Chapter 1383: The Event Ahead
The principal of Wilton Academy had left early that morning to attend the event. Unlike the students who would be participating, the higher-ups had a different schedule and an entirely different agenda to follow.
Part of Raze had entertained the idea of disguising himself as a principal, it probably would’ve made things a whole lot easier. But he could only do so much with what he had.
Besides, there was something oddly satisfying about living as a regular student. Getting the full experience of being part of an Alterian academy, even if just for a little while, had been… enlightening. But that part of the journey was almost over.
A magical bus had arrived at the school grounds to collect the ten students participating in the event. The other students and teachers came to see them off, waving and cheering from the ground and even sticking their heads out of classroom windows to shout well-wishes and encouragement.
Since this wasn’t the type of event that was publicly broadcast or shared with the outside world, all they could do was wait for the participants to return and tell them how things went.
On the bus, Panla, Luka, and Redrick sat near the front while the students settled in. The magical transport was soaring through the skies, and they had at least a couple of hours ahead of them before reaching their destination.
It was still early, but no one on the bus was sleepy. Every student was wide awake, a mix of nerves, excitement, and curiosity buzzing through the air.
“So…” Chiba began, breaking the silence, “has a decision been made yet? I mean, for the event line-up? There are two that only allow a few students to participate, right?”
The ranked students perked up, clearly interested. Taking part in the event was already a major honor, but being selected for one of the more individual events came with prestige, and recognition.
Panla stood up in the aisle, her voice calm and clear as she addressed the students. “You’re referring to the portal clearing event and the group battle event,” she said. “Everyone will participate in the group battle, but before I get to the rest, I have a question for all of you.”
Her eyes swept over the students before landing on a familiar face.
“For the group battle,” she continued, “will you be giving it your all?”
As expected, all the students turned to look at Raze.
He gave a composed nod before speaking. “We’ll be limiting our power. We’ll fight using strength similar to what we’ve shown before, only what could pass as magic that other students are capable of.”
Everyone on the bus was already in the loop about the transfer students’ true power. There was no need for secrecy among them.
“I see,” Moze said thoughtfully. “That’s actually… good. It means we’ll still have to try hard. No free rides.”
“Hey, we’re strong enough on our own anyway,” Chiba added confidently. “I bet even the Central Academy students haven’t been through what we’ve gone through. That portal expedition changed everything. We’ve grown a lot. Even the top academies won’t know what hit them.”
“Still, that doesn’t answer the question about the single events,” Yolden pointed out. “We can only put forward one student, right? If we wanted to send our strongest, wouldn’t that be Raze?”
There was no doubt, if Raze participated, he’d crush the single events with ease, as long as he didn’t hold back too much. They’d seen his skill with all types of magic. But the question wasn’t could he… it was would he?
The teachers hadn’t chosen anyone yet for that exact reason. No one knew what the transfer students planned to do.
“For the individual events,” Raze said, “it’s probably best if you don’t include us.”
The students blinked in surprise, but he continued.
“We can take part. It won’t interfere with what we’re trying to accomplish. But it won’t help either. We didn’t come here for prestige or recognition. You all did. This event means a lot more to you than it does to us. I’d hate for any of us to steal the spotlight or take away a chance that should’ve been yours.”
With that said, the decision would have to come down to the five ranked students. One of them would have to represent Wilton Academy in the singles event.
“Then… should we choose Piba?” Moze asked. “He is ranked number one, after all.”
“I think you’re forgetting about Londo,” Yolden chimed in. “We still don’t know what his real rank is… or how strong he actually is.”
At the front of the bus, Londo sat alone, arms folded.
“I’m not interested,” he replied coolly, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He didn’t even turn to look at them.
If Raze wasn’t taking part, Londo had decided he’d follow in his footsteps. If the event meant nothing to Raze, then it meant nothing to him either.
“I don’t mind,” Piba said after a moment. “But honestly… I think Chiba would be better suited.”
Chiba blinked in surprise.
“She’s quick on her feet and adapts well to changing situations,” Piba explained. “I might be able to overpower opponents sometimes using my moon-element magic, but in pure combat, I think Chiba has the edge.”
A smirk formed on Chiba’s face, but her cheeks flushed pink at the compliment.
“I did draw with one of the transfer students,” she said, trying to sound casual.
