The Alpha's Regret Return Of The Betrayed Luna (Addison) novel Chapter 479

Chapter 479: Chapter 479 Kill The Locust Swarm

She understood how demanding the task was, but she also knew it wasn’t impossible.

With the proper amplifiers, artifacts that enhanced mana flow, sensitivity, or control, the barrier could be sustained even at a distance. It would push the mages to their limits, but this was precisely why she had entrusted the task to Archmage Elric and his disciples.

Archmage Elric, usually amiable and easygoing, was now as serious as Addison had ever seen him. When he adopted that expression, he exuded an authority she had never witnessed before. Still, she wasn’t afraid. She knew he was carefully calculating the risks involved and weighing the feasibility of her request.

The fact that he didn’t reject it outright was already telling. Even Archmage Elric understood that what she was proposing was possible, doable, even, but not without cost. There would be consequences: backlash, strain, or some other form of pain from pushing themselves beyond their limits.

That was why Addison had offered compensation if private treasures or specialized mediums had to be used to complete the mission. It was not merely an incentive, but a means of easing the mages’ concerns, after all, such artifacts were neither easy to acquire nor simple to create.

"We understand, Princess. Please leave it to us," Archmage Elric said solemnly. "We will do our utmost to complete this mission. However, we ask that you remind us when to stop channeling mana into the barrier. Once we begin, all of our focus will be devoted to sustaining the flow, continuous spellcasting that demands intense concentration."

As he spoke, Archmage Elric cast his disciples a cursory glance, silently ensuring that no one wavered. He needed every ounce of their support, for as the lead mage, the greatest burden would fall upon him.

"Thank you, Archmage Elric. I really appreciate it..." Addison smiled gently, her eyes drooping slightly as if she were about to drift off. But a quiet tension was building beneath her calm exterior, and no one noticed the small detail. Around her, everyone exchanged subtle smiles, aware that the path ahead would not be easy.

"All right! We have only five minutes to prepare. The hot air balloons will be soaring soon..." Addison reminded them, trying to infuse cheer into her voice. The effort, however, lacked its usual energy and vitality. Still, no one noticed her fatigue; they were already watching the balloons.

Most of the balloons were filled with hot air now, as they slowly lifted into the sky. This was the moment the mages had been waiting for: the chance to begin their preparations before Addison gave the signal for the warriors to take their formation and sprint out of the area.

"All right. The remaining guards running with us will stay close behind Levi. I need you to maintain communication with the guards in the sky, relay my orders to them, or carry theirs back to us when necessary. Behind you will be the line of warriors pulling the ropes connected to the hot air balloons."

"The next line in the formation will be the warriors carrying the mages, and the final line will consist of warriors not carrying anything. Your primary task there is to keep smaller animals or any other obstacles out of the way. If someone stumbles or falls, it could create a domino effect for those behind you."

She paused, scanning the group. "We’ll be running in a tight formation. Everyone must keep up, no slowing down, no matter what you see or hear. Stay focused."

At her words, the warriors atop the hot air balloons and all the people around her all turned to look at her. Their expressions were serious, each face reflecting a glint of obedience and unwavering resolve.

"Understood!" everyone responded, and even those in their wolf forms gave a firm nod of agreement. Addison smiled slightly in satisfaction at the display of discipline, then turned her attention to the mages, waiting for them to be ready. Above, the hot air balloons continued their steady ascent, rising higher and higher into the sky.

Addison and the others waited with bated breath as the hot air balloon neared its calculated height. When it finally rose a few hundred meters into the sky, Addison gave the command.

"Now, run!"

Levi burst forward at once, followed by the guards and the wolves pulling the ropes. There was still plenty of slack left, the remaining length of rope coiled below the balloon as the group began to move.

From above, the guards stationed in the hot air balloon watched Addison’s team sprint away. Only then did true nervousness set in. The mission had begun, and from this point on, every action had to follow the princess’s instructions precisely. One mistake, one missed cue, could cause everything to collapse. All of Addison’s calculations and preparations could be rendered meaningless, and at worst, they might lose their lives.

Their hearts pounded as they gripped the basket tightly, the rush of blood in their ears drowning out even the howl of the wind whipping past them.

Although the guards aboard the hot air balloon were beginning to feel the fear of the height, it was quickly overshadowed by the greater fear of their task and the heavy responsibility it carried.

’We need to stay sharp,’ one of the guards transmitted through the mind link, addressing the others. ’We must confirm that the princess and the team reach the exact distance before preparing the biochemical agent. Once that’s done, we wait for the barrier to open precisely at the designated drop points.’

’Right. Stay focused,’ the captain responded through the mind link. ’We can’t all watch the same thing. Each balloon has multiple people, so we’ll split the duties.’

’One of you will track the princess and measure the distance. Another will watch below for the designated drop points to open. The rest will prepare the biochemical agents. Once the signal is given, the last person will release the first three agents, while the other two assist with the remaining drops.’

’We have only a brief window. This division ensures we don’t waste a single second.’

’Understood, Captain,’ the others replied through the mind link. They quickly assigned themselves to their respective roles, moving with practiced efficiency.

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