Dark Magus Returns

After the overwhelming display of power, the students who had witnessed the spell began murmuring among themselves. The spell Raze had used, its scale, its control, the sheer impact of it, was something they typically expected from professors or battle-hardened mages.

Even then… not all professors at the academy could pull off something at that level.

So what was a student doing here, casually casting a Five-Star lightning spell like it was nothing? And why wasn’t he at the Central Academy, where talents like that normally went?

“Isn’t this going to cause a problem?” one student whispered.

“What do you mean? Why would having talented students be an issue?”

“Think about it,” the first student said. “We already have top-tier students here, people who’ve worked hard all year to secure their spot in the magical exchange. It’s a prestigious event. Only a handful of us are chosen to represent the academy.”

“Now these five transfer students show up, right in the middle of the term… and they’re just going to take those spots? You think everyone’s just going to accept that?”

There were several nods and murmurs of agreement. Even if no one said it aloud, the resentment was starting to build. It wasn’t fair. But at the same time, it was.

Because when it came to choosing the best… the choice was obvious.

“But seriously, why wouldn’t someone like him go to the Central Mage Academy if he’s that strong?” another student asked.

“Why are you asking me?” the annoyed classmate replied. “You think I’m friends with the guy? Try predicting the future with your fart magic, Fart Boy.”

“Wow, says the guy who uses fire magic to heat up frozen chicken nuggets. Speaking of which, hand them over. I know you brought some.”

“Maybe…” another girl said dreamily, her eyes sparkling. “Maybe it’s because his rival is at the Central Academy. They couldn’t be together yet. They’re destined to meet again, two souls, fated to clash! He’s just biding his time, perfecting his craft here!”

Whether they understood the real reason or not, one thing was clear, these five transfer students had arrived, and they were going to change everything. The structure, the balance, even the status quo of the academy itself.

,

Back on the field, Luka stood silently in the center, watching the five of them line up in front of him. He seemed deep in thought, and none of the students dared to interrupt.

In truth, Luka was still deciding what to do next.

There was a full assessment process he could run them through. A series of trials meant to test their aptitude. But after what he’d seen? They had already proven enough to earn their spots.

Still… he didn’t want them to get comfortable. He couldn’t allow them to walk away thinking they were untouchable. No matter how talented they were, this academy had its own standards.

He needed to remind them why this place mattered.

“Alright,” Luka said finally. “Although this may not follow the usual format of our assessments, I’ve thought of a challenge, one final test. This will be the deciding factor for whether or not you’re accepted into this academy.”

All of them, except for Raze, swallowed hard.

The assessment wasn’t over. And at any moment, their act could fall apart.

“In the past,” Luka continued, pacing slightly, “combat was just one part of a mage’s education. Some academies focused more on theory, others on defense or utility magic.”

He stopped and turned, his voice growing firmer.

“But that has changed. Now, all academies prioritize combat, because of one growing threat.”

His eyes met each of theirs, one by one.

“The Dark Guild.”

A heavy silence followed. Luka’s voice lowered.

“With the resurgence of mages practicing dark magic, academies are preparing their students for what’s to come. The peace we’ve known may not last. Our future mages must be ready to fight. Ready to protect themselves, and others.”

What Luka didn’t realize… was that the founder of the Dark Guild was standing right in front of him.

Raze.

And while the guild hadn’t made any new moves since the academy raid, Luka had no idea that its actions had only ever targeted specific groups, each handpicked by Raze himself. If anything, the fear that had spread across Alterian was exactly what Raze had intended.

However the Dark Guild wasn’t as wild as people thought, but it was unprecedented times even while the Dark Magus was around, he had never had an entire guild supporting him, so he understood the fear.

With a wave of his hand, Luka caused massive stone walls to rise from all corners of the field. They expanded rapidly, enclosing the grassy training ground in a massive rectangular arena. The towering walls cast deep shadows over the center of the field.

At the same time, every student who had been peeking from windows or watching from afar suddenly lost their view.

“What the, no fair! Did the professor block us out on purpose?!”

“Of course he did! Probably sick of your fart wind magic making noise.”

“Oh please, like your fire magic’s any better. You’re only good for reheating chicken nuggets!”

“That doesn’t even make sense in the context of this conversation!”

“ENOUGH!” Professor Panla snapped, her voice sharp and commanding.

She had finally lost her patience.

“All of you! Back to your seats! You’re far too distracted.”

The rest of the teachers followed suit, calling for order as the students groaned and slouched back into their chairs. But even Panla couldn’t help but glance out the window one last time, clicking her tongue with frustration.

‘That old fool… couldn’t he let us watch a little longer?’

Back inside the newly formed arena, Luka stood tall, his voice echoing off the stone.

“If you wish to be accepted into this academy,” he said firmly, “then the only way forward…

“Is a battle with me.”

****

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