Flames of Ashes

Chapter 8. Tunnels.

"The maze crafted in the heart is one not even Cadvere dares find a way out"~ Lunara.

***

"This is the Battle Strategy class for first years." Marshal Dune Evergreen's icy blue eyes scanned the class, her face stoic. My gaze flickered to a small, intricate silver design glinting on her chest—the Sigil of Bonding, marked by a Griffin's head.

"I am Marshal Dune Evergreen. Let's begin."

"Marshal? Aren't Marshals responsible for battle planning and tactics?" Raph whispered to me.

"They are," I replied.

"So a Marshal is allowed to teach?"

"Why not? It's not like there's going to be a war anytime soon." Raph fell silent.

Marshal Dune pulled a string, revealing a Warchart.

"Who can tell me what Warchart this is?"

I studied it intently. Elpeca had two major wars: The Immortal War and The Unity War. This chart lacked godlike figures, so it couldn't be the Immortal War. The Unity War involved mystical beings, magic, and Arcanas. I sifted through my memories and realized what it was.

"I think it's a sub-battle plan. The major wars had more forces, but this chart is scanty," a girl answered.

"Correct. But which sub-battle plan?"

"Judging by the mountainous terrain, it resembles Quinoha. I'm guessing it's the battle plan led by Vice-Marshal Winoff to subdue rebel forces during the Unity War," Raph said.

"But it took Winoff years to subdue them. The war depleted King Maverick's forces," someone pointed out.

"Now you're thinking like knights. Why did they win? What weakened Quinoha's strategy?"

"They used a Feint operation. Maybe there was an infiltrator?"

"I don't think so. According to 'History of Subs' by Lord Vischet Crane, Maverick sent teleporters and shape-shifters to weaken them from inside," I recited.

"Correct. You may have the finest weapons, but if they're not the right ones for your enemies, you're fighting a losing battle." I nodded. It echoed what the Healers taught us: the right antidote for the right poison.

The class continued normally until Marshal Dune asked, "What weapon made now could have won against Quinoha?"

"Bows and arrows?" someone suggested.

"You're not expecting me to answer, Recruit?" she raised a brow, her voice stern. The boy blushed.

Then, magic users didn't know their full capabilities. It had to be a weapon that could incorporate new magical abilities while staying true to its form.

"A warrior golem."

Marshal Dune paused, rocking on her feet. "Why?"

"Because—"

"I'm certain she's not the only recruit here. Or were your brains sold for your muscles?"

In Wyn class, they would glare at me, but surprisingly, some people laughed while others were nonchalant.

"Golems can be equipped with various magical enhancements, like Elemental Powers: fire, ice, lightning, or earth-based attacks through Arcanas," Celia said.

"Is that all?"

The class went silent until Benjen spoke, "Self-repair. Some golems can regenerate or repair themselves during or after battles. Which is a plus for long-duration battles like Quinoha's."