The wizards prepared for battle. The Kunlun Sect Leader led his people, activating pre-arranged defensive wards. They were the first to confront Basil Bai's army.
The Kunlun Sect Leader looked at the legendary butcher before him, his expression solemn.
"Greetings, General Basil Bai."
Basil Bai glanced at the Sect Leader. "Kunlun mages? No, you are not mages. You are much weaker than true wizards. Those who oppose Great Qin shall die."
As Basil Bai spoke the word "die," brimming with murderous intent, the weapons of the Qin's fierce army behind him were immediately leveled at the Kunlun forces.
A boundless killing intent soared into the sky, so palpable it condensed into dark clouds overhead.
The Kunlun Headmaster's expression changed drastically. While everyone knew the Qin cavalry were powerful, for modern wizards, that power was merely a legend.
Until now.
"Maintain the formation!" the Kunlun Headmaster shouted.
The disciples scrambled, reinforcing the defensive wards. But the moment the first arrow struck the barrier, the Headmaster reacted with lightning speed, twisting a shimmering formation plate.
The array beneath the disciples' feet flared, and they vanished instantly. The arrow pierced through the now-unsupported barrier, embedding itself into the ground where they had stood.
The Kunlun Headmaster let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. They had been lucky.
Based on a Western Apparition technique he and Erwin had studied, they had prepared this contingency. Had he ignored Erwin's advice, this single volley would have resulted in catastrophic casualties.
"Interesting," Basil Bai murmured, observing the empty space. "They actually dodged it. New techniques for wizards? It matters little. Your fate was sealed the moment you stood against Great Qin."
He raised his hand. "Attack!"
The Qin soldiers abandoned their bows and advanced, a tide of armor and steel.
The Kunlun Headmaster's brows furrowed. The defensive wards were useless now. This would be close combat.
"Disciples! Advance!"
The two forces collided.
Meanwhile, on the opposing flank, a coalition leader stared at the formidable figure of Monty Meng, holding his spear with casual grace.
He swallowed hard. The numbers were simply not in their favor.
"You are no match for me," Monty Meng stated flatly. "Call for reinforcements."
As if summoned, a clear voice rang out.
"Junior Charlotte, along with the pure-blood families of Germany, requests General Monty Meng's guidance!"
Another group crested the hill to the east, led by the patriarch of the Delacour family, flanked by the pure-blood families of France.
The three groups converged. American, German, and French wizards stood united against the Qin forces.
The odds were suddenly much closer to even.
"First strike is decisive!" the American leader roared. "Charge!"
As the alliance surged forward, Monty Meng's lip curled in disdainful sneer.
"Kill them all," he commanded.
And the battle began in earnest.
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The new journey starts now.
Check out Hogwarts: I, Tom Riddle, Am a Good Teacher and help us hit the rankings! If you liked my last book, you'll love the vibe of this one. Don't forget to drop those Power Stones!
— MrGrim