Chapter 7 - Materializing the Vision
As soon as I heard the emergency call, I rushed out of my room and met up with the others who had also been summoned. We hurried to the front of the administration building, where three staff members were waiting for us: the director, the deputy director, and the usual lady staff member.
In this women's camp, the director and deputy director are the only two men, both elderly, with the director having a gentle demeanor and the deputy director being more strict.
Once all of us who had been called had gathered, the deputy director began to speak.
"We've gathered you here because a massive horde of Capros is approaching. While it wasn't mentioned in the broadcast, this horde is estimated to be anywhere from several thousand to tens of thousands strong—possibly even larger."
Everyone was stunned. If we don’t evacuate immediately, this place will surely be destroyed, right?
"I understand your concerns. However, evacuating with such a large horde is nearly impossible. For now, their path is straight toward us, but any deviation could leave us vulnerable to attack. We’ve determined that our best course of action is to set up a defense here."
It’s probably a sensible decision. We have magical barriers and artifacts, after all.
The deputy director continued, "We will set up defensive arrays to eliminate the Capros as they approach. Our staff is already constructing earth walls and moats outside the facility to obstruct their path. While these will only buy us time, they should weaken the horde. We’ll strike when they’re vulnerable."
Even a small wall won’t stop tens of thousands of giant boars. Of course, it’s impossible to stop them.
"But with only our staff, we don’t have enough hands. The numbers are overwhelming, and we don’t know when the horde will stop. We’ve decided to use every available resource, which means we need your help."
That makes sense, but we’re defenseless. We don’t have weapons, and our magic is sealed.
The other inmates understand this, but their faces show confusion and worry.
"I know it’s a last resort to ask for the help of women, but we have no other choice. Don’t worry, though. We will temporarily remove the restrictions on your Magic-Sealing Bracelets. They won’t be removed entirely, but their effects will be suspended for half a day. After that, they will reactivate. Please don’t misuse this opportunity."
That’s possible? These things can be adjusted like that?
But wait. That means... we can use magic?
Magic! Magic!
"Your equipment will also be returned temporarily so you can fight without restraint. Those with concerns about their equipment can borrow some. Let’s get moving."
Everyone began to move. Despite the dire situation, some of the combatants seemed excited about the prospect of a full-scale battle.
I am, too. Hehehe. Hehehehehehe.
"Hey, Yukari, your face is scary."
"Huh? What? Ophelia, get pumped up too! Hehehe"
"Ah, right. Later."
Magic! Magic! Maahooooo!
Before the temporary removal of the Magic-Sealing Bracelets, we went to the warehouse to get our equipment back. I don’t have any equipment, but if they’re offering, maybe I should borrow something.
The lady staff member noticed me and was kind enough to suggest, "Yukarinowe, you didn’t have any specific equipment. Would you like to try a sword?"
"I don’t need a weapon. I’ve never used one, and I might break it."
"Then how about some armor? It’s better than nothing."
"Hmm, I’m not sure. Can you pick something out for me?"
"Sure. If you fight unarmed, I’d recommend gauntlets, greaves, and an abdominal guard. You don’t want anything that restricts your movement."
"Alright, I’ll take those. Let me try them on."
I had no idea how to put them on, so the staff member helped me. The feeling was strange, but not as uncomfortable as I thought it would be. The greaves covered my shins, and a single kick could probably seriously wound a person. The gauntlets covered my fists and elbows, making both punches and elbow strikes incredibly powerful. The open design allowed for grappling techniques as well.
Even without a weapon, these should allow me to deliver strong blows.
I haven’t used magic in a while, and I was planning to fight unarmed, but I’m questioning my sanity with this excitement.
But what is this overwhelming sense of anticipation?
"Do you want to change anything? How about a helmet?"
"No, I’m good with this. I’ll get used to it soon. What about the magic restrictions?"
"Once everyone else is equipped, we’ll lift the restrictions."
Alright, I’ll wait a bit longer.
Once everyone was ready, the deputy director spoke again.
"According to divination magic, the Capros will reach the earth walls and moats in about half an hour. There’s a bit of good news, though. It seems their path has shifted slightly toward the mountains. This means we won’t have to face the full force of the horde head-on."
It’s a stroke of luck. Facing the center of the horde would be overwhelmingly difficult compared to the edges.
The situation seems a bit brighter, but I’m already beyond caring!
"Now, we will begin the temporary removal of the Magic-Sealing Bracelets. Come forward one by one. This is your first time using magic in a while, so make sure to get used to it before the battle. First, Yukarinowe."
"Got it!"
I responded eagerly.
Here it comes!
"Settle down a bit. But you’re a reassuring presence. Good luck."
"Got it. You can count on me!"
Finally, the hated restraint is lifted.
Heart racing.
When the deputy director infused the bracelet with magic, I could feel the restriction dissolve.
Hehehe, hehehehehehehe. Ahhh, so good!
I practically ran outside to get a feel for my magic.
““““Scary!””””
I heard several voices, but I’m willing to overlook everything now!
