Chapter 345 : The Dim Sun Approaches
Chapter 345: The Dim Sun Approaches
At the same time, the residents of the northern district of Turin City, under the guidance of the Rook, were also undergoing a large-scale evacuation.
Unlike the southern district residents who were heading toward White Coral Academy, the northern district’s relocation was handled by Blackbone Grove Academy.
After last night, Grace Eva informed the wizards of Blackbone Grove and Mist Tower of the findings from her investigation with Janna Roland. Following a three-way discussion, they jointly decided to divide all residents of Turin City into two groups, north and south, with White Coral and Blackbone Grove sharing responsibility for their safety.
The reason Mist Tower did not take on the task of accommodating residents was that its terrain and environment were wholly unsuitable for ordinary humans.
Located in the northwest of Misty Forest, Mist Tower was surrounded on three sides by swamps. On top of that, poisonous miasma, venomous insects, and toxic plants—things considered perfectly ordinary for the poison-specializing Mist Tower—were everywhere.
Because of this, if the residents of Turin City were sent to Mist Tower for refuge, chances were they would die from poisonous creatures before even arriving—
"Creak—creak—"
The sound of snapping branches echoed repeatedly among the dense flow of people. As time passed, the first group of southern district residents of Turin City had already reached the entrance of White Coral Academy.
"Crack——"
Those who arrived first were mostly women, the elderly, and children from the southern district.
Upon their successful arrival, the Humanoid Willow guarding beside White Coral Academy swiftly controlled vines to spread apart, opening up an entrance nearly ten meters wide to allow ordinary people into the academy.
"Caw—All of you, follow me to the rear mountain of the academy."
As the largest of the three wizard academies in Turin’s wizard community, White Coral Academy’s rear mountain and sports grounds alone could accommodate tens of thousands.
If space proved insufficient, the magical beast breeding base on the first basement level of the Magic Tower could serve as a temporary refuge.
This was why the densely populated southern district had been assigned to White Coral Academy for coordinated management.
"Caw——caw——"
Within White Coral Academy, the cawing of rooks echoed endlessly. Soon, the first wave of southern district residents headed for the academy had been fully settled.
"Crack—"
As the Vine Corridor opened again, the able-bodied youths of the southern district advanced smoothly toward White Coral Academy under the Rook’s guidance.
"After the second wave, the relocation of the southern district residents will be nearly complete."
In Misty Forest, Janna Roland—one of the Wizard Apprentices guarding the residents from magical beasts during the evacuation—was hidden atop a tree, overlooking the dense stream of people moving like a long dragon.
"Cough, cough, cough—"
Among the evacuees, many still suffered from the plague and had yet to recover, so violent coughing would occasionally echo through the forest.
"Crack——"
Just as Janna was carefully observing the group, without warning, a Shadow Rift tore open beside the White Coral Academy’s column. The next moment, an overwhelming swarm of Vampire Bats surged toward the crowd like black clouds.
"Enemy attack!"
The instant she saw the Shadow Creatures emerge, Janna—being the closest to the rift—reacted first. Almost instantly, she summoned her Flame Guardian, which transformed into an orange-yellow net of fire, blocking the swarm.
"Bang, bang, bang, bang—"
At the same time, Andre Green and Hugh Stone, who had been lying in wait beside her, acted together.
Amid a flash of blazing firelight, more than a dozen fireballs trailed long fiery tails, and under Andre Green’s precise control, they struck down Vampire Bats that were about to bite into the crowd.
"Careful, more Vampire Bats are coming from there!"
Hugh Stone, who had been maintaining a golden shield to protect everyone, was the first to spot another swarm surging from the direction of Turin City, which they had left not long ago.
"Stop them!"
Seeing the approaching swarm, the Wizard Apprentices stationed nearby all appeared, quickly casting their witchcraft.
Meanwhile, the residents under their protection, driven by waves of terrified screams, hurried into the Vine Corridor.
"Whizz—Bang——"
While the apprentices were locked in a relentless struggle against the endless Vampire Bats, a blue-white firework suddenly bloomed above the academy.
"It’s the retreat signal!"
Upon seeing the signal, the apprentices of White Coral Academy disengaged without hesitation and retreated in perfect formation back into the Vine Corridor, closing the academy entrance.
"The escort mission is finally over."
Looking at the weary apprentices around him, Hugh Stone lowered his shield and sighed toward Janna.
"Mm, I hope Professor Grace’s operation goes smoothly——"
Last night, after urgently finalizing the contingency plan with other academies’ official wizards, Grace Eva had the Wizard Apprentices of the three academies receive immediate emergency guard assignments.
Since Mist Tower had no need to shelter residents, apart from a few First Tier Apprentices with lower capability, almost all Second and Third Tier Apprentices had been mobilized, split into two groups to support White Coral and Blackbone Grove’s missions——
At that moment, within Turin City.
Just as Grace Eva had predicted the night before, not long after Ilena’s disappearance, the Darksun Church’s arrangements within Turin City had been activated ahead of schedule. Countless Vampire Bats had already completely surrounded the city.
Green leaves withered, vitality drained away.
Even the tree trunks, eroded by plague and contamination, had turned a lifeless gray-black, like the vegetation outside the Magic Tower’s barrier—utterly devoid of life.
"Damn it, where the hell did all these bats come from!"
Inside the city, some Transcendents who had not gone to take shelter in the wizard academies were gathered in a tavern, hacking down the Vampire Bats trying to enter through the doorway with enchanted weapons.
"Those bastards at the Mercenary Guild, issuing a mission this deadly—they’re basically sending people to their deaths!"
After forcing the door shut, Harry, captain of the Blackthorn Mercenary Squad, leaned on his sword, panting heavily and cursing bitterly.
"Shh! Do you have a death wish? The wizards are still outside!"
Hearing Harry speak so recklessly, Freis, a half-elf, quickly stepped forward to silence him.
"Am I wrong? I’m just telling the truth——
"Look—"
Before Harry could finish, an exclamation cut him off.
"The sky——is dark!"