Magic Is Learned For Nothing [EN]: Chapter 379

Magic is Learned for Nothing – 380

# 380

The Dead Tell No Tales (1)

The Legion’s front lines had completely crumbled.

It was inevitable.

His magic, defying all logic, detonated relentlessly, instantly obliterating hundreds, then thousands, of soldiers.

The soldiers, fighting with everything they had, were overwhelmed by the sheer destructive force and had no choice but to retreat.

To them, the Legion was a demon incarnate.

All soldiers fear mages because of their capacity for mass destruction.

The common saying, ‘A knight has the advantage when fighting a mage,’ is something every seven-year-old entering the academy knows.

However, that applies to one-on-one duels between mages and knights, not large-scale battles involving soldiers.

The magic corps’ barrage of dozens or hundreds of attack spells could vaporize entire squads of soldiers without a trace. Even spreading out to avoid the magic proved futile.

That’s why an anti-artillery magic squadron was a necessity.

But no one had ever witnessed a mage single-handedly obliterate hundreds, let alone thousands, of soldiers like this.

It wasn’t just the soldiers who were blown away.

The knights and magic corps who stood in his path also vanished completely.

If knights and magic corps couldn’t stop him, there was no way ordinary soldiers could.

Knights in the rear shouted, ‘Flee and you’ll be executed!’ while brandishing their swords, but they couldn’t restore the collapsed formation.

Thanks to this, the Legion’s subordinates were able to advance with minimal casualties.

“Dreyza!”

Legion called out to Dreyza.

“I’m here.”

“It’s your turn.”

Dreyza looked at Legion, a smile twisting his lips. His eyes shone with a fierce, predatory glint.

Anyone with a weak heart would be intimidated into submission.

“I’ve been itching for this. Just leave it to me.”

“Don’t be careless. You never know who might be lurking.”

“You should be the one watching your back, Master. I’m always at full power.”

“I always operate at full power too.”

“Then, I’ll see you later.”

“Let’s do that.”

With those words, Dreyza turned his horse. Behind him followed the 500-strong Royal Guard and 3,000 mercenaries.

The tips of their spears were pointed directly at Marquis AIDS, commander of the Central Army.

Legion regulated his breathing.

Although his mana reserves were vast, he had cast top-tier magic spells in rapid succession.

No matter how powerful Legion was, he couldn’t help but feel the strain.

Don’t misunderstand.

It just means I’m a little winded, not that I’m about to collapse from exhaustion.

Legion’s gaze swept the surroundings. The remaining enemies were keeping their distance, their eyes wide with fear.

The probability of them surviving an attack was statistically close to zero.

Nevertheless, they maintained their encirclement,

believing that reinforcements in the form of knights or magic corps would arrive soon.

Legion’s gaze settled on a specific point.

-The strongest mana signature is emanating from 700 meters ahead,

Mark said after scanning.

Lately, he’s become incredibly adept at assessing combat power. He estimates Legion’s combat power and the opponent’s, even predicting how many moves it will take to end a fight.

It’s the same now.

The enemies were easily defeated by three or four of the highest-level magic spells Mark had taught him.

Of course, this was largely because the enemies were ignorant of Legion’s true capabilities.

If they had known about Legion, they wouldn’t have responded so carelessly.

Officially, today is Legion’s first battle. And in his first battle, Legion decimated Marquis Ebola’s army.

It was an incredible achievement.

Of course, Legion wasn’t interested in such accolades.

“Is that Ebola or whatever?”

-Probably. His mana is enormous, but… very impure and unstable. Like a bomb about to explode.

“Does he know it himself?”

-I estimate that he’s unaware. Only I can accurately assess his mana; others will simply perceive it as extremely violent.

“He’s not going to live long anyway. It’s better to end it here than to let him suffer.”

-Don’t be careless. The opponent has removed his mana restraints [devices that limit a mage’s power output to prevent self-destruction]. He can exert several times his normal power, but his body might not be able to handle it. Considering his stats…

“Considering…”

-He might be able to unleash power equivalent to an 8-star mage momentarily.

“Hmm.”

Legion nodded briefly.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

The opponent wasn’t an 8-star mage, but he could briefly unleash power at that level, huh?

I want to experience firsthand how powerful an 8-star mage truly is.

Legion spurred his horse towards Marquis Ebola with all his might.

“Follow the Lord!”

The retainers and soldiers followed Legion with unwavering loyalty.

* * *

Marquis Ebola stood motionless, observing the battlefield. His vantage point was slightly elevated, but it didn’t offer a comprehensive view.

However, as a 7-star knight who had undergone two rounds of human modification [surgical and magical enhancements], he couldn’t simply delegate command from a distance.

A warrior like him belonged on the front lines.

“The enemy’s vanguard is unbelievably strong.”

The adjutant, receiving real-time battle reports from the mages, bowed his head.

Even though it wasn’t his fault, he felt as if his head was on the chopping block.

That’s how intense the energy emanating from Marquis Ebola was.

“I know. What’s the overall battle situation?”

“The enemy’s forces have split into two, they report.”

“Split?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“One unit is heading towards the Central Army, they said.”

Marquis Ebola’s expression darkened upon hearing the adjutant’s report.

The Central Army, under the command of Marquis AIDS, was engaged with the forces led by Basarabab and Marquis Knuckle.

Basarabab and Marquis Knuckle had a slight numerical advantage, but Marquis AIDS held a qualitative edge in terms of soldier training and equipment.

