Chapter 236: Reaching the ridge (1/2)

”Boss, it's the ridge!” a report came in, in the form of a runner catching up with Layn's detachment.

After burning the carriage down and sending the signal to everyone with the smoke, Layn's entire army dispersed into eighty different groups, each five people strong.

Layn ran with Irea, Markus, Yelna, and Al, turning their group into the central cell of the formation. Yet, instead of sticking to the middle, they were located in the fourth row from the front, close enough to get reports relatively quickly, yet far enough not to be embroiled if the fighting were to erupt.

”Any sightings of the Slavians?” Layn asked, shouting over the distance that the runner maintained. Given how he would be soon tasked with returning to his cell ahead, he didn't waste his energy reaching anywhere closer than necessary for his voice to reach the commanding cell.

”The front cell has yet to cross the ridge, I don't know, boss!” the man replied before raising his hand to his head in a salute and veering off to the side.

”So the shit is about to go down,” Markus muttered, stretching the fingers of both of his hands.

Despite his bear-like psychique, his way of handling his unusual weapons made it necessary for him to keep his hands as agile as possible.

Given how they were now reaching the central point of their plans, they had no other choice but to take a position there.

Whether the enemy managed to reach the place before them or not, they would have to find it on their own.

”Okay, guys, time for slacking is over,” Layn shouted, making sure that everyone in his group would hear him.

”Irea, are you ready?” Layn asked, turning his head towards the girl.

Ever since the archmage's plan took its final form, Layn didn't use even the tiniest bit of his mana. He surely had the greatest quantity of it in the entire group... but that was also the very reason why he couldn't spare even a bit of it.

Ultimately, they didn't know what to expect from the cultivators or how Generian called them celestials.

While Slavians were a known enemy, one whose power and capabilities Layn could predict to a degree, the top ranks of the cultivators were a big unknown for him.

”On your mark,” Irea replied with a faint smile.

Ever since they returned from the mission where she nearly lost her life, Layn started to rely on her a lot more. And from the sparks of satisfaction in her eyes, she clearly enjoyed the change.

”Okay, boys, let's do it! Irea, now!” Layn shouted, leaning forward as he increased the pace of his speed.

Up until now, everyone managed the pace that wouldn't burden the weakest members of their entire formation.

Irea raised her hand, forming a simple fireball above her palm. After a second of channeling her mana and constructing different layers of the spell, she released the control over the raging ball of mana.

The fireball ascended to the skies.

BOOM!

It exploded in a myriad of colors, quickly painting the entire sky in green.

This was the only reason why Irea spent so much time constructing the framework of the spell. Making the explosion look green instead of red.

It was the signal Layn was waiting for. With the skies lit up in the second beacon, he pushed his body to his limits, rushing ahead.

Even though he couldn't see it, most of his people stopped for a moment. They looked up to the skies. Their eyes started to burn with excitement.