Chapter 64: Wizard's Blaze

Key!

Troll riders zoomed past us on their wolves, kicking up a swirling dust storm that momentarily hid their presence.

There were roughly 27 of them.

When you count the trolls and the wolves separately, the total comes to 54.

The trolls, clad in sturdy iron armor, brandished crossbows and blades, while the wolves were massive creatures, almost resembling horses.

Looks like we've got some trouble on our hands.

Dealing with just a few wouldn't be an issue, but facing nearly 30 of them was akin to a full-fledged cavalry charge.

The troll riders, who had been roaring by, suddenly took a different course and charged directly towards us.

How should we react?

Simple! Bring them down!

Quickly, Jenna notched an arrow and let it fly.

One of the leading trolls toppled from its wolf companion, crashing to the ground.

Of all the places, it had to be an open plain.

I couldn't help but grimace. We were left completely exposed to the charging assault of the twenty troll riders. Dust surged around them as they raced forward.

Krrrr!

Keeeyaaa!

The growls of the wolves mixed with the trolls' cries, creating a discordant chorus.

We'll need a different strategy here, something different from our usual tactics.

Aaron, when you encounter them, dodge and strike. Can you handle it?

I'll do my best!

As for you...

I turned my gaze towards Eolka.

We'll deal with you later!

Suddenly, an arrow zoomed through the air, aimed directly at my temple. Quickly, I deflected it with my shield and spun around, unleashing a sweeping arc with my sword. The first troll's torso twisted unnaturally as it was severed from its lower half. Rolling swiftly to the ground, I evaded the charging path just in time.

As the trolls dashed past me, their blades swung dangerously close. I parried with my shield, retreating a few steps.

Aaron!

Ready!

With a piercing thrust, Aaron impaled a troll with his lance, piercing its chestplate. At that exact moment, an arrow flew towards the exposed Aaron. Reacting quickly, I severed it in half with my blade.

Jenna's well-aimed arrow sent another troll tumbling to the ground, lying motionless.

Using my shield, I deflected an arrow diving towards Jenna and spoke urgently.

Eolka! Cast your magic.

Magic?

Don't make me repeat the same thing! Aren't you a performer? Wipe them out.

I need some time!

How long?

One minute!

The trolls launched a second charge. This time, a vicious wolf leaped for my face. Reacting quickly, I dropped to the ground, thrusting my sword into its massive throat.

With lightning reflexes, I rolled again, barely avoiding the stomping fury.

Cast it now!

Eolka frantically shook her head, her eyes closing.

"La Gran Cedus."

A deep, thunderous low note emanated from Eolka's lips as if it were stretching through the air.

A single strand of fire ignited beneath Eolka's feet, steadily growing thicker and coiling up like a writhing snake, surrounding her entire body.

This is magic.

The warmth emanating from Eolka's figure tingled my cheeks, a clear indication of the power surging within her.

Given our limited range and mobility, Aaron and I fell short on means to send off a preemptive strike. It ultimately relied on Jenna, the skilled bowman, and Eolka, the adept mage, to make a significant impact.

Aaron, shield Jenna from incoming arrows. Let her focus on her shots.

Yes, sir!

With a swift motion, Aaron deflected the arrows with his lance. Meanwhile, Jenna's arrow pierced through one of the trolls, finding its mark.

Just one more minute. There's no time left.

We needed to hold out until the enemy passed us by and returned again, a process that would require at least 30 seconds.

Kia, Kiaaa!

One of the troll riders realized the unfolding spell and spurred the others, charging recklessly towards Eolka. Stepping forward, I positioned myself in front of her, blocking their path and cleaving through their ranks with my blade.

Mages, whether allies or enemies, were invariably the primary targets for elimination. I could delay, but completely halting the charge of 30 troll riders was an impossible feat for me alone.

Can't you create a barrier while casting?

Mages, during their spells, often reinforced themselves with an additional barrier to withstand any interruptions or impact.

Can't you respond?

Or perhaps she can't hear me?

I turned my gaze back, seeing Eolka's continued murmuring, her eyes gleaming with a fiery glow.

It would require approximately 10 seconds for the riders to reach us. Despite Jenna's expert marksmanship, taking down another troll mid-charge, their momentum showed no sign of faltering. The trolls swung their swords overhead, forcefully urging their wolves with their hind legs.

If you stay there, you'll be swept away by their charge!

Can't you cast your magic while moving?

Oppa! It's getting too dangerous!

Uwagh!

Acting swiftly, I grasped Eolka's arm and moved aside, narrowly dodging the swinging blade that passed dangerously close. A scorching intensity tingled through my limbs, evidence of the searing flames that had nearly engulfed us.

What's wrong with you?

You're a great annoyance, aren't you?

If there had been a barrier obstruction, I wouldn't have been able to reach out and grab Eolka's hand. Ultimately, she was casting her spell completely exposed, with no defensive measures.

An annoyance, you say? Well, this magic, do you know how difficult it is to convert mana into fire!

Enough.

I clenched and unclenched my fists, the lingering warmth of the flames still tingling through my fingertips. It was uncomfortable, but I could still move.

Having completed their third charge, the troll riders now held back nothing, diving towards us with one objective in mind—Eolka.

If their target had been me, Aaron, or even Jenna, we could have baited them in, dodged their charge, and sent off a counteroffensive, wiping them out. But Eolka was different. With her cumbersome attire and lacking both endurance and agility, a real risk of her being swept away and killed in an instant.

However, if I could come up with a plan, I could use Eolka as bait and eliminate the enemies.

I scanned our surroundings again.

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