Chapter 86 of the Academy's Weapon Replicator

Chapter 25: Barrier (2)

Afterward, in Atene's room at the dormitory.

Atene began her explanation, writing directly on a piece of paper.

"First, magic usually goes through four stages to be completed: mana adjustment, incantation, spell formation, and release. Sometimes the incantation is skipped, and since Siebel only needs to add mana to the completed magic, we'll leave the explanation of incantation for later. First, the 'formation' is crucial. There is a minimum arrangement required for magic to manifest, and additional spell formations are added according to the situation and preference. Each addition is referred to as 1st formation, 2nd formation, and so on—"

"Um, Atene."

Siebel, who had been listening quietly, raised her hand.

"I've never used magic before. Can I really do it?"

Siebel found it hard to keep up with the current situation.

She had agreed without much thought because Atene spoke so calmly, but after hearing the detailed explanation, she felt like the world was spinning.

"You have to try your best."

"Maybe it would be better to call another mage."

"I wish I could, but no one will come."

There are no supporting mages available. Knights can be brought in using loyalty, honor, and money, but mages are not swayed by such things.

Of course, if Atene told her sister, Sale, the emperor would send a mage, but by the time the situation at the barrier is reported, the royal palace holds a meeting, decides on a suitable mage, and sends an official document to dispatch a mage, the region of Tebben would already be gone.

"Even so, five days is too short..."

Siebel muttered uncertainly.

"Frontier said you can do it. He even said you might be better than other mages."

Frontier really said that. Even if there were mages available in Tebben right now, he would choose Siebel.

Whether this was an accurate judgment based on facts, a misunderstanding on Frontier's part, or a personal bias toward Siebel, it was unclear.

"Really? What does Frontier think he knows, telling me to do this?"

Indeed. Atene barely managed to hold back her agreement.

Siebel's talent was undeniable. Her talent was well-known within the Constel. She had mastered aura quickly.

However, her talent was as a 'knight.' Siebel had never handled magic, let alone had any talent for it.

But Frontier confidently said, "Siebel can do it in five days," in front of Atene, the knights, and the head of the Urf family.

What does Frontier really know?

"Frontier said that calling you a 'once-in-a-lifetime genius' is an understatement."

Atene relayed Frontier's exact words.

Regardless of their truth, it was important to boost Siebel's confidence.

"…Hmm. Really?"

Siebel feigned nonchalance, but the forced tension in her lips gave her away.

"Well, let's give it a try. We have to do it anyway."

"Yes."

Atene nodded.

She was surprised at how well Siebel responded to the praise.

* * *

In Sanders' office.

Sanders was in a bind over the recent report.

He had ordered a check on the barrier after hearing Frontier's story, and it was as Frontier said.

The right barrier was holding on miraculously. The state of the barrier indicated that all the weight was on that side.

To keep this precarious barrier standing, the monsters must not even approach.

Even if Siebel could master mana in five days, what about during those five days?

Frontier said he would handle it alone, but it was hard to believe.

"How can a student handle the monsters outside alone?"

Knock, knock.

Someone knocked on the office door.

"It's the head of the Urf family. May I come in?"

The voice belonged to Ridwe. Sanders was somewhat surprised but quickly got up to open the door.

"Lord Urf, what brings you here…?"

"Hehe, nothing much. Just came to visit out of boredom."

Ridwe said this with a face that didn't look like he was visiting out of boredom. When Sanders couldn't respond and fell silent, Ridwe smiled and raised his hand.

"Really. Look at this."

Ridwe held a bottle of alcohol and a glass. It seemed he needed to have an open conversation. Sanders bowed his head.

When Ridwe entered, Sanders pulled out a chair for him.

They sat facing each other, and Ridwe briefly looked around the room.

"Oh, the layout has changed?"

"Yes. I tried to make the environment as similar as possible."

Sanders had arranged the office's interior to be almost identical to when he was in the Shroud Knights.

Of course, the items themselves were different, but just by changing the layout, Sanders felt the familiarity of the Shroud.

