Dark Magus Returns

Chapter 1684: My Last Speech (Part 1)

The River Moon Guild was busy setting up a quick meeting area that could be used for all of them to discuss the weight of the coming war. Since this was a world forged and fueled by magic, they could change certain landscapes much easier than others. To top it off, they had B on their side, whose ability to reshape the earth was unmatched.

The traditional teahouse they had chosen as their base was systematically dismantled and rebuilt. They removed the front panels and opened part of the roof, transforming the structure so it functioned more like a stage or a platform for them to speak from. Then, the ground beneath the building began to rumble. B lifted the entire foundation of the teahouse into the air, keeping the structure in one piece while elevating it so it loomed over the surrounding area.

Below this new platform, several chairs had been brought over and placed in neat rows. Certain magical circles were etched into the dirt in different areas—invisible barriers designed to block the biting wind and keep the guests warm while ensuring everyone had a clear, unobstructed view of the stage.

"You nervous?" Liam asked, leaning against a support beam as he watched the first few guests arrive.

"I used to do many lectures in the past," Raze said, staring down at the empty seats. His eyes were cold, calculating. "Not just that, but since I have been part of this new body, it seems I have had to do more speeches than usual. People always want a leader to tell them what they want to hear. But the outcome of what happens today doesn’t really affect what we are going to do. They can either be part of the wave, or they can be swept away by it."

"It will also be a good chance to weed out the traitors, don’t you think?" B said, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Didn’t some of these guys already agree to join the Noble Guild in their fight? We might as well get rid of them here and now to make sure we have fewer enemies at our back when we march."

The others paused for a moment. They knew it was a serious suggestion because it was coming from B, and usually, they would have been against such a cold-blooded idea. But the reason why no one contested her or said anything back was because they somewhat felt the same way. The North was infested with spies.

"This is the only chance I will be giving them," Raze replied, his voice final. "This is why we will move quickly. Once we move into another territory, it won’t be a slow march. It’s not as if those who have agreed to join the enemy will still be sitting here tomorrow when we strike."

As the group waited, Raze took his place in the center of the elevated teahouse along with his closest allies. Song stood right beside him, a silent sentinel.

People were starting to filter into the area, guided by members of the River Moon Guild. The guild was putting on quite a display of power; their members were dressed in full battle gear, holding special enchanted items and standing in a strict, intimidating formation.

As the guests arrived, they were directed to their seats. They were even allowed to bring a few personal guards with them to make them feel more comfortable and safe, though it did little to ease the tension. Despite the protection, every Guild leader looked incredibly nervous. The seating area began to fill up, and the only topic of conversation was the person they could see directly in front of them.

"That’s... really him. That’s the Dark Magus."

"It’s the first time I’m seeing him up close. Look at the white hair and those young features... is this really the person who has been fighting against the Grand Magus?"

"But someone so young... can they really do it? Can they actually beat a Grand Magus?"

"They’ve already beaten three of them," another voice whispered harshly. "No one can deny the skill and talent anymore."

"Right, but if he could do it on his own, there would be no reason for them to call all of us here. The Dark Guild is no more; he essentially has no one on his side."

The people coming to the meeting were far more aware of the dire situation than they had been in the past. They knew they were choosing between two monsters.

As the meeting time passed over by thirty minutes, about half of those who had been invited were currently present. The empty chairs were a glaring reminder of those who had already sided with the Noble Guild or were too paralyzed by fear to show up.

"I don’t think there will be any more coming," Song commented, glancing at the gate.

"I honestly thought there would be more than this," Kelly said, her disappointment clear. "With it being a matter of life and death for everyone in the North, this is their only chance of getting the life they want."

"There is a good chance that even if they believe in the cause, they think the Noble Guild will kill anyone associated with the Dark Magus," Londo added. "Fear is a powerful deterrent. I don’t exactly blame them for staying away."

Raze finally stood up and walked to the edge of the platform, looking down at the gathered mages. He didn’t need a microphone; his voice, amplified by wind magic, carried perfectly over the crowd. He had prepared exactly what he wanted to say.

"I am the Dark Magus!" Raze declared loudly, his eyes sweeping over the rows of leaders. "My goal for my entire life has been to eliminate the Grand Magus. The reason is personal for me, and because of that, I will eliminate them whatever the cost."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "I have no wish for anything else in this world. I don’t care for your governments. I don’t care for your Guilds, and I certainly don’t care for what happens to the balance of power after the Grand Magus is defeated. But I will be leaving tomorrow morning for the Noble Guild with the aim of killing Idore and Trubin. With that information... do what you want."

Raze turned his back on them before they could even respond, leaving the stunned Guild leaders to decide their own fates.

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