Dark Magus Returns

Chapter 1383: The Event Ahead

The principal of Wilton Academy had left early that morning to attend the event. Unlike the students who would be participating, the higher-ups had a different schedule and an entirely different agenda to follow.

Part of Raze had entertained the idea of disguising himself as a principal, it probably would’ve made things a whole lot easier. But he could only do so much with what he had.

Besides, there was something oddly satisfying about living as a regular student. Getting the full experience of being part of an Alterian academy, even if just for a little while, had been… enlightening. But that part of the journey was almost over.

A magical bus had arrived at the school grounds to collect the ten students participating in the event. The other students and teachers came to see them off, waving and cheering from the ground and even sticking their heads out of classroom windows to shout well-wishes and encouragement.

Since this wasn’t the type of event that was publicly broadcast or shared with the outside world, all they could do was wait for the participants to return and tell them how things went.

On the bus, Panla, Luka, and Redrick sat near the front while the students settled in. The magical transport was soaring through the skies, and they had at least a couple of hours ahead of them before reaching their destination.

It was still early, but no one on the bus was sleepy. Every student was wide awake, a mix of nerves, excitement, and curiosity buzzing through the air.

“So…” Chiba began, breaking the silence, “has a decision been made yet? I mean, for the event line-up? There are two that only allow a few students to participate, right?”

The ranked students perked up, clearly interested. Taking part in the event was already a major honor, but being selected for one of the more individual events came with prestige, and recognition.

Panla stood up in the aisle, her voice calm and clear as she addressed the students. “You’re referring to the portal clearing event and the group battle event,” she said. “Everyone will participate in the group battle, but before I get to the rest, I have a question for all of you.”

Her eyes swept over the students before landing on a familiar face.

“For the group battle,” she continued, “will you be giving it your all?”

As expected, all the students turned to look at Raze.

He gave a composed nod before speaking. “We’ll be limiting our power. We’ll fight using strength similar to what we’ve shown before, only what could pass as magic that other students are capable of.”

Everyone on the bus was already in the loop about the transfer students’ true power. There was no need for secrecy among them.

“I see,” Moze said thoughtfully. “That’s actually… good. It means we’ll still have to try hard. No free rides.”

“Hey, we’re strong enough on our own anyway,” Chiba added confidently. “I bet even the Central Academy students haven’t been through what we’ve gone through. That portal expedition changed everything. We’ve grown a lot. Even the top academies won’t know what hit them.”

“Still, that doesn’t answer the question about the single events,” Yolden pointed out. “We can only put forward one student, right? If we wanted to send our strongest, wouldn’t that be Raze?”

There was no doubt, if Raze participated, he’d crush the single events with ease, as long as he didn’t hold back too much. They’d seen his skill with all types of magic. But the question wasn’t could he… it was would he?

The teachers hadn’t chosen anyone yet for that exact reason. No one knew what the transfer students planned to do.

“For the individual events,” Raze said, “it’s probably best if you don’t include us.”

The students blinked in surprise, but he continued.

“We can take part. It won’t interfere with what we’re trying to accomplish. But it won’t help either. We didn’t come here for prestige or recognition. You all did. This event means a lot more to you than it does to us. I’d hate for any of us to steal the spotlight or take away a chance that should’ve been yours.”

With that said, the decision would have to come down to the five ranked students. One of them would have to represent Wilton Academy in the singles event.

“Then… should we choose Piba?” Moze asked. “He is ranked number one, after all.”

“I think you’re forgetting about Londo,” Yolden chimed in. “We still don’t know what his real rank is… or how strong he actually is.”

At the front of the bus, Londo sat alone, arms folded.

“I’m not interested,” he replied coolly, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He didn’t even turn to look at them.

If Raze wasn’t taking part, Londo had decided he’d follow in his footsteps. If the event meant nothing to Raze, then it meant nothing to him either.

“I don’t mind,” Piba said after a moment. “But honestly… I think Chiba would be better suited.”

Chiba blinked in surprise.

“She’s quick on her feet and adapts well to changing situations,” Piba explained. “I might be able to overpower opponents sometimes using my moon-element magic, but in pure combat, I think Chiba has the edge.”

A smirk formed on Chiba’s face, but her cheeks flushed pink at the compliment.

“I did draw with one of the transfer students,” she said, trying to sound casual.

Luka nodded in approval. “I’m glad to see you all understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses so well. It makes me proud, as a teacher and as someone who’s watched all of you grow.”

“As for the special showcase event,” Luka continued, “since Safa will be keeping her healing magic and her God Eyes a secret, we’ll submit Piba instead. His unique magic will draw attention without revealing too much.”

“And for the teacher participation slot…” Luka glanced at his colleagues. “Redrick might be the best choice. He has the most combat experience.”

Redrick scratched the back of his head. “Well, that depends. The teacher’s event changes every time. It’s not always a straight fight. Let’s play it by ear.”

Just then, someone near the window sat up straighter.

In the distance, the Central Academy was finally coming into view.

Their destination was close, and with it, the beginning of the most important event these students had ever faced.

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