Chapter 74: Embarking on the Journey

The old officer nodded slightly, "Sit down. If you waste time on the battlefield, I don't think that would be a good outcome for anyone." After signaling Shaoke to sit, he swept his gaze over the surrounding mages and officers.

"Today is your last day in the capital. Although you come from different places, I believe your final assignment location on your appointment letters is the same. Do you have any other questions? If not, go to the entrance now, pick up your luggage, and head to the front lines." The Senior Officer's booming voice echoed in the ears of every mage. Shaoke even noticed a mage nearby tense up as if about to stand up and say something, but when the old officer's gaze swept over again, that mage abandoned the intention.

After a short wait, a young mage stood up and said, "Sir, will our auxiliary medicinal materials arrive at the front lines with us in a timely manner? None of us wish to delay taking these medicines." He then sat down, awaiting the old officer's response.

"If you have similar questions, there's no need to ask them," the old officer said somewhat displeased, glaring at the mage. "All supplies have been prepared for you. Not only will they be supplied promptly, but they will also be provided in triple quantities. It's said those pills are free of side effects, so you can take them freely until you advance to the Third Rank."

As soon as the old officer finished speaking, a mage stood up, performed a formal salute, and said softly, "Sir, did I hear correctly? Why pills? They're too bitter. I want medicinal broth. Besides, taking too many can cause instability in the Meditation space." He quickly sat back down under the old officer's gaze.

"Too bitter? Do you think those army cooks at the front lines can brew precious medicinal herbs? And do you have time to slowly savor medicinal broth?" The old officer waved his hand impatiently. "I didn't summon you to ask about such trivialities. Fine! Remember this." The old officer suddenly stood up, waving a sheaf of papers.

"At the front lines, first firmly remember the experiences shared by the mages there, then follow their commands. After doing all this, I think I might have the chance to receive you here again." The old officer began handing the papers in his hand to the officers beside him, instructing them to pass them to the seated mages. "I hope you will seriously absorb the experiences of the mages already stationed there after you arrive. After all, the battlefield is different from training fights in the academy or battles against wild beasts."

Hearing the old officer's words, Shaoke glanced around at the other mages with some confusion. Were there really some who had just come from the academy? The documents quickly reached Shaoke's hands. They were densely written in the common magic script. Flipping through casually, he found they were entirely about issues to pay attention to at the front lines.

"Take a good look at these on the way. Perhaps they can be of some help to you." The old officer finally sat back in his original seat. "You are now officially Military Mages. I hope you will keep this firmly in mind."

After a little while longer, servants brought in wine one by one. Once all the mages held cups, the old officer signaled everyone to stand and said, "Young mages, I wish you good luck! Regardless of your reasons for going to the front lines, I hope to prepare Third Rank robes for you as soon as possible." After he finished, everyone raised their glasses and drank in one gulp.

A large number of servants carefully carried the mages' luggage toward the waiting carriages outside. Dozens of mages, led by the old officer, slowly made their way out.

Along the way, Gray-robed Mages leaning toward the Mage Corps, having heard the news, saw such a large group of Black-robed Mages gathered together and began discussing in low voices. Some even deliberately raised their voices, saying, "Look! Another batch of poor wretches going to their deaths. Hopefully, they can hold out a bit longer at the front lines this time."

The old officer paid no attention to the onlooking mages, only turning to glance at the uncomfortable mages, frowning, unsure how to lift their somewhat low spirits.

Shaoke followed nonchalantly at the very back of the procession. The officer who had opened the door earlier also walked at the end, side by side with Shaoke. Shaoke asked him quietly, "Sir, why is this departure so sudden? I still have many things to finish."

The officer signaled Shaoke to fall back slightly, glanced at the mages ahead, and said, "Mage Xueye, you are determined to go to the front lines, but the other mages aren't. Many of them were tricked into coming. If we stayed longer, there would probably be mages trying to escape immediately." He even chuckled, seeming quite impressed with the person who had tricked the mages.

Shaoke looked at the officer helplessly. "You actually used such methods? Did the old officer participate in this operation? Why have I never seen these mages here before?" He glanced at the increasing number of Gray-robed Mages coming to watch, feeling quite uncomfortable with their pointing. He adjusted his cloak and waited for the officer's response.