Luka nodded in approval. “I’m glad to see you all understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses so well. It makes me proud, as a teacher and as someone who’s watched all of you grow.”
“As for the special showcase event,” Luka continued, “since Safa will be keeping her healing magic and her God Eyes a secret, we’ll submit Piba instead. His unique magic will draw attention without revealing too much.”
“And for the teacher participation slot…” Luka glanced at his colleagues. “Redrick might be the best choice. He has the most combat experience.”
Redrick scratched the back of his head. “Well, that depends. The teacher’s event changes every time. It’s not always a straight fight. Let’s play it by ear.”
Just then, someone near the window sat up straighter.
In the distance, the Central Academy was finally coming into view.
Their destination was close, and with it, the beginning of the most important event these students had ever faced.
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Chapter 1384: Welcome to the Central Academy
The magical bus began to shift, becoming semi-transparent as it glided through the air, revealing the breathtaking sight beneath it. The students gasped in awe as the Central Academy came into full view.
It wasn’t just the students, even the seasoned Pagna warriors found themselves speechless. If Wilton Academy had once seemed impressive, then this place… this was something else entirely. From the sky, the vast campus looked more like a magical amusement park than a school.
From end to end, the land stretched endlessly. Just walking from one side to the other might take five hours at a steady pace. Massive buildings of every shape and design dotted the landscape, each looking more extravagant than the last.
At the heart of it all stood a grand coliseum, looming like a monument to power and prestige. But what truly made the academy feel alive were the magical displays lighting up the air. Massive projections of mages casting brilliant spells floated in the sky like holograms, dancing like fireworks, visible even in broad daylight. The entire atmosphere shimmered with energy, like a fantasy brought to life.
The spells, the colors, the grandeur, it was all a spectacle.
“What a waste of power stones, if you ask me,” Redrick grumbled, crossing his arms as he looked out the window.
“I have to agree,” Panla replied, nodding. “But I’ve heard that the Central Academy’s budget is basically limitless, thanks to their principal being one of the Grand Magus. I guess the rumors were true.”
Raze remained quiet as he looked down, observing the academy from above. It had changed, expanded, evolved, grown beyond what he remembered. When he had returned here briefly to reclaim his belongings, he had only visited the main building where most of the lectures were held. The rest of these extravagant facilities… he imagined most of them probably weren’t even used to their full potential.
As for the magical projections and the festival-like atmosphere, this wasn’t something that happened every day. It was clearly a show, a carefully curated illusion to welcome the other academies.
The bus followed a glowing trail of magic, circling the entire campus to give everyone a proper view before descending. As it did, it joined four other nearly identical flying vehicles, each marked with a unique crest representing a different academy.
When the five buses finally landed in perfect formation at the Central Academy’s front entrance, the moment felt symbolic, like titans gathering for a battle that would shake the magical world.
“Alright, everyone,” Panla said as she stood and turned toward the students. “We’re here. Just follow the instructions given by the Central Academy, and if you’ve got any questions, ask me. Unless they’re stupid ones. Then keep them to yourself.”
She smirked, earning a chuckle from a few of the students.
The teachers stepped out first, followed closely by the students, who now found themselves face-to-face with their competition, the students from the other four academies.
There was a distinct energy in the air. A quiet intensity. Confidence radiated from nearly every student they saw. And why shouldn’t it? Every one of them had earned the right to be here. They were the best their respective academies had to offer.
“Oh, I recognize some of them,” Yolden said, narrowing his eyes. “A few of those students have already done work for top guilds. I’ve even seen some of them on TV, showcasing their unique traits.”
“Do we have anyone like that?” Moze asked, looking around their group.
They all paused. In truth… none of them had reached that level of notoriety. Not publicly, at least.
“Huh. You fools forgetting someone?” Londo said, wiping his nose with a smug grin. “We’ve got one of the most infamous people in the world standing right here.”
Silence followed. Technically… he wasn’t wrong.
But it wasn’t something they could talk about openly.
“You don’t need to worry so much,” Raze said, stepping in calmly. “There are plenty of talented students here at the Central Academy. Most of them won’t be names you’ve heard of.
“Just because someone isn’t famous doesn’t mean they aren’t strong. The only names that get spread around are those at the very top. But I doubt any of you believe that everyone else here is average.”
His words struck home. Slowly, the others nodded. Their nerves began to settle, and the teachers exchanged proud glances. Once again, Raze had managed to do their job for them, bringing calm and clarity when it was most needed.
