章節 170: Student Volunteers

Charlotte, Kirch, and the other students sit silently in the great hall after their lessons were cancelled. They'd just heard the news that an army was on its way to capture the academy, and students, specifically those with high-status families in other countries, were quickly beginning to panic.

"You don't think that they'll want me too, Tabitha? My family isn't that important, and I'm not important to that family... I am one of the only Germanian students here though..." Kirche mutters, worried. Germania didn't lack good magical schools, and its size almost made it mandatory to have many littered around the country so that those in isolated regions could still get an education. Compared to Gallia who sent a good portion of its students to Tristain, Germania wasn't likely to care about Kirche's safety, especially since she'd offended many people by running away from her fiance.

Charlotte frowns and looks her up and down, "Run?" she asks, knowing that if she held no value as a hostage then 'something' might happen to her while the soldiers were here. Soldiers weren't usually the most disciplined sort, even more so ones led by a rebel King.

Kirche anxiously chews her lip, "Do you think I should?... You would let me borrow Sylph, right?" she says semi-jokingly.

Charlotte nods, thinking if she should indeed just flee the place with Kirche and meet back up with Michael. She decides to put her thoughts on pause as Headmaster Osmond makes an appearance before everyone.

"Students! No doubt you have heard the grave news. The enemy will be on our doorstep in hours, I would recommend for those of you thinking of running to forget those ideas. The enemy is not stupid, and will have sent parties specifically looking for 'stray students'. But, not all is lost, we the faculty intend to try and fight them off, but we would also ask that any volunteers who wish to protect themselves raise your hands... You will not be placed in danger, but you will be placed nearby the Academy gate in case it is breached. Any brave souls?" he asks, and a quarter of the students put their hands up, most were men getting pressured into it by their girlfriends or their braggart buddies, but it was still appreciated no matter the reasons for their participation.

Charlotte had also put her hand up, Kirche also doing so since she prided herself on her magical abilities, and was one of the people most at risk in this kind of situation.

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Osmond walks up onto the top of the wall overlooking the camp of King Gramonts army, leaning on his staff as he scans for any targets of interest. Luckily, there were only a couple dragon knights present, so most of the enemies he'd be facing would be regular soldiers.

He perks up when he spots a small group walking towards the gate however, Osmond easily recognises King Gramont amongst the entourage, judging by his gaudy armour and unwieldy crown.

"Headmaster Osmond! We demand that you open the gates and allow your rightful ruler in, or you, and everyone under your protection will face the consequences!" one of the men accompanying the King shouts with the assistance of a spell.

Osmond just gives a quiet chuckle, using his own spell to transmit his voice, "I believe my rightful ruler is still the Tristain family. If I am not mistaken, your name is Gramont, not Tristain... Unless you would have me believe you changed your name as well, during your dishonourable coupe?" he asks the group with a great deal of mirth present in his tone.

Karston shakes his head, "Tradition is all well and good, but times are changing, and we must change with them. Do you really wish to see this Academy brought to ruins under your leadership? old Osmond?"

"It is not the Academy which will be harmed the most from your efforts, Ex-General Gramont. I truly pity the young men you've forced into your army, I only hope they will receive a proper burial when they die for nought against the defences of the Academy."

"ARE YOU SO ARROGANT, OLD MAN? DO YOU NOT SEE HOW OUTNUMBERED YOU ARE!" one of Karston's men angrily shouts, gesticulating vigorously at the army behind them.

Osmond picks his ear and flicks the debris away disinterestedly as he turns back towards the group, "Huh? All I see is targets to practise my spells... Perhaps this should be implemented into the student's syllabus? This would require you all to come around once a year though."

Karston shakes his head at his fuming men, "Leave it. The old man has already made his decision, I doubt there is anything we can do to change it. This will have to be won with less polite means... Men! Prepare the assault!" he commands as he begins walking back to his military camp, Osmond watching as they leave.

"Are you sure it was wise to antagonise them?" Colbert asks as he walks up beside Osmond.

The old man just chuckles though, "It would be wise to surrender and hand over the students, but what is wise is not always what is right... Has everything been prepared?"

Colbert nods, "The Academy-wide shield is ready to be cast, the students are ready in the courtyard, and the noncombatants have been hidden away in the Great Hall."

"Good. But what about you? I remember you saying that you were done fighting."

Colbert shakes his head, "Fighting for the sake of fighting... But to protect the students? I think I can live with that." he admits, a flame serpent appearing atop his palm. "

Osmond nods, turning towards the army, "Well then, let's hope that our preparations will be enough.