Dark Magus Returns

The group had journeyed out of Repton city, and were heading back toward the cave, and it had been quite an eventful week, more so than they had originally expected. 

"You know what, the Demonic Faction wasn't so bad in the end." Liam replied. "I wonder why they call them demons and those that would kill just from a glare." 

"Well, we did stay inside after that one incident." Simyon replied. "So it is hard to say what the rest of the Demonic Faction is like. Also we didn't really get involved in Pagna affairs. Still, as you said things seemed to just be the same as they were in the Dark Faction." 

The small event had stuck in their heads though. The students they had lost to in a battle of strength were also from the other Pagna academy. To them it seemed like there was quite a gap in strength. 

Liam had even found himself overturned by just what he deemed the side characters. They didn't even stand out and they were able to best him. He took some pride that he was the strongest Blue Headband wearer, and being promoted to the Red Headbands when they got back, he knew there would be tough competition all around.

"A lot did happen." Raze mumbled to himself as they had reached the cave entrance. "There is a goal to look forward to, and a lot I need to do." 

In particular Raze had obtained the skill book full of the Noctis Clan's techniques. He would have to learn the Pagna swordsmanship first and then try to add the magic steps later on. 

Magic wasn't the only way for him to get stronger quickly. 

Dame was already wearing the transformation mask, and all of them were ready to head back. Raze was ready as he started to draw the magic circle on the ground, and the portal opened up for them to return. 

They ended up returning to the mist-covered cave and with the help of Dame they were able to bypass all of the guards while also heading back to the front of the academy. They were in the thick jungle bushes that led to the single bridge-like pathway that went out to the academy. 

As they stepped out onto the path, all of them gave a good stretch. 

"Ah, this brings back memories." Simyon commented. "But I don't know whether to be more nervous or less nervous. We aren't attending the assessment anymore, but joining the Red headbands and meeting all those main disciples again." 

A shiver ran through Simyon's entire body, just imagining seeing Ricktor again had him shook. They wondered if they would act any different this time after Raze's beating, after all Raze was certainly to be treated differently, he was known as the White Dragon, the rising star of the Dark Faction!

Taking a deep breath they had entered the Academy.

——-

"What do you guys think you're doing!" Gunther shouted. 

The moment all of them had returned to the front of the academy, it had come as a surprise that Gunther was in the large courtyard pacing back and forth waiting for them. 

It made them wonder how long he must have been doing it for. Or perhaps because it was the last day, he thought they had to return. Immediately he called for a meeting for them all to enter his office, and now all five of them stood there. 

"I've bent my back over to protect you guys, to keep your secret, and then you go off disappearing without telling me anything. I had no clue what happened to you." Gunther said, but there was something else he was more upset about. 

He went and pulled out a large scroll that looked to have been stuck together with some type of green beetle juice parts. He lifted the scroll and they could see that it was the reward for the Dark Magus. 

"The reward was cancelled, does this have anything to do with you being away?" Gunther asked. 

Both Dame and Raze just looked at each other, which had already given the answer Gunther was expecting. Somewhat defeated with the tension rising high in his body he then dropped his body back down in his seat. 

"Now that the reward is gone, is there any reason for me to even be in the academy?" Gunther had only joined to gain favour with the principal and to search for the Dark Magus, with the reward gone, he would rather spend his time going into dimensions trying to break through to the next stage. 

Liam was twiddling his fingers trying to avoid eye contact with Gunther. After all, he had been given the role to look over the Dark Magus and report back if there was anything he found strange. 

Yet he had been taken along in the end, and there was next to nothing he could do about it. Having gone with the others though, he didn't feel as left out as he had felt compared to before.

Standing up, Gunther looked out of his window that was on the second floor, it looked out onto the courtyard where they could see a number of students returning. All of those that were here before. 

As he looked at them, there was a slight pain in his heart. 

"Honestly, I'm not meant to tell you guys this, but I think it might be best if you left the academy." 

"Leave!" Simyon shouted. "Wait, how can we just leave, and why would an examiner be telling us that. Is it because you think we're useless, we're not useless at all, we're much stronger than you think!"

"Stop being so loud." Gunther shouted back. "I don't want any part in what is about to happen. The only reason why I'm thinking of staying is because I hope with my presence here I can help as many of you guys as possible. 

"The Dark Faction has been put in a difficult situation, and in turn the Academy has decided to take some drastic measures. I can tell that a lot of blood will be spilt in this academy."