325: The Horde (Carta’s Perspective)

The wasteland was even wider than I’d imagined, and the air was absolutely choked with dust.

I could track everyone’s positions using mana, sure, but not being able to actually see anything? Yeah, that was a major oversight on my part.

"…Incredible. So that’s Weiss-kun and Teacher Milk… Just look at that mana clashing."

Just a few moments ago, I’d received an update through Cecil-san.

Teacher Chloe’s teleportation had whisked Lady Cynthia and the others away, leaving Weiss-kun all by himself to hold the line. I’d heard Malice-san was around just in case, but knowing Weiss-kun’s personality, there was no way he’d let anyone else step in—at least not at first.

I could fly over there in a heartbeat, I thought. But no, I shouldn't.

I knew I’d just be a hindrance—that much was obvious—but it was more than that. Weiss-kun and Teacher Milk shared something special.

I really don't want to get in their way.

Right then, I sensed a massive surge of mana approaching from the front. It was exactly what Cecil-san had predicted. Seriously, I couldn't believe they’d go this far.

[“They’ve come from the front. Olynn-san is already on standby.”]

[“Just as I thought. Thank you, Carta-san. If you’re up for it, please stay on the front lines and do your thing. I’ll have Belk-kun and Meryl-san join the fight on the ground as well.”]

I peered down to see Olynn-san at the very front, his hands glowing with Light. Tura-san and the rest of our classmates were positioned right behind him.

Before long, a heavy rumbling began to vibrate through the Earth.

Before this exam started, we’d all signed a written pledge. To put it simply: If you die, don’t come crying to us.

[“—The North Shrine will continue to be held by the Allen Team. Weiss-kun has the South. As for the East and West—this is where the real fight begins!”]

A roar from the ground surged up, loud enough to completely drown out Cecil-san’s voice.

It was a horde. A literal horde of monsters.

"…So that’s why they chose this spot," I muttered.

There are plenty of monsters in this world, living in Dungeons, forests, oceans, or mountains. But some species are hardwired to move in massive packs.

The thunderous footsteps didn't stop. Emerging from the dust was a literal wall of Minotaurs—gigantic, pack-oriented beasts lined up in a terrifying row. They were incredibly territorial, with attack and defense power that was off the charts. Their magic wasn't much to write home about, but their intelligence was way higher than your average monster.

The area around the Shrine had been enchanted with both Monster-repelling Magic and Monster-attracting Magic. They’d literally baited the trap.