The Golem Mage

806: Disagreement 1.

806: Disagreement 1.

Alec could clearly see the mages of the Gordons Clan in high spirits as they broke into song, among the low-rank mages, not a single one had fallen.

They had fought with precision, maintaining a calculated approach that ensured their survival, their spirit armours had also played a crucial role in keeping them from being infected, however, the mid-rank mages had not been as fortunate, three Tier 5 mages had succumbed to zombie infection, and two Tier 4 mages had lost their lives in the chaotic final moments of battle.

As Alec descended back to the ground, he couldn’t shake the heavy weight in his chest.

While the rest of the mages celebrated their victory, he found himself burdened by guilt, replaying the battle in his mind, what could he have done differently?

How could he have ensured that none of his clansmen fell?

He blamed himself for not being strong enough to end the mid-rank battle as decisively as he had done with the low-rank skirmish.

The city gates creaked open, and the people of the city stood at the gate’s line waiting to reunite with their warriors.

Wives searched desperately for their husbands, children called out for their fathers, and siblings frantically sought their elder brothers and sisters who had fought on their behalf, amid the chaos of relief and mourning, the Patriarch of the Gordons Clan levitated toward Alec, his gaze firm yet understanding.

Meanwhile, Alec’s golems worked tirelessly, gathering the Tier 7 zombies that had been slain.

“You don’t have to act so gloomy after such a great battle, Alec, this isn’t a playground, it’s war.

And war isn’t something we choose because we love it, we fight because we hope to protect those we love, to give them a chance to live longer, even if it means sacrificing ourselves.” The Patriarch said.

He then proceeds to place a hand on Alec’s shoulder.

“If you, their General, carry such sorrow after a resounding victory, how do you think the rest of the Gordons mages who fought under you will feel?

Don’t send those who have fallen to the afterlife with that expression, smile and let them know you will carry the burdens they left behind.”

George’s words hung in the air, urging Alec to see the battle not only for its losses but for what had been preserved, cause he had truly done the unthinkable in George’s eyes

A single tear slid down the left side of Alec’s face as he raised his head, though he didn’t have a sad expression anymore, and he had not spent much time with the mages who had fallen, but he was beginning to realize just how much he had grown attached to them, training them for just two weeks had been enough to make their loss weigh on him.

“Who said I’m crying, old man?

I’m a general.

I have to lead forward for the mages who survived and honour those who passed by taking care of the families they left behind,” Alec said, steeling his heart.

“That’s how you do it!” George Gordons chuckled, slowly stepping aside as Alec walked toward the three Tier 5 mages who had been infected.

Though it was just a small scratch on each of them, and they still had the strength to suppress the infection, but due to the nature of the zombie virus meant it would only grow stronger until they could no longer hold it back.

The three mages were celebrating with the rest of the Gordons mage squad, but beneath their joy, a dark shadow lurked in their eyes.

“Catch!” Alec called out as he approached.

The two mages turned just in time to see two pill bottles flying toward them, they swiftly caught them and, upon opening the bottles, found five Tier 6 healing pills inside.

Alec wasn’t holding back, he was going all out to help them, the very pills he had reserved for Tier 5 mages, Tier 6 mages, and the elders, he had now given to them as well, five each.

Based on what Alec had observed of the pill’s effects, he estimated that five should be enough to delay the virus’s progression for at least three to four days.

Realizing the value of what Alec had placed in their hands, the mages quickly cupped their hands in gratitude, silently, they thanked him in their hearts, these pills would give them precious time, enough to return home, see their loved ones, and say their goodbyes before the inevitable.

When the time came, they would be executed to prevent the virus from turning them inside the city, avoiding a chaotic outbreak that would force the city hall to intervene.

“What are you waiting for?

Swallow them fast and stop wasting precious time,” Alec ordered.

Without hesitation, they quickly took the pill, and the virus within them began to be restrained, however, unlike the usual reaction, their infection wasn’t as black as the virus seen in Tier 7 mages, a clear indication that Type 3 zombies carried a far more potent strain than their Type 2 counterparts.

Fortunately, they were mages, because if an ordinary human had been bitten, they would have turned instantly, as their bodies lacked the mana reserves needed to resist the infection.

Even for a Mid-Rank mage, being bitten by a Type 3 zombie meant inevitable transformation within minutes, as their limited mana pool simply wouldn’t be strong enough to suppress the virus.

From his position alongside the other city guardians, Steven observed the Gordons Mage from afar and shook his head.

“This boy and his team is still making such a massive impact on the battlefield, even after advancing to the mid-ranks, thanks to them the casualties have been kept below five hundred,” he murmured.

Though he spoke to himself, those nearby overheard his words as they weren’t saying a thing and just staring at the Gordons .

Among them were several Mid rank mages recently assigned to the Estonia city from the capital, and were unfamiliar with Alec’s reputation, so they had never expected that the presence of a single clan could shift the tide of battle so drastically.

Rumours of the Gordons’ formidable combat abilities had circulated before this battle, but like many others they also had dismissed them.

After all, they felt if the City Hall which is publicly recognized as the strongest force in Estonia City could barely make the remaining clans survive, how could a clan that hadn’t fought in months, with no recent experience against the zombies, possibly change the outcome?

Yet, as they watched the so-called “rusty” mages in action, they were in awe.

Each and every one of them now exuded an unmistakable aura of bloodlust after the killing they have all gone through like seasoned warriors, proving that the Gordons were far from the hype that was even put on them.

The most terrifying among them was Alec Gordons, their leader, who unknowingly still exuded his killing intent, while his clan members were unaffected due to him being quite fond of them, others who dared to stare felt as if a blade was pressing against their necks.

Those of low rank could hardly maintain eye contact for more than thirty seconds before looking away in unease.

Meanwhile, Alec’s golems continued gathering the zombie corpses into one place under his orders, soon, the rest of the Gordons clan mages joined in, drawing surprised and perplexed reactions from the other forces.

It was common practice for the city hall mages to handle the disposal of unprofitable bodies by burning them, yet here were the Gordons, actively collecting corpses that seemed to hold no value.

“Stop!” The City Lord’s thunderous voice rang out, directed at the Gordons mages assisting Alec.

“Here we go again,” the Grand Elder muttered, having just met up with the third and fourth elders to confirm they were unharmed.

He could already sense the invisible sparks about to fly, as the City Lord seems to be hell bent on making things hard on the Gordons, and in the presence of George.