only 8 of them, but each one is an undeniable force of the draconian race.

Below them came the royal dragons, which were the strongest of the race and less numerous, before that came the drakes who weren't much different, Angelo explained that the difference between a Drake and a royal dragon would be like the difference between an academy student and a trained teacher.

"Wow, they're really strong " said Derek surprised " so the difference between a royal dragon and an ancient dragon is like the difference between a mage and an archmage isn't it?

"It is much bigger than that, an ancient dragon is stronger than the archdemons " replied Angelo " the one who attacks the west could conquer this whole kingdom alone.

"If so, why don't they rule the world? asked Isott with interest.

"It's hard to say, but I believe they DON'T WANT to do that " he replied " maybe it's a code of ethics, or they consider it too much work, the fact is that the elders are not interested in that.

"But now they're attacking us, I hope we can handle it anyway," Merilda was saying.

At that moment they all felt the magic call resonate in their minds, wasting no time they went to the meeting hall where the other students were gathered, only the 5th year students were present, and soon after came Androuet and Falma.

"Thanks for coming, I'll be brief about it " said Androuet " we have a new problem, a war has started in the south.

"In the south!? What there was!? asked a nearby student.

"We don't know the details, but the fact is that this morning an army from the south invaded our lands, the local defenses are having problems to contain them " explained Androuet " so we need to help them.

"Hey Merilda, what enemies do we have in the south? Derek asked discreetly.

"In the south there are several human kingdoms, it seems that our kingdom invaded and took over one recently " she replied " this invasion is completely strange!

Androuet asked for silence and explained a little more, it seemed that the kingdom that had been annexed declared independence and is attacking, that's why the southern forces were taken by surprise, without enough people they needed reinforcements from the mages.

"Are you saying we'll be sent south? " asked another student " ​​are we going to fight in the war?

"By no means, you are not going to the front line " replied Androuet directly " you are going to help the army, your function is to protect defenseless cities.

The idea of ​​fighting a war pleased some, while others were afraid to go to battle, in the end everyone had divided opinions about it.

"Students of the arcane academy, I know that many of you are afraid " said Androuet " but that is one of the reasons we exist, the magicians are those who make the difference, they are those who can change the world.

"Naturally this is an unforeseen situation " said Falma " those who don't want to go don't have to, it won't affect their studies here, we simply can't force them to risk their lives.

"I have family in the south, I will fight! "Said a more excited student.

"Me too, I may not know how to fight but I'll help as I can " said another.

The commotion was general, those who had family in the south were supported by their friends, soon everyone was volunteering, Androuet smiled when he saw this but he was also hesitant to send them to a war, even if their function was support, he remembered that been in wars before and no one deserved to go through that.

"So the time has come " said Derek " let's see what we are capable of.

On the other side of the room Kuzoha watched Merilda and Derek, if her mother's prediction was right these two would die in the war, but if it was possible to change fate she would like to see that, so she also joined the defense forces.