Through the quiet cold sunrise, only the sound of early birds could be heard, or at least it was until Azure's eyes shot awake by the sound of a warhorn.
She knew the powerful sound well. It was the horn of the southern savages. She quickly grabbed [Mortal's Hope] and shook Sheira.
"Wake up, Sheira! We have an emergency!"
The princess slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes met Azure's, making her brows furrow. "What is wrong, Azu?"
"I think we are being attacked by the savages!" She said, panic filling her voice.
She did not wait for Sheira to get out of the bed, nor did she have time to equip her armor, instead, she opened their window and jumped out as quickly as her legs could carry her.
Azure landed with a heavy thud onto the stone path below their room, making it crack. I'll pay for this later.
There was no time to worry about the minor structural damage.
She dashed toward the Academy wall and quickly scaled the tallest tower she could find.
The tremors in the forest grew more frequent, and her eyes widened.
In the distance, an army of brutes and monsters towered over the trees.
A cold sweat ran down Azure's spine. I need to warn the teachers. The Academy needs to be evacuated.
She could not fight and protect everyone at the same time. No, she even worried that she could not fight so many brutes by herself. However, that was the past, now she was empowered twice by Laleyn and taught by Aqua and Fang.
She would survive, as long as civilians escaped. Her eyes fell onto her phoenix mark and then onto the ring. If worse came to worst, she was sure Aqua would rush to her aid.
"No, I will defend this academy on my own!"
Her steps quickened through the empty courtyard. She pushed against the door, yet it was locked.
She grumbled and kicked the door, forcing her way in.
The professors stared at her, yet she did not care. "We are under attack! Evacuate everyone into the shelter! At Once!"
Despite wearing a student uniform, her voice carried the authority of a martial champion.
She quickly made her way toward the headmaster's office.
Without as much as a knock she opened the door, meeting Enlil's worried gaze.
"I know why you are here, Azure," The headmaster said, his voice shaking. "How did the beasts pass the borders? I thought they were being pushed back."
"I do not know, but we do not have time. Go evacuate everyone, and prepare to defend this place!" She ordered.
"I have already told Mia and Aurora to handle it. I was waiting for you, champion."
Azure tilted her head. "Huh?"
Enlil pushed himself up. "I have a duty to fight and protect our future rulers. I want to fight and die by your side."
Admirable. Azure nodded. "Your duty right now is to make sure students are safe, I can't afford distractions. The army that is approaching is too large for me alone to deal with."
Enlil sighed. Despite his willingness and bravery, he understood his limits. "I understand, I will gather anyone combat capable."
Her fists clenched, and she turned toward the door. "Good, once evacuation is complete, find me in the courtyard. We need to mount a defense; otherwise, the entire kingdom will fall."
The door closed behind her, and Enlil saluted.
I don't want to put Sheira in danger. Yet, she would be stupid to ignore the amount of firepower that the princess could bring.
It did not take too long for the masses of students to slowly be led from their dorms into the main Academy building's underbelly.
As long as all of the students are safe. She made her way into the courtyard. A soft hum began emitting from four cardinal directions.
Soon, a purple shimmer enveloped the entirety of the academy. "Oh?"
"Impressive, isn't it?" Mia's voice reached from behind. "With Aqua's new teaching, I was able to devise a defensive rune combination capable of emitting a powerful permanent barrier. Not sure how long it will last if it starts being battered by powerful attacks, though."
Azure scrutinized the barrier, the barriers were erected in the past, however, they would only be effective as long as the caster who supplied mana didn't run dry. Thus, a barrier would be used to block an incoming spell or an attack.
However, Mia had improved it drastically by eliminating the need for caster's mana. "It is impressive, even if it can buy us a second longer to get everyone to safety, it will be worth it."
Of course, it is Aqua's influence. She chuckled. "Are the students safe?"
"Almost, only one more building needs to be evacuated."
"Good. You should hide, too."
Mia snorted. "Nah, I've been working tirelessly on improving my magic. I am not about to let my students fight on their own while my beloved academy burns."
"I do not know if you will be able to do much, I have seen way too many brutes and even various monsters."
"Maybe, maybe. However, I can definitely deal with normal savages if Enlil's word is to be trusted," She said, placing her hands on her hips. "And once I deal with small fries, it only leaves the big bad ones for you to cut down."
Azure nodded. "Do not die, I do not want to have one of Aqua's students on my conscience."
"Ah, that…" Mia said sheepishly while raising her hand, revealing the familiar mark of the phoenix. "I will be fine, the teacher explained what this does."
"I also received one," Avaros approached, proudly showing off his own scar. "I trust Lady Aqua and her spells with my life. She said we will not die while this blessing is active, and I plan to test that in the coming battle."
Leave it to my fiancé to make sure none of her friends die. It was as if a stone fell from her heart, even if people around her fell fighting, it would not be the end.
She quickly dismissed the image and stared toward the gate. "Anyone who can use attack spells, take positions on top of the walls. I will…"
"Azure!" Sheira shouted.
The princess stormed over, her frustrated expression evident. "I will be going out with you. With my firepower, these filthy savages will never even approach this academy."
"No, I would prefer you to cover me with your spells. You are still far too inexperienced in melee."
Sheira pouted but quickly conceded. "I understand. I will bombard them from the walls, they will fear the new goddess!"
"I will be counting on you."
The warhorn sounded once more, this time even closer.
As the evacuation drew closer, the remaining combat-capable professors gathered.
It's not the worst team I've ever had, albeit small. Her eyes scanned each fighter. While they aren't my soldiers, they will be of great help.
Enlil made his way out of the building, closely followed by Aurora, a sword in hand. "Veteran Enlil, reporting for duty!" He shouted, taking a professional stance and saluting.
Azure nodded. "Is this everyone who is combat capable?" She asked the group.
"Yes, students are all safe inside the academy vault. Some professors remained to protect them," Aurora spoke.
Azure exhaled and turned toward the gate. "Enlil, and anyone specializing in Melee, I want you to remain behind. Once I break through the Monsters and Brutes, you can deal with their foot soldiers."
"Understood!" Enlil responded.
"Anyone capable of magic, take positions on the walls. I will need you to cover me as much as possible."
While the academy was a far cry from an impregnable defensive stronghold, it was still better than a city without walls.
Azure stepped forward and looked back toward the princess. "Sheira, make sure not to throw spells at me."
"Hey!" Sheira shouted, yet Azure was long gone.
She dashed forward, jumping over the gate. The tremors in the ground grew closer.
Her fingers wrapped around [Mortal's Hope] and she took a defensive stance.
There would be no negotiating with the beasts. Either they would fall, or the academy would burn. Her palms sweated, and her grip tightened around her weapon.
Her support took their positions, leaving her alone to fight the incoming army.
Brutes and Monsters, then, melee specialists will be able to come and assist with the berserkers.
She was not so cruel as to allow them to fight a single brute, much less dozens.
The blade turned crimson, and then the acidic green enveloped it, coating it in a bright yellow glow.
The animals fled the forest, scrambling for their lives. Soon, the trees fell.
Azure grit her teeth. She turned her head toward the support. "Get ready to fire."
Instantly, everyone prepared their spells.
Soon after, from the trees emerged a swarm of small monsters. The moment her eyes fell onto the screamers, she snapped toward the supporters. "Protect your ears!"
Soon the trees fell, and Besomars and Bauks charged forth, followed by hulking brutes.
"Fire!" She barked the order, and the spells, ranging from fire to earth and ice hit the incoming enemy.