Dark Magus Returns

Chapter 1399: A Hidden Lesson

Embedding magic into one’s core was no simple task. It required the caster to overwhelm the natural mana flowing within their own body, condense it to a single, volatile point, and then use it to disturb the flow of mana in another.

To perform such an advanced feat, a mage needed more than just talent. They needed raw power, control, and above all, proximity to their target. And Kayzel was already close.

The other Central Academy students had done their part. They cast spells designed not to injure, but to suppress, barriers, bindings, illusions, all to keep Moze and Piba locked in place and helpless while Kayzel went to work.

Maybe, for a brief second, the Central students felt a pang of guilt. Perhaps they even questioned the brutality of what they were doing.

But that feeling didn’t last long.

They had been raised in a world where strength dictated everything. The strong made the rules. And the strong didn’t apologize.

They had seen it firsthand throughout the Academy halls: the more talented you were, the more respect, and leeway, you were given. Even if they didn’t want to act entitled, the system eventually changed them. It shaped their thinking. Gradually, and without even realizing it, they began to accept it. To believe it.

This wasn’t their fault.

At least, that’s what they told themselves.

It wasn’t their actions that caused this. It was the fault of the ones in front of them. Moze and Piba simply weren’t strong enough to stop what was happening. And because of that, they should never have tried to stand in their way.

After some time, the four boys finally exited the bathroom. One of them had cast a special mirage spell. It was a subtle water-based illusion, ideal when moving slowly, it bent the light just enough to make them invisible as they slipped out.

No one saw them leave.

Meanwhile, just outside the bathroom, Chiba glanced around impatiently.

“Man, those two are taking forever,” she muttered. “You don’t think they’ve ditched us, do you? Or… maybe they’re doing something dirty in there.”

“Dirty?” Yolden repeated, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red. “What do you mean by dirty?”

“Oh come on, Yolden. Don’t pretend you’re that innocent,” Chiba teased, grinning. “I’ve seen you reading those BL stories.”

“NO, NO, NO!” Yolden screeched, frantically waving her hands in embarrassment. “That’s not, ! You’re making it sound weird!”

Chiba was mid-laugh when her expression suddenly changed. Her eyes locked onto something, or someone, just ahead.

One of the male students had exited the bathroom. He looked pale, shaken, eyes scanning the crowd with desperation, as if searching for someone specific.

Something wasn’t right.

Without hesitation, Chiba rushed over.

“Is something wrong?” she asked urgently.

The student blinked, startled, then noticed the uniforms the girls were wearing.

“Oh… You’re from the same academy,” he said, exhaling. “I was looking for a teacher, but… there’s been an incident in the boys’ toilets. It looks like two students from your academy were attacked.”

Chiba didn’t wait to hear more. Without hesitation, she sprinted toward the bathroom, pushing past shocked onlookers. It didn’t matter that it was the boys’ restroom. Yolden followed close behind, her heart pounding in her chest.

The moment they stepped inside, they froze.

Both Moze and Piba were slumped against the cold tiled wall.

Their limbs were twisted at unnatural angles, broken in several places. Their arms bore deep scorch marks, likely from concentrated lightning spells, and their torsos had been seared and blackened, as if burned from the inside out.

And that… that was just what they could see on the surface.

Neither of them had any idea what kind of internal damage had been done.

“Yolden, go,” Chiba said sharply, dropping to her knees. “Find the teachers and bring them here. Now.”

Yolden nodded and ran.

Chiba stayed behind. She didn’t know what else to do except kneel beside them. Her hands trembled as she checked their pulses.

They were alive.

Breathing. Barely. But they were alive.

’These two are strong,’ Chiba thought. ’Strong enough to go toe-to-toe with top students from any academy… The only way this could’ve happened, was if they were ambushed. A surprise attack.’

Her stomach sank as the realization hit.

’Students aren’t allowed to fight outside of events. Maybe that’s why they didn’t fight back right away. And if they were outnumbered… caught off guard in a place like this, away from witnesses…’

She clenched her fists.

’This wasn’t random. This was done on purpose.’

Not long after, three Wilton Academy teachers arrived, Redrick, Luka, and Panla, each accompanied by staff members from the Central Academy. After a quick explanation of what had occurred, the teachers moved fast, taking control of the scene.

Moze and Piba were carefully transported to the dormitory complex, a massive building attached to the eastern side of the academy. Though technically a dorm, it resembled a luxurious hotel, balconies with shimmering waterside views, magical projections in the sky, and comfortable accommodations for rest and healing.

Inside, everything was provided for the guests, including a state-of-the-art medical wing staffed with both Light mages and experienced physicians.

Combining magic and science wasn’t uncommon, especially for serious cases. There were injuries magic couldn’t heal alone, and wounds that medicine struggled with unless aided by spells.

The two students were rushed into the ward, while the others, Chiba, Yolden, and the teachers, were escorted to a quiet waiting room overlooking the lake. It was peaceful, filled with refreshments and books meant to soothe nerves. But no one was relaxed.

They were waiting. Praying.

“So… you have no idea who did this?” Panla asked, folding her arms.

“Not exactly,” Chiba replied. “I have guesses… but without proof, they’d just be guesses. All we can really do now is wait for them to wake up… and go from there.”

As if on cue, the door opened.

One of the medical staff from Wilton stepped in, a serious expression on her face.

“They’ve both regained consciousness,” she said. “But unfortunately… I have some bad news.”

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