The Sage that the Sword Saint is Obsessed With

18 – 5. First Battle (1)

1.

A week had passed.

Life at the southern front was peaceful, unlike what she had been worried about.

It could feel that way because they hadn’t engaged in actual combat on the battlefield yet, but considering that this place was the front line close to the gate of the Demon World, every day was remarkably peaceful.

If she were to climb up the lookout tower and look out over the southern fields, she could see the gate of the Demon World in the far distance.

It was very close.

It couldn’t be measured exactly, but one could arrive there quickly on horseback.

It’s strange that it has been quiet for a week at this distance.

In the peace, Evan’s days consisted solely of being at the inn.

Except for occasional walks outside, Evan spent his time conducting magical research in his room. His research, delving into the theories of magic, only required a pen and paper. He would sketch various magic circles, and when hunger struck, he’d descend for a meal or retire to bed when fatigue set in. The daily routine hardly differed much from his life in the Tower of the Sage; only the location had changed.

Each morning, instead of a maid, a knight named Karen would visit his room. She’d inquire about his well-being, whether he slept well, or if he needed anything before swiftly returning to her duties. Evan wondered if it was surveillance, but it didn’t seem so.

“Magician!”

The sound of knocking on the door stirred Evan awake.

“…What is it?”

Having fallen asleep from late-night magical studies, Evan yawned as he opened the door.

“Please come to the meeting room right away.”

Evan glanced at the window behind Karen. It was still dark outside; the sun hadn’t risen yet. Unsure if it was late or early, being summoned at such an hour was unprecedented.

“Right now?”

“We need to depart. There’s a briefing before the mission. Please prepare and come to the meeting room.”

“Understood.”

Karen swiftly relayed her message and left.

“Finally, is it?”

Evan stretched his stiff body and donned his robe. Though he had just risen and appeared disheveled, he decided to go as there was no need to impress anyone.

The village was bustling. Everyone was earnestly preparing for the impending expedition, wearing serious expressions.

Equipped with armor and armed with weapons,

And leaving behind farewells to their families, which might be their last.

On the battlefield, anything can happen,

The outcome of the battle can only be known by going until the end.

No matter how favorable the situation may be, it can be overturned with a single surprise attack.

It is not uncommon for a lover, who left a kiss saying “Let’s meet again tomorrow,” to return as a cold corpse.

It is also common for a skilled warrior to retire despite their prowess in battle.

Watching them, Evan felt no emotions.

Just as usual, he was indifferent.

He had once recklessly rushed into the enemy, fearlessly confronting death to the point where the feeling of terror died within him. Now, he hardly feels fear from anything.

There is only one thing that is truly fearful in the current situation.

“…I have to fight alongside that woman.”

I don’t know how many years it has been.

In the past, Evan used to provide support from the rear.

No, to be precise, even before he could provide support, Lewen always finished things off.

He had entrusted everything to her and relied on her.

Now, even though he knows that things are different, memories of that time cling to his heart like a complex.

Excluding that, everything is very tranquil.

2.

The Imperial Army is not the one making a significant impact on the Southern Front, but rather the Star Knights.

Of course, having a significant impact does not mean they have command over the frontlines.

In the Imperial territory, it is only natural for the Imperial Army to have command.

However, aside from that, the Star Knights cannot be taken lightly.

The Star Knights have two roles.

Providing support to the Imperial Army.

And preventing enemies from secretly crossing the frontlines.

The Southern Front consists of two main fronts.

The Levicanon Front and the Levidrap Front.

While not as extensive as the Northern Front, both places are heavily occupied by the Drager House, the Imperial Army, and are frequently engaged in battles against the Demon Army.

When the Imperial Army is concentrated in these two areas, the Demon Army attempts to cross the frontlines elsewhere, and it is the role of the Star Knights to stop them.

There has been no defeat until now.

The victories brought by the Star Knights number in the tens.

It is safe to say that they are maintaining the balance on the Southern Front.

If the Star Knights hadn’t held their ground, the Southern Empire would have already fallen to the Demon Army.

“The enemy forces?”

“Estimated to be two Demon Army battalions, with numerous demons sighted.”

“This one’s going to be tough.”

Leuen sighed as if complaining.

To block the Demon Army’s two battalions and demons with just over 300 members is akin to throwing oneself directly into the jaws of death.

It’s not impossible to stop them.

They’ve accomplished missions more challenging than this before.

The worry is that casualties are inevitable.

Even though Leuen entrusted all the management of the Knights to Karen, he didn’t spare the members. When holding funerals for fallen members, he mourned and comforted them together.

“There’s also a possibility that the enemy might use dragons.”

