The Chronicles of a Scalebound Sage: Wandmaker Vol.2

WM [57] Cracks In The Mask

Signe could not afford any distractions as she channeled her mana, directing it into the intricate network of clockwork devices that surrounded her. Each device whirred to life, delicately etching lines of magical code into the stone, forming complex geometric shapes and fractals that interwove across the walls, ceiling, and floor of the cafeteria.

This was not just an enchantment, but the creation of a ritual on a grand scale. With her eyes closed, Signe visualized each piece of the ritual, commanding the devices as they carefully inscribed the necessary symbols. This enchantment wouldn't merely patch things up—it would collapse any tunnel not originally part of the fort, mercilessly crushing whatever had dared to carve its way through the mountain. She would ensure the fortress remained impenetrable, as it had been in the days of old.

The scale of the task would normally require an army of enchanters and an unfathomable reserve of mana. However, Signe was no ordinary enchanter; she was the Royal Hand of the First Princess. She intended to demonstrate exactly what that meant. Her mana flowed unceasingly, boundless and potent, as she pushed the ritual enchantment forward.

Unfortunately, the druids had other plans for them. Even with the heads of the lieutenant and the scout Lillevenn killed, some other druid patrol had found them. She was not in a position to stop and would have to rely on Fuyumi and Birger to defend her. It didn't take long for the stomping of footsteps through the druid tunnels to grow louder.

"Do not worry, Hand Jet, we will take care of this next group." Fuyumi said in an eerie whisper. "Birger, do you mind if I take charge?"

"I will assist where I can," Birger said as he picked up a shield from one of the downed druids Signe had killed earlier. "No one is going to disturb the Hand."

Signe could sense the druidic energy closing in like a foul stench permeating the air. She had anticipated the possibility of interference, but this was not a fight she could afford to join. All she could do was hope that Fuyumi and Birger could hold them off. If she hurried the process it could be just as catastrophic as if she is interrupted. The amount of magic she had focused into this ritual enchantment would be enough to collapse the mountain on its own.

Lilleven returned through Signe's shadow, the familiar sensed her worries through their bond. He didn't have to be told what was happening. He could feel everything through their connection. He joined Birger at the defense and resolved not to let anything happen to Signe.

As soon as the first druid stepped into the cafeteria Fuyumi was already a blur of motion as she engaged. As she approached the druid forces her form blurred and limbs passed seamlessly through obstacles like the ghost aspect of her kin's namesake; the ghostborn. Druids were quick to blurt out their spells, and unleashed a barrage of elemental magic. Flames crackled to life in the hands of one druid, while another called forth a torrent of water that snaked through the air toward them. A third druid whipped up a gust of wind, intending to throw Fuyumi off balance.

Signe could only glance as Fuyumi leapt for a split second, her form blurring as she summoned an array of weapons from thin air. These soldiers weren't mages, it was clear by the lack of precision of their spells. Signe recognized the spell Fuyumi was using, Walking Armory, and it was breathtaking. It wasn't a magic many people used because it required so much skill and precision. Fuyumi's hands flashed with frigid energy that sapped the heat from the air as she conjured a naginata first, the long polearm spinning in her hands with graceful precision.

In a fluid motion, Fuyumi phased through the oncoming water blast, her form shimmering as if she were a ghost. The naginata vanished from her hands, replaced by a pair of tonfa, which she used to block a spray of fire. The flames rolled harmlessly over the energy-infused weapons, and in a Blink she was in striking distance and she delivered a crushing blow to the fire-wielding druid. The impact sent him sprawling, and the tonfa dissolved, only to be replaced by a yari—a long spear which she immediately hurled at the wind-user.