Dark Magus Returns

Word had already spread throughout the Demonic Faction about the impending attack. The Demonic Faction was at the center of many disputes involving the Dark Faction and Light Faction.

Frequent scuffles erupted here, especially along the borders, yet they never escalated into full-scale wars, and there were a few reasons for this. Firstly, a justified reason was required for an attack.

This was because, in a way, through taxes, protection fees, and other means, the general populace funded the Clans to fight in the first place. The general public needed to be on their side when a scuffle occurred because the last thing they wanted was a fight within their ranks as well.

The other reason was to avoid involving the empire and surrounding kingdoms. Although they had agreed to stay out of Pagna affairs, if one faction acted in a way that frightened them, they would intervene with their large armies and weaponry.

The reason why the attack was significant this time was because Beatrix Highborn, a renowned name throughout the continent, was taking part in it, making it the first of its kind.

In Repton, people on the streets were already discussing what was about to happen that day.

"Isn't this going to be an embarrassment for the Demonic Faction? They sent out Dame Narfous. It's going to be a complete loss, and what if it turns into a war because of how weak they think we are?"

"That won't happen," another bystander said. "Rumors have it that the son was the reason for this fight happening in the first place. That's why the Neverfall Clan is dealing with the matter and not one of the others. They are, in a way, quelling the anger of the Light Faction by sending him off for an execution. The real people we need to feel sorry for are those who are going along with him."

One of the other reasons for why word had already spread throughout the entire city of Repton was because many of the Neverfall Clan members' families lived in the city. Although they weren't the clan in charge of the city, the Neverfall Clan only allowed Pagna warriors to stay there.

It was a place strictly for practicing martial arts and Pagna-related discussions, focusing solely on strength.

At the moment, many of the members were stopping by the city to talk to their family members just before heading into battle. After saying their goodbyes, the clan's men started to walk through the city, heading for one of the exits.

Here, Dame was waiting for them with his small gang.

"Alright, everyone, we're off!" Dame shouted, and immediately he started to run down the path at a casual pace, followed by the others.

The running would serve as a little warm-up for them before the big battle. As the group rushed down the path, not long after, another group set off after them, dressed in dark blue clothing, swords at their sides. A young man with an unremarkable face and relatively short black hair, which was typical for those in the Demonic faction.

The uniform he wore was the same as those who had just set off. In the morning, Raze was searching for a sword to use, going around the marketplace, looking not to spend too much money, and honestly, he didn't know much about swords to begin with.

While he was in the marketplace, he heard the sounds of sobs and crying. A young warrior was saying goodbye to his grandmother, who was loudly cursing Dame's name and expressing her reluctance for him to go off to battle.

At that point, Raze saw an opportunity, offering to take his place. All he needed was for him to lend his clothes and close his eyes for a few moments. Most wouldn't trust a stranger in this particular situation.

But for the young warrior, it was a way out of a fight they were sure to lose. The scene with his grandmother allowed him to think clearly; he didn't want to lose his life when he knew someone would be saddened by his loss. n-(1n

Following from behind, it didn't take long for Raze to catch up with the group, but for now, he would remain at the back.

"From what I can tell, most of these warriors are at the 1st stage, and some at the 2nd stage. I still have no idea what stage Dame and his friends are at, but it must mean that at least the enemy is around similar strength, right? If that's the case, I should be okay staying at the back.

If things look tough, I'll take the Green Qi pill and get out of the area as soon as I can, but I have a feeling Dame will shock everyone with his new weapons," Raze smiled. "Let's see how effective items from Alterian are in this world."

As they continued to run, it didn't take long for them to see the battlefield up ahead. It was in the same area that Raze had passed through last time, a wasteland covered in dark orange-colored rocks on the floor, with a large mountain ahead where snow could be seen falling on one side.

It was where the battle was to take place, but now, on the hard-colored ground at the base of the mountain, they could see a large group of fifty men and women in white-colored clothing, each with a sword at their side.

Standing in front of them all was none other than the woman Raze had met once before, Beatrix Highborn. Her sword was still sheathed but her hand was on its hilt, ready for anything.

"I see someone in the Demonic Faction has a level head," Beatrix shouted out.

"It's a shame we can't say the same for you," Fixteen said, as he and the people behind him stopped dead. Both groups stared straight ahead at each other, tense, expecting something to happen at any moment.

"You have instigated this attack against the Demonic Faction!" Fixteen shouted. "We have no choice but to protect ourselves, so whatever happens today, no one will say it's our fault."

Beatrix let out a loud laugh.

"I guess the Demonic Faction isn't full of idiots, but the ones in front of me are. I saw all of your faces that time in a portal belonging to the Light Faction. That was already enough reason for us to attack.

"But you had to go and continue to enter, summoning the Dimension boss, causing the death of an entire squad. They were just beginners, yet now they won't live to see another day because of your selfish desire to use the Dimension portal behind us!"

"Wait a moment," Raze thought, overhearing everything that had occurred. "Dimension boss, I heard about that when learning about the portals. That shaking form before we left, could it be, was this due to me? Is this fight happening now, actually because of me?"

Beatrix then drew her sword, and so did those from her Clan. In response, those of the Neverfall Clan did the same.

"We, from the Dawnblade Clan, will avenge those who lost their lives, and we will make sure to deal with those responsible!" Beatrix announced, and the Dawnblade clan members from behind immediately started to rush forward.

The Neverfall Clan, trying not to show fear, ran forward as well, along with Fixteen and the others. Lastly, both Dame and Beatrix were running straight ahead, ready for a clash.

"This is... this is a real battle in the Pagna world," Raze thought, looking at the scene unfolding before his eyes.