Dark Magus Returns

Chapter 1442: The Warning They Ignored

The sudden blast had come from somewhere within the event grounds. It wasn’t deafening enough for the noise to roll across every corner of the venue, but the sharp tremor in the air was unmistakable for anyone close by. The ground itself had given a faint shiver, enough to set a few loose decorations swaying. Those nearby paused mid-step, glancing toward the source with alarm in their eyes.

Word began to spread quickly, whispers turning to quiet speculation. The story changed with every retelling, but the tone remained the same: something had gone wrong. A small crowd began to form, drawn by the pull of curiosity and the low buzz of conversation.

Raze stood at the window of his room, his gaze fixed in the direction of the disturbance. The sunlight caught the sharp angle of his expression.

It could be nothing, he told himself, though the thought carried little conviction. But knowing who’s involved in all this, it’s better if I see for myself.

By the time he stepped outside, the rest of the Wilton Academy students had already gathered, the two teachers walking with them. They kept their masks on, each face hidden beneath the crafted disguises, as they moved as one group toward the growing commotion.

They weren’t the only ones making their way over. Students from other academies were converging on the area with their own teachers in tow. None of them, however, were being allowed close to the scene.

Four staff members stood in a half-circle about ten meters from the damaged building, their bodies forming a human wall in front of a strange barrier. The barrier shimmered with a swirl of shifting colors, blues, purples, and greens chasing each other across its surface. It reminded Raze faintly of a portal, though without the violent pulse of energy. This was more controlled, yet still unstable, like oil floating over water.

The staff stood tense, eyes on the crowd, their stances making it clear that no one was getting past without permission.

"We advise everyone to continue enjoying their time at the venue!" one of the staff members called out, his voice carrying over the murmur of the crowd. "Due to the current incident, for your safety, it is best if you stay away from this area."

The words didn’t have the intended effect. Instead of dispersing, the crowd only leaned forward, craning necks to see more. Curiosity was a stronger pull than caution, and more guests drifted toward the commotion from other parts of the venue.

"What do you think happened here?" Liam asked, his voice low but tight with interest.

"Looks like some kind of accident," Beatrix said, though her eyes stayed fixed on the barrier, scanning for details.

"Man, if it is," Yolden added with a smirk, "the Central Academy really can’t catch a break, huh? If something blew up here by accident, that’s not exactly the kind of ’perfect reputation’ they like to brag about."

Several nearby guests nodded in agreement. It was exactly the thought on their minds, Central Academy’s polished image had already taken a few dents, and this would only add to the whispers.

Fortunately, the building that had been affected wasn’t one the public could freely access. There had been no scheduled events there, so theoretically, no one should have been hurt.

At least, that’s what they assumed.

"Oh, you’re the two teachers from Wilton, right?"

The voice came from a staff member wearing the BIMM Academy badge. She approached quickly, her expression tight. "I was inside just moments ago. I wanted to let you know, I think Redrick is still in there, and he might be hurt!"

"What?!" Panla’s head snapped toward her, alarm clear in her tone.

For an instant, the Wilton group wondered if she meant Raze, disguised as Redrick. But with Safa standing with them in plain view, she shook her head, it had to be the real Redrick.

They listened intently as the teacher described the situation. On the other side of the barrier, healers were already working on Redrick, with Ibarin present as well. They were doing their best to stabilize him.

"How could an accident like that have happened?" Luka muttered, frowning deeply.

"I don’t think it was an accident," another voice cut in.

The group turned toward the sound, and saw Raze striding toward them, mask gone. His face was fully exposed, and several students from other academies recognized him instantly.

"You think he’s strong?" Bones muttered under his breath.

"It doesn’t matter," Kayzel replied dismissively. "He wasn’t the first-ranked student. The only one we were told to watch for, we already dealt with. So they’re nothing."

Raze ignored the remarks entirely. From the facts as they’d been presented, only one conclusion made sense: Redrick was the only one injured, and Ibarin had been nearby. That was no coincidence.

"Come with me," Raze said simply. "With Safa, we should be able to heal him."

The Pagna students didn’t hesitate, they fell in behind him immediately. The teachers, however, hung back, staying with the others in the crowd.

"Are they going to be okay?" Chiba asked softly, her eyes following Raze. "I’m worried they might cause a problem."

When Raze reached the barrier, the four staff members immediately stepped forward to block him.

"Stop! Students are not authorized to pass," one said firmly, planting himself in the center of the path.

"Our teacher is on the other side," Raze replied, his voice calm but edged with steel. "And we have someone who can help."

The Wilton students exchanged a look, then, in perfect unison, removed their masks. Gasps rippled through the onlookers as their faces were revealed.

"I’m telling you now," Raze said, his tone low but unyielding, "we’re going through."

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