A Genius Boy Who Was Exiled From His Family Home for “Not Being Able To Use Magic” Becomes a Witch’s Apprentice and Masters All Magic in the Right Way. This Is How You Use Your Magic, You Know?

Chapter 155. Northern Uprising

Ten days have passed since Hermes and his companions escaped the royal capital.

While remaining cautious of pursuers, they continued their journey and were finally nearing their destination in the north.

Liliana’s mental state, which had been a cause for concern, had stabilized since her emotional outburst on that day.

In fact, she was moving energetically, as if she couldn’t afford to wallow, and during their journey, she sought magical instruction from Hermes, refusing to simply remain as the one most protected and instead took on various tasks willingly.

To the point that Hermes even worried she might be overdoing it again like before. This occasionally led to a curious tug-of-war between Liliana, who wanted to push herself, and Hermes, who hoped she would rest.

But aside from such minor concerns, they faced no major issues and had reached the point where their arrival at their destination was imminent.

“…Let’s go over everything one more time.”

Sensing the timing was right, Jurgen glanced around at the group as they reached the last stretch before their destination, a mountain pass away.

The purpose was clear to all of them: a review of the northern uprising they were about to face and its background.

“Our intervention will involve the northern uprising, a conflict originating from the six northern houses, which have historically been less cooperative with the current royal power. It seems they united after the downfall of former Prince Aster and rose in rebellion.”

This much had been explained on that fateful day of the audience, and everyone nodded in agreement.

With that established, Jurgen delved deeper into the core of the matter.

“Additionally, it’s highly probable that the ‘Church’ is involved.”

“……”

The Church.

An influential entity within this kingdom and a powerful backer of Second Princess Lyla.

Jurgen offered a brief summary of its history and influence.

“The Trakia family has little connection, so I can’t give specifics—but their origins date back to ancient times, likely as far as the founding era of the kingdom.”

“That far back?”

“Yes. As you know, their main focus has been the sanctification and regulation of ‘Bloodline Magic’. They shaped current perspectives on it and possess matching authority, power, and magical technology.”

The mention of “technology” caused Hermes’s brow to furrow slightly.

“Some of you may already know this, but appraisers who assess the presence or nature of Bloodline Magic belong to the Church, along with numerous other mysterious magical techniques they monopolize.”

Hearing this piqued Hermes’s interest, but now was not the time to satisfy that curiosity.

“‘Bloodline Magic is a divine gift bestowed by the Star God’. That’s their central doctrine, backed by their unique magic techniques—but what’s your opinion on this, Hermes?”

Jurgen’s question to Hermes seemed to be a deliberate one, knowing it clashed with Hermes’s own observations. Hermes responded,

“Of course, it’s incorrect… Bloodline Magic is an invention by people, created with human will. Both my master and I have verified this.”

This reflected his magical research and was an irrefutable fact to him.

Yet he continued…

“That being said… the being known as the ‘Star God’, whether or not it is truly divine, is likely something or someone beyond human comprehension, possibly with immense power.”

The group fell into shocked silence.

“Why… do you believe that?”

“There are numerous anomalies within magic itself that can’t be explained otherwise. Not related to Bloodline Magic, but deeper—perhaps fundamental to magic itself.”

This was something that emerged through his magical studies.

Whatever their feelings, Hermes believed the existence of such a being was undeniable.

It seemed unlikely that they would encounter such a force directly, and even the Church’s connection to it might be tenuous.

Nonetheless, it would be unwise to dismiss the possibility entirely.

In any case, both this matter and the Church’s mysterious capabilities were things to be wary of.

“One thing is clear: we can’t afford to let our guard down around them.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

While they spoke, they reached the mountain summit. Beyond it lay their destination.

Jurgen resumed…

“Let’s set the Church matter aside for now. Our immediate concern is the uprising. The six northern houses have been aggressively targeting territories of those who haven’t joined the coalition. Our first goal is to assist those under attack and weaken the coalition’s momentum.”

“Understood. But… is their power that overwhelming? I thought the northern coalition was mainly composed of counts and below?”

“That’s true, Your Highness. Larger houses have been postponed for later invasions. However…”

Jurgen acknowledged Liliana’s question and explained,

“The coalition’s morale is unusually high. Moreover, they have a formidable individual—a so-called ‘monster’—among their ranks.”

“Wh-what on earth…”

Liliana was stunned by the implausibility, while Jurgen, with a wry smile, replied,

“Even if it’s exaggerated, it’s best to remain vigilant, as Hermes suggested.”

Having crested the mountain, they could see below—a scene of utter chaos.

