CHAPTER 436: MIGHTY PUSH

The crimson sunset sank low behind the ridgeline, the sky quietly filled with blood-red hues. Temple Knights near the wall raised their longswords against massive, spear-like earth spikes capable of piercing human bodies, while simultaneously using light-element magic to erase the mottled, indistinct defensive runes carved into the stonework.

Defensive tactics in this world differed from medieval practices in Astrid’s past life. This wall, constructed via earth-element magic, was itself a spiked shield. Without removing the defensive arrays on its outer surface, any direct contact risks impalement by earth spears or being roasted by spreading lightning magic.

Using his armor to block a spike crashing towards him, the lead knight swung his sword again. Light-element magic, carrying dispelling effects, continued its operation. Once a small area was cleared, the knight shouted loudly. Ladders hidden within the ranks emerge fully from the thin mist.

"They’re trying to climb, accelerate the assault immediately!"

"Don’t hold back on mana. Use it when needed!"

"These are Master Knight knights. Under no circumstances let them engage in close combat!"

Above the wall, rolling flames obscured the sky from the knights’ view. Scorching heat waves seared their armor, like heating metal cans filled with meat.

"Raise the Frost Barrier!"

As the command echoed through the ranks, the leading assault knight deployed a shield of frosty white vapor. A thin layer adhered to the armor, effectively moderates the intense heat from the firearms.

Although the Temple Knight Order was a subordinate of the Holy Light Church, and its members trained from youth in various forms of light magic, they weren’t limited to that single element. Much still dedicated time and effort to studying other elemental magics useful in combat.

Seeing the frost shield effective, several knights reached down and grasped the wall ladders, preparing to climb upward. A small, black orb rolled to their feet, sinking slightly into the damp, thawed soil loosened by flames.

Sensing danger, they barely had time to react. Instinctively, a knight crossed his arms to shield his face. The next second, the dark orb explodes with dazzling light. A brilliant blue arc surged outward, followed by a sudden detonation that birthed a viscous, fleeting plasma of electricity.

The abrupt lightning blast strikes the armor. The rapidly climbing temperature melted the ice. Thin silver serpents slithered through metal gaps and into flesh, paralyzing the lower limbs in less than half a second.

Against the resilient bodies of Master Knight warriors and the knights’ magical defenses, the peak tier Sorcerer lightning-element spell [Ruptured Lighting] contained within the orb could only achieve this much. Even so, it severely delayed the Temple Knight Order’s advance.

"Keep throwing! Don’t let them climb!"

No sooner had the fortress commander’s voice fallen than more black orbs rained down onto the battlefield. In an instant, the base of the wall became a pool of lightning. Several lightning-element crystals flashed briefly before releasing all their elemental particles, their sturdy shells utterly shattered by the violent energy released.

Accumulated over time, quantity became quality. Such a large-scale eruption of lightning particles was dangerous even for Master Knight or Magnus individuals. Many knights halted before the lightning field, desperately raising shields and using swords to deflect incoming magical weapons. The assault momentum was briefly suppressed.

They had never seen such unusual war equipment, something similar to the tail-projectile of a lightning rat, yet far more powerful.

On the other side, Lyra breathed a slight sigh of relief as the battlefield situation eased momentarily. But this only gave her time for a single breath. She didn’t even have a chance to ask Mio about Inquisitor Aria’s current condition.

Despite the new magical weapon, the Thunder Bombs, halting the advance of the Kingdom of Velys, the quantity brought by Phillice was clearly insufficient for prolonged defense.

At this rate of Thunder Bomb usage, the supply would be depleted in roughly half an hour. After that, they will once again face the threat of the Temple Knights.

According to Phillice, each Thunder Bomb required a lightning-element crystal as its ignition core. While craftsmen understood the related circles and manufacturing process, making production not overly difficult, the raw materials were extremely scarce. Previous stockpiles of magic crystals had been used to repair the fortress’s defensive structures. Replenishing inventory quickly would be no easy task.

And... the pressure wasn’t only on Liya Tower Fortress...

