The Witch (2)
I stepped forward toward the barrier that firmly enveloped the Earth Palace.
"Teacher, be careful."
Tanya and Bruno took up sturdy defensive positions in front of me, assuming combat stances. Ambrosia opened her holy book beside us.
"I firmly believe that the merciful goddess watches over us lowly ones."
Her cute, fluffy voice recited the prayer with utmost seriousness, lacking any real dignity. That aside, its effectiveness was undeniable. Pure white divine power welled up abundantly from her body.
I pulled out my notebook as well.
I learned this from Seymour.
Spells go through three stages to completion: recognition, activation, and casting.
'Recognition. I confirm with knowledge exactly what spell I'm about to use.'
Even though it wasn't in my skill window due to regression, I'd used it countless times, so I remembered it perfectly. What I was about to use now was [Advanced Purification]. It was a counter-spell against persistent defensive black magic. Effective against barriers. Curses were debuff-type spells, so purification wouldn't work; you'd need [Dispel] for those.
Advanced Purification was harder than regular Purification, but it could counter higher hierarchies of black magic. Neutralizing multiple black magics at once required wide-area purification, an even more difficult spell.
'Clarify the relevant knowledge and complete recognition.'
Next came activation. In magic, this was drawing the magic circle. A magic circle was like a mathematical formula. Holy spells felt like miracles happened roughly through faith via prayer, so no formalized circle was needed. That was why my understanding of spell principles had been shallow.
If magic was a scientific style composing spells with clear equations, holy spells were like the liberal arts—tossing a ring onto a hoop by feel.
"The precursor of time chooses the path, and the goddess who governs fate turns her gaze."
⟨ Advanced Purification ⟩
"Epistle 7, verse 101. You're reciting a tough passage, I see."
Ambrosia chimed in at my prayer, lending her divine power support. I responded with a light smile. This declaration was enough for a holy spell's activation. [Advanced Purification] materialized into the world. The stat referenced here was faith. Magic used mana. For a 4th hierarchy spell, that stat needed to be 50-60 for stable activation. If low, it failed at activation—like not being able to lift a heavy sword without strength.
Now came the final stage: casting, applying the spell's effect. A ready spell was like a car fresh off the factory line. Recognition was the blueprint, activation the manufacturing process. Even a finished product wouldn't roll without fuel—and that fuel was mana for magic, divine power for holy spells.
My remaining divine power was 35. Plenty for a 4th hierarchy cast? Not quite, but Ambrosia was assisting now.
Whoosh—
Pure white energy billowed from me and Ambrosia like heat haze. A mystical aura that cleansed the mind just by looking at it.
I uttered the spell's name to complete the cast.
"Advanced Purification."
Snap. I closed the notebook.
—Fwaaah!!
The divine power flew toward the barrier like a living spirit. It crashed without restraint, black and white mingling in a brilliant dance. Cracks spiderwebbed from the contact point, the barrier shattering bit by bit.
"Ooh!"
"So this is a purification spell."
The knights squinted at the divine power, marveling. Soon, an entrance wide enough for a unit formed.
"A path's open!"
"Maintain formation. We're entering."
Siegmund raised his sword, the imperial guards charging as vanguard. They hadn't even reached the main entrance when—
—Boom!!
An explosion rang out, sending several knights flying.
"Black magicians!"
"Switch to combat formation two!"
Court mages dressed as black magic apprentices formed ranks inside. Camilla's disciples.
"Black magicians after all. Sister, let's support with blessings."
"I'll join. You handle protection. Teacher, enhancements please."
Ambrosia thrust her arm out like she was demonstrating a martial art, casting her next spell.
"Though a girl's arms are short, her blessing endures longer than any great river!"
The knights' black magic resistance rose. Impressive in real combat. A bit more training, and she'd fit right in a hero party. She had the look.
From the rear, Asella issued commands. Moonlight Palace knights joined the imperial guards, breaking through the black magic barrage.
"Ho. You've trained your knights well, Asella."
"I am honored."
The emperor tossed casual praise her way, impressed. Riding the momentum, Asella ordered the knight order's next positioning.
"What is that?"
"Be careful, something's— Aagh!"
A guard knight entering the interior had his arm devoured by darkness in an instant. Clang, his sword hit the floor. Knights dragged the wounded back.
Thud, thud.
Everyone paled at the figure emerging from the Heavenly Palace interior.
"A demon...!"
A massive beast with red skin. A demon from the void dimension.
"Summoning demons too? What, turning the Earth Palace into a black magic lab? Camilla, show yourself!"
