The Frugal Mage

Chapter 191 191: Enemy Mage

A snowflake…

There was only one at first, but soon, more and more of them fell…

Rayven looked up and saw that the sky had turned pale gray.

Just like that, snow began to fall in slow… It was not heavy, but it would certainly force them to add another layer of clothes to their bodies.

Rayven also pulled his cloak tighter as he looked ahead.

"Is this going to be alright?" he muttered.

Thyruz glanced over. "What do you mean?"

Rayven didn't answer immediately. He watched the snow settle on the wagons, the tarps, the shoulders of the adventurers ahead. The temperature had dropped faster than expected. The wind had shifted. And the terrain ahead… was perfect for an ambush.

Miki frowned. "You think it's a spell?"

"Not likely," Thyruz replied. "If it were, I'd feel the mana signature. This is natural."

Rayven shook his head. "Natural doesn't mean harmless."

Nara was also curious about this and analyzed the situation… "Visibility's dropping. If something's waiting for us, this is the perfect cover."

Rayven's unease deepened. His instincts also told him that something was wrong. Then, after a few more minutes, the Coinbound System confirmed it finally…

The system interface that he could only see finally gave him something.

[ New Mission Generated! ]

[ Mission: Snowbound Ambush

The sudden snowfall is a perfect time to ambush. Hostile forces are preparing to strike the caravan. Their leader, a rogue mage, intends to cripple the escort and claim the wagons.

Survival alone is not enough. To protect the caravan and secure your path to Kesla City, you must eliminate the enemy mage before his spells destroy the formation.

Objectives:

Survive the ambush.

Identify and eliminate the enemy mage.

Reward:

[ 120 Gold Coins, Skill Market Refresh Token x1, 50% Discount Voucher x2 ]

Penalty:

[ Inactive System for 3 days ]

'Ambush?'

Rayven exhaled slowly as he didn't want the others to panic. He then turned to Nara and nodded at her…

"You're right. This isn't just bad weather… It's the kind of setup ambushers wait for."

"Actually… I can sense them… Remember that if there's an enemy mage, they will be the real threat. So I'll be the one fighting them. I just need an opening."

Thyruz's brows furrowed. "So you're certain."

Apparently, his detection spells were mostly used for materials or objects, so he could believe that Rayven's ability to sense danger was greater than his, even if he was a Tier 3 Mage.

"I'm certain enough." Rayven replied.

In the meantime, Mr. Shrubs was still shouting orders at the front, oblivious to the tension.

He was more worried about the products that could get damaged if the snow fell heavily…

Rayven didn't bother explaining further… Copper and Iron Ranks would panic if he said too much. Instead, he moved closer to the wagons so he could react as quickly as possible.

After all, the main mission wasn't to protect everyone here. He just needed to survive the ambush and eliminate the enemy mage!

***

The snowfall thickened, and soon, it muted the sound of wagon wheels and boots. Horses also snorted uneasily, as if sensing some danger...

The Copper and Iron Ranks Adventurers also noticed some movements ahead of them, and they didn't like it…

After a few moments, the enemies finally appeared.

Figures emerged from the treeline, stepping into view without hiding their faces.

Indeed, they weren't even trying to hide their faces. They were hardened men with scavenged armor, crude weapons, and the confidence of numbers. At least a hundred and fifty of them, spreading out to encircle the caravan.

But Rayven's gaze went past them.

On a snowy slope overlooking the road, a lone mage stood apart. He was cloaked in dark fabric, with a dark staff raised in hand.

'This guy… Is he a Tier 3 Mage?' Rayven frowned as he saw the falling snow seemed to coil around him unnaturally. He was the true threat.

One of the larger bandits at the front shouted across the caravan.

"Abandon the items, and no one gets hurt! We don't want blood… we want the goods. Don't make us break what we came for."

Rayven frowned as he looked at the wagons…

'They're worried about damaging the cargo. That means Shrubs is hiding something worth more than lives. Just what kind of item is he hiding here?'

Mr. Shrubs, standing near the lead wagon, didn't look surprised. His face was pale, but his eyes were steady. He had expected trouble.

His gaze flicked toward Rayven, the Tier 2 Mage, and then to Thyruz, the Tier 3 Arcanist. Behind them, the four Tier 1 Mages he had hired were already preparing spells…

Rayven stepped forward just close enough for the Escort Leader to hear his voice.

"I'll deal with the mage. Just focus on the bandits."

The Escort Leader immediately nodded. He didn't want to deal with the Mage at all. He'd be a goner if he did that.

Shrubs didn't mind Rayven giving instructions, as he already felt lucky that a strong mage had joined them. Although he had prepared, it seemed that four Tier 1 Mages weren't enough!

He truly felt lucky with Rayven and Thyruz's presence…

Rayven then turned to Mr. Shrubs and said in a low voice, "Later… I will ask you about the item you're protecting. I think we deserve to know what we're risking our lives for."

Shrubs swallowed hard but nodded again.

The bandits began to advance after realizing that they planned to fight here.

The weaker adventurers faltered, some already backing away. However, the Caravan's Escort Warriors were more disciplined as they stepped forward, ready to confront the enemies…

Seeing this, the Copper and Iron Ranks felt a lot more pressured and decided to stay for now.

Rayven then glanced at Thyruz. "Hold the line here… I'll cut the head off the snake once the battle started."

Thyruz smirked faintly…

He was not an offensive-type Mage in the first place. He excelled in enchantment and also defensive Spells.

"That works for me… But be careful." Thyruz said as he readied himself.

He was also quite excited to see Rayven's battle since he knew that the enemy Mage was actually a strong Tier 3 Mage.

As a matter of fact, he recognized this wanted criminal!

He was an offensive-type Arcanist known in the underworld as Full-Metal Arcanist.