Chapter 1428: Masks for the Final Day
With the event over, all the students were ordered back to their rooms.
The other academies were mostly pleased with their own performances, they had shown strong skills, and in many cases, they believed they had proven themselves against the Central Academy. In some ways, they had. Their abilities were unique enough to catch the attention of the crowd and even a few important onlookers.
But all of it was overshadowed.
Because of what had happened right at the end, the thing everyone was now talking about… no one seemed to remember the earlier displays.
“I don’t know whether I should be happy that there’s an academy out there doing better than Central Academy in every way,” Lee Roy said with a faint smile, “or worried that there are now more people we’ll have to watch out for.”
He knew tomorrow was no ordinary day. It was one of the largest events in the entire competition, the Single Battle Event. And the rumors about a rule change had turned out to be true. Instead of one student from each academy, two would be allowed to participate. That meant ten competitors in total.
Back at the Central Academy quarters, when Nannan and George returned, there was no applause, no congratulations. Instead, Nannan could feel the weight of glares on her.
“You shouldn’t have attacked her,” Bones said bluntly. “All it did was make us look foolish, and her even better.”
The others murmured in agreement. Nannan didn’t care much about the students’ opinions. What truly made her uneasy was how the teachers would react, especially the principal, Ibarin.
“I know what I did wrong,” Nannan replied stiffly. “I’m not stupid.”
“Yet you go and do something that stupid?” Kayzel shot back. “This wasn’t even a competition between academies, and yet now everyone’s wondering what Wilton Academy can do, rather than us.
“I guess that means tomorrow I’ll just have to fix this myself. Tomorrow’s our only chance to redeem the academy.”
Meanwhile, in the Wilton Academy camp, the mood was entirely different. The moment Safa appeared, the two girls, Chiba and Yolden, rushed toward her, wrapping her in a warm, tight hug.
“You were amazing!” Yolden beamed. “I can’t believe it, you really, really showed up that arrogant girl!”
“You did a good job too, Piba,” Liam said, glancing toward their other teammate. “I know how it is, when a pretty girl starts showing off her skills, well… people kind of forget about the rest of us.”
“It’s true, though,” Piba replied, her tone sincere. “If Safa hadn’t done what she did out there, I doubt we’d be getting this kind of reaction now. She deserves every bit of praise she can get.”
The group continued to shower Safa with admiration, voices overlapping in their excitement. In the middle of it all, Raze rose to his feet. His movements were calm but purposeful, and as he stepped forward, the others instinctively parted to give him space.
“Were you hurt?” Raze asked, his gaze locking on Safa as he studied her carefully. His eyes swept over her like he was making sure not a single scratch had been missed.
“No, I’m fine,” she answered with a small shake of her head. “There’s no real wound on my body, everything’s healed up a hundred percent.” Her smile widened as she spoke, and it wasn’t just any smile, it was the biggest, brightest one they had seen from her yet.
It was bigger than the grin she’d worn when she’d humiliated Nannan in front of everyone. Bigger than the one she’d had while basking in her teammates’ praise. This smile was different. It was warmer, more personal. And all it had taken was Raze asking if she was okay.
“Alright, so… I guess we can just rest for the day now and wait until tomorrow, right?” Chiba said, glancing between the group. “But, with everything that’s happened, are we going to have to go straight back to the dorm again? I mean, otherwise, we’re going to get hounded by the others.”
The teachers exchanged looks. They had wanted to say something, to give their students a proper reward for their incredible performance in both this and the last assessment. A nice meal, a chance to relax, to enjoy the event like everyone else, that’s what they wanted to offer.
But the problem was still there.
After all, these same students had been targeted by Central Academy before, and the teachers weren’t confident they could protect them again if trouble broke out.
“I’ve got a solution for you all,” Raze said suddenly. From his inventory, several masks floated out, drifting gently through the air until they stopped in front of each student.
They caught them instinctively, turning the items over in their hands. The masks were made of a smooth, lightweight plastic, their design simple yet strangely sleek. Even those from Pagna were wondering when did Raze have the time to make these, why did he even put the effort into making these for everyone.
“These masks will alter the appearance of your face,” Raze explained. “That way, the others won’t recognize you. You’ll be able to eat, explore, and check out several parts of the event without drawing unwanted attention.
