We stood a few meters outside of the city, dressed in our battle armor. I in my white set with my sword sheathed at my waist. I looked around as I saw just how little our forces were. Only ten of the villagers came, half not knowing any amount of magic. Two of them were the elder and his eldest son standing proud beside Vintra on the frontlines. In total, there were twelve of us.

“Those cowards.”

I could hear being whispered by the son.

“You cannot judge if one wants to save their own life than to risk it for others, Martin. Do not not spite them for wanting to live.” the elder said in the most gentle manner.

“Then what of us! Do they not care for our deaths? As we stand here ready to protect our homes, they are packing their cattle and scurrying out.”

“If that is what they wish, then we must protect them so they are safe. That is what it means to be a leader. Do you wish to turn back as well, son?”

Martin stood tall in his iron armor and kicked the dust below his feet.

“I’ll stay with you until death, Father.”

The Elder nodded his head and looked onwards.

The words exchanged must have reached the few ears of the people in line. I could see them puff their chests as they gripped the spears and swords Vintra conjured for them.

Rumbling occurred beneath our feet. Glancing to my side, the shocked faces from the others is indeed nerve wracking.

Battle? I’ve never been to battle. I have sparred sure, but actual battle where my life depended on it? Nevertheless others’ lives! It would be the weight of an anchor to anyone having to bear it. And so here I stood, ready to bear it all.

Over the horizon, dark images started to occupy the skylight. The rumbling increased as the horde inched closer towards us. In the sky, on the ground, there must have been over several dozen!

“Prepare yourselves!” Vintra shouted with the most emotion I have heard from her yet.

She put both her arms out and a rune circle the size of a person appeared. The runes written looked way more complicated that the usual ones she summoned with a single hand. Out shot from her hand was a blue beam that hit the ground and created a large scale barrier.

We looked up in awe as the barrier rose high into the sky and covered the width from forest to forest.

“Vintra you’re amazing!” I praised.

It truly is amazing. The spells I have seen have usually been in small scale, but this! No, this was spectacular.

Vintra acknowledged me with a side glance and with the words,

“Be prepared.” she unsheathed her sword and held it to her side. “They are coming.”

***

The hordes made contact with the barrier, sending ripples across the surface area. I turned to my side to see the makeshift knights shivering in their boots and trembling with the sword.

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“Can we attack yet?” I asked.

“The barrier cannot be penetrated on either end. However, that barrier will not last forever. You said you have something up your sleeve did you not? Get whatever you need. They will break it at any second.” Vintra said.

I couldn’t betray the trust she put into me… I can do it.

As the demons pounded on the barrier, we began hearing a cracking noise like glass. The barrier is breaking.

“Step aside!” I yelled out .

I reached behind and grabbed my wand, aiming it towards where most of the horde gathered. As the barrier broke and demons flooded in, a torrent of water shot towards the demons like a torpedo. The width the size of the road while being the height of a building. All spearing towards the demons.

I felt my mana being drained from the immense spell I cast. But I had no way to lower the control. The demons were directly hit and the wings of the flying creatures could no longer be of use. Somehow, I could feel the energy of some of the front demons going away. I have killed them.

My knees shook and I fell down to the ground, dropping my wand in the process. Panting from exhaustion, I could see that the spell certainly dwindled their numbers. However, there were more coming from the side through the hole they made.

I wiped my mouth and forehead clean of sweat.

“That should be fine, Alice. Rest and stand back up, there are more coming.” Vintra said, twirling the sword like it was as light as a feather.

“I, I still have mana.”

As the horde rumbled closer I could see them more clearly. Many of the giant four legged furred beasts from before mixed with giant insects crawling on the ground below. Those that weren’t dampened by water flew in the air like a swarm.

“There’s too many!” yelled one of the makeshift knights, backing up from the line.

“He-he’s right! I’m out of here!” yelled another villager, dropping their swords and running back towards the village.

“Tsk.” the son clicked his tongue, picking up a second sword for his other hand. “We will just have to fight for them as well.”

Just as he was about to run out, Vintra stopped him with her sword.

“Step forward and you will die.” She stated nonchalantly.

“We will stand here and die as well? Let’s at least have some pride to not stand here like statues.”

All Vintra did was tilt her head, gesturing towards the ground between the demons and them.

I zeroed in on the floor, seeing that there were…. Bugs? Moving in circles? Wait, that image. Squinting harder, I could make out the moving layered circles on the ground. Runes like what Vintra uses for her magic.

What are they doing on the ground?

As the first giant demon stepped a few meters in front of us, an explosion blew into the sky. Hitting a few of the flying demons as well! More and more of the demons came closer, setting off the rune circles.

“Runic traps… Impressive Officer!” cheered the son.

I looked in awe as the many traps activated, taking out many of the demons at once. Soon the battlefield was a field of clouds, blocking our sight of any more demons.

“D-did we do it?” stammered one of the villagers.

When the smoke faded, only a dozen or so beasts were left. However they were severely weakened, moving towards us at a slower pace.

“C-Charge!!!!” yelled the son.

The little force we had charged with the son in front, spewing what magic they were able to conjure. They slashed the front legs of the demon first, then swiftly moved onto the hind legs. Vintra followed after, taking on beasts on her own. Weaving through the field as if she was dancing a traditional choreography.

I could hear the thuds of shoes running up behind me. I turned around to see a dirt covered child crying with a broken stick in his hand.

“Monsters!” he sobbed, wiping his eyes with his palms.

I grabbed onto his shoulders and shook him.

“Calm down, calm down. Look.” I gestured towards the field. “The chief and villagers along with Vintra have it all taken care of.”

“More! Other side!” He sobbed louder. “They have my brother.”

On the… other side?!