So, to summarize, you’re saying they only need 2,500 soldiers to attack me?

Marquis Ebola shook his head.

No.

Unless they’re insane, they’ll know that’s a suicidal move.

Then, are they planning to inflict as much damage as possible before retreating?

“John Wick… he’s a much more formidable figure than I anticipated.”

Marquis Ebola gritted his teeth and asked the adjutant.

“What are our casualties?”

“Over 10,000.”

“10,000, huh…”

Only an hour or two had passed since the start of the battle. The losses in that short time were staggering.

It could mean they were putting up fierce resistance, or it could mean they were collapsing like sheep before a wolf.

“What’s the estimated damage to the enemy?”

“Th, that is…”

“Speak.”

“According to the information…”

“According to the information?”

“It’s said to be very slight.”

Not just slight, but very slight?

“What does that mean?”

“The enemy unit possesses incredible breakthrough power.”

“Of course, I know that. I know they’ve penetrated our lines. Do you think ‘very slight’ is accurate?”

“I, I don’t know either. I’m just relaying the information from the mages assessing the situation.”

“Seriously…”

Marquis Ebola felt a surge of frustration.

He wanted to assess the situation himself, but now wasn’t the time.

His plan was as follows:

First, quickly dispatch the vanguard. Then, he would attack Duke Shijinpi, the left flank of the Royalist faction.

He didn’t know why Duke Shijinpi was positioned on the left flank instead of the center.

Knowing their firepower was lacking, they must have some hidden agenda.

He was aware of this, but he didn’t care.

He believed there was no need to worry because the Duke’s army possessed superior firepower.

But…

An unexpected event had occurred right from the start.

He knew this commander named John Wick was capable, but was he this exceptional?

It was truly unexpected.

As a result, he was now tied down.

If John Wick retreated with his remaining troops, he would have to reorganize his forces.

Only then could he effectively engage Duke Shijinpi.

Even so, he couldn’t simply let those who had inflicted such massive damage escape unscathed.

“Soon, they will retreat.”

Marquis Ebola said to the adjutant.

“Yes.”

“Then, we will send out the cavalry to strike their rear. We may not be able to catch them all, but we must inflict as much damage as possible. They must bleed as much as our army has bled.”

“Understood. I will relay the orders.”

The adjutant relayed Marquis Ebola’s orders to the unit commanders.

However, the adjutant’s complexion grew increasingly grim as he delivered the instructions.

“Your Excellency. Your Excellency.”

“What is it?”

“They report that the enemy is not retreating.”

“What are you talking about?”

“They are not retreating and are advancing towards the main camp.”

“The main camp?”

Marquis Ebola was confused. The main camp was where they were currently located.

So, you’re saying John Wick is leading only 2,500 soldiers directly towards me?

Has he become blinded by his initial success and lost his mind?

“They… are targeting Your Excellency, they report.”

“Me?”

“Yes.”

Marquis Ebola snorted. He was so dumbfounded he couldn’t even formulate a response.

What was he supposed to say?

It was like a lion strolling down the street and a puppy, completely oblivious, nipping at its heels.

It wasn’t painful or irritating, but utterly absurd.

“They are fools who don’t understand the meaning of death. Good. If that’s their wish, grant it to them. Tell the commanders to open the front gate.”

“Th, that is…”

“Why?”

“Almost all the units at the front have been breached. They are approaching at an incredible speed. We are constantly receiving requests for immediate evacuation.”

“Evacuate?”

“Yes, that’s right. Your Excellency is the leader of the left flank. We cannot afford any unfortunate incidents.”

“Me, Marquis Ebola, feeling threatened by some brat and running away?”

“Please, do not dismiss the concerns of your vassals.”

“Shut up. How can you utter such nonsense knowing who I am? Good. John Wick or whatever. I will personally crush that bastard. Bring me my spear and shield!”

At Marquis Ebola’s furious command, the soldiers trembled and brought forth his magic-infused spear and shield.

They weighed dozens of kilograms, but weight-reduction magic made them manageable.

As Marquis Ebola equipped the shield and grasped the spear, a surge of power welled up within him.

He yearned to confront the enemy.

He wanted to slaughter them all with his own hands. He wanted to bask in the cheers of his allies, intoxicated by his strength.

“Royal Guard, prepare for deployment!”

“Haap!”

Marquis Ebola’s Royal Guard, enhanced through human modification, formed four neat rows.

As they prepared for battle, their fighting spirit soared.

The soldiers who witnessed Marquis Ebola and the Royal Guard up close felt a chill run down their spines.

Yes, this is Marquis Ebola, one of the five great warriors of the Royalist faction.

Even if our allies are being pushed back, we cannot lose.

Not as long as Marquis Ebola stands here.

“Open the wall!”

At Marquis Ebola’s command, the soldiers pushed the wooden defensive walls to either side, creating an opening. The soldiers guarding the perimeter also spread out.

“All troops! Adva…”

Just as Marquis Ebola was about to shout “Advance!”,

someone suddenly emerged from the gap. A strikingly handsome man.

What? A messenger?

Even if he is a messenger, I won’t forgive him for interrupting my magnificent war cry.

The handsome man was covered in blood, as if he had fought his way through a brutal siege.

He addressed Marquis Ebola.

“Hey, mister, judging by the looks of it, you must be Marquis Ebola.”

Did I hear correctly?

Hey, mister? Judging by the looks of it, you must be Marquis Ebola?

He was so dumbfounded he couldn’t even think of a response.