Angry cries and spells filled the air, marking an unmistakable battlefield.

“This is…!”

“Indeed, it appears we’ve stumbled right into an invasion.”

Katia gasped, and Jurgen, eyes widening before he regained composure, analyzed calmly.

“My apologies, Hermes. Ideally, we would coordinate with the local lord first, but the situation demands immediate action. Join the fray and assist those being attacked—they’re our allies.”

“Understood.”

It was clear to all that the time for hesitation had passed.

Harnessing his stored magical power, Hermes leapt from the mountain peak, descending rapidly toward the battlefield below.

◆

Battles between armies of magicians have two major characteristics.

The first is that, compared to battles between non-magician armies, there are fewer deaths. All magicians, to some extent, enhance their bodies with magic. This grants them far greater vitality than ordinary people.

Additionally, magicians themselves are precious assets. For allies and even enemies, letting them die easily is unthinkable when considering the aftermath of battle.

Thus, confrontations between magician armies lean more towards attritional conflicts of magical power, territorial struggles, and battles over strongholds, rather than simple clashes of troop numbers.

Therefore—when divided into retreating and pursuing forces as in this instance, the retreating side is overwhelmingly at a disadvantage unless exceptional conditions arise. They are retreating precisely because they failed to hold their ground.

“Chase them! Drive them out! Once we take this base, all that remains is their headquarters!”

“They are few, and their magic is already spent! They cannot retaliate!”

“Have no fear, we bear the Star God’s blessing! Let us deliver divine retribution upon the fools!”

With such cries, the voices of the pursuing soldiers—the Northern Six Families’ allied forces—rang out. Drunk with victory, intoxicated with the thrill of a pursuit without reprisal.

Meanwhile, the soldiers defending their original territory despaired. Their magic exhausted, their sole option now was to escape and preserve their lives as precious magicians. Yet, judging by the enemy’s pursuit speed, even this seemed unlikely.

Pushed to the brink by their own helplessness and the weight of despair, they forced themselves to move. Still, even their stamina was nearing its end. Should they be captured, would they be subjected to humiliation as prisoners or forced to join the enemy ranks due to their magical aptitude? In either scenario, the future looked grim.

Having failed to protect their sworn land and their duty as magicians, they were overcome by a sense of powerlessness. As one soldier bowed his head in dejection—suddenly, he raised it.

For he saw it then. The path ahead where they were fleeing. There stood a lone boy.

Appearing in his mid-teens. With silver hair, a delicate face, and striking jade eyes. From his attire, it was evident he too was a magician. But why was he here?

(A reinforcement from the main house? No, impossible. There was no such leeway, and that lord would never spare resources. But if not, then why—)

Confusion flooded his mind, but regardless. Driven perhaps by stubbornness or duty, he shouted desperately.

“—Run, boy!”

“—”

“This place is already under the Northern Alliance’s control! I don’t know who you are, but staying here will end poorly! So—”

The boy, surprised for a moment, then gave a faint smile. He kicked off the ground, heading not away, but toward—the Northern Alliance soldiers.

“What—”

A stunned cry escaped him, but before he could react further. The boy shot past with speed far beyond imagination, and the soldiers turned to watch. And then, they witnessed it.

Battles between armies of magicians have two major characteristics. The first, as mentioned, is that casualties among soldiers are rare.

The second, and greatest, characteristic is—‘individual power disparity’. Compared to physical prowess, magical ability varies significantly among people. Magical capacity, output, and above all, the nature of magic itself can result in vast differences even between individuals.

At the pinnacle stand the bloodline magicians. Those born into noble families, blessed with Bloodline Magic and exceptional talent and skill. It is no exaggeration to say that the strength of an army hinges on its number and quality of such magicians.

In summary, in battles between magician armies, unlike those of regular forces, an extraordinary existence is possible.

A lone combatant capable of shifting the tide of battle—a literal ‘one-person army’.

Thus, Hermes spoke.

“Spell Reenactment—[Mistle Teinn].”

It was the beginning of their battle and the spark of the princess’s counteroffensive. At the declaration of the spell, countless magical bullets—each with overwhelming destructive power—were unleashed.

It was as if punishing the soldiers drunk on victory and the joy of pursuit. The soldiers at the front—who had erected protective barriers—were blown away, barriers and all, as if in jest. The shockwave rooted those behind them to the spot.

With a single strike. Hermes had stalled an entire army.

“…Forgive my unsanctioned intervention.”

In his usual calm tone, he spoke.

“By the Duke’s order, I have come to aid you. —Will you withdraw, invaders of the Northern Alliance?”