Chad and Lisa exchanged glances, unable to provide an immediate response. The looming threat of invasion weighed heavily on their minds, causing them to consider a potential return to the Faction in order to bolster their strength.

They were still in their fourth year and had to study a lot before they could become useful in war. They haven’t even learned the Spell Fusion or even the Dark Arcane Talisman Crafting.

‘Should I just return and hope that I get to continue my studies?’ Lisa pondered as she considered her options.

‘If Vale had really hypnotized Magnus, then perhaps we can learn from him instead?’ Chad mused as he shifted his gaze to Magnus.

In the end, their apprehension stemmed from the ongoing conflict between the Dark Arts Faction and the Allied forces of the Holy Arts Faction, Mystic Arts Faction, Transformation Arts Faction, and others.

They questioned whether a return to the Faction would truly entail a focus on their studies or if they would be conscripted as mere pawns in the war—a concern that plagued their thoughts.

‘I don’t want to be cannon fodder.’

This was what was in Lisa’s and Chad’s minds.

Ultimately, the two of them resolved to seek further clarity by posing a series of questions.

“Could you enlighten us on the current state of the war involving our Faction?” inquired Chad.

In response, Faith nodded and provided an update.

“The Holy Arts Faction and its allies have been targeting the smaller bases of the Dark Arts Faction, as well as rogue Dark Mages. Their aim is to showcase the consequences of practicing Dark Arts to the public. However, I anticipate that within the next few months, they will launch a large-scale offensive against the Dark Arts Faction. If my guess is right, their initial target is likely to be the Necromancer Branch, specifically the Undead Tower, given its proximity to the Mystic Arts Faction.”

“The Undead Tower? I heard there are three Gold-Rank Necromancers there. The three of them can work together and summon Doom Knights if I’m not mistaken. Are they that confident?” Chad asked as he felt that the Undead Tower was the most protected territory of the Dark Arts Faction.

“They must be confident. After all, they have a decade to prepare.” Faith answered.

Upon hearing this, Chad and Lisa were immediately filled with concern, realizing that they were ill-prepared to partake in such a significant conflict.

“Manager Faith, do you believe it would be advisable for us to remain here?” inquired Lisa.

Faith paused for a moment, carefully considering Lisa’s inquiry.

Following a brief period of contemplation, she responded. “I will seek the Vice Headmaster’s guidance on this matter. Given that Headmaster Jean has passed away… If the Vice Headmaster assures you that your focus will be solely on your studies without involvement in the war, then I can recommend that you continue your education there and deepen your understanding of your chosen path. However, if you are expected to engage in combat, I advise that you remain here if you value your lives. We should receive a response within a day, so the wait won’t be lengthy.”

Lisa’s eyes brightened upon hearing this, but she immediately paused as she processed what Faith just said.

“Headmaster Jean died?!” Lisa and Chad exclaimed in unison.

Vale, on the other hand, remained calm as he already heard this from Faith while they were on the way to this castle.

“Yes… The biggest indication was the fact that your shadow has returned. You must’ve felt it before.” Faith explained.

Chad took a deep breath as he knew what Faith was talking about. A few weeks ago, while he was working in the Alchemy Laboratory on a potion he didn’t even know about, he suddenly felt a refreshing sensation like he was finally complete. Furthermore, he started to feel that some of his confidence in the Dark Arts had somehow changed. 𝘪𝑎.𝘤𝑜𝘮

He didn’t mind it then, as he believed that he had felt different since Magnus captured him.

“So it was like that. May I ask if his body was already cremated?” Chad asked.

Faith shook her head and answered.

“We don’t know… The last news I heard was that they were still looking for the Headmaster’s body. Well, there’s probably no point in searching for him since the Holy Arts Faction probably destroyed his body or, if not, it was already possessed by an Evil Spirit.”

“What? Is it possible that Headmaster Jean was still alive and just released the shadow to fake his death?” Lisa asked.

“You’re thinking too much, Lisa… In any case, I’m going to send a message to the Vice Headmaster now. Is that alright?”

“Ah! Yes, we’ll proceed with that plan!” Lisa and Chad declared in unison.

This time, Vale joined in the conversation.

“Excellent. While you await the response, I intend to explore this castle further, but my stomach is signaling its hunger. Magnus, do we have provisions for a meal here?” Vale inquired.

“Yes… My controlled beasts can always procure fresh meat, vegetables, and fruits from the forest. Some of them are cultivated by my summons, but I still primarily rely on foraging in the forest,” Magnus replied.

With the matter settled, the group made their way to the kitchen, where Magnus “volunteered” to prepare a meal for them.

Chad couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear during this meal as he was able to order Magnus around. It felt quite refreshing for him and lessened the grudge he was keeping in his heart.

It was the same for Lisa, who repeatedly ordered Magnus to bring her food.

Vale smiled as he observed the situation, recognizing that they were simply venting their frustration. Well, Magnus was already fortunate to only be following their commands. 𝑖𝘳.𝒸ℴ𝑚

“Ahh… Vale, you’re not going to free him later, right? If you have such plans, can you erase his memories?” Chad suddenly asked as he recalled that most hypnotism doesn’t last long.

There are also cases where they could remember what they’ve done during the hypnotism.

Lisa also ceased giving orders to Magnus, awaiting Vale’s response.

“Don’t worry… The hypnosis I’ve employed on him is quite potent,” reassured Vale with a smile, putting the two at ease.

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