Jack went to the library. He wanted to meet Stanley, but he decided to calm down first. Jack already knew all spells in the library. Today, he searched for information about life elementals. Jack was afraid his family would become infected. Jack wanted to find a method to banish an elemental from a human’s body. He also desired a better method to kill elementals.

The results were not to his liking.

There were three methods to kill an elemental.

The first one was to target elemental’s physical body, which was the thing Jack had been doing.

The second method was to target mana. Jack thought it was impossible in life elemental’s case, but he was wrong. Apparently, a 5th tier life mage should be able to tear apart 2nd tier life elemental. There were three tiers. Jack would have to reach 4th tier to have a chance against a baby elemental, assuming they had babies.

The third method was to use death magic. Jack didn’t know any death spells.

Jack though he may be able to exorcise an elemental from a body without life mana resistance by life magic. He would create a powerful spell on the ground meant to move life mana and imprison an infected there. The spell should forcefully move away an elemental from a body, but Jack couldn’t be sure without an experiment or a confirmation in books.

He sighed and went to his friend. It wasn’t that easy to find Stanley, since he had a new team, and lived in a different place. Jack didn’t dare to have any expectations after meeting Bob, he even feared Stanley may be already dead.

Stanley was training.

“Hi.”

“Jack! Good to see you. How are you?”

“Fine. Level forty one. You?”

“Twenty six.” Stanley replied with a bitter smile.

“How’s your new class?”

“Good. Nothing impressive, but I’m fine with a solid one. Come inside. Want something to drink?” Stanley offered. Jack went inside. Two girls meditated inside. One had already reached 3rd tier. Stanley led Jack to the nearby room.

“How did you get so many levels?”

“I have created a fort in the exterior. I wanted to stay there until my 4th tier, but… infected I suppose.”

“Well, I don’t think the higher ups liked what you have done.”

Jack shrugged. “I just need to reach 4th tier.”

“True.” Stanley sighed. Stanley behaved a bit strange as well, Jack could tell. He was nervous, though not about their meeting. Something was on his mind.

“Leveling may be a bit hard these days, though.” Jack said.

“What do you mean?” Stanley was surprised.

“Infected. Elementals. I suppose everyone would fight them for a while.”

“Really? I don’t think they are that much of a threat.”

Jack frowned. “Well, I shouldn’t tell you this, but…” Jack started whispering. “The nearby section’s headquarters in the north have been completely infected. I was on a mission.”

Stanley grimaced. He contemplated something for a few seconds and sighed. “Let’s go for a walk.” He dragged Jack outside. Stanley led him to a street without many people. Normally, Jack would be suspicious, but he trusted his friend.

“If what you have said is true, then the situation is much worse than I thought.” Stanley half-whispered.

“What do you mean? I agree that this is a mess, but I think dukes and maybe even counts should be easily able kill elementals with death spells.” Jack presented his opinion.

“You are right. Elementals are a mayor threat, but they aren’t enough cripple humanity.” Jack frowned. ‘Humanity? Is the scale that big now?’ He just thought how many people would die.

“The capital have fallen.” Stanley gave Jack a shock.

“You are joking. Elementals aren’t that strong.”

“Not elementals. The Colonel created an information blockade, but he can’t completely control the spread of information. Not with the way soldiers work. It’s currently an absolute secret. You can go to a jail for spreading that information.”

Jack was shocked. “That shitty Colonel…”

“No. He is great. I mean, I wouldn’t have given better orders, if I had been in his place.”

Cold sweet appeared on his back. “Then my family… They may be fine for a while, but where is safe?” Jack thought aloud. “What about magic books? Does that mean I won’t be able to learn better magic in the future?” Jack panicked. All his plans were about reaching 4th tier and going to a city with his family.

“Calm down. All places capable of resisting 8th tiers should have the complete magic theory. In addition, only capital has fallen. Chiston and Heston are fine, the same as ducal fortresses, and many cities near the Kenar mountains.” That didn’t matter that much to Jack. Would he be allowed to leave the headquarters in the current situation?

“I see. So, what happened?”