A welcoming party approached. There were five staff members, all dressed in crisp white uniforms with blue trims. Unlike the robes and blazers the students wore, these uniforms had a unique cut, clearly indicating their role as staff.
The woman at the front stepped forward with a radiant smile.
“It is our pleasure to welcome the top five academies to this year’s Magical Exchange!” she announced. “My name is Isebel Stanler. My team and I are here to assist you during your time with us. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything.”
Her name sparked immediate whispers among the Wilton students.
“Wait… did she say Isebel Stanler?”
“That’s the winner of last year’s Singles Event!”
“No way! And she’s already working here?”
“I heard she became a 6-star mage just one year after graduating.”
“Six stars?! That’s insane!”
“Well, she did win the whole thing, and she came from the Central Academy. It makes sense. Still… I didn’t expect to meet her here.”
Isebel waited for the chatter to die down, her smile unwavering. If anything, she seemed to enjoy the recognition, basking in the quiet awe her name still carried.
“As of now,” she continued, “an open fair is being held across the campus. You’re free to explore the displays, take part in activities, attend special lectures, and enjoy the welcome festivities.
“However,” she added, raising a single finger, “I strongly encourage all of you to stay rested. Your first event begins today, at 3 PM, in the coliseum.”
She gestured toward the towering structure they had seen from the air.
“If any of you wish to head to your dorms early to rest, just speak to one of our staff positioned throughout the grounds. After the first event concludes, you and your teachers will be officially taken to your dwellings for the remainder of your stay.”
Isebel’s gaze swept over them once more.
“As you may have noticed, the Central Academy students are not out here to greet you. They’re already enjoying the event, scattered across the grounds.”
She paused, her voice dropping slightly in tone.
“One final rule. This is very important: there is to be no fighting outside of the official events. That includes duels, personal challenges, and ‘friendly sparring.’ If you break that rule, there will be consequences.”
With that, she offered one final bow and stepped aside, allowing the new arrivals to explore the grand magical kingdom they’d just entered.
And so began the true start of the magical exchange.
Chapter 1385: Opening Acts
The students had entered through the front gates of the Central Academy, following a wide tunnel that led them to an expansive open area. Just as they had seen from above, the place truly did feel like a giant magical theme park.
The first thing to greet them was an impressive magical display, a grand illusion of the school’s principal, Grand Magus Ibarin. Animated by power stones, the image floated above the entrance, swirling gracefully as if casting two spells from his hands.
I wonder what kind of chaos would unfold if I took out the power source for that thing, Raze mused to himself.
He didn’t care for flashy performances or legacy symbolism like many of the other mages did. Still, a strange thought passed through his mind, What if I had been selected as the Principal instead of Ibarin?
Would I be the one handling the shady dealings of the Grand Magus from the inside?
As the students gathered near the front with their teachers, the whole thing began to feel like an educational field trip. Especially with so many other academies arriving in groups and doing the same.
“All right!” Panla called out, addressing everyone. “Remember what Isobel said, stick to the rules. If something or someone is really bothering you, come find one of us. We’ll meet back here at 2 p.m., and then we’ll head together to the coliseum for the first event.”
She clapped her hands, reinforcing her next point. “Don’t overdo it! Rest if you need to. No point in wearing yourself out on day one!”
The students were buzzing with excitement, exchanging looks as they tried to figure out where to go first.
“Do you guys want to travel together as a group?” Yolden asked.
“We’ve got a few things to take care of,” Raze replied. “So I think it’s better if we split up for now. But don’t worry, we’ll be there for the event. We won’t let you down.”
With that, Raze and his team began heading off, though they quickly noticed someone following behind them, Londo, walking in the same direction but keeping his distance.
That left only four of the ranked students standing together.
“I think it’s best if we stick together,” Piba said, glancing around. “This place is huge, and I have a feeling the other academies might try to take advantage of students who are on their own. The fact that Isobel specifically mentioned no fighting, it worries me. It’s like they’ve had problems before.”
“Right,” Chiba nodded. “In a lot of magical assessments, the key is bending the rules just enough. I bet some of these students are thinking the same thing. But with so many people around, maybe nothing will actually happen.”
Although it was still early in the morning and the event hadn’t officially opened to the public, the academy grounds were already filled with people. Regular students from the Central Academy were moving freely around the area.