“But,” he added, his tone turning serious, “be careful. If you use magic, or if magic is used near you, the mask’s effect will be disrupted, and your appearance will return to normal.”
The group nodded, understanding the risk.
“I just thought…” Raze paused briefly, glancing at them one by one. “You should enjoy the event while you can.”
He didn’t say it outright, but the reason was clear enough, there was a chance tomorrow might be the last day of the event altogether.
*****
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Chapter 1429: Masks, Secrets, and Tomorrow’s Apology
The group decided to test the masks first on those who were already Raze’s allies. They weren’t worried about the effects, they trusted him enough to go first.
Before anyone else could volunteer, Londo snatched one up and slid it onto his face.
“I will show my loyalty,” he muttered under his breath.
The change was immediate. Right before their eyes, his features shifted until it was as if a completely different person stood in his place.
“Wow… this is great!” Beatrix said, her eyes widening. “There was so much good food I saw earlier when we were outside, and honestly? I really didn’t want the teachers picking our meals again… I think our tastes are a little different.”
Even in Pagna, cuisine varied drastically depending on where someone was raised. What one person considered delicious, another might not be able to stomach.
In Beatrix’s case, she avoided spicy food at all costs. She still didn’t know which teacher had picked such heavily spiced dishes earlier, but it had meant leaving most of her plate untouched.
While Pagna warriors could go long stretches without eating, drawing energy from the world around them to sustain themselves, it didn’t replace the simple joy of eating a good meal. And here, in this world, they could still do it just as well as back home.
Following the first test, the rest of the group wasted no time putting their masks on. One by one, their appearances shifted. They could see the changes in each other’s faces, and with every transformation, their excitement grew.
Now they could actually look forward to enjoying the evening without fear of being recognized.
“I guess with these, we won’t really have to watch over you,” Panla said, crossing her arms. “But make sure you don’t cause trouble. We’ve only got three events left.”
There was the Single Tournament, the Group Tournament stages, and lastly, the Teacher Participation Stage.
The last stage was always a mystery, its format changed from year to year. The only constant was that it involved teachers from each academy.
As the group made their way out of the venue, they were greeted by a sea of people waiting outside. Excited voices filled the air as the crowd tried to spot them, calling out questions in rapid succession.
Thanks to the disguises, the students slipped right past without drawing any attention. The masks worked perfectly, and for the first time all day, they could move freely.
This is my chance, Raze thought as he quietly broke away from the group. I need to find Kelly… see if she can help me get my hands on that special magic circle.
The students spent the rest of the day indulging in the simple pleasures they’d been missing. They bought all kinds of snacks, watched a few of the evening performances, then went right back to sampling more food together.
Yolden and Chiba walked arm in arm, a quiet smile on both their faces as they strolled through the lively streets. But beneath the lighthearted atmosphere, their thoughts drifted back to the reason they were even able to enjoy this moment at all.
“You know,” Yolden said, glancing at her friend, “when you think about everything that’s happened so far… it’s kind of crazy, right? I mean, even now, we’re walking around wearing special enchanted masks he made, and because of that, we get to enjoy today.”
“Yeah,” Chiba agreed, her voice softening. “He really is special. But I get what you mean… Raze is a nice guy, a reallynice person, and yet… he’s part of the Dark Guild.”
The thought sat uncomfortably between them.
It wasn’t just them feeling conflicted either.
“He’s been true to his word,” Piba chimed in from behind. “At least… so far, anyway.”
“Right,” Chiba said, nodding. “If we really think about it, the Central Academy have been the ones acting like scumbags. Meeting Raze… it’s kind of turned my whole view of the situation upside down.”
“It does make me wonder,” Yolden added thoughtfully. “What their actual plan is in all of this. Any day now, they could make a move, right? We have to be ready for it. And when that happens, I guess we can make a real judgment about them. But for now…” She gave a small shrug. “For now, we should at least be nice to them while they’re being nice to us.”
In the end, the group let the topic fade away, choosing to enjoy the rest of the day without letting doubt spoil it.
Meanwhile, Raze had managed to slip away and meet with Kelly. Since she didn’t recognize him, he was the one that needed to approach her, there was also something else he didn’t quite plan for and that was that Londo had chosen to follow him rather than go away with the rest.
Raze had decided to ignore it for now and just continued his conversation with Kelly.
