Chapter 1044: Part 1: The Dark League's Desperate Gambit
From MC'S Perspective:
After the meeting with the Seniors, I left the Sub-Taboo Hall and headed to the Library. I'm unsure whether the Dean will allow me to go outside.
The notification might come in at any point. If it arrives sooner, I won't be able to convince the Dean then.
Confused, I continued walking. Since it's confirmed that I'll be studying in one of the Super Large Nations, I'll try to gather as much knowledge about them in the meantime.
Soon, I arrived at the library. After logging in, I searched for relevant books and found the book section. Then I went to the book section to read the books.
There were other students in the study spaces. They were paying more attention to their reading materials than to me.
Alicia Park returned to see Mike Curtis. Upon seeing him, she was surprised. Mike was smiling, a stark contrast to his usual unwelcoming demeanor.
"What's with your expression?" she asked with a curious smile.
"Were you expecting me?" Mike replied, his voice laced with amusement.
Looking at the purple-clad woman, Mike coughed, feeling a sudden sense of exposure.
"I'm sure you've come to ask about Vincent Carey, right?" he said.
Alicia nodded, her mesmerizing purple eyes fixed on him. "That's right. You don't seem surprised. I thought you'd hate him. He took your opportunity."
Mike knew the power of her magic, so he calmed his racing heart. "He has the Magic Lord's backing," he replied casually. "No one in their right mind would offend Vincent. Besides, his absence would be beneficial for me. I could reclaim the spotlight and enhance the Taboo Hall's reputation."
"Everything would revert to how it was before his arrival," he added.
Alicia's eyes flickered. Mike was more complex than she'd imagined.
"Looks like I've come here for nothing. You already knew he would leave the academy," Alicia said.
Mike shook his head. "I'm not sure about his specific opportunity. But the Mage Union's facilities aren't in our region."
"Then what about your rematch? You should fight him before he leaves," she pressed.
A hint of regret flashed in Mike's eyes. He'd already discussed a rematch with Vincent, but back then, he'd assumed Vincent would focus on breaking through to Level-6 Wizard.
"I'll try asking him again," he said.
....
Dean Tower:
The dean kept glancing at the academy mail, anxiously awaiting updates from the Mage Union. The Transmutation Society's activities were another pressing issue, and he'd dispatched several Elder House Wizards to monitor the borders.
He understood that Vincent's opportunity could significantly benefit the academy. If Vincent joined an institution in a Super Large Nation, their affiliation might deter the Transmutation Society. Therefore, the dean pinned his hopes on the Mage Union's response.
As night fell, the dean sighed and turned off the blue screen. No updates had arrived that day. He could only wait for the morning.
...
Two suspicious figures entered the small desert region at the border of Sand Rock Country. This was the location where they'd lost the signal of a Transmutation Wizard.
Nighttime concealed their appearance, but visible monster parts were grafted onto their bodies. Both figures had monstrous claws and feet.
Yellow River Academy Wizards patrolled the area regularly. Since the dean's mission, Elder House Wizards had increased their presence.
Sensing multiple magic signatures nearby, the two figures hovered above the sand dunes.
"We've lost the signal here," one said, examining a device.
"We must recover his body if he's dead," the other replied.
"This is our mess to clean up. Someone dared to kill him and steal his body. It seems this country underestimates our society's power," the first figure added.
"First, we need to identify who did this," the one with the device said.
...
The following day, after getting ready, I left my room and headed to the dean's office. I planned to inquire about the latest updates and about Matuna Town.
Shortly after, I entered the building using my special permission and flew to the top floor. The door opened as usual after I sent a signal.
"Vincent, what are you doing here?" the elderly dean asked.
"Dean, I've come to ask about the updates. Is there any news from the Mage Union?" I replied.
The dean narrowed his eyes as he sat behind his desk. "Come and sit down," he said calmly.
I sat opposite him, knowing I couldn't hide it any longer. "I'm planning to visit the ancient town in the central region of our country," I confessed.