More importantly, the place was crawling with invited guests, important figures from all corners of the magical world. Military officials, researchers, inventors, even high-ranking government representatives with no magical ability were present. All of them were keenly observing the shows, booths, and demonstrations scattered throughout the campus.
“Should we tail some of the other academies?” Moze suggested. “They’re our competition, right? Some events need magic just to participate. Maybe we’ll get a read on who we’re up against, and help Chiba get ready.”
“You think I need help?” Chiba scoffed. “We can’t just stand around doing nothing. They’re probably watching us too.”
As they continued exploring, the group came across advanced lectures hosted by senior teachers. They demonstrated new techniques for drawing magical circles and manipulating the flow of mana into more complex geometrical patterns, beyond the standard circles most mages were taught.
Then, there were other thing’s such as shows and the activity booths.
One in particular caught their attention: a target practice station. The challenge was to hit a floating ball powered by a small embedded power stone. The ball didn’t just hover or follow a pre-set path like they’d seen in Wilton.
This one reacted to magic.
The moment a spell was fired at it, the ball dodged, changed directions, and zipped through the air in unpredictable patterns. It was designed to avoid incoming attacks in real time.
Several military personnel were watching the demonstration, taking notes. The potential of the device wasn’t lost on them. With a few tweaks, something like this could be used in battle, either to train soldiers or to assist mages in real combat situations.
While observing the crowd, one of the students from a neighboring academy stepped forward to try his hand at the challenge. He gathered his mana, focused, and began his attempt.
“Hey,” Moze whispered, leaning toward his group, “how about after this guy’s done, I jump in with some lightning magic and take it down even faster?”
The others looked at him, a little skeptical. If Raze had said it, maybe they would’ve believed it.
The person they were all silently thinking of, Raze himself, was elsewhere. He’d wandered off, casually making his way through the academy grounds, checking out the booths and attractions like any other student.
But unlike the others, Raze wasn’t sightseeing.
“What’s Raze even doing?” one of the students murmured.
Before the question could hang in the air too long, Safa answered without turning her head. “He’s gathering information, keeping track of where everyone is, which areas are busiest, which ones are left alone. He won’t make a move today. Today is for learning how the place works.”
She was right, of course. That was exactly what Raze was doing, scanning, noting, planning.
Deep in thought, he approached one of the more obscure stalls when a voice called out from behind.
“Raze…”
He turned his head toward the sound, and there stood Kelly, from the Central Academy.
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Chapter 1386: Silent Threads
Raze had anticipated that he might run into Kelly eventually. After all, she attended the Central Academy, and this event was the kind that drew every notable student, teacher, and organization in the region. Still, he hadn’t expected to see her this soon.
There were thousands of people scattered across the campus, attending countless magical demonstrations, lectures, and games. She could have been anywhere. The odds of them meeting this early in the day felt almost impossible.
The rest of Raze’s group was confused as well. A girl had just called out his name, his real name. None of them recognized her, and from what they knew, the only people Raze had any ties to from this world were Alen and a few staff members.
So who was this girl?
Even Safa narrowed her eyes, trying to connect the dots. If Raze had only recently arrived in Pagna in his younger form, how could another student already know him, by name?
As for Kelly, she was just as stunned as they were. In truth, she hadn’t meant to call out to him. But the moment she saw him walking through the crowd, she couldn’t stop herself. She had to know if it was really him, or if her mind was simply playing tricks.
She stepped forward, unable to believe what her eyes were seeing. Her gaze scanned him from head to toe, her expression shifting between awe and disbelief. She reached out with her hand to touch him, as if confirming that he wasn’t an illusion.
“What exactly do you think you’re doing?” Safa interjected, stepping between them.
Her tone was stern, but not aggressive. “The rules of this event clearly state that no fighting is to occur outside of sanctioned duels. So why are you trying to lay a hand on him?”
Safa wasn’t just being cautious for the sake of the event. She knew Raze. He didn’t like to be touched, by anyone. And if someone got too close without warning, it could lead to an unnecessary scene. A dangerous one.
But there was something else, too.
The girl was wearing a Central Academy uniform, but it wasn’t the same as those worn by the teachers or regular staff. It had slight variations, just enough to suggest that she was a student. But not just any student.
One of the top ten, Safa guessed.