“Two wolf emperors attacked. They broke through the frontier and sieged the capital with their army. I have heard there were around ten 7th tiers. The king and dukes went to the capital to defend it, but…”

“They have lost?”

“Most likely. There is a high chance they retreated to the Inner Keep, so they should be still alive.”

Jack sighed. “What now?”

“I don’t know. Theoretically, we are doomed. It’s impossible to defeat two 8th tier alongside their army with our current forces.” They walked in silence for some time.

“I didn’t know that elementals destroyed a section. That changes things.”

“Could the situation be even worse?” Jack joked from helplessness.

“No, I think it may be better that way.” Stanley was serious. “I think the wolves attacked to escape from the elementals. Capital has had enchanted walls, which may actually still stand. There is a high chance emperors won’t leave the capital until elementals’ defeat.”

“We are still screwed. Besides, why would wolves fear the elementals. I mean, we are talking about 8th tiers.”

“Infected humans are actually weaker than normal humans with the same level. They can’t cast. Infected wolves should be stronger. A 7th tier infected wolf is probably a threat for an 8th tier wolf.”

Jack thought it was right. Magic was a huge help for humans, while wolves were nearly defenseless against life elementals. They couldn’t harm them, and their only defense was their life mana resistance. Naturally, 2nd tier wolves were completely defenseless.

“So, what now?”

“I suppose we are waiting and building better defenses. They could use you.”

“I can’t wait.” Jack sighed. He thought it over. There was nothing for him here. Meanwhile, his family could be dying right now. All his previous plans, they were no longer actual. He knew what to do, but that’s a point of no return. ‘Can humanity even return to how it has been before?’

“I have feared so. I shouldn’t tell you this.”

“No. I thank you. I will have to somehow kidnap my brother, but… I have to escape.”

“Good luck, but I won’t help you. My family should be either safe in Heston, or already death. I’m staying here. I have told you. Forrest is a good commander. It’s probably the safest to stay here anyway. A ducal fortress could be better, but it’s not like they would just let me in.”

“Dark times are ahead of us...” Jack sighed. “Let’s meet again in the future. I hope so.”

Stanley nodded. “Yeah. By the way, I don’t know what are you planning. I didn’t tell you anything.”

Jack nodded. They separated, both went their own way.

Jack had to escape. He knew he should do so immediately. It would be harder as new fortifications were being raised. Jack didn’t have many things, he could take everything he possessed with him. His only problems were Bob and soldiers. He had to take Bob with him. Bob would waste himself here, otherwise.

Jack spent most of his money. He bought a few common wands. Jack suspected money would be worthless soon.

There was the problem with desertion. Soldiers wouldn’t just let him leave. He had to escape, maybe forcefully. Jack went to the place new fortifications were being raised and offered his help. He placed a few spells under the ground in a place nobody would suspect. He was wary of earth mages like him, but he wanted to prepare. Jack wanted to desert tonight.

In the evening, he returned to his new team’s house. He picked up everything that belonged to him.

“What are you doing?” Andy asked. Everyone was there.

“I want to train my brother, so I’m taking wands and spears. I will be back in a few hours.” They nodded. Jack hoped they didn’t suspect a thing.

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He went to his brother, but stopped before entering the house. Fortunately, Bob was inside. ‘Should I convince him? It will be problematic to carry him out.” Jack decided for the most effective course of action. He placed a light spell on the walls of the Bob’s house, a modification to the fear spell.

Jack went inside. Two people inside looked at him. A girl he hadn’t seen before with a curiosity, while Bob seemed to want to escape. “I want to talk with my brother. Can you leave us for some time?”

“Sure.” The girl nodded and went away without resistance.

“What do you want?” Bob accused with his tone. He was as unpleasant as he could.

“Bob. I have heard you have some debts.”

“You came to help me?” Bob laughed like from a joke.

“You can say so.” Jack activated the fear spell. “Aren’t you afraid they will do something bad to you?”

Bob frowned.

“Infected are spreading. Soon, it won’t be safe here.”

“So what?” Bob asked hesitantly.

