Dark Magus Returns

Chapter 1384: Welcome to the Central Academy

The magical bus began to shift, becoming semi-transparent as it glided through the air, revealing the breathtaking sight beneath it. The students gasped in awe as the Central Academy came into full view.

It wasn’t just the students, even the seasoned Pagna warriors found themselves speechless. If Wilton Academy had once seemed impressive, then this place… this was something else entirely. From the sky, the vast campus looked more like a magical amusement park than a school.

From end to end, the land stretched endlessly. Just walking from one side to the other might take five hours at a steady pace. Massive buildings of every shape and design dotted the landscape, each looking more extravagant than the last.

At the heart of it all stood a grand coliseum, looming like a monument to power and prestige. But what truly made the academy feel alive were the magical displays lighting up the air. Massive projections of mages casting brilliant spells floated in the sky like holograms, dancing like fireworks, visible even in broad daylight. The entire atmosphere shimmered with energy, like a fantasy brought to life.

The spells, the colors, the grandeur, it was all a spectacle.

“What a waste of power stones, if you ask me,” Redrick grumbled, crossing his arms as he looked out the window.

“I have to agree,” Panla replied, nodding. “But I’ve heard that the Central Academy’s budget is basically limitless, thanks to their principal being one of the Grand Magus. I guess the rumors were true.”

Raze remained quiet as he looked down, observing the academy from above. It had changed, expanded, evolved, grown beyond what he remembered. When he had returned here briefly to reclaim his belongings, he had only visited the main building where most of the lectures were held. The rest of these extravagant facilities… he imagined most of them probably weren’t even used to their full potential.

As for the magical projections and the festival-like atmosphere, this wasn’t something that happened every day. It was clearly a show, a carefully curated illusion to welcome the other academies.

The bus followed a glowing trail of magic, circling the entire campus to give everyone a proper view before descending. As it did, it joined four other nearly identical flying vehicles, each marked with a unique crest representing a different academy.

When the five buses finally landed in perfect formation at the Central Academy’s front entrance, the moment felt symbolic, like titans gathering for a battle that would shake the magical world.

“Alright, everyone,” Panla said as she stood and turned toward the students. “We’re here. Just follow the instructions given by the Central Academy, and if you’ve got any questions, ask me. Unless they’re stupid ones. Then keep them to yourself.”

She smirked, earning a chuckle from a few of the students.

The teachers stepped out first, followed closely by the students, who now found themselves face-to-face with their competition, the students from the other four academies.

There was a distinct energy in the air. A quiet intensity. Confidence radiated from nearly every student they saw. And why shouldn’t it? Every one of them had earned the right to be here. They were the best their respective academies had to offer.

“Oh, I recognize some of them,” Yolden said, narrowing his eyes. “A few of those students have already done work for top guilds. I’ve even seen some of them on TV, showcasing their unique traits.”

“Do we have anyone like that?” Moze asked, looking around their group.

They all paused. In truth… none of them had reached that level of notoriety. Not publicly, at least.

“Huh. You fools forgetting someone?” Londo said, wiping his nose with a smug grin. “We’ve got one of the most infamous people in the world standing right here.”

Silence followed. Technically… he wasn’t wrong.

But it wasn’t something they could talk about openly.

“You don’t need to worry so much,” Raze said, stepping in calmly. “There are plenty of talented students here at the Central Academy. Most of them won’t be names you’ve heard of.

“Just because someone isn’t famous doesn’t mean they aren’t strong. The only names that get spread around are those at the very top. But I doubt any of you believe that everyone else here is average.”

His words struck home. Slowly, the others nodded. Their nerves began to settle, and the teachers exchanged proud glances. Once again, Raze had managed to do their job for them, bringing calm and clarity when it was most needed.

A welcoming party approached. There were five staff members, all dressed in crisp white uniforms with blue trims. Unlike the robes and blazers the students wore, these uniforms had a unique cut, clearly indicating their role as staff.

The woman at the front stepped forward with a radiant smile.

“It is our pleasure to welcome the top five academies to this year’s Magical Exchange!” she announced. “My name is Isebel Stanler. My team and I are here to assist you during your time with us. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything.”

Her name sparked immediate whispers among the Wilton students.

“Wait… did she say Isebel Stanler?”

“That’s the winner of last year’s Singles Event!”

“No way! And she’s already working here?”

“I heard she became a 6-star mage just one year after graduating.”

“Six stars?! That’s insane!”

“Well, she did win the whole thing, and she came from the Central Academy. It makes sense. Still… I didn’t expect to meet her here.”

Isebel waited for the chatter to die down, her smile unwavering. If anything, she seemed to enjoy the recognition, basking in the quiet awe her name still carried.

“As of now,” she continued, “an open fair is being held across the campus. You’re free to explore the displays, take part in activities, attend special lectures, and enjoy the welcome festivities.

“However,” she added, raising a single finger, “I strongly encourage all of you to stay rested. Your first event begins today, at 3 PM, in the coliseum.”

She gestured toward the towering structure they had seen from the air.

“If any of you wish to head to your dorms early to rest, just speak to one of our staff positioned throughout the grounds. After the first event concludes, you and your teachers will be officially taken to your dwellings for the remainder of your stay.”

Isebel’s gaze swept over them once more.

“As you may have noticed, the Central Academy students are not out here to greet you. They’re already enjoying the event, scattered across the grounds.”

She paused, her voice dropping slightly in tone.

“One final rule. This is very important: there is to be no fighting outside of the official events. That includes duels, personal challenges, and ‘friendly sparring.’ If you break that rule, there will be consequences.”

With that, she offered one final bow and stepped aside, allowing the new arrivals to explore the grand magical kingdom they’d just entered.

And so began the true start of the magical exchange.

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