CHAPTER 47: THE FINAL HOUR

He was a 41 years old, and widely respected for his military achievements. His thick reddish-brown hair was wild and unruly, standing up like a lion’s mane. His square jaw and strong build made him an imposing figure—still in his prime and full of energy.

Dominic clenched his back teeth hard. If only the Dalmasca Army would wait another six days—no, even just five—everything could be different.

After closing his eyes briefly, Dominic turned to face Vundo. "Mr. vundo, I know it’s asking a lot, but I must request this. Could the Mage Control Association set up a teleportation magic circle? One that was large enough to transport five hundred troops, including cavalry—no, even one hundred would be enough. A circle big enough for both soldiers and horses."

"It’s true that, with a teleportation circle, we could reach the fortress as early as today," Mr. Vundo replied. "But you must understand how much manpower and magical energy it would take to activate one of that size in such a short time."

"I do. And I must also ask for fifty high-level mages to be sent."

"You’re being unreasonable. But I also understand there’s no time left, is there? Fine. I’ll start the preparations immediately. I can’t promise fifty mages to go with you, but I will provide thirty. Quintus, please have the knights gather in the square in front of the Association."

With just that, Mr. Vundo quickly go out of the office. He might have even started running again. Dominic felt a quiet pang of guilt—he didn’t want to put such a burden on an elderly man.

Now that Mr. Vundo had taken action, Quintus also stood up.

"I’ll start gathering the knights immediately. Dominic, will you go with them?"

"No. I will head to the fortress first with Shiao Yi. There are preparations to be made on the receiving side as well."

Dominic stood up. Shiao Yi, who had been standing quietly by his side, also rose to his feet.

"Understood. Then I’ll see you at the fortress," said Quintus.

With that, it became clear that the commander himself would be bringing the cavalry. Dominic, filled with gratitude, gave a formal knight’s bow.

"I understood, Commander. I will be waiting at the fortress."

Taking Shiao Yi’s hand, Dominic exited the office. He didn’t need to say anything—Shiao Yi understood right away. The moment the door to the office closed behind them, Shiao Yi activated his teleportation skill.

...

"Louis! The knights and mages will soon be arriving here through the teleportation magic circle. Quintus himself will be leading them. Get ready to receive them—quickly!"

"Wha? Y-Yes, sir!"

As soon as Dominic arrived back in his quarters, he went straight to his office and gave orders to Louis, who looked like a pigeon hit by a slingshot—completely stunned.

Even with all the top-class mages working at full force, it would still take three to four hours to create a magic circle that was big enough to allow cavalry to pass through.

But once they arrived, Dominic wanted to immediately lead a charge beyond the forest of magical beast. That meant they needed to be fully prepared for battle by the time the reinforcements came.

Inside the fortress, everything quickly turned hectic. Dominic was so busy giving instructions that he didn’t even notice Shiao Yi wasn’t by his side anymore.

The knights and soldiers that was fully equipped, lined up in orderly formations in front of the tunnel entrance that led into the monster forest.

The beast tamer Jesse was already waiting at the far end of the tunnel with his giant worms, he ready to break down the final earth wall at any moment.

The mages, each carrying their own gear, had also gathered in formation.

As Dominic checked everything and looked over the troops, it was only then—finally—that he realized something shocking.

He hadn’t seen Shiao Yi for quite some time.

He had simply assumed Shiao Yi would always be there, right by his side.

Dominic immediately looked around, scanning the area in panic. He spotted Louis running between the soldiers and quickly called out to him.

"Louis! Where’s Shiao Yi? Do you know where he is?"

"Ah, Captain! That is..." Louis turned toward Dominic with a tight, awkward expression, clearly struggling to answer.

At that exact moment, in the wide front courtyard of the fortress—an area flattened and cleared to allow mounted troops to form ranks—a large magic circle suddenly formed, standing upright like a glowing gate.

From that portal, Quintus appeared at the front, leading two hundred knights and thirty high-ranking mages.

The one guiding the mages was none other than the President of the Magic Control Association himself, Mr. Vundo.

"Commander, Mr. Vundo, thank you for arriving so quickly," Dominic said, offering a deep bow.

"Hm. The matter is urgent. We brought two hundred, but they are the best of the best. I assure you, they will fight with everything they have."

"Thank you, Commander."

"Dominic," Vundo said, stepping forward, "I rushed the creation of the magic circle, so this was the best scale we could manage. But the mages I brought are some of the finest in the Association. I will also lend my strength to the best of my ability."

"Mr. Vundo, your presence is more encouraging than you know."

Dominic was deeply moved. Ever since his magic power had been officially recognized, Vundo had become the mentor he respected most. Though aged, Vundo still ranked among the most powerful mages in the entire Rosaria Kingdom. His presence alone was worth a whole army.

As Dominic turned to lead Quintus and Mr. Vundo toward the tunnel entrance of the forest of magical beast, where the fortress troops were already assembled, it struck.

Zuuuuun...!

The ground shook as if the earth itself had groaned and the sky had dropped from above.

The overwhelming power of magic slammed down like a crushing weight.

The soldiers’ knees buckled and many collapsed where they stood.

Even the knights struggled, they were startled and losing hold of their horses’ reins as the magical beasts panicked in terror.

Even Dominic who is battle-hardened and steel-willed, felt his breath catch.

It had begun.