The emperor bellowed imperiously in fury. No human reply came—only the demon roaring, baring savage fangs.
"A demon? That's an upper demon, isn't it? Incredibly strong!"
Ambrosia clutched her hat against the wind pressure, panicking. I kneaded her shoulders to ease her tension.
"Nyaaack."
"It's fine, sister. Not all demons are the same. 1st rank is strongest, 9th weakest. 3rd rank and up take humanoid form and speak languages."
"Th-there, it's all clumped up...! Hya."
"Look at that demon—beast form, right? At best a guard dog, below 6th rank. One head too, so our knights can handle it."
"How do you know that, teacher? Oh, that spot looks fi— Hooook."
"Tanya, want to challenge it?"
Tanya's eyes sparkled with interest at my suggestion.
"Leave it to me."
Tanya kicked off the ground, air splitting with wind pressure. Another typhoon joined: Sigmund, the imperial guard's swordmaster, charging boldly.
"Light it up."
His raised greatsword flashed. Aura only reachable swordmasters could wield.
Thud, thud.
The demon dog charged too, hauling its bulk. Five meters to collision.
Boom!
Demon fangs met greatsword; shockwave shattered marble tiles, hurling them airborne.
"Hmmm."
Sigmund locked in a strength contest with the demon dog, glaring murderously at its red eyes. Who would break through and tear the other first?
In that standoff, a shadow fell over the demon dog's face. Tanya leaped high from behind Sigmund, landing on its back and slashing.
—Slash!!
Tanya's sharp sword qi pierced thick hide, carving the demon.
Sigmund seized the gap, releasing the lock and unleashing second and third strikes at the head in rapid succession.
"Kaaack!!"
The demon dog thrashed in pain, swiping claws. Tanya dodged with expert maneuvers.
"Ho."
Sigmund and Tanya locked eyes. No words needed between swordsmen; that glance synced them perfectly. Their blades traced picture-perfect arcs, merging.
—Crack!
A true strike pierced vitals; the demon dog's arm halted mid-swing. Claw tips mere one centimeter from Tanya's eyes.
Tanya held her stance unflinchingly. Swaying, the massive bulk lost power.
—Thud!!
The demon crashed to earth.
"Ooh, taken down in one go!"
"A swordmaster's blade indeed."
"Who was that knight fighting alongside?"
The imperial guards buzzed. Sigmund shook blood from his greatsword like a twig and addressed Tanya.
"Fine talent. Knight, your name?"
Tanya replied without flinching before a swordmaster.
"Tanya of Moonlight Palace. Escort to Teacher Gotberg."
A bit overemphasized, maybe. She had that habit of showing off in big moments. I'd tease her later.
"If interested, visit the Heavenly Palace barracks when you have time."
"Gladly."
The two swordsmen exchanged light bows. Classic Tanya. She shone in one joint op. Influenced by Sigmund, she'd grow insanely strong soon. Might have to serve her as lord later.
The demon dog was down, but knights stayed tense. The real threat hadn't shown.
"Shall we press in?"
"Reform first. No telling what traps are inside. Too risky."
The emperor agreed with Sigmund's judgment, issuing no orders.
Then Asella petitioned the emperor.
"Your Majesty, I have a way to draw out the black magicians."
"Magic?"
"Yes."
"Hmm."
The emperor pondered briefly, then nodded.
"Do it, Asella."
"Yes."
Asella struck the ground with her staff. A massive primary magic circle etched into the earth. Linked secondary circles connected like castle walls—five total, 5th hierarchy.
"Ice Fortress."
⟨ 5th Hierarchy ⟩
—Rumble!
Asella's golden mana manifested. From the Earth Palace floor, icy mountains rose, encroaching on the building. Marble halls crumbled to ragged ruins in seconds.
"Impressive."
"Is the 3rd Imperial Princess an archmage?"
The guards marveled briefly—then an explosion rocked the top floor. Spotting her, the knights gripped swords tighter than ever.
The witch Camilla descended, floating midair wreathed in black mana, landing on the ground.
"It's been a while, Your Majesty."
Her icy expression spat cold hatred at the emperor.
"Camilla."
"You've grown bold too, Asella."
Asella tensed at the sight, jaw set silently. Camilla lifted her chin arrogantly, hands demurely clasped.
"I'm disappointed, Your Majesty. No—Baltasar."
Camilla called the emperor by name. Insult, naturally. No one could since his ascension.
She was going all out now.
The emperor showed no emotion toward her.
"We will subjugate you, black magician."
"Then I shall resist."
Camilla's eyes flashed open, black pupils ablaze.