Their conversation was brief, Raze didn’t want to draw attention to her or risk her getting in trouble. He gave her instructions for tomorrow: try to locate where the special magic circle might be. He listed several places he suspected, telling her that if any seemed suspicious, she should report back to him immediately so he could handle the problem directly.
Kelly agreed without hesitation. But just as they were wrapping up, her expression shifted, and her voice lowered.
“There’s something you should know,” she said. “I don’t know how you want to deal with it, or if it’s going to change your plans, but… it seems the Academy wants Nannan to apologize to Safa directly tomorrow.”
Raze’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“They’re doing it in private, before the event begins,” Kelly continued, “and Ibarin will be there.”
***
*****
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Chapter 1430: Shadowing Safa
For some reason, Raze could feel his heart begin to race the moment he heard the news.
A cold pulse surged through him as his thoughts drifted, unbidden, back to the past. Back to the time when the Grand Magus Council had united… not for peace, but for betrayal.
Together, they had taken down his wife, Sabrina.
And now, now they were planning something again. Another move. Another meeting. One that involved someone else close to him.
Safa.
Even if it wasn’t a direct attack, the mere fact that she and Ibarin would be in the same room… it was enough to raise every alarm in his mind.
Wait… what could Ibarin even do? Raze thought, forcing himself to breathe. The event is still ongoing. Even if he tries to harm her, he can’t eliminate her entirely. There are still more stages to come, important ones.
His thoughts raced ahead, calculating.
Realistically, this isn’t about a genuine apology. Ibarin has something else in mind. He’ll want something from her, specifically, her God Eyes.
That was what made Safa dangerous in the eyes of the powerful, and valuable to those who sought to rise higher still.
If I think about it logically…
Raze continued, closing his eyes for a moment, …every example of Ibarin’s behavior points to the same pattern. His entire life, he’s had an inferiority complex. Even now, standing among the Grand Magus, he still doesn’t feel like he measures up.
This, this meeting, it’s his chance to gain access to someone with the God Eyes. To use them. To elevate himself. To be seen as equal to the others… maybe even to Idore.
As he pieced the theory together, Raze began to calm. His breath steadied.
There was still a risk, of course. There always would be. He couldn’t guarantee that things would go smoothly.
But if Safa simply played her part, if she faked her words, said she wished to transfer to the Central Academy after the event, then everything should unfold just as planned.
“Thanks for letting me know,” Raze said at last. His tone was level, though his mind still raced beneath the surface. “This is actually a bigger deal than I thought. It seems Ibarin’s been rattled. He wants to walk away from this event with something, anything, that gives him leverage.”
Still, there was something else lurking at the edge of his thoughts. A shadow he couldn’t shake.
Although he hadn’t expected to uncover anything right away, one thing was becoming clearer: the Grand Magus were involved in Pagna.
Somehow.
They had been entering through the portals, some openly, others in secret. And the most obvious clue had been Enaxx. The fact that she had been sent over… it all pointed to something larger.
Why? Raze wondered. What are they really after?
Is there another reason each Grand Magus has been trying to build up their own power, separate from the others?
He didn’t have all the answers yet, but one thing was certain: if Ibarin invited Safa somewhere, anywhere, then at least they’d have a fixed location to work with.
A place where they knew Ibarin would definitely be.
And that meant, for once, he wouldn’t be able to interfere with Raze’s search.
“Tomorrow is the best chance for you to find what I’m looking for,” Raze said, his voice low and steady. “There’s been a change of plans. If you manage to locate it, if you can actually get your hands on the item, then retrieve it yourself.”
He paused.
For a brief moment, Raze’s gaze drifted toward the window. His thoughts wandered.
There were still areas around the academy he wanted to investigate himself, specific places where the item might be hidden. Places he’d marked mentally before. But something was holding him back.
And that something had golden eyes and a target on her back.
“I’ll search with her,” a voice said quietly from beside him.
Raze turned his head.
It was Londo.
He had been standing there the whole time, listening in silence, absorbing every word of the plan.
“You’re looking for some kind of magical circle,” Londo said, stepping forward, his hands clenched into fists. “One that can extract information, right? I’ve been listening, Dark Magus. I want to help.”
His voice was firm, loyal.
“I know what you’re thinking. You’re worried about that girl. Safa. And you should be. The Grand Magus are scum. We all know that. So go watch her back, make sure nothing happens to her. Leave the search to me and Kelly.”
