NOVEL WEB Chapter 195: The Mighty Stiff Face
Spooky howls sounded in the distance as lunar rays and massive bonfires illuminated the surroundings of the Parralen Valley battle camp.
Inside a huge tent with a spacious table in the middle, three individuals stood face to face.
This time, even Ennya had a serious look, her heart still heavy at the loss of two subordinates, despite having already cried her guilt away on the way back.
"First of all, I would like to congratulate you two on a job well done." Zephyron began.
"I must say that I was initially skeptical of the empire's strangely high assessment of your skills, but after what happened today, I can only admit that they were right. You two are indeed mighty and talented in combat. However, your inexperience and soft hearts are your biggest weaknesses. The more competent individuals in the fell race's ranks can slaughter you ten times over in just a moment of hesitation. Remember this well."
Hal and Ennya didn't expect that the discussion would start with praise and a lesson instead of a report.
Nonetheless, they didn't doubt his words and took note of them.
"Sir Zephyron, I'm deeply grateful that you managed to save us in time, but if I may ask, how did you find out about the ongoing skirmish? I was informed by my subordinate that the signals were jammed and we couldn't contact the camp." Hal asked somewhat probingly.
He had a feeling that Zephyron had already long detected the commotion; it was just that he didn't show up immediately to assess his and Ennya's competence in battle.
Hal guessed that he arrived a few moments after he and his squad did.
Otherwise, it would be impossible to pull off such a perfect save.
He also doubted that he could've done that from the battle camp.
After all, the location of the skirmish was around fifty minutes away, and he refused to believe that someone could be that strong, though he would be glad to be proven wrong and widen his horizons.
If Magnas were truly that god-like…
Hal could only shiver inwardly, and the thought further fueled his yearning to know the answer to the doubt in his heart: how could he step into the next level as a combat wizard?
Specifically, how he would be able to follow an Overdriven Fellkin with his human eyes and reflexes.
He would be able to contend with them as long as he learned the answer to this question.
Meanwhile, Zephyron couldn't reply instantly.
'Did this brat detect me?' he wondered in disbelief. 'No…it shouldn't be possible…he's also not experienced enough to even doubt that I allowed two of Ennya Kasai's subordinates to die…''
While Hal Fennec's vast arsenal of spells and his level of mastery with each of them were rather inhuman, they were still not at a level where the young man could detect him, even if Hal had one such spell.
'Perhaps he's merely trying to get a sense of my level as a wizard?'
This was the answer that made the most sense to the Wind Magna.
Ennya, being the curious midget that she was, also wanted to know the answer:
"S-Sir Sti– err…Sir Zephyron, please enlighten us!" she bowed, now a little more serious about her competence as a combat wizard.
After all, if she had been strong enough, she could've prevented Paris and Germs' deaths.
While her intellect was miles away in the other direction from even thinking about the possibility of Zephyron's secret sins, she was eager to know how a Magna can be so god-like.
The midget, unlike Hal, was fully convinced that Stiff Face was a mighty and demi-omnipotent individual.
Otherwise, how could he have slaughtered three Fellkin Warriors in an instant from the battle camp like a war deity?!
The way he talked to them through the passing breeze also impressed her to the point of fandom.
And so, Zephyron had somewhat become half Ennya's idol, though a part of this was because he was the only Magna she had witnessed in action.
The Wind Magna cleared his throat.
"I detected the mana disturbance of Ennya Kasai's Flaming Outburst, which was why I was able to respond on time." Alwaysreadatthesource—MV@LEMP@YR.
Hal and Ennya trembled at the explanation.
While Hal was skeptical, all he needed was for the Magna to tell him how great he was, and he would instantly believe.
He was only a nineteen-year-old young man, after all, and despite his intelligence, he could only be so clever.
If Zephyron said so, then it must be true.
What reason would there be for the stern and renowned Magna to lie?
Naturally, the stiff-faced man was pleased that he was able to convince both youngsters with his answer, quickly proceeding to the next topic.
The two Magna Prospects from Poporo gulped and nodded, listening to Zephyron's subsequent words:
"Moving on, I've called you here to discuss important matters about the state of the battlefield," the Wind Magna stated. "I'm certain that the Fellkin wouldn't allow you two to continue reducing the numbers of their creations after their plan to assassinate you failed.
Perhaps the only reason you've been allowed to in the past few weeks was because they were trying to exchange the lives of the Fell Beasts for one or both of yours.
They would most certainly aim to migrate past the valley soon in an attempt to reunite with their forces in the east.
We also couldn't make contact with the eastern battle camp earlier, so they might already be under attack.
But fret not, my comrade will hold the line.
As for us, our job is to not allow them to migrate past the valley, or it would be far more difficult to contain the growth of their numbers.
If we fail, the east and the southeast would become yet another battlefield.
The empire would struggle to divide its manpower then, possibly causing vulnerabilities on the battlefield in the northern seas.
That said, I shall remind you both that if you die, things would be grimmer than the situation I just explained. You two are among the empire's greatest hopes. You cannot afford to be extinguished…"
Hal and Ennya's expression turned a notch more serious at what they heard.
Only now did they realize how high the empire's expectations were of them.
While it was flattering to be recognized and depended on, the pressure was also quite unsettling.
It was as if they couldn't afford to mess up, or the Imperium was doomed.
And they almost did an hour earlier…
"You two shall stay in the camp for the next three days. My advisers and I shall observe the fell race's maneuvers and decide what to do by then."
Zephyron paused for a moment, waiting for the two youngsters' nod before turning to Ennya and continuing:
"The four Fire Platoon deserters have confessed, and they will be tried in the capital. All seven replacements for your platoon would arrive in two days, so whatever would be decided by the battle council three days later shouldn't affect the Fire Platoon."