In the past, there were three Grand Mages—even before Serah Crimson became one.

They were considered extremely powerful—elites in their own right. It was trite that they would be considered the strongest in the entire Eastern Kingdom.

Elrich Lendertwale—the Royal Court Mage

Mordecai Kaelid—the Great Sorcerer King

Reed Sterling—the Revolutionary Magic Scholar

These three led the golden age of the Eastern Kingdom, especially when it came to the advancement of Magic.

Elrich developed countless Magic artifacts and explored the functions of several Magic ores as well as monsters in order to determine the effects they had on one another.

Mordecai was regarded as the most powerful and diverse when it came to his Magic Ability. He was the battle axe of the Eastern Kingdom, and it was said that he singlehandedly defended the Eastern Kingdom from the invasion of unstoppable Monsters—making him a legend.

Reed Sterling was the greatest Magic Scholar after the legendary Lewis Griffith. He built on the work of his predecessor and developed countless Magic Theories and their practical applications.

The refining methods through the use of Mana, or how to extract certain elements from their respective compounds. Most of Modern Magic and Technology had one thing or the other to do with this genius.

It was thanks to this, even, that he was granted the title of Grand Mage—despite being barely qualified for the title when it came to actual Magic prowess.

Still, even though he wasn’t nearly as powerful as his fellows, his contribution toward the cause earned him great respect.

He was placed in charge of the future generation of Mages—becoming the Headmaster of Ainzlark Academy.

As such, Grand Mage Reed Sterling oversaw the education of the buds of the Kingdom, ensuring the future of Magic remained brighter than ever.

That is… until he vanished some years ago.

It had been as mysterious as it was unexpected. Reed Sterling, without warning or reason, simply disappeared.

No one knew his whereabouts.

… Until now.

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“It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Won’t you greet your old friend?”

The man who stood before Neron and Serah was a familiar face. He was Reed Sterling, the Grand Mage who had been missing for so long.

“Reed…”

“Old man…”

The couple stood still for a few moments, observing their mentor and fellow colleague.

With all they saw, it didn’t seem like they were mistaken about the old man’s identity. His aged smile and confident demeanor told them that he was perfectly fine too.

When Neron and Serah had been students at Ainzlark, he had presided over them as their Headmaster. He had also been present when Serah rose to the ranks of Grand Mage, and Neron became a part-time teacher at Ainzlark.

Thus, his disappearance had been just as surprising to them as it had been to everyone else—perhaps even more so.

“Looks like you still remember me. That’s good.” He chuckled, stretching his hand slightly.

His palm was exposed, almost as though he was expecting them to give him something. Was there something of his he wanted back?

Perhaps—

“The Arcana in your possession. Give it to me.” His smile remained, even while he made such an absurd request.

“Ah, so it really is true. You joined the Nether Cult.”

“Won’t you explain yourself, old man?” Serah’s voice was much louder as her brows were crinkled in annoyance.

The Nether Cult was responsible for several evils—one of which was the invasion of Ainzlark Academy. If Reed Sterling was a member, then—

“Ainzlark was attacked, you know? Students died! A lot more would have perished too. You’re really part of a group that did such a thing?!”

Fire burned in Serah’s chest as she stared at the old man. His gaze didn’t waver in the slightest, and his hand was still outstretched.

“That was Legris’ plan. I had nothing to do with it. Even I find it distasteful to kill kids…” Reed sighed.

“Then why are you still—”

“With that said, if it had been for the sake of my goals and I had no other option, I would have done the same. No hard feelings.”

The fact that he could utter something so repulsive, without even changing his current positive expression, sickened Serah.

‘Is this really… Reed Sterling?!’ Her thoughts rang as she stared at him.

“It’s him, Serah. There’s no need to waste your time thinking about that.” Neron interrupted the redhead’s thoughts.

His gaze was calm, and he maintained a collected demeanor. Even with his old mentor right in front of him, he didn’t seem fazed.

“Be a good boy, Neron. Serah, you too. Give me the Arcana, and things won’t have to get messy.”

Serah gritted her teeth in anger. Perhaps because her emotions were more volatile than Neron’s. It was just too unbelievable that a man she had looked up to had turned out this way—especially after she had been worried about his whereabouts for so long.

It boggled her mind to no end.

“Can I ask why, at the very least? Why the Nether Cult? Why do you want the Arcanas?” Serah asked, her voice quivering a little.

Silence enveloped the three for a short while. The couple stared at their former comrade, and he returned the favor.

“Well… let’s just say I’m not satisfied. It’s not enough…”

Serah’s eyes twitched once she heard his statement. She didn’t quite understand what he meant.

“What are you—?”

“Being a Grand Mage. Being Headmaster of Ainzlark, being given so many titles and granted recognition, they weren’t enough for me. The primary objective I have always had was never satiated. That’s why…”

Serah was in even more confusion. How could he say those things weren’t enough? He was literally granted the highest position a Mage could attain in the Eastern Kingdom! Yet…!

“Power. You wanted more power, right?” Neron asked, his expression containing as much boredom and disinterest as possible.

His cold black eyes fell on the man he was supposed to respect, yet not a sliver of that could be found in them.

“You two wouldn’t understand. You were born gifted. You didn’t have to struggle for power like me.”

An uncomfortable air of silence and tension began rising at an unbelievable rate. Any iota of friendliness was already long gone.

“In the end, power is everything. And that’s the only thing I want.”

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𝓞𝑣𝑙xt.𝚌𝐎𝗆

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A

/N

I hope you all caught the teaser I placed in this chapter. I also hope you enjoyed it.