The officer smiled. "Mage Xueye, actually, there are nearly a hundred such places in the capital that receive mages. Now the military headquarters has issued a mandatory order: each branch receiving mages must provide at least one mage per year for the front lines, or all officers' positions will be revoked. So those branches that can't find mages willing to go have to trick uninformed mages." Noticing Shaoke's expression change, he quickly explained, "Don't worry, Mage Xueye. We didn't trick you. Well, at least we didn't put you alone in a small courtyard." He looked away somewhat sheepishly, observing the onlooking mages with interest.

Shaoke shook his head and let go of how these mages were tricked.

Dozens of large four-wheeled carriages were parked at the manor gate. The servants had already loaded the mages' luggage onto the carriages. Finally, under the old officer's direction, two mages were assigned to each carriage. Whether by deliberate arrangement or coincidence, when it was Shaoke's turn, he was the only one left without a partner, as all the other mages had been paired up.

"Mage Xueye, good luck!" The old officer looked at the only mage under his charge who didn't resist going to the front lines and could only offer his best wishes for now. "You can take your daily medicine freely, as long as you don't mind the bitterness and, of course, as long as your mental space can handle it. I've already exchanged one-third of your future allowance to purchase medicine for you. The rest will be issued to you on time." The old officer then signaled Shaoke to board the carriage immediately, as the cavalry escorting the mages had been waiting for a long time.

Shaoke didn't blame the old officer for purchasing medicine for him without permission. Instead, he studied the old officer carefully and said, "I met an Elder Mage at the Mist Academy who said he knows you." The old officer nodded, signaling Shaoke to continue. "I will absolutely not stop advancing after becoming a Third Tier Mage." Shaoke performed a Mage Etiquette to the officers remaining behind and told the gate officer, Ulfat, "Please keep an eye out for letters for me. You can reply on my behalf temporarily, saying I've left the capital and will contact them again once I reach my new location."

Dozens of carriages lined up, escorted by hundreds of cavalry, stretching into a long line as they headed toward the city gate.

Shaoke didn't know what the other mages were thinking now. He felt deeply disappointed at not having seen Female Mage Wodun one last time. Along the way, he pulled aside the carriage curtains to observe the pedestrians on the street, hoping to catch a glimpse of the female mage. Although he knew she couldn't leave her mother's tutelage to go out for leisure or to find him for the time being, he still hoped to spot her figure in the crowd.

Fortunately, the manor where this branch was located was relatively close to the city gate and not too bustling—at least, there were fewer carriages on the wide stone road compared to other areas.

After exiting the city gate, the cavalry escorting the mages began to return. They not only had to guard the military branch's manor but also maintain order in the surrounding streets, as they didn't believe patrols composed only of Second-order Warriors could ensure a peaceful life here.

After noticing the cavalry's departure, Shaoke soon saw a group of several hundred cavalry approaching. Due to the distance, Shaoke couldn't hear what the cavalry leader discussed with the mages at the front, but they quickly took over the escort duty for the mage convoy. Shortly after, a cavalryman rode up to Shaoke's carriage, requested permission from Shaoke, and then instructed the driver to increase the carriage's speed.

Under the drivers' control, the dozens of carriages soon formed rows of three, occupying nearly one-third of the road's width, and set the horses galloping on the relatively flat road.

Looking back through the rear window at the capital gradually fading into the distance, Shaoke gripped his staff tightly. He told himself he must return, no matter how dangerous the battlefield was. He had only just begun to touch the mysteries of magic and didn't want to be hindered by various reasons so soon.

Some cavalrymen cleared the way ahead. Although merchants were displeased, seeing the uniformed soldiers, they obediently and quickly made way for the large procession, allowing them to pass swiftly.

At noon, after having a simple lunch in the carriages, they quickly resumed their journey. Shaoke asked a cavalryman and learned that a larger group was waiting for them ahead and would escort them to the next stop.

Departure had become a fact. Although he hadn't seen the female mage, Shaoke temporarily set aside his disappointment and seized the time to study magical knowledge, hoping to deepen his understanding of Spells by the time he reached the front lines.

Immersed in magical knowledge, Shaoke only noticed the carriage gradually coming to a stop. Looking around, he saw the entire convoy had parked by the roadside. Tents stretched for miles along the side of the road. Led by the cavalry, the drivers slowly passed through the camp gate, and soon several officers came forward to greet them.