Dark Magus Returns

Chapter 1404: The First Event

After everything had been agreed upon, the teachers suggested that the students return to their dorm rooms, at least for now. It wasn’t just about rest. There was strategy in play.

For one, they didn’t want the Central Academy students, the ones who had caused all this damage, to see that their victims had recovered. That they were completely fine. If word got out, there was no telling how far the Central students might go to protect their superiority. It was better to keep the healing a secret.

Even though Raze and his group hadn’t run into any direct trouble outside, the staff agreed it was best not to push their luck. Whether with Central Academy or any of the other schools, stirring the pot any further right now wasn’t wise.

But the second reason... was simple. They all needed rest.

The other academies were probably still buzzing, riding the high of the tournament’s opening and preparing for the events with excitement and anticipation. That wasn’t the case for Wilford Academy. Not anymore. Not after what had happened.

They’d been through too much. And now, rest wasn’t just suggested, it was necessary.

Raze, for his part, had already done enough planning and exploring for one day. He had no objections to lying low.

The dormitory itself was massive, almost like a full-scale hotel. In fact, it might have been nicer than most hotels Raze had ever stayed in. The key difference was that each floor was reserved exclusively for one academy. No other students or guests were allowed access to a different school’s level, providing a sense of privacy and safety that was sorely needed.

Each student had their own room, outfitted with everything they could need. But despite that, everyone, without exception, had gathered in Raze’s room.

It had become their de facto base.

"I’m sure I don’t have to remind you," Raze began, his tone even and sharp, "but while we’re being observed, by other mages and representatives from the various academies, you are to stick strictly to things that appear to be magic-related only."

He looked around the room, eyes lingering on a few familiar faces.

"There’s still a lot we need to figure out over the coming days, and I’d prefer to keep our cards close to the chest during that time. So, no surprises."

"Understood," Liam said right away, the first and only to respond.

Then, as the others glanced at him, he raised his hands defensively.

"Hey, remember, I wasn’t the one who outed us last time," Liam added quickly. "So you can all stop looking at me like I’m going to blow our cover again."

A few chuckles followed, but the reminder was a sobering one. No one wanted another repeat of that incident.

Eventually, the group dispersed for some well-earned rest, but it wasn’t long before the teachers called everyone together again. This time, they were being escorted on foot, across the academy grounds, to the coliseum.

The moment they laid eyes on it, even Raze had to admit... it was impressive.

The stadium was massive, large enough to seat at least a hundred thousand spectators. Though for this event, only around fifteen thousand people had been officially invited. Because of that, the majority of the outer seating sections had been cordoned off and left unused.

The architecture carried a classical aesthetic, an ancient, grand design carved in pale sandstone. From the outside, it felt more like a monument than a stadium. Wide archways ringed the perimeter, offering pathways filled with shops, food stalls, and waiting areas before spectators entered the central structure.

As the Wilford students stepped through, they saw that the other four academies were already present. Familiar faces filled the outer halls. Moze even locked eyes with Lee Roy from BIMM, who simply nodded in acknowledgment.

"Alright, everyone," one of the Central Academy professors announced, stepping forward to address the gathered students. "We’ll now take you on a short fifteen-minute tour of the coliseum’s facilities."

The man gestured to the wide corridors ahead.

"Afterward, we’ll review the schedule for the first official event. Each group will be assigned a designated preparation area. When your team is called, instructions will be easy to follow."

He turned and began walking.

"So for now, please follow me."

They obeyed, trailing behind him in a slow but steady line. As they walked, the professor pointed out the major features of the coliseum, magical displays that played replays of legendary battles, glowing screens embedded into stone walls, and grand murals showcasing the champions of past tournaments.

There were also souvenir shops filled with academy-themed trinkets, food vendors selling enchanted snacks, and the ever-essential facilities like toilets and rest lounges. The group was even taken to the outer viewing sections, where they could see what the audience would experience during the matches.

As expected, most of the seating had been closed off due to the limited number of attendees. But the areas in use had been meticulously prepared, giving off an atmosphere of elite formality.

"Alright," the professor said after completing the loop. "Now that the tour is over, we’ll take you to the underground level. From there, each school will be guided into separate holding rooms."

He turned, his voice louder now as they descended a wide staircase.

"You’ll watch the opening ceremony from those rooms. It will begin with a brief introduction of each academy. Then, a few words will be spoken by your respective principals. After that... the event begins right away."

He paused and smiled faintly.

"So I hope you’re all ready."

The students exchanged looks. No one spoke. They didn’t need to. After what they’d been through, their answer was obvious.

They were ready.

But just before the ceremony began, something unusual caught their attention.

From their underground room’s viewing portal, they noticed a raised platform jutting out from the rest of the coliseum’s interior seating area. It wasn’t like the other audience sections. This one stood apart, an observation deck built in polished stone and decorated with ornate sigils.

Several mages, all wearing Central Academy uniforms, stepped out and lined up on the deck in precise formation.

That’s when it began to click.

The students watched as the principals from each of the five schools walked out one by one onto the platform. Each took a seat, large and elegant, arranged closely together to encourage conversation between them.

Even Wilford’s principal was there, clearly visible from across the stadium. A few students instinctively waved, trying to get their principal’s attention.

Some of the heads turned and smiled back. Others scoffed, deeming the moment inappropriate.

But then, one chair remained empty.

It was positioned at the very center, larger than the rest.

It didn’t remain vacant for long.

A figure emerged, calm, poised, walking with absolute certainty as if the entire stadium belonged to him.

Gasps erupted.

"No way... is that... him? It’s really him!"

"I didn’t think we’d get to see him this early..."

Excitement buzzed through the room. Everyone was murmuring, unable to contain themselves.

Everyone except one.

Raze didn’t speak.

But deep inside, his dark core trembled, vibrating with pure, seething rage.

"Ibarin," he muttered, barely above a whisper.

His eyes narrowed.

"The Grand Magus."

*****

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