Ridwe opened the bottle. Sanders tried to help, but Ridwe waved him off.

He poured himself a drink and then filled Sanders' glass.

They slowly enjoyed the alcohol and had a casual conversation. Sanders felt a light warmth in his body and his mind eased.

"Hehe, this place must be less comfortable than the Shroud. After all, it's a knight order with a proud tradition and history."

"…It's just old and worn out."

Sanders wasn't being modest. His bitter tone and furrowed brows spoke of his sincerity.

"What do you mean? Isn't this the knight order that once dominated the continent? You know the Shroud played a significant role in dividing the territories between humans and monsters. How glorious that achievement is, you can't deny it."

"Of course, that was the case back then. Everyone in the Shroud Knights was proud of themselves and the order. I was too."

"…Then, not anymore?"

In response to Ridwe's question, Sanders narrowed his eyes, slightly tipsy.

"The achievements of the Shroud Knights were highly regarded, so the previous generation brought the Shroud to the center and provided benefits and safety. At the time, it was seen as a deserved reward, and we ingrained that level of loyalty. However, too much time has passed."

The previous generation is dead, and the current head, Bartello, is old.

And during that time, the Shroud has remained in the center.

"Now, the knight order is busy hiding. The glory that once made even the monsters outside fear has long faded."

To the citizens who don't know the internal situation, the Shroud is just a knight order that has given up its top position but remains powerful.

But in Sanders' eyes, the Shroud is now just a hollow shell.

Ridwe said consolingly,

"People become lax when peace continues. It's not just the Shroud; it's the same everywhere. But when the time comes, they will rise again. Even lions need rest."

"Lions… I used to be called that. I miss it."

Sanders smiled bitterly. Ridwe felt a bit of sympathy.

"The current Shroud Knights are just old dogs."

"…Sir Sanders."

"What use is a lion with no teeth or claws, unable to bite anything? That's why they hide. They're old, so it's natural."

After saying this, Sanders took a sip of alcohol. The more he drank, the more bitter it tasted. Whether it was the alcohol or something else, he wasn't sure.

"…The current Shroud Knights can't even match the Loach Knights."

The Loach Knights.

The knight order of the Loach family head, Angfer.

His ability to never allow monster invasions is not limited to personal combat skills.

Naturally, his knight order is a significant pillar of the 'Iron Wall' achievement.

Some criticize the lack of sincerity in naming the knight order after his family, but no one doubts his abilities.

"Loach. Hehe."

Ridwe laughed.

"Then, what about Frontier?"

"…Why mention that child's name?"

"Why? Because Frontier is Frontier de Loach."

Sanders opened his mouth.

"Then, Frontier is…?"

"Indeed. Not a cousin or a relative, but Angfer's own son, the second son of the Loach family."

"…I'm surprised. I had a hunch from the name, but I didn't expect Lord Angfer to send his son to Tebben."

"Frontier says he came on his own."

"…Even more surprising."

Sanders recalled Frontier's sleepy face.

Just looking at his expression, everything seemed annoying.

"So, what do you think? About Frontier? Is he worth recruiting into your knight order?"

"…His talent is excellent. He's worth considering. I still don't know his true nature, but if he can be of help, that's all that matters from a knight's perspective."

While praising Frontier, Sanders' expression was the opposite.

"But, you look like you're about to say 'but.'"

Sanders laughed at Ridwe's observation. It was true.

Sanders nodded.

"But has that child ever been in a life-or-death battle? He probably just shoots his mysterious techniques from a distance. Right now, he's more like a well-functioning catapult or ballista. Of course, he's superior to any siege weapon, but a siege weapon can't become a knight, can it?"

"…Hmm, I see."

Ridwe nodded.

Pretending to agree with Sanders, he took a sip of alcohol.

And he thought,

'…A siege weapon? That's how I felt about him?'

Perhaps Sanders was drunk and had forgotten something.

Ridwe had not yet seen Frontier fight since coming here.

* * *

The next day.

The bell signaling the monster invasion rang loudly.

Everyone thought it was the worst possible timing.

The very next day after Frontier announced the barrier's