“We need to leave. Let’s return to our home. To our parents.”

“Really?”

“Yeah!”

“What about the military?”

Jack deactivated the spell. “Don’t worry. I have it covered. They are too busy to care about us. Gather your belongings and let’s go.” Jack cast another light spell on Bob, this time, he wanted to bring his attention to a notion of going home. He tried to channel safety and happiness. He had no idea how successful his self-created spell was, but Bob started packing up.

“Good. Let’s go.” Jack led his outside.

“Wasn’t that suspicious?” Opal asked. “I mean, he took literally everything.”

“It’s not like he has a lot of things. Maybe he wants to give something to his brother.” Andy replied.

“Well. I’m going to introduce myself. Do you know where Jack’s brother lives?”

“I know. I checked when I have been gathering information about Jack.” Alistair told her what she wanted.

“I will go with you.” Adina joined her. Two women went to the place, but there was only a girl, which said that Jack had been here, but she didn’t know where he was now. The girl told them that Bob was sulking since yesterday, and he hadn’t gone to drink today. Also, Jack hadn’t left anything here and Bob also had taken all his belongings.

“His family lives nearby, aren’t they?” Adina asked.

“Shit. He is trying to desert.” Opal connected the dots.

Jack and Bob walked dark streets. Jack led his brother. They reached the place. Unfortunately, soldiers patrolled the perimeter. Forrest practically cut the headquarters from the interior.

Jack thought about escaping from somewhere between the headquarters and a barracks. Soldiers would notice for sure, but there was a high chance they weren’t caring enough to stop Jack. These ones, their job was most likely to stop people like Jack. He hadn’t thought the security would be so tight.

Jack was afraid someone would notice his disappearance, so he decided to act now. Jack cast a spell and made himself invisible. The spell used all his current intelligence, but he could cast it. He dragged Bob closer, so the spell could also hide him. They walked through the soldiers, but not for long.

“I detected something! Two people! There!” Someone shouted. Soldiers turned their heads, but there was nothing there.

“Run!” Jack whispered to his brother and started running, but he still maintained invisibility.

“They must be invisible!”

“Monsters?”

“I don’t know.”

Jack completed the fear spell he had prepared beforehand in the ground. Soldiers backed off. Some outright escaped from the place.

Someone threw his spear. It hit the ground and damaged the spell underground. “There are more spells here! This is a sabotage!”

‘An earth mage.’ This was what he was afraid of. Jack and Bob jumped over the ramparts. Theoretically, they were no longer in the headquarters territory. A fireball went their way. Jack was reluctant to deal with the fireball, as he would have to discard invisibility. He pushed Bob forward. “Deal with it.”

Bob grimaced, but cast his spells. “I thought we were free to go!” He redirected the fireball and it hit the ground.

“They have a fire mage!” Since the fireball pointed their location, soldiers were throwing spears. Most of them missed, but Jack was forced to avoid a few. Bob got hit once, but his leather armor protected him.

More people gathered due to the commotion. Soldiers organized themselves and two groups around twenty people gave chase. Jack discarded his invisibility, it was no longer useful as his pursuers could easily track him with magic. In the end, invisibility only manipulated light.

“Damn it. What the fuck was I thinking!” Bob cursed. Jack could only sigh in his mind. He noticed Opal and Adina. His heart skipped a beat. ‘I don’t want to fight with them.’

Jack turned his head over and observed his pursuers. Including his teammates, there were five 3rd tiers. The rest was weaker. Jack could run faster, but he wasn’t going to abandon Bob. His pursuers probably had the same problem. 3rd tiers could catch them, but they had to leave 2nd tiers. ‘I suppose it is somehow nice that five 3rd tier don’t think they can defeat me themselves.’ Jack joked in his mind. ‘Well, they are probably just careful.’

Fields close to the frontier never have been very developed, but people lived here. A house was here and there. Jack was curious whether someone is still living here, but that wasn’t an important matter. Currently, high grass grew here.

