Chaos

Within half an hour, the beasts have reached the Healing springs. The first of the monsters were weak gremlins that were quickly decimated as soon as they entered the clearing that separated the forest and Healing springs. But more and more monsters the types and forms of which they have never seen before poured into the open space. Ellie and the the other three adventurers in the front line pulled back to the highest and outer most Earth wall. From there, they were able to hold the fort with more ease.

Long range Fire and Wind attacks kept the beasts at bay. The four grants in the front line decimated the majority of the beasts coming into the clearing. Some of the healing grants were focused on using Buffing and Recovery magic on their fellow combatants. This strategy seems to be holding the beast from moving closer. This worked for a time until a path cleared out from the beast's side of the battle. A gargoyle atop a golem can be seen walking to the front lines. Behind them, was a white monster with 8 legs. They were followed by others but Ellie's attention remained with the spider-like figure. Ellie caught the red-haired monster's eyes.

"You!!!" hissed the Arachne. She still remembered how the girl in front of her was part of the party that foiled her beast stampede in Kauven. She has flashbacks of the generals and monsters that had died because of a paltry group of young adventurers who happened to be at the wrong time and place. After much investigation from her Shadow minion, the adventurers were identified. She even planned the bomb that supposedly killed the young heroes. Her blood pressure rose. "Kill them all! But leave the girl to me!"

The monsters all charged without concern for their own lives. Many died but their overwhelming force broke through the walls. The grants were rapidly overrun. Two of the adventurers with Ellie were overcome by the horde and were pelted with swords and axes. Ellie has used up the last of the mana to repel a particularly large goblin that slammed one grant into the wall. The fortifications they have created have completely been breached. With the last of her consciousness, she hoped against all hope that they have bought the city enough time to prepare.

The fastest of the Healing mages reached the city after almost an hour of running. The guards at the entrance delayed her a little but they let her in as soon as they heard what she had to say. The Royal guards were quickly alerted and the forcefield around the Royal castle was erected immediately.

Dragnar and the other S rank adventurers and magicians were quickly called. However, since everyone at the academy were busy preparing for the awarding ceremony, it took a while to rally all the magi. Meanwhile, the Capital's warning system went off and people were in disarray trying to get to safety. Due to the sheer size of the Capital, it would take more time to raise the shield surrounding the city. By then, most of the Arachne's generals have taken advantage of the chaos and had infiltrated the city.

As soon the citywide alarm activated, Rhald ran out of the castle to find out what was going on. According to one of the butler's, the Capital was under attack. He gritted his teeth and ran as fast as he could to help his friends but it was too late. The castle barrier was erected even before the alarm went off. Though he may be the strongest student in the academy, his power is nothing compared to the barrier that is designed to withstand a multitude of SS rank attacks. He was stuck in the wrong side of the barrier. Once gain he felt the overwhelming sense of helplessness that seem to grip him these days.

The moment the alarm was raised, Terrick started calling Ellie but to no avail. Bryce and Althea ran outside to find out what was going on. There they saw a pink mist covering the school. Before the academy was fully enveloped, the two ran inside the gates of the academy. Vane and Lest tried to follow but once completed the magical mist rebuffed those who tried to enter. Terrick who was right behind saw them bounce back from the wall of mist as well. From a far, explosions can be heard in the nearby Market District. The twins looked at each other and then to Terrick.

"It's okay. Go help. I will try to find a way to break through the mist." Terrick resolutely stated.

"We will be back as soon as we can, buddy!" Vane trailed off as he shadowed behind Lest.

Terrick used his Blue Fire to blast though the mist. Against his spell, the mist felt almost solid. He could feel chunks of the wall giving way to his Blue Fire that is able to burn almost anything. However, the mist was thick and it would take a while to break through its defenses.