Judging by her age and the unique uniform, it was almost certain. And that meant this girl wasn’t just here to observe, she was going to compete.
“It’s okay, Safa,” Raze said calmly, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I know this person. You could say… we work together.”
With the tension diffused, the group decided to head to one of the event zones where they could sit, eat, and relax for a while. Wandering through crowds filled with rival students and academy staff made for a tense morning. It was better to find a quieter spot.
They ended up at one of the performance areas, where a student play was being staged. But this wasn’t an ordinary performance.
Spells were being cast live during the scenes, enhancing the experience for the audience. Heat rippled across the room during fire scenes, wind blew through the aisles during dramatic confrontations, and the magic gave everything a surreal, immersive quality.
The only awkward part?
Out of all the plays they could have chosen to watch, this one was about the final days of the last Emperor of Alterian, a man Raze had come to know personally not too long ago.
Still, he did his best to ignore the irony and kept his attention on Kelly, who was now sitting beside him. He cast a quiet spell around them, creating a silencing field so no one else could hear their conversation.
“I have to say,” Kelly whispered, her eyes scanning his face, “I’m amazed. So you really managed to get here… in the flesh.”
“Yeah,” Raze nodded. “It wasn’t easy. We’ve gone through a lot to get this far. But it’s only the beginning.”
Kelly leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “So… I’m guessing Ibarin is your first target?”
Raze didn’t answer right away, but the look in his eyes said enough.
“Well,” Kelly continued, “if there’s anything you need, anything at all, just say the word. I’ll help however I can. If you want, I can inform the Dark Guild. You can even use them.”
The offer was tempting.
This time around, Raze had tools he didn’t before. The Dark Guild was one of them, a shadow organization operating outside the bounds of formal magic society. A powerful, underground network that could shift the balance if used correctly.
But now wasn’t the time.
The Grand Magus didn’t even know Raze was back. That gave him an advantage. A card to keep close to the chest.
“Not yet,” Raze said. “Don’t inform them of my return. Not until I say so.”
Kelly nodded, understanding the weight of his words.
“How are they doing?” he asked.
“Better than ever,” Kelly said, her tone light but proud. “Honestly, I had my doubts, like I told you before, about Harvey’s methods. But he’s managed to build something… powerful. Almost like a cult, in a good way.”
She smiled faintly.
“They’re loyal. To the cause. And they’ve spread, everywhere. Every city, every territory. When you need to make your move, they’ll be ready.”
That was good to hear.
Raze knew the battles ahead weren’t going to be won with just strength. The powerhouses of this world, the Cerberus Guild, the remnants of the Glory Guild left behind by Enaxx, the Noble Guild, and especially the military under leaders like Alen, wouldn’t be easy to challenge.
And while he hoped that, in time, he could change public perception, make people see through the lies, it was more likely the guilds would follow only their own leaders. Convincing them would be far harder.
Still, having the Dark Guild in his corner gave him an advantage. One he hadn’t had before.
“When I’m done with things here,” Raze said, his voice low, “I’ll attend a meeting with the Guild. But first, we need to see how things play out.”
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For updates for MWS and future works, please follow me on my social media below.
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Chapter 1387: The Trial of Precision
The ranked students of Wilton Academy were still gathered around, their eyes fixed on the ongoing Magical Drone Challenge. The objective seemed simple at first glance: strike a small, fast-moving, magically enhanced orb, roughly the size of a ping-pong ball, as it flew through the air using only magic.
But the reality of the task was far from easy.
They had already seen quite a number of students attempt it, many of whom failed despite their best efforts. A few had succeeded, but even then, it had taken them a significant amount of time and required the use of a wide range of spells. In most cases, it wasn’t a single student casting either, it often took a group effort.
Very few, if any, had managed to bring it down with just a few well-placed spells. It was because of this level of difficulty that the military personnel present had taken such an interest in the demonstration.
Now, however, the focus shifted. From the side of the platform, a new student was approaching, drawing attention from both Wilton Academy and the other institutions present.
“Hey, those uniforms, they’re from BIMM Academy, right?” Chiba asked, squinting at the group.
“Yeah,” Yolden confirmed with a nod. “That’s the Brilliant Institute of Magic Mages. And the guy stepping up now is Lee Roy. He’s already made quite a name for himself.”