There was fire in his eyes. Purpose.
Londo was more than just passionate. He was capable.
A skilled mage in his own right, he had a solid understanding of magic circles, formations, and detection spells. If the item they were after was hidden using illusion, concealment, or any other enchantment, Londo had a good chance of uncovering it.
Raze didn’t like relying on others.
He never had.
But he already was. He had started this mission surrounded by others who were helping him, whether by choice or necessity.
So what was one more?
“Very well,” Raze finally said, nodding. “Let me tell you both where it’s most likely hidden, the areas you should focus on first.”
He pulled out a small folded map and laid it on the table between them, pointing to several marked locations.
“It’s best if you wear the masks you’ve been using during the event. If something goes wrong, if you’re seen, switch to the dark robes that conceal your identities and get out of the academy immediately.”
His voice hardened, the words laced with caution.
“I’ll figure out a way to bring you back inside later, but it’s better they think this was the work of the Dark Guild. If you’re caught, it can’t trace back to either of you.”
Londo gave a quick nod, accepting the risks.
So much had shifted in such a short time. The plan had changed again.
Ending the event tomorrow might no longer be the best outcome. But even if it wasn’t ideal, even if everything else failed, they still had to play their part.
The event was far from over.
And so was the fight for the truth.
****
****
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Chapter 1431: Masks and Matches
When Raze returned to the group, he sought out Safa directly. This wasn’t something he could afford to keep from her, not with what was coming.
He explained everything. How a meeting had been arranged. How she would be face-to-face with one of the Grand Magus.
Specifically… Ibarin.
The moment she heard the name, Safa’s face tightened with unease. A ripple of nerves passed through her, and she instinctively clenched her hands together.
“Am I going to be okay?” she asked, her voice quiet. “What if… what if he wants to test my magic?”
“Then show him what you can,” Raze replied calmly. “If anything, that will work in your favor. Your situation is believable. You’ve got a strong affinity for magic, and you possess the God Eyes, but in terms of experience? You’re still developing. That contrast is something he’ll accept.”
He stepped a little closer, keeping his tone steady to reassure her.
“If he sees how new you are to advanced casting, it will make perfect sense to him why you chose Wilton Academy. It’s the closest one to your home, and every now and then, rare cases like yours do appear, hidden talents from unknown regions.”
Safa nodded slowly, absorbing every word.
“And remember what I said,” Raze continued. “It’s important that you agree to transfer to his academy. That will put him at ease. But don’t agree to anything that could impact you immediately or lock you into something down the line.”
Even though Raze had explained it clearly, laid it all out with logic and precision, Safa couldn’t help but feel the weight of it pressing down on her.
She would be alone.
Separated from the others.
And face-to-face with a Grand Magus, someone said to be on par with Enaxx, the very same person Raze had once stood against.
“I think,” Raze added after a moment, “I’ve figured out a way to stay by your side. So you don’t have to worry too much.”
Her eyes lit up slightly.
“You have?” she asked. “But… how? Ibarin won’t invite other students. He’ll want to speak to me privately.”
Raze gave a small smile, the kind that meant he already had the details worked out.
“I’m going to ask Wilton Academy to insist that a teacher accompanies you,” he said. “That’s a reasonable request, especially given your talent. I think they’ll support it.”
Safa tilted her head slightly, trying to see where he was going with this.
Then Raze explained.
“Do you remember when we raided the Alter base?” he asked. “There was an item that Heino used. A mask. One that allowed him to take on the appearance of others.”
Her eyes widened.
Of course she remembered.
“I’ll use that mask,” Raze said. “I’ll shift my appearance to match that of Redrick.”
It was the perfect plan.
The mask Heino had used was unlike the ones Raze had given to the rest of the group. Those could be disrupted by the use of magic. But this one was different. It could withstand low levels of magical interference, making it nearly undetectable to most.
Raze had taken the mask from the base that day, unsure if he’d ever need it.
But now?
It looked like that decision might just save them both.
The group rested, each of them well aware of what the next day might bring.
When morning arrived, they gathered early in the dormitory lobby to have breakfast together. The air was thick with anticipation, quiet glances exchanged between bites. Raze, keeping to his schedule, approached the teachers before they headed off to the day’s events.
He explained the situation, how he had come across troubling information involving Safa, and what he intended to do about it. After some resistance, the teachers finally agreed to go along with the plan, under one condition: Raze would perform the switch quickly, just before they departed for one of the main venues.