Soldiers started to attack from the distance. Spears flew towards Jack alongside a fireball or a stone. The distance was too big, so Jack was able to avoid the attacks. However, dodging was slowing them down. Adina and Opal rushed forward. They didn’t wait for the rest.

“Jack! Stop! This will ruin your life! You will be a fugitive!” Opal shouted. She could be faster than Adina, but two women stayed close to each other.

“It’s too late!” Jack shouted back. ‘I hope they would give up!’ “Capital have fallen! Nobody is going to save my family! I have to leave. Give up!”

“What?” Opal nearly tripped.

“Whatever. We just need to catch him.” Adina continued her pursuit.

“Stop, or I will attack you!”

“Make us!” Adina replied pridefully.

“Do not stop. I can catch up to you.” He said to Bob. Next, Jack cast wards against fire and water, and turned around to face two women, now a dozen of meters before him. Jack produced light mana like crazy, and released it into the air, hopefully blocking Opal detection magic. Light mana had a conflict with fire mana after all. He did the same with air mana, though his wand had limited effect. Adina’s water detection should be able to have some effect. Jack rushed at Adina. She brandished her own spear and prepared for combat. Opal jumped to the side and prepared to strike Jack with fire spells.

“Shit!” Adina cursed and Jack figure disappeared like a dream. Opal shouted in pain. Jack’s spear pierced through her leg, as her armor from 4th tier creature wasn’t enough. Opal released her fire spell in response. Jack covered his face with his hand. His armor protected his to some degree, but he still felt pain from his face and hands. He dashed away from Opal and attacked Adina. This time, he was real.

Adina was a close combat fighter, and Jack had to admit, she was better than him. Jack dropped fire ward and cast life spells, boosting his strength and agility, but he wasn’t able to block her gravity spell powered downwards swings. Opal cast her air magic, Jack could feel the lack of the air, but that wasn’t an immediate problem.

Opal continued with fire spells, but she was afraid to hit Adina, making her attacks not threatening. Moreover, both women tried to stop him, they didn’t attack his head or chest. Jack looked at the soldiers. ‘They already crossed half the distance. I have to do something.’

He no longer avoided Adina’s casual attacks, letting his armor do the job. Adina didn’t know Jack’s armor had been created from a 5th tier monster. She failed to pierce through it. Jack tried to stab her legs, but her reflexes were too good, she avoided his strongest attacks, while weak ones couldn’t get through her armor. Jack knew everyone in Alistair’s team had an armor from 4th tier creatures.

Jack found a chance and coordinated his strike with the life kinetic spell, swinging his spear with a huge force. Adina’s leg snapped with a cracking sound. “Sorry.” Jack immediately disengaged, running after Bob. “Damn you!” Opal cast a fireball his way, but it exploded on his swiftly recreated fire ward, he felt only warm breeze from behind.

Unfortunately, soldiers caught up. A few of them stayed with Opal and Adina, but the rest continued the pursuit. A dozen of spears flew his way, blocking his potential directions for a dodge, while a huge fireball and a huge stone were to hit him. Jack wasn’t durable to withstand those spells, so he just dodged and took on spears, which weren’t able to pierce his armor, though their momentum interrupted his movement. Darkness of the night helped him, as not everyone could maintain a spell for detection.

One of the remaining 3rd tiers rushed forward with a gust of wind, trying to pin down Jack, who grabbed his lightning wand and cast Charge Condensation spell, creating a few orbs with lightning sealed inside. Jack sent two charge seals his way. The lightning struck the man and brightened up the night. The man lost his footing, rolling helplessly in the high grass.

Someone approached from a side. Jack sent another seal. A girl got hit and fell to the ground. ‘Shit. She has only 2nd tier class.’ Jack knew he can’t kill anyone. Desertion is a one thing. Reaching 4th tier should make a pardon a possibility, but killing… ‘Depending on circumstances, imperial court may not even pardon me after I reach 5th tier.’

Ding… You have killed lv. 14 Monster Killer

Jack sighed. ‘Should I even worry about it? Imperial court is no more. He knew someone else would probably take the mantle, but maybe the new government won’t have an absolute power…’ He couldn’t be a fugitive all his life.