He lowered his voice slightly. “His family runs a mid-sized guild with a long-standing reputation. They’ve been around for generations and are one of the main sponsors of BIMM Academy. Some people say, if it weren’t for those connections, Lee would’ve easily ended up in the Central Academy.”
“Sure,” Moze chimed in. “But getting into the Central Academy and being one of the top students there are two completely different things.”
Lee Roy stood tall and confident as he took his place on the platform. He had a striking appearance, handsome and composed. His presence alone was enough to stir whispers from the female students not just from BIMM, but also from the Central Academy.
The magical orb reset itself on the platform. With a gentle hum, it lifted into the air, beginning its unpredictable flight pattern.
Without hesitation, Lee made his move. He extended his arm and unleashed a wide-area wind spell, blasting a strong current forward.
Students observed the ball resist the gust, adjusting its flight as though it were responding with intelligence. A moment later, Lee lifted a single finger and fired a fast-moving fireball that rocketed forward like a bullet.
The crowd leaned forward, only to watch the orb twist out of the way at the last second.
Just like before, the ball began to move in a more erratic fashion, dodging and weaving at higher speeds.
Lee’s jaw clenched. It looked like the failed attempt had annoyed him. Still using only his index finger, he started firing a series of rapid-fire spells, fireballs blasting through the air like missiles.
Each shot missed.
“I expected more from a student from another academy,” Yolden said with a frown. “He’s struggling.”
“Maybe the guy just sucks,” someone muttered.
While Lee’s spells were undeniably faster and more refined than those before him, the orb responded by growing even more reactive. It darted unpredictably, adapting to each new spell.
It almost seemed like the stronger the magic, the harder the orb pushed back.
Eventually, Lee’s frustration got the better of him. With all eyes on him and the pressure rising, he shifted his position on the platform, turning his back to the crowd.
Raising his right hand, he summoned a massive gust of wind that forced the drone backward until it slammed into the rear wall of the stage. At the same time, he raised his left hand and released a powerful stream of fire from his palm.
The blaze surged across the platform, intense and blinding. When it finally faded, the scorched drone dropped to the ground, defeated.
Lee Roy had succeeded. He’d completed the challenge faster than most, and he had certainly displayed powerful magic.
Even the military staff nodded in approval.
“If that’s what it takes to take out just one of those things,” one officer remarked, “then they’d definitely be useful in battle, especially if deployed in groups.”
“We’d need to see the development cost first,” another said. “That orb took a beating and still held up for a while.”
“I noticed something else, it’s marked with the seal of Idore. Could the Central Academy be working with the Noble Guild on these things?”
“Wouldn’t be surprising. The Grand Magus of both groups have been aligned for years.”
As Lee stepped off the stage, his academy peers gathered around to congratulate him. But their praise felt forced, uncertain. They had watched him struggle more than they expected.
“That thing was trickier than it looked, huh?” one student asked.
Lee nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah. I thought I could destabilize its flight magic with wind, then hit it quickly with a fire spell. But the thing pushed through with its own magic and recovered almost instantly. It’s way faster than I anticipated.”
“Well, anyone else want to try?” one of the BIMM students called out.
There was a moment of silence. No one from BIMM stepped forward. After watching Lee’s performance, no one was confident enough to take their shot.
But just then, a lone figure approached the stage.
“Hey… wait a second. Isn’t that student from Wilton Academy?”
Climbing onto the platform was Moze.
He had been curious from the start, but after seeing Lee Roy’s performance, his curiosity had turned into determination.
“Wilton Academy,” a student murmured. “Sure, they’re one of the top schools, but do they even have any standout students?”
“I haven’t heard any names from there worth remembering,” another said dismissively. “They’re not going to cause us any trouble. The only real competition is the Central Academy.”
“Should we just leave?” one student yawned.
“No,” Lee Roy said firmly. He hadn’t taken his eyes off the stage.
“I want to see how a top student from Wilton Academy does. Let’s stay and watch.”
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Chapter 1388: Shadows Behind the Smile
The show had finally ended, and Raze was glad he’d missed most of it. From the bits he’d overheard, it sounded like they were painting the Emperor in a noble light, along with his so-called servant, Garlan.
If only people knew the truth… he thought. I wonder if the real events that happened on Pagna will ever be told. Maybe not in Alteria, but there’s a chance someone in Pagna might one day share what really went down.
