The Age of Chaos
The planet is engulfed in war—a war involving mages, demons, and humans. Humans, barely able to survive among the mages, unite with them to stand against the Demons and the Undead.
In this world, humans are too weak compared to mages and Heroes to influence the outcome of the war. Other races wage war against them to seize their lands.
And I, a great mage, fight in this war.
"Akusa!" shouted one of my subordinates.
He was an ordinary, well-trained human, clad in silver armor enchanted by my protective magic.
"You've received a letter from enemy territory!"
"..."
We stood near the camp, where numerous tents were pitched. Small mountains rose on either side, and blooming fields stretched out ahead.
Taking the letter, I saw the emblem of a lion—a symbol of strength and pride for all the races fighting against us. Opening the letter, I said:
"They demand we surrender our capital."
"Akusa, what should we do?"
"Where is Tasume now?"
"Tasume-sama is on the right flank, liberating a settlement."
"I see. Tasume-sama is my best friend, known among our circle as Tasu."
I felt a powerful surge of magic behind me.
An arrow flew toward me at great speed. Turning around, I caught it with my hand. It grazed me slightly.
"Akusa, are you alright?"
"Yes," I replied, looking at my hand with a small wound and holding the arrow.
"The arrow is glowing!" exclaimed my subordinate.
"I think it's enchanted with some spell, but I don't sense its effects yet."
"My lord, your wound..."
My hand bled slightly.
"It's fine," I said, healing the wound. "See? Nothing to worry about."
"What shall we do next?"
"Akusa, don't you want to find who fired the arrow?"
"It's not important for now."
We entered the tent, where a large table stood in the center with a map spread out on it.
"When will reinforcements arrive?"
"In about three days."
"That's bad. I don't think Tasu will hold out that long. Besides, judging by the arrow coming from the rear, they're trying to flank us. I also can't participate directly in the battle—I'm occupied with healing and repelling major attacks."
"One more thing: in the central direction, I noticed many undead," added the subordinate.
"Things couldn't be worse. I feel my strength leaving me. My mana is decreasing as if someone is draining it."
"How many people and mages are in the reinforcements?"
"About ten thousand humans and over three hundred mages."
"Understood. They must be near the crossing now, correct?"
"Yes, the last report came a few hours ago, and they were approaching the crossing."
"Got it."
In mere moments, I teleported to the crossing where the reinforcements were. Approaching their commander, I said:
"Akusa!" Everyone bowed their heads.
"No need for such formalities. We're at war, and here, everyone is equal. I want to discuss your next mission."
"I'm listening carefully," the commander replied.
"I want to divide your forces, but first, I'll teleport you closer to the battlefield."
"Divide and teleport us?"
"I will split you into three groups with equal numbers of people and mages."
"You plan to surround the enemy?"
"Exactly."
"And how will you teleport us?"
"I will cast a teleportation spell that will immediately send you to your positions. At the same time, I'll divide your forces."
"Understood."
"Inform the troops."
The commander quickly relayed the order. He was a good and wise man, an experienced warrior. It was a shame that so many like him were dying in this war.
"Everything is ready!"
"Then I'll prepare the spell. Be ready."
"We're ready!" the soldiers shouted.
A massive green magic circle appeared over the troops, and the next moment, they were all transported.
I returned to my camp, where I saw the undead army marching across the green field in the distance. Soon, this beauty would be no more.
"Akusa, you're back?" my subordinate asked.
"Yes."
"What did you do?"
"I sped up the reinforcements' arrival."
My assistant looked puzzled.
"Alright, what's the situation on all fronts? Our camp was attacked, wasn't it?"
"Yes, but your barrier saved us. On the right flank, Tasume successfully cleared the settlement, and on the left, we're also repelling attacks."
"Tasu never ceases to amaze..." I said.
"What?"
"Nothing. Forget it."
"So, our main problem now is the army of the undead."
"Yes. I estimate there are over five thousand of them."
"I'll have to intervene personally."
"My lord, what are you planning?"
"I'll destroy that zombie army."
Analyzing the arrow, I realized it was enchanted. Most likely, the spell was designed to drain mana and transfer it to the arrow's owner. If that's the case, his body might not withstand my mana unless he knows how to control its volume. After destroying the undead army, my mana will be greatly diminished, but there's no other choice.