Dark Magus Returns

Chapter 1437: A Dangerous Offer

There was at least one good thing about the situation Raze found himself in right now.

Ibarin hadn’t strayed from the script, not even a little.

He was doing exactly what Raze had predicted he would. Every move, every word, it was unfolding just as Raze had imagined in his mind. Right down to the moment Ibarin turned to Safa and extended an offer to join the prestigious Central Academy.

Because of that, Raze was able to remain composed.

At least on the surface.

But that didn’t mean there wasn’t a fire burning inside him.

An anger, deep and heavy, surged through his chest.

Just hearing Ibarin speak. Just watching him make his move. Watching him try to pluck away someone Raze cared about, someone he had promised to protect, it stirred something ugly inside him.

Especially after what had happened to Simyon.

It rubbed him the wrong way.

And he had to work hard to keep that storm from boiling over.

“I’m sure you understand why I’m making such an offer,” Ibarin said smoothly, addressing Safa directly now. “You’re far too talented to remain at Wilton Academy.”

He gestured toward Raze, toward “Redrick”, as if to include him in the moment.

“I say this proudly in front of your teacher here, because even he has to admit it.”

He took a step forward, his voice rich with authority.

“We have the best resources for Light mages. The best programs. The strongest connections when it comes to where your path might lead next. Staying at Wilton would only stunt your growth.”

He paused, letting the words hang in the air.

“I don’t know why you weren’t invited to Central Academy from the start. Perhaps our assessors missed something. Perhaps our scouts overlooked you.”

He leaned in slightly.

“But I didn’t.”

His eyes locked onto hers.

“I believe the world brought you here, to the steps of Central Academy, because we’re meant to do something great together.”

The way he said it… the words alone would have been more than enough to sway most students.

And Raze knew that all too well.

If the real Redrick were standing here right now, he wouldn’t have had the authority, or the will, to say a thing against it. Not just because Ibarin’s words carried weight. But because this wasn’t just his opinion.

This was the will of the Grand Magus.

And who could defy that?

Who could say no to such an offer… from someone like him?

Then, to everyone’s surprise, Safa beamed.

She placed both hands together, her smile radiant.

“Thank you so much!” Safa said warmly. “First, I want to thank you for setting up the meeting with Nannan. I understand now what she did, and I want to thank her as well.”

Her eyes sparkled with sincerity.

“Because of her actions, I was able to show you just how special my powers really are. I might never have had the chance to demonstrate that otherwise.”

“As for joining the Central Academy,” Safa continued, her voice filled with enthusiasm, “after everything you’ve said, I would love to.”

She smiled graciously.

“There are hardly any Light Mages at Wilton Academy, aside from the nurse. So I really believe the Central Academy will be the place where I can grow and reach my full potential.”

The words were perfect.

Almost too perfect.

Because they were the very lines Raze had prepared for her.

But there was still one last condition she needed to deliver.

“However,” Safa added, folding her hands politely, “I do have one request.”

Ibarin tilted his head, listening.

“I would like to ask that my transfer to Central Academy be postponed until after this event is over,” Safa said. “I believe I have a duty to Wilton Academy, as their student, and as a member of their current group.”

She stood tall, her expression sincere and unwavering.

“Even if the rules allow for substitutes and replacements, I still wish to finish what I started. I want to fight alongside them, or at the very least, take part in the event as one of them. Once it’s over… I will formally join Central Academy without hesitation.”

A flicker of hesitation crossed Ibarin’s face.

And for someone like him, that said a lot.

He was not a man who liked to wait, especially not when something he wanted was already within reach. When opportunity knocked, Ibarin preferred to open the door immediately and take what was his.

To him, claiming a rare Light Mage now, especially one with potential like Safa, didn’t seem like much of a disruption. There were always ways to smooth things over, ways to adjust the tournament brackets and justify his actions.

He was the Grand Magus, after all.

But before he could object, another voice entered the room.

“I think what she’s stated is reasonable,” Raze said calmly, stepping forward.

He kept his tone neutral, composed, but every word was calculated.

“She has honor. She wants to finish this event with the team she arrived with. It’s a simple request, and once the event concludes, she’ll be free to do as she wishes.”

Ibarin’s eyes narrowed.

For a moment, Raze could see it. The man was considering rejecting the request altogether, perhaps even threatening that if Safa didn’t accept the offer now, it would never come again.

But then, something shifted.

Perhaps it was the teacher’s voice, rare, assertive, unexpected.

Perhaps it was the knowledge that others were watching.

Or perhaps, just perhaps, Ibarin realized that patience would get him further here than pressure.

“Very well,” he finally said, nodding slowly. “I suppose the two of you may enjoy the remainder of your event. I’m satisfied that you’ve made the right decision, Safa.”

Raze offered a small bow, and Safa followed his lead. With the conversation seemingly concluded, the two of them turned to leave the room.

But just before they reached the door,

“Wait,” Ibarin said.

His voice stopped them cold.

“There’s one more thing I wanted to ask.”

Raze turned slowly.

“Why is it,” Ibarin said, his tone growing sharper, “that despite your talent… and the power of your God Eyes… you never joined Central Academy?”

****

****

For updates for MWS and future works, please follow me on my social media below.

Instagram: Jksmanga

P.a.t.r.e.o.n: jksmanga

When news of MVS, MWS or any other series comes out, you will be able to see it there first, and you can reach out to me. If I’m not too busy, I tend to reply.