At a long dining table, the group of ten students sat together with their three instructors.
“I see,” Luka said, rubbing his temples after hearing Raze out. “I still don’t know exactly what you’re planning… but I can understand how a situation could arise. And if something does happen, you’re certainly more capable of handling it than we are.”
He leaned back, exhaling. “But isn’t there one obvious problem? If you’re disguised as Redrick… won’t that mean there’ll be two of him walking around?”
Raze gave a small nod. “That’s not a problem,” he replied. “The mask I used the other day, Redrick can wear that for now. It’ll give him a temporary disguise.”
The teachers exchanged weary glances. This event had pushed them far harder than they’d anticipated. It wasn’t just the logistics, it was Raze. Every hour of every day, they were waiting for the next move, the next disruption, the next incident. And every time it happened, they had to pretend they had no idea. No connection. No involvement.
They were playing their part, but it was exhausting.
“While we have you here,” Panla spoke up, shifting the topic, “we wanted to ask you something.”
She glanced at the other teachers before continuing.
“We were informed last night that for the single tournament event, each academy is allowed to enter two participants. You’ve already agreed to take part. That’s still fine with everything going on, right?”
Raze gave a short nod. “It’s not a problem at all.”
He had no concerns about handling the competition. Based on the level of skill he’d observed from the other academies so far, he was confident, maybe even too confident, that he would win. The only challenge would be doing it in a way that didn’t draw too much suspicion.
Panla smiled faintly. “That’s good to hear. Now, the other thing we wanted to ask, you’ll need a partner. The ranked students all agreed it should be one of your group. Who do you think is the best choice for the second slot?”
The other top students had no interest in stepping onto the stage. After everything they’d endured, they were more than happy to watch from the sidelines and cheer for Wilton Academy’s victories, especially if those victories came as a shock to the other academies.
Raze leaned back, considering the options.
Not Safa. If she took part, it could complicate things with Ibarin.
Beatrix was powerful, no question, but if she revealed her blood powers during the event, it would raise far too many questions.
That left Dame… and Liam.
Both were strong. Both were capable of using their abilities in ways that didn’t clearly resemble magic, just unique talent. But only one of them had the kind of performance that would seem believable, something that wouldn’t rattle the judges too much.
“Out of the two…” Raze said slowly, “I think the more convincing choice would be Liam.”
He turned toward the others.
“Me and Liam will take part in today’s singles event.”
***
****
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Chapter 1432: A Choice and a Challenge
The decision had been left to Raze. After all, he knew the transfer students better than anyone else.
Still, it came as a surprise to everyone when he called out a name they hadn’t expected, Liam’s.
Even Liam looked stunned.
“M-Me? Really?” Liam asked, pointing to himself. “You think I can take part… and not cause any problems?”
“With the way your mind works, you should be able to understand your limits, what you can and can’t handle,” Raze replied calmly. “By using your intelligence, combined with your lightning wand and Qi, you’re capable of unleashing devastating strikes. On top of that, if things get too difficult, you can always fall back on your identity as a magic swordsman and use your sword.”
Raze’s voice held confidence, confidence that others rarely gave Liam.
“I believe this will be the final nail,” Raze continued. “The one that lets you beat any of the other contestants… without even needing to show your full power.”
The other ranked students who were standing nearby couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. Especially Moze and Piba, who had been thoroughly humiliated in their matches against Liam.
They had seen what he and Raze could do, not just in the main event’s dimension, but in the other training zones too. Only the top mages in the world could hope to challenge them now.
“Besides all of that,” Dame said, shrugging with a grin, “it doesn’t really matter if you lose.”
Everyone turned to him, curious at his casual tone.
“Because in the end,” he added confidently, “Raze is going to win the whole thing.”
That… was something they could all
agree on. One by one, heads nodded. There wasn’t a single person who could imagine Raze losing. And Raze himself? That thought never even crossed his mind, not when his goal was to become the Grand Magus.
Once breakfast was finished, the group stood and began preparing to leave. They were planning to head back to the dorms to freshen up before splitting up for the rest of the day.
Just like at night, walking around during the day drew too much attention. Even now, they’d get swarmed by onlookers. So, as usual, they decided to use their enchanted masks to move around without being recognized.