Magic is all about visualization. I’ve been practicing that for a long time, day after day, even in my dreams. Today, I’ll turn that dream into reality.
First, I need to use Physical Enhancement Magic. Without it, I won’t survive the upcoming battle. Facing vicious monsters as a regular human would be pointless.
But it’s no problem. The moment the restraint was lifted, my body was already supercharged.
I could enhance myself as naturally as breathing, just as I had always imagined.
This omnipotence, this liberation.
I jumped and leaped without restraint, testing my body’s capabilities. The speed and strength felt like those of a superhuman, making me feel like the ruler of the world.
This is amazing!
It’s like I’ve become a superhero, though my appearance hasn’t changed.
It’s not just visualization. My ability to adapt so quickly is due to another of my innate talents: Familiarity and Adaptability. Both terms mean something like adapting, and as a skill, its effects are significant. It might be the most important ability I have.
Physical Enhancement Magic is a staple that anyone can use, regardless of magical aptitude. It feels like it suits me perfectly, even on my first try.
I’m not sure if this is normal, but I’ll compare it with the others later.
No, no. Pride is dangerous, absolutely.
The sense of anticipation hasn’t faded, but I’ve calmed down a bit.
A few others have had their restrictions lifted and are testing their magic and equipment nearby. I’m more focused on myself right now.
Next, I’ll practice the magical aptitude I’ve recently acquired. Let’s start with Healing Magic.
As I visualized, a ball of healing potion formed at my fingertips, growing larger until I stopped it, and it fell with a splash.
Great! It works just as I imagined. It’s surprisingly easy.
Next, Mineral Magic.
There’s no need for anything complicated, and I shouldn’t waste mana. How about a reverse thorn instead of a wall? Yes, a row of sharp, outward-facing thorns.
I visualized a small iron reverse thorn and cast the spell. It grew from the ground as I imagined, forming a cute, albeit dangerous, barrier.
Alright! I got it!
This is amazing. I can do anything!
Am I a genius? Isn’t this incredible?
Hehehehehehehe. My excitement is building again.
Next, I tried to launch iron gravel, but while it formed, it didn’t fly far and fell a few meters away.
Hmm? Is this a case where my aptitude isn’t as strong, or is my visualization off?
Well, it’s fine. If I can create the gravel, I can throw it. I have the Throwing Skill, after all!
That’s enough for now.
"Once you’re ready, we’ll move out."
Everyone had already gathered outside.
I really want to study this more, but there’s no time. I just want to get into action.
Without thinking, I approached the deputy director.
"Deputy Director, I’ll take up a position on the central wall of the horde’s path. You know I have the Throwing Skill, right? With my current abilities, I can launch something more powerful than any magic!"
Where is this confidence coming from?
Even I’m surprised by the fighting spirit surging within me. Maybe it’s madness, or maybe it’s a side effect of Physical Enhancement Magic.
"Alright. However, you’ll have other staff members with you. You won’t be alone, but feel free to go all out."
"That’s fine. As long as they don’t get in my way."
Looking around, I could see the excitement and determination on everyone’s faces, some even shouting battle cries. The healers, on the other hand, seemed nervous and intimidated. Even Rosabel-san looked bewildered.
We’re going to win!
The wall I climbed was about three or four stories high, with a narrow width. It felt precarious and would likely be shattered by the Capros’ charge.
I don’t know how strong the magical barriers are, but if they fail, we’re in trouble. Even with powerful magical artifacts, the barriers would have short durations. The horde is endless, and it’s up to us to make a difference.
The close-combat fighters were positioned in front of the wall, while the magic attackers were scattered along the top, ready to cast their spells.
Looking toward the hill, I could see the horde of Capros, already close and spreading across the landscape. They must extend far beyond what I can see.
As part of the initial defense, several earth walls had been constructed along the path to the camp, with trenches behind them, all created by staff using earth magic.
Watching for a moment, I saw the Capros easily breach the first earth wall. It was completely ineffective, not even buying us time.
The trenches filled quickly, and the beasts continued their advance.
Now it’s up to the magical barriers and our combined efforts. Before that, I’ll try the reverse thorn strategy.
This is the real deal. The Capros are still a bit far, but I’ll aim for their front.
I can feel the mana consumption increasing with distance, but I can’t overuse it.
I’ll create three layers of reverse thorns along the path, with sharp, spiky protrusions. The image is clear.
Here we go.
I released the mana, and the iron reverse thorns emerged, forming exactly as I had visualized.
No need for incantations. They might strengthen the visualization, but it’s fine for now.
The cheers from the crowd as the barriers appeared were satisfying. Hehehe, you can praise me more!
The Capros collided with the reverse thorns.
Got them!
As expected, perfect. However, stopping the initial charge was just the beginning. More Capros kept pushing forward, using the fallen ones as stepping stones, impaling themselves on the spikes, and continuing their advance.
No one expected these barriers to stop them completely. This is just setting the stage.
Now, it’s your turn, magic attackers!