The difficulty level just went up.

Even if Leuen can capture a dragon, it doesn’t mean it will be easy. It usually requires waiting for the dragon to come closer to the ground to cut its neck. Until then, there’s not much one can do.

“But this time, we have a magician.”

“….”

Leuen leaned back against the chair.

The last time he saw Evan, he was a magician who couldn’t use magic properly. Now, he’s a magician using 10th-grade magic, on his way to becoming a sage. However, Leuen couldn’t help but worry because he hasn’t seen Evan use magic with his own eyes and only remembers his past struggles.

“Sorry for being late.”

When the meeting had been underway for a while, Evan arrived at the conference room.

Everyone just nodded briefly and continued the meeting.

Evan took his seat.

Difficult discussions were taking place.

Not knowing military terms, Evan remained silent, just listening.

“What would you like to do, Magician?”

Chin in hand, feigning attentiveness, Karen asked the question while absentmindedly tapping the table.

“What are you talking about?” Evan’s question made the expressions of the members turn a bit hostile. To be daydreaming during an important meeting. Trust has already been lacking in a situation where it hasn’t been fully earned yet. Of course, it doesn’t matter to them if they haven’t gained trust. “Because you’re a mage, you’ll be in the rear, right?” Mages are generally positioned in the back ranks. It’s because there is a casting time to use magic. Standing in the front is only a burden, as it hinders close combat relatively. “I will stand at the front line.” “What?” The atmosphere became opposing. No matter how exceptional a mage is, it is more efficient to be in the back. Some thought that Evan was simply showing off. “Don’t worry about me and just do what you were doing.” There is only one important thing. Wipe out all the enemies and achieve victory. What else could be important other than that? “… Even if it’s for a moment, you have joined the Knights so I can’t ignore it.” Luwen cautiously looked at Evan and spoke. His golden eyes trembled like a candle flame. “….” “….” The two men and women sitting opposite each other stared at each other. A strange current flowed. It’s not a good atmosphere. It was as cold and frosty as the winter chill. “… Turn it off.” Evan said calmly. At his words that seemed to ignore the leader, the members felt a sudden fear in their hearts.

Karen tried to say something, but Evan stopped her with a glance.

Evan stood up as if saying he couldn’t stay.

“I won’t be a hindrance in battle, so I’ll fight in my own way.”

Evan left the conference room.

As he left, the members began to curse at him.

From his tone to his attitude, they said everything was rude.

“…Quiet.”

Leuen’s words calmed the anger.

The members realized their mistake.

To insult a man esteemed by the leader in front of everyone.

They glanced at the leader.

“…Let’s proceed as we see fit. Evan, I’ll keep an eye on the wizard.”

3.

Heading to the battlefield.

The sound of horse hooves resonates through the ground.

The knights’ armored boots create a rhythmic beat.

“Hmm….”

The gate to the demon realm is getting closer.

Even from a distance, it was imposing, but up close, it’s even more intimidating.

One side of the world is completely stained in black.

Magic pricks the skin.

Fighting there means battling with debuffs.

Undoubtedly, it’s a battlefield advantageous to the demon army.

Nevertheless, the knights charge bravely.

Evan remains unfazed.

He thought he would be nervous when the battle approached.

Having crossed the frontlines several times, he remains calm.

The knight order crossed the boundary leading to the demon realm.

In the distance, a group in armor, the demon army, approaches.

And several horses are rushing in.

Clearly, the numerical advantage lies on that side.

“Prepare for battle!!”

The shout at the forefront echoes backward.

It seems they will charge straight ahead.

It might be a suicidal act.

Even so, the knights dash fearlessly.

Evan sees Llewellyn running at the very front.

An expressionless profile.

It’s as if seeing her from the past.

Recently, she seemed like a timid coward.

Putting aside leisure, Evan also prepares for battle.

It’s a chance to use magic in real combat.

Whether magic will work against the demon army is uncertain, but let’s try it once.

Evan raised his right arm.

The energy of mana surged fiercely.

The charging knights were momentarily bewildered.

A chilling aura began to flow to the point of causing goosebumps.

“…First, this.”

Five magic circles unfolded like stars on the palm of his hand.

Distortion.

The magic of the sage who Evan encountered for the first time.

-Kwagagagak!!

Some space twisted like a whirlwind, and from there, the bodies of the enemies who were rushing towards the knights on that side twisted and contorted like rags.

With a single spell, dozens of demon soldiers were annihilated.

For a moment, it felt as if time had stopped.

Both allies and enemies were bewildered.

The gaze of both friend and foe focused on a single magician.

“…”

Llewellyn, too, looked at Evan with surprised puppy eyes.