Nyxar: "Tsk tsk, that was quite an explosion."
He looked on with delight at the spectacle unfolding in the sky, his expression resembling that of someone admiring a magnificent fireworks display.
Meanwhile, Zolie, who was also present, felt less excitement about the scene above.
Instead, she was more astonished and intrigued by what had just taken place inside the very room they were in.
On the floor of the chamber, a massive magic circle had been drawn, with Zerathis standing at its center.
Nyxar and Erya also had their designated positions within the circle, not far from Zerathis.
Zolie: "This technique is truly remarkable, Lord Zerathis."
Her words of praise were sincere.
The offensive magic just unleashed was highly complex, combining multiple elements in perfect harmony. Not only did it harness the Mage Tower to amplify both the power and scale of the attack, but it also drew upon the combined strength of Zerathis, Nyxar, and Erya.
Nyxar's contribution infused the magic with flames akin to those he often wielded, greatly enhancing its destructive force and danger. At the same time, the magic carried a hidden quality, making it difficult for opponents to detect its preparation before it was fired.
Erya's addition ensured that each projectile carried an energy-draining effect. Any foe attempting to defend against the attack would be shocked to find their spiritual energy thrown into chaos the moment they tried to block it.
Of course, the most impressive of them all was Zerathis. He was the core, the keystone that allowed such a fusion of powers from multiple sources to operate so smoothly and flawlessly. It was doubtful that anyone else could replicate something so intricate.
Upon hearing Zolie's compliment, Zerathis showed no reaction, nor any particular expression.
Zerathis's face remained stern as always, and with calm authority he gave his orders:
"Erya, you stay here and guard the tower. Nyxar, act on your own—be cautious, I sense the enemy has no shortage of strong fighters. Zolie, go rally the forces as we discussed earlier."
Erya: "Understood."
Nyxar: "Time to hunt."
Zolie: "As you command."
Each of the three responded in their own way.
At that moment, a sudden voice rang out from outside:
"A group of cultists has slain Alistair Cedric. They are the same ones who sealed the city's gates, preventing anyone from entering or leaving, even though the Goblin King has already been killed. The mage tower has fallen under enemy control. Captain Marcus, Guildmaster John of the Adventurers' Guild, and Bishop Peter of the Church are now attempting to assault the tower and reclaim the city. All who can fight must hurry to aid them before Aldor is destroyed."
"A group of cultists has slain …"
The announcement echoed and repeated, not just in one place but simultaneously across several points in the city.
Though its reach did not cover the entire city as Rose's broadcast once had, it still informed the majority of Aldor's citizens.
And because the message was so grave, it spread faster than wildfire in the peak of summer.
Zerathis: "The enemy truly has some troublesome figures. We must act quickly, before they gather more people and organize a counterattack."
With that, they all swiftly moved according to the plan.
* * * * * * * * * *
In a certain tavern, two men were sitting down for a meal.
One had messy, unkempt brown hair, while the other's red hair was neatly trimmed and well-kept.
Judging from their attire and the weapons they carried, it wasn't hard to guess that both were adventurers.
The echoing announcement about the city being seized by cultists suddenly rang out, cutting short their peaceful meal.
"You heard that, right?"
The red-haired man, looking slightly stunned, spoke to confirm he hadn't misheard.
"I'm not deaf."
The other replied, his face scrunched in irritation. Clearly, he was deeply troubled by what he had just heard.
The panic and agitation spreading among the other customers and staff in the tavern proved that the two men hadn't imagined it.
The massive explosion in the sky not long ago only reinforced the credibility of the sudden announcement for everyone who heard it.
If everything in that message was true, then the entire city was like a ticking bomb, ready to explode at any moment.
After all, everyone knew that cultists were capable of committing any atrocity without hesitation or moral restraint. Worse still, they often possessed the power and tools to turn their vile, twisted intentions into reality.
In truth, even the one who had broadcast the announcement didn't know for certain whether the invaders controlling the city were truly cultists or something else. But since the rest of the information was accurate, that was more than enough.
Labeling the enemy as "cultists" was all the more effective in warning and rousing the people. After all, the opposition could hardly step forward to introduce themselves or explain that they were not cultists, not when every other detail mentioned in the announcement was undeniably true.
"So what should we do? Should we head toward the mage tower to check the situation?"
The red-haired adventurer asked anxiously.
The other hesitated only for a brief moment before nodding firmly:
"Let's go. If it's true, we can't just sit here. At the very least, we should see what's happening. If we can't help, then we can still try to find a way to escape this dangerous city."
"Alright."
Having reached an agreement, the two quickly stood up and rushed outside, heading toward the city center.
As they moved, they could see the unease and panic etched on the faces of every passerby.
The streets were filled with hurried movement. Some people were gathering their belongings and seeking shelter. Others were trying to flee from the central districts, where conflict was sure to erupt soon. And still others, like the two adventurers themselves, were running toward the center to learn more about the situation firsthand…