Versatile Mage (Web Novel)
chapter-374

To the west of White Mountain lay the West Ridge. The place fully retained its original appearance, with towering mountains and old trees.

For a very long time, the West Ridge was strictly a no-fly zone. Even airlines were told to avoid flying over the region, as it was inhabited by lots of White Magic Falcons.

The White Magic Falcons were extremely violent, with a strong sense of territory, to an extent that they would attack any Commander-level or even Ruler-level demon beast flying over their territory relentlessly. Even a harmless sparrow that lost its way would be considered hostile.

They were fierce, but had great unity. They were the biggest threat to the west of Hangzhou City.

However, despite being fairly close to human's territory, they had never shown any intentions of infiltrating the safe zone, as if they were content with the current situation as long as their territory remained unharmed.

As the years passed, the West Fortress slowly let their guard down toward the White Magic Falcons. They almost assumed they were behaving themselves. To their surprise, the White Magic Falcons launched an attack while the city was suffering from an outbreak.

The Battlemages grouped up in their platoons at the fortress. They were standing on top of temporary platforms while staring at the demon beasts flying in their direction with numbers as dense as the clouds...

As a matter of fact, it had been many years since they last saw such an incredible number of demon beasts attacking human territory.

"Come, time to clear some pests," a Commander who looked fairly young waved his hand, signaling his men to mount their Heavenly Eagles.

The White Magic Falcons were not very powerful, but the biggest problem was their flying ability. The Magicians on the ground could not reach them with their attacks.

Flying demon beasts were usually the most difficult to deal with. Luckily, West Fortress was usually stationed with elite Battlemages, with a bunch of Heavenly Eagles on standby. The Battlemages were able to ride the Heavenly Eagles to stop the invasion of the White Magic Falcons.

"It's been a while since we last enjoyed ourselves a great battle," the Vice Commander licked his lips, as if he had a great lust for blood.

"Soldiers, move out!" The Commander gave the order.

The Battlemages quickly mounted the Heavenly Eagles and gave the beasts the order to move out.

However, an unexpected event took place.

The Heavenly Eagles remained stationary. None of them were flapping their wings.

Normally, once the order was given, the Heavenly Eagles would soar into the sky straight away. They had been tamed by the Beastmasters for a very long time. Apart from head-on battles, they had always obeyed the orders from the Beastmasters.

"Summon the Beastmasters at once. I want to know what's wrong with these Heavenly Eagles!" snapped the Commander.

The soldiers were ready to charge into the battlefield and eliminate the demon beasts that dared to infiltrate Hangzhou, yet the Heavenly Eagles stood firmly in their spots, as if they had all reached an agreement.

"Commander, you're looking for me?" a Beastmaster in uniform appeared.

"Take a look at these Heavenly Eagles, why aren't they obeying our orders?" said the Commander.

The Beastmaster went up to one of the Heavenly Eagles and placed his hand on its body. He closed his eyes as he tried to sense the feeling that the beast was experiencing.

A moment later, the Beastmaster's eyes sprang open and glanced toward the flying figures in the distance. He blurted out, "They are afraid!"

"Afraid of what?" scolded the Commander.

"The Heavenly Eagles and the White Magic Falcons belong to the same race. Even though they are tamed by us, they still have the blood of demon beasts flowing inside their bodies. They are unwilling to oppose the White Magic Falcons..." said the Beastmaster.

"Damn it, useless idiots!" scolded the Commander.

"No matter how long we've tamed them, they can't disobey the law of nature. Besides..." The Beastmaster went up to a Heavenly Eagle which seemed to be struggling and placed his hand on its neck.

The Beastmaster's face turned pale. His eyes were staring at the army of the White Magic Falcons in disbelief, as if he had sensed the great terror in the Heavenly Eagle's heart.

"Besides what, say it now!" said the Commander impatiently.

Without the help of the Heavenly Eagles, how many Battlemages actually had the ability to fly? This was a very serious problem!

"Once a Commander-level Four -Clawed Magic Eagle appeared, our troops will lose fighting against the demon beasts in the air. The Heavenly Eagles will not dare to go against a Four-Clawed Magic Eagle!" said the Beastmaster.

"I'm well aware of that. If our air defense collapses, the demon beasts can easily fly past us into the city!" said the Commander.

The Beastmaster's eyes were still full of terror. He shook his head and glanced at the Heavenly Eagle besides him.

The gaze of the Heavenly Eagle turned from submissive to rage. Its black pupils had turned crimson red. It flapped its wings wildly, not to fly into the sky to war, but trying to fling the person on its back down.

Suddenly, every Heavenly Eagle began to scream. Their eyes were staring at the intruders in the distance, as if they were responding to a call.

"What's going on!"

"I'm losing control of my Heavenly Eagle!"

"So am I!"

The beasts struggled wildly and twisted their bodies. If it weren't for the chains tying their legs down, they would have already flown into the air.

"They are turning... they are betraying us!" yelled a rather experienced soldier.

"What?" The young Commander quickly glanced at the Heavenly Eagles and saw their pupils changing color. They were resisting violently, some even attacking the soldiers.

"This is bad!" The Beastmaster had totally lost control of the situation.

"What exactly is going on?" yelled the young Commander. The Heavenly Eagles had always been submissive. Why would they start a rebellion today?

"Didn't I mention that if there was a Commander-level Four Clawed Magic Eagle nearby, these Heavenly Eagles subconsciously fear the demon beast, as they possess a lower lineage! However, if a Ruler-level demon beast of the eagle species were to appear, they would betray us straight away due to its overwhelming presence!" shouted the Beastmaster, his face pale.

Ruler-level! The young Commander totally lost his calm when he heard the term. It was the first time a demon beast of that level was involved in an invasion!

"Quick, kill the Heavenly Eagles now! Otherwise, they will betray us! These beasts with petty lineage will never be able to resist the presence of a Ruler-level demon beast!" blurted out the Beastmaster.

The soldiers were stunned.

They never thought a Ruler-level demon beast would be so terrifying. Even the Heavenly Eagles, who were tamed and trained like soldiers since they were young, stood no chance against the presence of a Ruler-level demon beast.

"What are you all waiting for? Do you want to see the fortress destroyed? Kill the traitorous Heavenly Eagles now!" the Beastmaster roared furiously when he saw the hesitation among the soldiers.

The young Commander clenched his teeth and made the cruel decision. "Kill, kill them all now!"