Chapter 128: Delayed Spellcasting

The military camp was situated on a natural pasture of lush greenery, a wise choice by the Alfheim colonial authorities to establish a stud farm and cavalry training ground here.

The camp was essentially a ranch-style manor. Through the barbed-wire-wrapped wooden fence, Joann could see rows of stables and barracks. Further out stood a three-story brick-and-stone castle complete with arrow slits and watchtowers, perched atop an artificially raised hill. Its architectural style, reminiscent of the late 1970s, left a deep impression on visitors from rural towns.

The architecture reminded Joann of the exaggerated descriptions found in knightly romances and heroic epics. While romantic, it felt somewhat outdated in an era where magi-industrial civilization was flourishing and chivalric traditions were increasingly in decline. However, he noted that the gazes of Dick and Roger toward the castle and the tournament grounds were particularly intense; it seemed the brothers deeply yearned for the lifestyle depicted in those knightly tales.

More than three hundred young cavalrymen trained in the camp, living in row-house-style dormitories. The castle served as the living quarters and office space for high-ranking officers. In reality, the only individuals in the entire camp who met the "high-ranking officer" standard were George Vasa and a major named Nathaniel Greene, who served as Vasa’s deputy and quartermaster.

The officer ranking just below the two majors was Captain Daniel Fairfax. As the young scion of the prestigious Fairfax family from Leyton Harbor, and having formed a close bond with Vasa and Greene during his time at Leyton Academy, Daniel had cheekily moved into the castle despite his slightly insufficient rank and seniority—or, as Major Greene put it, "Daniel's greatest talent is his utter lack of shame."

The castle had many vacant rooms reserved for visiting superior officers or distinguished guests. Joann and his companions did not qualify as VIPs, but the hospitable Captain Daniel thought nothing of it, taking it upon himself to arrange for them to stay in the third-floor guest rooms. Major Vasa watched Daniel’s enthusiastic arrangements with a smile and a shake of his head, opting not to stop him from looking after the "younger brothers" from Dering Town. In his eyes, the nineteen-year-old Daniel was also just a big kid, closer in age to Joann and the others than to himself or Major Greene, who were in their mid-twenties; perhaps they shared more common ground.

Joann first enjoyed a refreshing hot bath in the guest room, washing away the dust and exhaustion of his journey. Afterward, he went down to the second-floor dining hall and, accompanied by his host, enjoyed a delicious, succulent meal of roast veal tenderloin.

Before dining, George Vasa introduced his deputy and friend, Major Nathaniel Greene. Mr. Greene was of medium height and lean build, wearing a monocle. He possessed such a scholarly air that even his military uniform could not conceal it; if he were to take off his uniform, most would likely mistake him for an academic rather than a knight.

The two majors observed strict chivalric etiquette and remained silent while eating, but young Master Daniel cared little for such formalities, chatting away with the boys over mugs of ale. Joann was not a talkative person himself, yet he had to admit that thanks to Captain Daniel, the "life of the party," the atmosphere in the dining room felt far less stifling.

Servants cleared the plates and brought out coffee and dessert. The caramel pudding was excellent; it seemed the camp had a fine cook.

George Vasa sipped his coffee while silently reading Jason Tyndale’s letter. He read it twice before handing it to Major Greene. After reading the plea for help, Major Greene did not voice a single opinion, but his furrowed brow left Joann feeling vaguely uneasy.

"It is getting late. We shall discuss other matters tomorrow; everyone should return to rest."

Major Vasa rose from the table, followed closely by Major Greene, evidently intending to discuss the feasibility of rescuing Dering Town in private.

Seeing the anxiety on Joann’s face, Daniel smiled and gently ruffled his hair. "Don't worry. Tomorrow morning, we’ll head to Dering Town and give those unruly lizardmen a kick in the backside!"

"What if Mr. Vasa and Mr. Greene do not approve of sending troops?" Roger asked, filled with concern.

"They won't be that heartless."

"Captain, I mean, what if?"

"Very well, boys, I give you my word," Captain Daniel said, his smile fading into a solemn expression. "If Vasa and Greene refuse to deploy, I will recruit volunteers from the camp. Even if no one else responds, even if I have to go alone, I will head to Dering Town and fight those scoundrels to the death!"

Joann did not approve of Captain Daniel’s reckless impulsiveness, yet he had to admit that the captain's impassioned promise moved him deeply, making his blood boil with resolve.

"Alright, boys, it’s time for bed. You need your rest to be ready for battle!" Captain Daniel waved his arms with a smile, ushering the teenagers upstairs to their rooms.

There was a grandfather clock in Joann’s room, its hands pointing to nine o'clock. The young mage was fascinated by the precision device encased in mahogany. Resisting the urge to dismantle it to study its internal workings, he returned to the desk. Before sleep could overtake him, he spread out his spellbook, placed the broken summoning wand under the candle, and used the fourth rune, Ansuz, to reveal its mysteries, racing against time to transcribe the metamagic technique "Extend Spell."

After over an hour, Joann finished the transcription, put away his books and stationery, and went to bed. Almost as soon as he closed his eyes, the fatigue accumulated over many days swept over him like a tidal wave. The soft mattress and thick blankets embraced him, bringing him a profound sense of peace. He yawned contentedly and was soon fast asleep.

...

Joann slept until dawn, his physical and mental state fully restored. He prepared his spells according to his old routine and, after washing up, headed to the second-floor dining hall.

At 6:30 AM, George Vasa, Nathaniel Greene, and Daniel Fairfax arrived at the dining room on time to join their visitors from Dering Town for breakfast.

Joann noticed bloodshot eyes on both majors, and they appeared weary. It was clear that neither had slept well, likely feeling anxious about whether or not to rescue Dering Town.

The conversation at the table confirmed Joann’s suspicions. Captain Daniel, true to his promise from the previous day, strongly advocated for immediate military intervention. Major Greene, however, was more cautious. Although he did not outright oppose the rescue mission, the two concerns he raised were critical.

Major Greene’s primary worry was that mobilizing troops without authorization from superiors could be seen as a breach of military discipline. Such unilateral action was a major taboo in the army. Even if the situation were truly an emergency with no time to seek permission, and even if a victory were ultimately achieved, it would inevitably invite the resentment of superior officers. At best, it would lead to suppression and the end of any hope for promotion; at worst, it could lead to prosecution under military law.