388 Chapter 149

388 Chapter 149

"As I've mentioned before," Ruth began, settling himself by the campfire, "the barrier was designed to temporarily weaken the dragon by obstructing its ability to gather mana. The church never divulged the intricacies of the barrier's functioning, but my guess is that it prevents anyone from manipulating the natural flow of mana. The high priests who took part in the Dragon Campaign referred to it as the Invoked Sanctuary. Once activated, it renders magic useless within its confines."

Maxi lowered herself onto an empty pail, her expression disconcerted. Until this point, she had believed the barrier would have only affected the dragon.

Stirring his porridge thoughtfully, Ruth continued, "This rendered most mages, including myself, powerless during the final battle. Given that offensive magic is ineffective against the dragon anyway, the campaign's military leaders opted to weaken Sektor, even if it meant incapacitating the mages."

Maxi let his explanation sink in, then raised a question. "But... couldn't the dragon have simply flown past the barrier? A monster's wings are usually immobilized first with magic during a raid, or at least a shield cast before an attack. How was Sektor prevented from flying away if the mages were unable to use magic?"

"Dragons do not use their wings for flight. They are only used for steering while levitating with magic. In essence, the barrier not only hindered Sektor from gathering mana, but it also prevented it from taking flight."

Ruth shoveled a spoonful of porridge into his mouth, his brows knit as though he were recalling something.bender

"The major force during Sektor's campaign was the Temple Knights, and they dictated all strategies. It was only logical, given that the Remdragon Knights were merely a unit within the Wedonian army. The Temple Knights boasted renown across the Seven Kingdoms. Had the military leaders' plan succeeded, Sir Riftan would never have become the Dragon Slayer."

Maxi's eyes widened in astonishment. "Th-Their plan failed?"

"The initial plan aimed to force the dragon into self-destruction by depleting its mana, rather than slaying it with a sword. Dragon bone ranks among the world's sturdiest materials, second only to adamantine or orichalcum. Dealing a fatal blow to a dragon with human weapons is near impossible. Thus, the original strategy entailed weakening Sektor with the barrier and relentlessly attacking until it drained its mana reserves. Given the immense amount of mana required to mobilize its nearly a-hundred-sixty- kevette body, the military leaders anticipated a swift depletion. However, Sektor's reserves exceeded our estimates, imperiling the entire campaign. If Sir Riftan hadn't intervened, the whole endeavor would have been a colossal failure."

Ruth let out a heavy sigh. "I'm certain even Sir Riftan himself was unsure of his success. While he did manage to slay the dragon, absorbing its flames nearly ruptured his mana pathway. It's a miracle he wasn't reduced to ashes."

Maxi's gaze fell to her bowl, her face turning ashen. Though she had heard tales of Riftan's reckless feats during the Dragon Campaign, she had not known they had been in such desperate circumstances. Losing her appetite, she weakly lowered her spoon.

"If we fail to stop the dragon from coming back... will Riftan be forced to take such risks again?"

"If the dragon returns with its former might... yes," Ruth affirmed.

Suddenly anxious, Maxi bit her lip. Breston's inquiry was a subtle manipulation, pressuring Riftan into choosing the riskier task. If Riftan opted for the safer path before the leaders in the tent, it could undermine his authority as the supreme commander. True to form, Riftan chose the southern gate.

"The Remdragon Knights will move south while the duchy's army lays siege," he began. "The Knights of Phil Aaron will move west. As for the tunnel dig..."

Riftan's eyes moved between Maxi and Ruth as if wrestling with a difficult decision. Maxi was on the verge of volunteering, but she held back. She wanted to leave the choice to him.

"Maximilian Calypse," he said eventually, his voice grave. "I leave the task to you."

Maxi felt a thrill down her spine. This was the first time he had entrusted her with a mission. Suppressing the urge to beam like a child, she managed a calm nod.

"U-Understood."

"Elliot will accompany you," Riftan said firmly. "Once the tunnel is ready, you are to rejoin the army immediately."

With that, he began to dispense instructions to the others. Ruth was to wait with the Remdragon Knights to serve as offensive support once the battle began. The mages of the Wedonian army and the high priests were assigned to assist the duchy's forces in the siege and attend to the wounded.

When the meeting concluded, the group began to filter out of the tent. Maxi hurriedly left as well, intent on preparing for her mission. She was planning on taking magic stones and devices as a precaution, and she would have to change into attire to blend better into her surroundings. Wrapping worn gray linen on her head would also cover her conspicuous red hair.

As she was lost in these thoughts, she felt a hand wrap around her arm.

"Maxi."

She met her husband's dark eyes. Despite his impassive expression, she sensed an underlying anxiety.

"Promise me you won't push yourself," he said gravely. "If ever you think the plan will fail, you must return to camp immediately."



"I-I understand. I give you my word," Maxi replied, nodding obediently.

His dark gaze bore into hers, and he muttered uneasily, "I think baring my heart would be less terrifying than this."

Maxi gently took his hand. "I feel the same."n-.o-)V)-e.-L(-b-)I/-n