"It's impossible," the dean declared firmly.
Hearing this, I wasn't surprised. I looked into his eyes and said, "Dean, I've been confined to the academy for too long. I haven't visited the Capital City in ages. So, I thought about going to the Ancient Town before any news arrives from the Mage Union."
"I understand your frustration. But the news of the Mage Union's wizard visit has spread like wildfire. I'm receiving constant messages from our allies," the dean explained. "Even some neutral forces are leaning towards our side."
"At this time, venturing outside could provoke a desperate attack from the Dark League. They already harbor animosity towards you and won't hesitate to stop you. I wouldn't be surprised if they sent Peak Wizards to eliminate you," he warned.
"So, you're grounded until we receive updates from the Mage Union. This isn't just my decision, but also the Elder's. Do you want him to intervene every time you find yourself in a corner?" he added sternly.
I sighed inwardly. Convincing them seemed impossible. I possessed the means to protect myself, but they were unaware of my abilities.
I left the room with a disappointed expression. The old man touched his forehead. "This kid has no fear of death," he mused internally.
Unbeknownst to him, his assumption was accurate. The Dark League had already deployed several members in the capital.
They were poised to attack Vincent Carey at the first opportunity. However, the news of the Mage Union's wizard visit had put everyone on high alert. They awaited further instructions from their leader.
...
Dark League:
Old Witch Arika faced a new problem. A person she dreaded had sent her a message, promising to contact her at noon. This individual was none other than the Supreme Wizard of the Meteor Country.
Arika wasn't surprised. News of the Mage Union's wizard visit to the Yellow River Academy had spread throughout most organizations. Fear flashed in her eyes for a moment. Compared to the Mage Union, the Dark League and this barren region were insignificant. To think Vincent Carey had such luck infuriated her.
Time passed. When the clock struck twelve, the device on her desk activated, displaying a holographic image of a shadowy figure. Arika's expression turned serious.
"I wonder why the Meteor Supreme contacted me now," she mused aloud.
"The Dark League treats me like a fool. You've disappointed me time and again. Your organization has wasted my resources and time," the deep voice boomed from the figure.
"That kid is growing wings and will soon leave this wretched place. It's only a matter of time before he discovers me," the figure continued.
Arika's eyes narrowed. The Meteor Supreme was clearly unwilling to give up.
"I want that kid dead within hours," the shadowy figure demanded.
Arika's eyes turned icy. She thought the Meteor Supreme had lost his mind. "You don't understand. That kid is under the Mage Union's watchful eye. No one would dare make a rash move now. Even the other two academies are keeping quiet," she retorted.
"If she angers someone from the Mage Union, it won't end well for her."
The figure snorted, "If you don't do it, I'll eliminate the Dark League myself."
A monstrous pressure erupted from Arika as she stood up. "Are you threatening us?" she demanded coldly.
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Yes, I am," the figure laughed. "I want that kid gone within hours, or I'll leak all your transaction secrets to the public, including the location of your Black Tower."
Shock rippled through Arika. No one knew about the Black Tower. How did he do it? Could there be a spy among the elders?
"What are you thinking?" the figure pressed.
"I'm serious," he continued. "If you hadn't failed your missions, I wouldn't be in this position."
Arika considered seeking help from their Magic Lords. The Black Tower was a mere name, a disguise for their Evil Magic Lords' hiding place.
Exposing it would unleash chaos and bring the entire country down on them. Their Magic Lords had found this sanctuary after years of struggle.
Since the Meteor Supreme knew their location, finding a new hiding place would take time. For now, she had no choice but to obey.
"I don't know how to do it," she replied honestly.
The shadowy figure was silent for a moment before responding, "Involve the other two academies. If they refuse, threaten to reveal secrets about them as well. If those secrets become public, they'll be branded as the Black Faction."
Arika was even more shocked. She had underestimated this person.