The secondary fortress faced the main force of the Temple Knights, yet their defending troops were fewer than those at Liya Tower, the wartime bridgehead, less combat-capable, and equipped with inferior siege machinery.

If the situation here was already dire, theirs was worse.

Sharing Lyra’s concerns, Charles Duke’s aide, now the highest-ranking wartime commander, the man with brown hair and black eyes, had already received urgent news of the secondary fortress’s deteriorating situation.

"Commander, there are multiple peak tier Magnus within the Temple Knights’ assault force. Our walls cannot withstand their attacks. And since the last assault was less than a day ago, our soldiers can only rely on hastily repaired magical runes to form a defense line..."

"The towers are on the verge of collapse. Without reinforcements, the outer wall may fall within two hours, and the entire fortress could be overrun within six."

"We need support, troops and magical weapons."

Deafening bombardment echoed through the chamber, shaking even the earth. The messenger reporting the situation also felt the tremors of magical energy.

If the secondary fortress falls, the entire defensive network will be torn open. The Kingdom of Velys army will surge deep into Duke Charles’s territory, threatening the entire Empire.

Every possible measure must be taken to hold this vital position.

While pondering, the battle report from Liya Tower Fortress arrived. The man took the documents, scanning the casualty numbers and wall damage. His thick brows tightened instinctively.

The situation here was equally grim. Magical weapons consumed crystals at an alarming rate, this half-hour alone had used as much as a full day previously. Additionally, prolonged use of firearms without proper maintenance had led to fractures and damage in some units.

"..."

Mentally simulating the battles at both locations, he tried to determine a reasonable allocation. After a moment, he waved his hand, signaling the messenger to relay the order.

"Send the rear cavalry immediately to reinforce the secondary fortress. Hold the wall."

The secondary fortress absolutely could not fall, not now.

If the Temple Knights captured the flank fortress, the pincer formation would collapse. Liya Tower Fortress and the other secondary fortress would inevitably be surrounded by Duke Grant’s army, placing everyone in even greater danger.

Seeing the commander’s decisiveness, the messenger hesitated not a second. After receiving the order, he turned and quickly descended the watchtower.

In the cold evening wind, the heavy scent of rust lingered. Orders cascaded down the chain, finally reaching the cavalry camp at the rear.

"But... Liya Tower Fortress is under attack right now..."

Some well-informed knights whispered quietly in the square.

"I heard the outer wall’s magical runes are nearly depleted. Close combat won’t be far off."

Hearing the murmurs below, the captain of this cavalry unit, the knight responsible for wartime coordination and mutual support among the three fortresses, spoke coldly.

"Stop speculating. Follow orders. Immediately strengthen the secondary fortress."

The elite armored cavalry, upon receiving the command, ceased talking and rapidly withdrew the camp in formation. Mounting warhorses covered in scale-shaped iron plates, they galloped toward the secondary fortress.

Hooves kick up dust. The sunset illuminates the knights’ shoulder armor. Defenders watched their retreating silhouettes, their moods growing heavier.

Meanwhile, atop Liya Tower’s walls, Lyra felt her mana reserves nearing exhaustion.

As squad leader and peak tier Magnus, she single-handedly maintained the arcane defense barrier across this flank. After countless spells and boulders unceasingly struck it, even the strongest individual approached their limit.

Her head throbbed painfully, her thoughts scattered. Now, Lyra could only mechanically channel mana into the defense net before her, guiding arcane particles to mend the gaps.

If the defenders were this strained, the Temple Knights below, braving the cold wind to assault the wall, were even worse.

Both sides nearly collapsed. It came down to who could endure longer. The Temple Knights could retreat and regroup for another attack. But if their side showed any signs of fatigue, the attackers underneath would become beasts sensing blood, rushing forward without regard to life to tear out their throats.

"..."

Do these people truly fear no death...?

Watching the fanaticism continuously flood the Temple Knights’ eyes, their fearless grip on swords, their dignity of martyrs sacrificing themselves for the divine, Lyra’s eyelids twitched involuntarily. Her legs, clad in thick white stockings, shifted back and forth to ease the soreness from prolonged standing. Her silver knight boots clinked softly together.

