Chapter 69: A Scientific Approach to Magic

Zenon’s order to retreat caused further confusion among the coalition forces.
However, this withdrawal was far from a simple rout. Each unit followed Zenon’s precise instructions transmitted via magic communication devices, pulling back in a calculated, almost tidal motion.
It was a massive lure, designed to draw the enemy into a specific location.

“Hmph… they’re retreating. Fools.”

The black-robed mage, leader of the Black Thirteen Saints, sneered coldly.

They believed without question that the enemy fled out of fear before their overwhelming power, disrupting their formation.
Unaware that they were stepping into a massive trap, they pursued leisurely, taking no precautions.

Every single movement of theirs was perfectly tracked by Zenon’s temporary command post, set atop a hill far behind the battlefield.
Footage from the reconnaissance balloon. Real-time reports from each unit.
All the information converged in Zenon’s mind, where he analyzed it with ruthless precision.

“…Aldous.”

Zenon spoke to the elderly mage at his side.

“How’s the analysis of their magic coming along?”

“Yes, sir!”

Aldous handed over a piece of parchment with a tense expression.

He and his apprentices had observed every spell used by the Black Thirteen Saints on the screen during the brief engagement and analyzed their nature and weaknesses.

“…Their magic is certainly powerful. But nearly all of it relies on direct elemental attacks—fire, ice, lightning. Their defensive magic primarily consists of impact barriers that repel physical attacks.”

“I see… a group specialized purely in destructive power. Lacking flexibility and adaptability, then.”

Zenon nodded quietly.

“What’s their greatest weakness?”

“…Probably mana interference,” 

Aldous replied.

“High-ranking mages like them constantly control the mana around them, creating an environment optimal for spellcasting. If that mana flow can be forcibly disrupted from the outside, their spells’ accuracy and power should decrease drastically.”

“…Good.”

A cold smile touched Zenon’s lips.

He knew the enemy’s identity and had identified their weakness.
All that remained was to prepare the optimal ‘solution’ to exploit it—a task perfectly suited to his skills as a consultant.

He called Rio over.

“Rio. Are we ready?”

“Yes, Zenon-sama. All devices are ready to operate at your command.”

Behind Rio stood a dozen or so strange devices secretly transported from Arkwright.
They resembled eerie towers, constructed of metal columns interwoven with complex circuits of magic stones.

“…What… are those?”

Aldous asked suspiciously.

“‘Anti-Magic Field Generators.’”

Zenon replied casually.

“They emit mana waves in reverse phase, forcibly neutralizing or saturating the mana within a designated area, preventing any spells from being cast.”

Reverse phase. Saturation.
Aldous and the others could only gape at Zenon’s explanation of this previously unknown magic theory.
It was entirely different from the mystical magic they knew—far too scientific, too mechanical.

“…Can that really work…?”

“Theoretically, yes.”

Zenon added quietly.

“This is the first time it’s being used in combat. Expect some minor bugs.”

His offhand remark made Aldous and the others realize they were about to become test subjects in a historic experiment, and their faces twisted in unease.

Meanwhile, the coalition’s retreat halted at a certain point.
It was a basin-like depression in the Silva Plains.
The coalition repositioned atop the surrounding hills, forming a new line.

“Hmph… so they’ve finally settled. Fools.”

The leader of the pursuing Black Thirteen Saints sneered.

Occupying the basin was as if the coalition were asking to be attacked from above—a perfect trap.
Like rats in a cage.

Just as they stepped into the basin, ready to deliver the finishing blow…

“…Activate it.”

Zenon’s cold command echoed from the hilltop.

In the next instant, the Anti-Magic Field Generators surrounding the basin all powered on.
With a low, ominous hum, the magic stones glowed eerily.
Invisible waves of mana enveloped the entire basin.

“…What!?”

The leader of the Black Thirteen Saints sensed the change.

The dense mana flow that should have surrounded him felt utterly gone, as if dissipated into nothing.
It was like being thrown into a vacuum without air.

“…Fireball!”

He hastily attempted the most basic attack spell.

But only a tiny flicker appeared in his palm—weak and insufficient—before vanishing.

“Impossible! I can’t cast magic!”

“Me neither! I can’t gather mana!”

The other members panicked in the same way.
Their greatest weapon—their magic—had been completely nullified.

The soldiers of the coalition watched in tense silence from the hills.

Then, Zenon’s final order rang out.

“…Target, fully neutralized.”

His voice was ruthlessly calm.

“Arkwright army, musketeers… commence sweep.”

From the hilltop, countless muskets aimed simultaneously at the black-robed group in the basin.
Mages without magic were now nothing but targets.

In that moment, science and rationality completely surpassed mysticism and miracles.
Zenon’s cold, calculated trap was now about to engulf the Empire’s strongest trump card.