After leaving the venue, the group decided to take a walk around the city. Raze subtly expanded the range of the silence spell, making sure it encompassed everyone in their party.
In a place like this, it wasn’t uncommon for people to have private conversations using silence spells. It was almost expected. Still, anyone observant enough would notice the wide radius of this particular spell and the fact that it was all being controlled by a single person.
Just witnessing that fact made Kelly smile with a warm sense of familiarity.
It was real, the Dark Magus was walking among them.
“So,” Safa finally said, breaking the quiet tension. “Are you going to introduce who Kelly is?”
She had been holding it in for a while. Watching the two of them talk so closely, she couldn’t bear it any longer.
“Yeah,” Raze replied with a slight chuckle. “I guess I should explain everything.”
He went on to share his connection with Kelly. How, during his time in Pagna, he’d learned of a spell that allowed him to travel to the other world, Alteria. He explained that he’d visited it several times, and during one of those trips, he had met Kelly.
Now that Londo was hearing this for the first time, he was starting to understand. This was how Raze could appear and vanish as the mysterious Dark Magus.
Raze, of course, left out some important details. He mentioned that he’d previously attended the Central Academy with Kelly, and that’s how he came to know Alen, but he didn’t mention who Kelly really was, nor anything about the Dark Guild.
Still, the explanation was enough to trigger some thoughts in Londo.
“Wait… is she also part of the group?” he asked suddenly, inching closer, a bit too close for comfort, as if trying to wedge himself between Raze and Kelly.
“Yeah…” Raze replied. “She’s one of the Night Callers.”
Londo blinked hard, doing a double-take. His mouth fell slightly open as he processed the words.
The Night Callers…?
They were the founders of the Dark Guild. He couldn’t believe it. One of the founders was not only a student, but a student who had once walked the halls of the Central Academy.
“I, I’m sorry!” Londo blurted out, bowing his head in apology.
“Please, don’t worry about it,” Kelly said gently, waving it off. “And maybe let’s not cause a scene in public, yeah? You’re one of the Void Binders, right? Honestly, your skills might even be better than mine. My title is more honorary than anything else.”
“Don’t say that,” Raze interjected. “You did a lot to get us to where we are now. Without you… there’s a real chance I wouldn’t even be standing here.”
He glanced around at the others. “I think it’s good that they respect you. You deserve that. Though I do agree on one thing, it’s best not to make too much of a fuss in public.”
Some of the group exchanged glances. They were already suspicious that Londo might be a bit unhinged, but his behavior now, suddenly bowing and acting weird, confirmed it. More than that, Raze’s explanation had opened a window into just how much he’d been hiding from them.
Running around Pagna as the Dark Magus… while simultaneously managing everything he had in Alteria? It was hard to imagine.
They all started to wonder, if they were in Raze’s shoes, could they have done the same? The answer was unanimous in their hearts.
No. Not even close.
Raze constantly insisted that he wasn’t special. That he lacked talent. But just looking at how far he had come, it was clear that wasn’t true.
To become a great professor… to reach the level of a Nine-Star Mage despite not having “talent”? Wasn’t that a talent in itself?
And maybe that’s exactly why he’d succeeded in both Pagna and Alteria. It was a little heartbreaking to realize that Raze was so focused on revenge, so obsessed with his goal, that he couldn’t see how incredible he truly was.
“I guess,” Kelly said with a soft smile, “we’re all here together because of one person in the end. We’re all here to help Raze.”
She looked around at the others. “I still can’t believe you guys got so close to him that you were willing to jump between worlds. That’s crazy! I’d love to hear more about your world too… but I think I should probably go for now.”
“Oh?” Raze raised an eyebrow.
“If I stick around too long, people are going to notice. They’ll start wondering why one of the top Central Academy students is talking with a bunch of Wilton students.”
She gave a small shrug. “I could pass it off as helping you find your way around… but any longer, and I think it’ll raise suspicion.”
Safa gave a small nod. She liked Kelly, she was sharp, kind, and genuinely respectful toward her brother. Safa didn’t say much, but she whispered under her breath:
“I approve.”
“There is one more thing, though, Raze,” Kelly said, stepping closer.
Her voice dropped slightly.
“Are you taking part in the Singles Tournament?”
“I will not,” Raze answered firmly.
“That’s good,” she replied. “But still… I think I should let you know, just in case. Before the tournament started, he gave us these, ”
***
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