They were the invaders... yet they acted as if they were willingly offering themselves for a noble cause...

Was this the morality taught by the Holy Light Church?

Shedding all distractions, Lyra focused entirely on the barrier before her. The shattered arcane defenses gathered and reformed, becoming a single, semi-arc-shaped shield.

Blood from a recent scrape seeped into her skin, then slowly congealed in the cold air, turning into brownish scabs clinging to the girl’s pale, delicate arm.

No matter what, they had to hold.

Another wave of dense magical bombardment struck. Lyra slowed her breathing. Her pale face reflects the firelight, her soft pink hair cascading down her back. The pure black silk hair ribbon fluttered faintly with the residual shockwaves.

The siege had lasted over four hours. By the time she descended from the wall, Lyra felt herself entering a dazed state.

"Don’t let your guard down. The battle isn’t over."

The relentless combat had severely worn down both sides. No matter their faith, once mana was depleted, lingering on the battlefield meant certain death.

"Also... Aria... how is she..."

Bearing the internal pain in her head, Lyra slowly asked. Her bleary gaze swept over the sorrowful faces of her comrades. She already had a rough idea.

"She was struck in the waist and abdomen. Internal organs severely damaged, massive blood loss..."

A squad member spoke softly, unable to hide his grief.

"She’s with the medics now, but the situation is grim."

Even if she survived, such injuries would require enormous life essence to heal, essentially, half her life was already gone.

"Captain Lyra, you should rest first..." someone chimed in promptly.

"If you don’t recover mana quickly, the next assault will be even harder to defend."

A peak tier Magnus’s role atop the walls was crucial, capable of holding off hundreds, no exaggeration.

Without Lyra pouring vast amounts of mana to sustain the arcane defense net, they wouldn’t have had such a stable environment to fight from.

Hearing her subordinate’s words, Lyra pressed a hand to her forehead. Her once-clear sapphire eyes were now clouded with deep fatigue, tinged with sorrow and loss.

He was right. Now wasn’t the time for grief or mourning. She had to recover to full strength as quickly as possible.

"I’ll sleep for a bit. Call me immediately if anything happens."

"Understood, Corporal Lyra."

With heavy steps, not even having time to treat the blood on her arm, Lyra left the wall and quickly returned to a temporary outpost closer to private housing.

There were no magical bathing devices, nor any accompanying daily necessities. Only basic thermal insulation measures exist. But for Lyra now, it was sufficient.

The previously conjured holy armor dissolved into motes of light, revealing the girl’s slender, delicate frame. The sword and scabbard hanging at her side gradually faded, returning to the sword-shaped light mark on her fingernail.

She was utterly exhausted, even maintaining the scabbard form required mana she could no longer spare.

Closing the door, she collapsed onto the soft bed. Lyra casually unfastened her woolen robe, revealing a pure white undergarment. Her tender feet slightly kicked off the knight boots she’d worn earlier. Too tired to remove her stockings, her two legs, wrapped in smooth white silk, bent slightly as she lay sideways on the sheets.

This assault had been even fiercer than the last. The Kingdom of Velys will never abandon such a golden opportunity. Slipping under the covers, Lyra couldn’t help but replay the day’s battle in her mind.

At this very moment, they were surely regrouping, preparing their next wave.

How long could she sleep? Two hours? Three? Or was even one hour a luxury?

Chaotic thoughts tormented Lyra’s aching body. The pink-haired girl placed her hands behind her head, fingers brushing against the cool, silky hair ribbon. Her fingertips gently tapped the knot.

In the final second before sleep, Lyra gave up on untying the ribbon.

Just fall asleep like this.

And indeed, as Lyra had feared, four hours later, the Kingdom of Velys launched another attack on Liya Tower Fortress.

"I understand."

Thankfully, she hadn’t wasted time on anything else.

Feeling her mana slightly restored, Lyra sat up. Her two white-stockinged feet found the metal knight boots she’d taken off earlier. She bent down and slipped them on, fastening the silver buckles securely.