Chapter 65: Nothing to worry about

  “Found you.”

  The voice pressed against the carriage like weight given sound.

  The barrier shattered.

  Runes along the exterior flared white-hot before rupturing outward in a cascade of dissolving sigils. The reinforced wall buckled inward as something immense struck the carriage, wood splintering and enchanted metal folding under impossible force. A shockwave rolled through the cabin, throwing Lance from his bunk and sending loose gear crashing across the floor.

  Cold air rushed in through the torn side of the carriage.

  Then the creature forced its way inside.

  It did not enter cleanly. Reality seemed to resist it. Portions of its body lagged behind others, stretching and snapping into place as if dragged through space incorrectly. Blackened limbs scraped against the frame, each movement accompanied by a wet grinding noise. Eyes opened across its surface, blinking independently, searching.

  Aoife froze, darkness spilling instinctively from her skin.

  Slade stepped forward without hesitation, shield raised. “Behind me!”

  Lance’s mana surged in response to fear. Frost crawled across his shoulders while lightning snapped along his arms, both energies colliding until the ring steadied them into fragile harmony.

  The creature lunged, sadly for the creature it clearly wasnt aware of the two Tier sevens in the area.

  The ground outside erupted.

  A thunderous crack split the night as colossal roots burst upward beneath the carriage, tearing through soil and stone in a violent bloom of emerald light. A massive wooden arm, thicker than a watchtower, slammed through the breach and seized the monster mid-motion.

  The Treant did not hesitate.

  Mana ignited across ancient bark, glowing with layered enchantments far beyond anything Lance had ever sensed. Nature mana surged outward in a controlled detonation.

  The creature never finished its attack.

  It was crushed.

  Not merely struck, but utterly overwhelmed. The Treant’s grip tightened and a pulse of green radiance exploded outward, shredding the intruder into fragments of shadow that disintegrated before they touched the floor. The shockwave blew dust and splinters across the cabin, yet stopped precisely short of harming the children.

  Pure destruction from a creature lance has only ever heard of in stories from his old world.

  The massive guardian withdrew slightly, its enormous form visible through the torn wall. Roots glided across the earth rather than lifting, carrying its towering body smoothly as it repositioned beside the carriage like a living fortress.

  Outside, battle already raged.

  But it was not chaos.

  It was orchestration.

  Golden sigils spun through the air above the convoy in perfect geometric arrays, each one activating in sequence. Barriers layered over one another, sealing gaps the moment attacks struck them. Incoming spells shattered harmlessly against shimmering constructs that reformed instantly.

  Perrin stood atop the carriage hood.

  His coat whipped in the wind, Pipe still slowly leaking smoke. He one hand raised as multiple spell circles rotated around him in overlapping rings. Every motion of his fingers redirected the battlefield. Each finger acting as a different conductor in his orchestra of spells.

  A wave of attackers surged forward only to collide with invisible force and be hurled backward as if struck by a giant’s hand.

  “Left flank contained,” his amplified voice carried calmly through the night. “Ellowen, your turn.”

  A streak of silver-blue descended from above.

  Ellowen rode a great mana-forged bird that folded its radiant wings as it dove, releasing a burst of compressed wind that flattened approaching enemies. He leapt from its back before it fully landed, boots striking the ground in a controlled slide.

  Unlike the panic Lance expected, Ellowen moved with practiced precision.

  Reaching his hand out, an ancient staff materialized in his hand and slammed it on the ground.

  Roots erupted in a precise arc, not wild destruction but targeted restraint, binding several shadowed figures instantly. The Treant responded as if sharing his thoughts, gliding forward and sweeping one massive arm through the restrained attackers, scattering them like dust.

  “Containment stable,” Ellowen called back, voice steady despite the scale of magic surrounding him.

  Perrin nodded once, already weaving another sequence of sigils. “Good. They committed too few forces. Likely probing. Not to mention the strongest was a Tier Five.”

  Another creature emerged from the darkness, larger than the first, its roar shaking the trees.

  Perrin flicked two fingers downward.

  A column of golden light speared from the sky and erased it mid-step.

  The children stared.

  This was not desperation. This was mastery and domination. They knew these weren't any ordinary people, but this was unfathomable. The control of Mana, their skill mastery and combat experience. All of it was just incredible.

  The presence of two Tier Seven mages pressed against the world itself, heavy and undeniable. Mana bent around them, obeying instinctively. The battlefield shrank in importance beneath their command, every movement measured, every response deliberate.

  The Treant repositioned beside the carriage, forming a living wall as smaller threats broke against it uselessly.

  Only then did Ellowen turn toward the shattered cabin.

  He stepped inside quickly, brushing ash from his sleeve as if returning from routine work rather than a battlefield.

  “You are all unharmed?” he asked.

  His voice was calm. Focused.

  Lance blinked. “We… yes.”

  “Good.”