But on their way back to the dorms, a staff member suddenly appeared and approached them, looking a little rushed.
“Sorry to interrupt,” the man said politely, with a bright smile on his face, “but I’ve come with a message from the principal.”
The students paused, giving him their full attention.
“The principal has personally requested a meeting with student Safa,” he announced. “It appears… he wishes to offer you a direct apology for what happened at the event the other day.”
Normally, if Safa hadn’t already been warned about what was coming, she might’ve simply smiled and brushed it off. She would have said it was fine and declined the apology politely.
But this time was different.
Raze knew that kind of response would only make things worse. Especially with someone like Ibarin watching so closely.
A student refusing to meet one of the Grand Magus?
That alone was enough to raise every possible red flag.
It was unthinkable. No student, especially one invited personally, would ever not want to meet a Grand Magus. It would be a dream for most. So for someone to act hesitant or uninterested… there had to be something off. Something wrong.
And with that, the academy’s interest in Safa would only grow. But not in the way anyone wanted.
“Oh! A meeting with the Grand Magus himself!” Safa exclaimed, clasping her hands together and putting on her best performance. “That’s amazing… sure, I’d be happy to go. But…”
She trailed off, her gaze shifting toward the teachers nearby. Her voice softened, just enough to sound vulnerable, but steady enough to be heard.
“Is it okay if I bring one of my teachers with me? I’m not exactly comfortable walking around the academy on my own. Especially after getting attacked at the event… I’m just a little nervous something else might happen.”
The staff member smiled in return, clearly pleased that she wasn’t resisting.
“Of course,” he replied kindly. “This is meant to be a personal, private meeting, but we’ll allow one teacher to accompany you. The rest of you are free to enjoy the festival, and don’t worry, it won’t take long. You’ll be back well before the next event begins.”
He tilted his head slightly.
“You’re not participating in the singles tournament, are you?”
Safa shook her head.
Although it might’ve been expected after her performance, especially now that she had revealed her ability to use light magic, it had already been decided that she wouldn’t be entering the singles event.
“Haha, I’d love to ask which one of you will be taking part,” the staff member added with a grin, “but I think that might kill some of the excitement.”
Safa smiled politely, but her mind was already moving fast.
“Would it be alright if I headed back to the dorm first to grab a few things?” she asked. “I’ll meet you back here in ten minutes.”
“Sure,” he replied without hesitation.
With that, the entire group turned and made their way back to the dorms. Each of them had different reasons, some wanted to change, some to prepare, and one in particular had something far more elaborate in mind.
Raze, now assuming the identity of Redrick, had already begun changing his appearance. Disguise complete, he was the first to step out, his transformation flawless. Right behind him, Safa exited the room, taking a deep breath as she adjusted her posture.
“You don’t have to worry,” Raze said gently. “I’ll be right by your side.”
“And I’ll be by yours,” Safa replied, glancing at him with a small smile. “If you start feeling overwhelmed… just come to me. I can help calm you down too.”
The two exchanged a subtle nod, both understanding what was truly at stake. The meeting with the Grand Magus wasn’t going to be simple. But together, they were prepared to face whatever came next.
*****
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Chapter 1433: The First Target
As Raze walked side by side with Safa, his thoughts began to drift, to a face from his past.
Ibarin.
Of all the atrocities the Grand Magi had committed, of all the destruction and pain they had brought to Alterian, some might have said Ibarin was the least guilty. The one with the smallest stain.
But Raze knew better.
Ibarin wore his inferiority complex like a crown. He didn’t rise by climbing, he rose by dragging others down, grinding them beneath his feet to feel taller. And to Raze, this wasn’t just about Alterian’s suffering. This was personal.
Deeply personal.
Because Ibarin hadn’t just played a part in the Grand Magus Council, the same council that had put a target on Raze’s back, that continued to hunt him, to bury the truth about what really happened.
No, Ibarin had been the start of it all.
The beginning of Raze’s downfall. The one who forced him out of his job.
A chain reaction followed: the loss of his position, his identity… and eventually, Sabrina.
Everything.
Raze’s fists clenched at his sides, even as he kept his pace steady beside Safa. His eyes stayed forward, but his thoughts burned with quiet fury.
It started with you, he thought. So it’s only right that my first target in Alterian… is you.
Back at ground level, the false Redrick, Raze in disguise, and Safa stood side by side once more.
