Dark Magus Returns - Chapter 1337 - 1337: The Second Stage (Part 1)

After his conversation with Londo, Raze felt more confident that he wouldn’t pose a problem on their journey, at least not for now. Things were stable, and as far as this current stretch of the journey went, Londo seemed trustworthy enough.

Still, that could all change once they arrived at the Central Academy.

When we get there, Raze thought, it might be easier to just come clean. To explain everything before it spirals out of control.

He glanced over at Londo again.

He’s a strong mage. Strong enough, maybe, to match some of the other students. And if no one there recognizes him as being on our side, that could actually work to our advantage. Especially during the Academy Exchange.

Whatever Londo’s intentions truly were, for now, he wasn’t interfering. He wasn’t poking around in their business or causing any real disruptions.

Well… there’s one thing, Raze mentally added. He keeps trying to report me to Harvey.

That was the part that truly confused him.

How are members of the Dark Guild even staying in contact with each other?

If Londo really did reach Harvey, and told him another Void Binder was present, that Raze had done what he’d done, would Harvey react? Would he show up?

If he does come here, Raze reasoned, I’ll deal with it face to face. I’ll explain it all directly. One way or another, it’ll be sorted.

Soon enough, the others in the room began to stir. After everything that had happened the day before, they’d managed to get a solid night’s rest. Now, they were waking up and preparing for what would be a big day.

Most of the students slipped back into familiar routines, morning cultivation, gentle energy control, aligning their Qi. Despite not being in Pagna anymore, those habits were ingrained in them, almost like brushing their teeth. Routine. Necessary.

Safa, of course, made it look effortless. For her, connecting to Qi was as easy as breathing.

While the others meditated and focused, Beatrix slowly walked over to Raze.

He was sitting on the edge of his bed, fiddling absentmindedly with his fingers, lost in thought. When Beatrix approached, she hesitated for a moment, her hands nervously twisting together.

“Because we were dragged away last night… and since it got so late… we didn’t really get to talk about what happened with me,” she began, her voice quiet but steady. “What I did during the assessment, I just wanted to say I’m sorry. For letting things get so out of hand.”

To be honest, Raze had almost forgotten about the incident. The situation had resolved itself so smoothly, it hadn’t seemed urgent. But hearing Beatrix bring it up reminded him: this was something they needed to discuss.

“It’s not so much the fact that you used the Bloody Woman’s power,” Raze said, glancing up at her. “The teachers believe it’s just a special affinity you possess. As far as they’re concerned, it’s part of your own unique skillset. So if you need to use that ability again, during the Central Academy Exchange or even the assessment itself, go ahead.”

He leaned back slightly, eyes focused.

“Even if it’s technically a blood art based on Qi, they won’t be able to tell. Right now, you’re actually in a better position than most of us.”

Beatrix nodded, listening carefully. But she could sense it, there was a “but” coming.

“But,” Raze said, “what worries me is this, if that hit had actually landed on the mage, there’s a good chance she could’ve been seriously hurt.”

He looked her straight in the eye.

“With Safa’s healing, we have a little more leeway than most. We can afford to push limits… sometimes. But that attack? It was way too powerful to be used on a fellow student, especially just to prove a point during an assessment.”

Beatrix opened her mouth, instinctively wanting to defend herself.

She hadn’t meant for things to go that far.

She had been struck hard, bloodied, and in that moment, something had shifted inside her. Her rage had boiled up, raw and uncontrollable. It was like she’d become someone else entirely. A darker version of herself.

But how could she explain that to Raze?

He had chosen her. Brought her along. Trusted her.

Telling him she lost control didn’t feel fair.

Then, Raze spoke again, softly, but with surprising warmth.

“What I want you to do… is use more of the Bloody Woman’s power.”

Beatrix blinked. “What?!”

“From what I can tell, Beatrix,” Raze said, “you’re one of the kindest souls in Pagna, and maybe even in Alterian.”

His tone wasn’t patronizing. It was sincere.

“We all saw your memories… back during the Golden Globe. We all know who it chose. That wasn’t a coincidence. I know when you attacked that student, that wasn’t you. You probably don’t even understand what happened.”

Beatrix lowered her gaze. He was right. She didn’t.

“But your body did synchronize with the Bloody Woman,” Raze continued. “Your personality, your heart, won out. That much is clear. But it’s impossible to believe it didn’t leave some kind of mark on you.”

He took a breath before laying out his theory.

“I think what happened during the assessment wasn’t just about anger or pain. It was tied to the changes in your hair, your energy, your aura. So… instead of trying to avoid it, why not face it head-on?”

He gave her a small smile.

“Learn to use the Bloody Woman’s powers. The powers that don’t truly belong to you. Take control of them before she ever gets the chance to. If you do that, you’ll be able to stay as you, for longer. Maybe even for good.”

Then he added, more quietly:

“And I like seeing you as you, Beatrix.”

Before she realized it, her cheeks were burning. She turned away quickly, trying to hide her face.

“If… if you like seeing me as me,” she stammered, “then I’ll try my best.”

And with that, Beatrix left the room, her heart beating just a little faster than before.

Now that everyone was up and ready, it was time.

The group gathered and began heading out to the field, the next phase of the assessment awaited them. Twenty students in total would be venturing out together.

As they arrived at the training grounds, they saw the five top-ranked students from the day before already waiting for them. They waved cheerfully and smiled at Safa.

If it hadn’t been for her healing spell, they’d all still be groaning in bed with brutal headaches, probably lined up outside Diana’s infirmary.

Then, as the rest of the students lined up, they were surprised to see some familiar figures waiting for them at the edge of the field.

Redrick. Panla. Luka. And even Diana herself.

“For the next part of the assessment,” Diana announced, “we’ll be traveling outside the academy. We’ll be using one of our local guild’s portals for the day.”

She smiled as her gaze passed over each student.

“The four of us will be accompanying you. We’ll assess and guide you every step of the way.”

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