  Another explosion sounded outside, followed by Perrin’s voice, perfectly composed. “Ellowen, three incoming from the ridge.”

  “Handled,” Ellowen replied casually.

  He reached into his coat and withdrew three silver lockets, each holding a floating crystal needle surrounded by delicate runework.

  He handed one to each of them.

  “This is precaution,” he said. “Not retreat.”

  Aoife frowned. “It does not feel like a precaution.”

  Ellowen allowed himself a small smile. “That is because you are seeing only a fragment of a much larger situation.”

  The locket in Lance’s palm warmed immediately. The needle spun once, then aligned toward the distant dark.

  “It is keyed to our mana network,” Ellowen continued. “If separation occurs, this will guide you along a secured path toward the Academy. Think of it as an evacuation compass.”

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  Slade frowned. “But you have this under control.”

  Outside, Perrin unleashed another cascading array of sigils that expanded into a dome of light, forcing remaining attackers backward. His collection of trinkets starting to spill out from his pockets as more and more were being used to help fuel his shields and barriers.

  Ellowen nodded. “We do. But preparation is the difference between professionals and fools.”

  A distant tremor rolled across the battlefield as the Treant slammed both arms into the ground, sending a controlled shockwave outward that disarmed and scattered the remaining enemies.

  The fighting was already ending.

  “They underestimated the escort,” Ellowen said simply. “That mistake will not be repeated, so we prepare accordingly.”

  The magical bird landed briefly outside the breach, feathers of light shedding sparks that faded before touching the ground.

  Ellowen turned toward the door again, urgency returning though not fear.

  “You three will remain inside until Perrin gives the all-clear. If anything separates you from us, follow the compass immediately. No hesitation.”

  Lance nodded slowly.

  “What were those things?” Aoife asked.

  Ellowen paused.

  “Hunters,” he said. “Poorly informed ones.”

  Outside, Perrin lowered his hand. The remaining hostile mana signatures flickered and vanished one by one as retreat began.

  Silence crept back across the battlefield, broken only by settling debris and the low hum of active wards.

  Ellowen glanced back at them once more, expression softer now.

  “You did well staying inside.”

  Then he stepped out again, mounting the radiant bird in one smooth motion as it lifted skyward to survey the perimeter.

  The Treant remained beside the carriage, glowing faintly, an unmoving guardian of living wood.

  Inside, the children stood surrounded by shattered boards and fading light, hearts still racing.

  But the fear had changed.

  Outside was not chaos.

  Outside was control held by overwhelming experience.

  And for the first time since the attack began, Lance realized something important.

  They had not survived because the enemy failed.

  They had survived because Perrin and Ellowen had never truly been in danger at all.

  _________________________________

  Smoke drifted low across the torn roadway, illuminated by fading spelllight and the steady glow of restoration runes embedded into the convoy’s defenses. The shattered remains of the ambush stretched across a wide clearing where forest had once stood undisturbed. Trees lay uprooted in controlled arcs rather than chaotic ruin, evidence of power applied with precision rather than desperation.

  The Treant stood at the edge of the road like an ancient sentinel. Its enormous frame dimmed gradually as glowing runes faded along its bark. Roots slid gently through the soil, repairing fractures in the earth rather than deepening them. Where explosions had gouged trenches moments earlier, fresh grass already pushed upward under lingering nature mana.

  Escort guards moved carefully through the aftermath.

  Armor clinked softly as teams spread outward in disciplined patterns, checking the perimeter, clearing debris, and confirming what everyone already suspected.

  No enemies remained alive.

  Escort Harrow knelt beside a patch of scorched ground where one of the attackers had fallen. He prodded the ash with the tip of his spear, frowning beneath his helmet.

  “Nothing again,” he muttered.

  Another guard approached carrying a lantern crystal. “Same result over here. Bodies disintegrated completely once neutralized.”

  Harrow exhaled slowly. “Not natural. Even summoned constructs leave residue.”

  “Think they were bound entities?”

  “Maybe. Maybe something worse.”

  He stood and scanned the tree line. The forest felt normal again, insects cautiously returning, night sounds creeping back into existence as if the world itself had decided the danger had passed.

  Behind him, Perrin stepped down from the carriage hood, brushing faint dust from his sleeves. The glowing sigils surrounding him faded one by one until only the faintest shimmer remained in the air.

  “Well?” Perrin asked calmly.

  Harrow straightened immediately. “Perimeter secure. No survivors. No identifiable remains.”

  Perrin nodded once, unsurprised. “As expected.”

  Ellowen approached from the opposite side of the clearing, dismissing the radiant bird with a gentle gesture. The construct dissolved into drifting motes of light that scattered into the sky.

  His exhaustion showed now that the fighting had ended, though his posture remained composed.

  “They withdrew faster than anticipated,” Ellowen said. “Coordinated retreat.”

  “Testing us,” Perrin replied. “Or confirming presence.”

  Harrow glanced between them. “You believe they knew who was inside the carriage?”