“Please follow me to the central building of the academy,” the staff member instructed with a practiced smile.
As they walked behind him, Raze instantly recognized the direction they were heading. He had been here before.
And the realization hit him with an ironic twist, he found it almost amusing. The very place they were being led to… was Ibarin’s personal office.
A place Raze had already visited not too long ago.
The world, it seemed, was finally aligning with his plans. If this meeting had been scheduled just one day earlier, things might not have worked out. But today? Today, the path was wide open.
They passed through the halls of the academy, their footsteps echoing against polished floors. Up the winding stairs they went, until finally, they stood before a set of large double doors.
The staff member gave a polite knock. A moment later, he pushed the doors open, revealing the room beyond.
Raze felt it immediately.
The magic circle enchantment, it’s been deactivated.
That meant Ibarin was inside.
Which meant this was real.
In just a few seconds, Raze would be standing within arm’s reach of the man who started it all.
He let Safa step in first, staying composed and calm as she entered with practiced posture. Raze followed right behind her, his heart steady, but his senses sharp.
Inside the office, the air was thick, not with tension, but with power and presence.
Two others were already in the room. Raze’s eyes, hidden beneath his disguise, scanned the space carefully. He didn’t look directly, he let his gaze drift casually from the side.
The first person he spotted was Nannan.
Then, his eyes moved slowly across the room… and he saw them.
Old, frail hands resting on the polished wooden desk. A presence, quiet but commanding. His eyes followed the trail up those aged fingers, up the sleeves of regal robes…
And there he was.
Ibarin.
The Grand Magus.
The man who tore Raze’s world apart.
“The Offer”
Raze could feel his fingers twitching, constantly, uncontrollably. His muscles pulsed with tension, and every time, he forced himself to push them back into stillness.
He had to remain composed.
He had to focus.
Every thought needed to be calculated, managed, and controlled.
Just like he did with his body, he tried to block out every stray emotion, every memory screaming for attention.
Then, Ibarin’s voice broke the silence.
“It’s a great honor to welcome Wilton Academy, an academy that has continued to surprise us, again and again,” Ibarin said, his tone loud and warm, his eyes open wide as he walked across the room like a gracious host.
Safa stepped forward gracefully, bowing low, just as Raze had taught her.
“It’s a great honor to meet you, Grand Magus and Principal of Central Academy,” she said politely, her voice steady, respectful.
Ibarin didn’t return the bow.
He simply stood tall, his posture strong and unmoving. But his gaze shifted, settling on the one standing just beside Safa.
His eyes locked onto Redrick.
Slowly, the two stared at each other across the space. A tense silence began to build. Raze could see it, a faint vein pulsing at the side of Ibarin’s head. A subtle sign. A crack in his composure.
“Sorry!” Raze said quickly, giving an awkward laugh and a slight bow. “I was just… starstruck. I can’t believe I’m standing so close to one of the Grand Magus. It’s an absolute honor to meet you.”
That seemed to do the trick.
Flattered by the compliment, Ibarin chose to overlook the fact that Redrick hadn’t bowed right away. After all, even if this was a competition, his position as one of the Grand Magi, one of the ruling powers of the entire world, meant that small gestures of disrespect could be forgiven, if only temporarily.
“I asked you here today,” Ibarin said, turning to Safa, “because Nannan wishes to offer you a personal apology.”
He gestured toward the young mage beside him.
“There’s no excuse for what happened during the event,” he continued. “But of course, she is still a child. Children tend to get swept up in the excitement of battle. I hope you can forgive her.”
Nannan stepped forward, visibly nervous. She wrung her hands together, then bowed her head deeply.
“I apologize for attacking you and losing control at the event,” she said sincerely. “Your skills were incredible, absolutely immaculate. I just got caught up in the intensity of the moment. You don’t have to forgive me, but I want you to know… I’m truly sorry.”
She lifted her head, eyes still wide and unsure. It was clear she meant every word.
But before anyone else could speak, Ibarin took a step forward.
He moved slowly, confidently, until he was only about a meter away from Safa. His presence seemed to weigh down the air in the room.
“Safa of Wilton Academy,” he said, his tone shifting to something far more serious, “the one blessed with the God Eyes…”
He paused for a moment.
“I have a proposal I’d like to make.”
The room grew silent.
“Would you consider joining Central Academy?”
****
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