“She is dead!” Someone shouted from behind ‘It’s too late to regret!’ He cast a spell and sent his drill spell at fire mage, which forced him to evade. The projectile hit a 2nd tier behind, breaking someone’s shoulder bones.

The 3rd tiers behind responded with more lethal attacks. ‘Should I fight?’ Jack knew he didn’t have big chances to win over so many enemies. He had better equipment, normal attacks couldn’t pierce his armor, but his face wasn’t protected. He had better spells, but his clarity was limited. In the end, someone would kill him. Jack expected he could take maybe half of them, but… ‘I can’t stay here. There is a possibility that their reinforcements are on the way here.’

High level people weren’t invincible against quantity. Jack thought about his spells. He could kill a few with earth magic, but that wasn’t what he wanted. Illusions? 3rd tiers had detection spells, along with a few 2nd tiers.

Something bright appeared in the distance, catching everyone’s attention in the darkness of the night. Fire. ‘What is that idiot doing?!’ Jack ran towards the fire.

Soldiers continued to harass him, and while he was getting hit, his vitality lowered at very slow pace thanks to his armor and spells distracting his pursuers. Soldiers also had to conserve their resources, but thanks to numerical superiority, they could as a whole constantly harass Jack.

When Jack reached the fire, a path without it opened for him. Bob stood at the end of it. Jack ran to him. Fire was around him, and while the path was clear from the fire, the temperature didn't lower much. His face's skin ached from the heat.

Soldiers tried to follow. Bob stopped to suppress fire, but the soldier's fire mage was still there. Their earth mage tried to extinguish the fire with soil. They also had a water mage, but without a pool of water nearby, water magic was ironically nearly useless in that situation.

"What made you think burning fields is a good idea?!" Jack shouted.

"Come on! I'm saving you!"

"Damn it!" This was their another sin. It wasn't as bad as killing, but… "What if the fire will spread uncontrollably? We can't stick around to make sure!"

"Hey! I'm trying to help! Besides, I have it under control."

Jack cursed. Bob wasn't a better fire mage than his current enemy, their only option was actually create uncontrollable fire.

Thanks to the cooperation between the earth mage and the fire mage, they were quickly extinguishing the burning wheat. Unfortunately, fire spread easily to the sides, as a hot summer weather had made wheat dry. Bob was also trying to keep the fire around.

'Whatever. I just need to try everything.' Jack sighed.

"Imperial capital has been taken over! Nobody protecting your family now!" Jack shouted. Someone shouted back it was impossible. They didn't believe.

"Why do you think you have to do your job? Wolves and infected are ravaging countryside! You should desert too, if you have a family out there!"

Some stopped to think, but not 3rd tiers. 'Fine.' Jack cast his drill spell.

"Bob, make its temperature similar to fire's temperature." Bob used his spells, and heated the soil up. Jack could use an illusion to hide his attack visually, but they would find it with their detection spells. Now, it was very hard to spot the projectile amidst raging fire.

Jack cast. The drill hit the oblivious fire mage in the shoulder, nearly severing it. The mage dropped to his knees with a shriek of pain.

"I'm going to save my family, even if I have to kill you all!" Jack shouted. It was half a lie, but he hoped it was just enough, and they would give up. Jack and Bob ran away, while Bob sent back a few fireballs to ignite more wheat. Jack had to stop him. They have already caused to much damage.

Ding... Your Spell Slinging skill has reached lv. 39

Ding… Your Battle Precognition skill has reached lv. 9

Jack was regenerating his skin. He was relatively fine, though his armor had taken some hits. Nothing serious.

He knew nothing was eternal, he would have to replace his armor at some point. For now, the armor was still in a generally good shape.

Behind them, there was an aurora in the sky from fire ravaging the fields. Jack doubted headquarters would manage to put the flames down before the dawn, maybe it would take even longer.

They deserted. They couldn't join the military anymore, but Jack didn’t want to, anyway. Jack planned to take his family deeper into the interior, or just generally somewhere safe. He still didn't know where it was. Now, he just had to find them.