Dark Magus Returns

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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