  Perrin met his gaze evenly. “I believe they suspected. Tonight confirmed it.”

  The captain grimaced. “Orders?”

  “We proceed,” Perrin said. “Immediately once repairs conclude.”

  Around them, artificers and guards worked in practiced rhythm. Damaged panels sealed under flowing enchantments. Replacement runes etched themselves across fractured surfaces as mana infused the materials. Even the shattered section of carriage wall began knitting together, reinforced wood reshaping itself under guided magic.

  The convoy had endured far worse before.

  Ellowen looked toward the carriage briefly, sensing the three children inside. Their mana signatures were restless but stable.

  “They handled themselves well,” he said quietly.

  “They listened,” Perrin replied. “That alone places them ahead of most apprentices.”

  A guard approached carrying a communication crystal mounted within a metal frame. Its surface glowed pale blue.

  “Academy liaison ready, sir.”

  Perrin accepted it, activating the runes with a light touch. The crystal brightened, projecting a faint illusionary image above its surface. A robed woman appeared, her form composed of shimmering light shaped by distance magic.

  “Archmage Perrin,” she said. “We detected a significant mana disturbance along your route. Status report.”

  Her tone remained professional, though concern edged her voice.

  Perrin inclined his head politely. “Convoy intact. Minor structural damage. No casualties among escort or passengers.”

  The woman visibly relaxed. “That is good to hear. Cause?”

  Ellowen stepped closer, folding his arms. “Organized interception. Unknown faction. Approximately two dozen combatants supported by anomalous entities.”

  “Identified?”

  “No remains recovered,” Perrin answered. “Their constructs dissolved upon destruction. Intentional design.”

  The liaison frowned. “Mhmm, a few syndicates come to mind. Thanks for the information. Nobody has engaged these attackers, only you and Rynel have been affected, even though his package was dead upon arrival so he never actually engaged the attackers. ”

  A brief silence followed.

  “Will this delay your arrival?” she asked.

  Perrin exchanged a glance with Ellowen.

  “No,” he said. “We will arrive on schedule.”

  Ellowen added, “However, we bring news requiring formal report. Recommend restricted council briefing upon arrival.”

  The liaison’s expression sharpened immediately. “Understood. I will inform the Headmaster and secure chambers.”

  Her gaze softened slightly. “And the students?”

  “Unharmed,” Ellowen said. “Though understandably shaken.”

  “They will be received with discretion.”

  The projection flickered faintly as distance magic strained.

  “We will expect you at dawn,” she said. “Travel safely.”

  The image vanished, leaving only fading light within the crystal.

  Perrin handed it back to the guard. “Resume standard formation.”

  Orders spread quickly through the escort. Lanterns repositioned. Scouts moved ahead to reestablish advance watch. The Treant lowered itself slowly, roots sinking into the earth as its massive form dissolved into flowing green mana that seeped back into the soil.

  Within minutes, only signs of repair remained where a battle had occurred.

  The convoy began moving again.

  This time the pace remained swift but no longer frantic. The night stretched ahead calmly, stars visible through gaps in the trees as the carriage resumed its silent glide along the road.

  Inside, the children eventually slept.

  Outside, vigilance returned to routine discipline.

  Hours passed without incident.

  The forest gave way gradually to rolling hills, then open fields touched by early morning frost. Pale light crept along the horizon, turning the sky from deep indigo to soft gold. Birds began to call, unaware that violence had scarred the same land only hours earlier.

  Ellowen rode alongside the carriage now rather than above it, speaking quietly with Perrin as they observed the peaceful countryside.

  “They will try again,” Ellowen said.

  “Perhaps,” Perrin replied. “Though not soon. Tonight taught them caution.”

  Ellowen nodded. “Still unsettling. Someone invested significant resources simply to confirm our route.”

  Perrin’s expression remained thoughtful. “Which means someone believes the risk is worthwhile.”

  They rode in silence for a time.

  Ahead, the road curved upward along a ridge.

  As the convoy crested the hill, the Academy came into view.

  Even from miles away it dominated the landscape. Towers of pale stone rose from a vast complex surrounded by layered walls etched with glowing runes. Bridges connected spires that caught the morning sun, scattering light like crystal. Mana shimmered faintly above the grounds, forming a protective veil visible only when the angle of light struck it just right.

  Ellowen allowed himself a small breath of relief.

  “Home,” he said.

  Perrin nodded. “And answers.”

  Behind them, the escort maintained flawless formation. No signs of pursuit appeared on the horizon. The remainder of the journey passed peacefully, wheels humming softly over smooth stone roads maintained by centuries of enchantment.

  By the time the gates of the Academy opened to receive them, the violence of the night felt distant, almost unreal.

  Yet every guard remained alert.

  Every mage watched the tree line a moment longer than necessary.

  Because somewhere beyond sight, someone had searched for them.

  And next time, they might come prepared for the masters waiting to meet them.