Dark Magus Returns

As the gift entered Raze's hand, he couldn't help but continually stare at it. Images went through his head, wondering what change it would bring for him. It was as clear as the crystal itself that the item had brought him great delight.

"It appears you greatly like my gift," said the merchant, who had long blonde hair dangling over his dark red attire. He was a respectful man, with the presence more of a noble than a merchant.

There was always a respectful smile on his face, and an even bigger smile after he saw Raze liked his gift. Some of the others that had yet to give their gifts were whispering to others near their side.

Raze then held up the power stone into the sunlight, seeing its slightly brown tint, reflecting in his eye. For a moment, he wanted to just swirl his magic around the item.

'This item, it's a powerstone, a high-grade one as well, at least a grade five, maybe even grade six. I remember even the reward from the Crimson Crane was a grade five powerstone.'

'The amount the merchant needed to spend on this… he clearly wishes to gain my favor. It also means he has enough funds to hire a group strong enough to obtain a level six power stone in the first place.'

However, regardless of the grade of the powerstone, that wasn't what excited Raze; it was because of the type of power stone. It was one with an Earth Affinity.

One of the affinities Raze had yet to learn. After absorbing the crystal, he was sure he would unlock the Earth Affinity, opening him up to new types of magic, including enchantments and combination magic he could now use.

"What's your name?" Raze asked.

"Herbert," the man answered. "I'm from a city called Delkern, located in the northwest of the continent."

From what Raze could remember, it was part of the Dark Faction area, bordering the Light Faction. It might explain the highly thought-out gift, but Raze didn't care if it was to use him; he had received the most valuable item so far.

"I will remember your name and what you've done. If you need to call for me, I will listen," Raze said.

"I hope when that time comes, you are a person of your word. I look forward to seeing the new future of the Dark Faction," Herbert claimed.

Herbert bowed and left the stage, allowing others to come up.

"He sure is taking on this leader role quickly and well, right?" Liam whispered to Safa. "I think your brother might have a fetish, you know, one of those where he wields power over people."

Safa angrily turned to Liam with a frown. Although she now knew the current Raze wasn't the same Raze she knew from the past, her real brother, she still felt extremely connected to the current Raze and didn't like how Liam was talking about him, even if it was a joke.

Besides, she didn't think what Liam said was the case anyway. Raze wasn't getting used to it, but more so felt like he was doing what was necessary. In this situation, he was quite mature for his age.

The gifts continued coming, piling up to the side. Many clans and people wanted Raze's favor now that he was Dark Faction leader, but there was nothing major to note other than a few swords he believed he could enchant.

He planned to do the same as before, enchanting each of them with a different affinity. Other than the techniques and crystal, that was all Raze had obtained.

After all, most of the precious artifacts from the top clans had already been taken by others.

What did occur was after Raze's eyes lit up from receiving the powerstone, many others offered powerstones as well, but they paled in comparison. They weren't as high in stage level, nor were they of a new affinity he could learn.

Regardless, absorbing some of the crystals would still increase his magic powers in different affinities. It was the better choice since they wouldn't have much effect on his cultivation now.

At the same time, Raze didn't plan to flood the market with new enchanted items just yet.

Standing in the back, though, members of the Crimson Crane's eyes lit up. With all the gifted materials and more, Raze could finally finish creating the items for those who had yet to receive one.

They wouldn't have to use their own crystals or resources either because there were now plenty for Raze to use.

Even Alba, who had been putting all the other members ahead of her, had to admit she was looking forward to receiving a new item. She had felt weak in the last fight, and even after attacking the Dark Faction's clans, the artifact she had obtained was nothing compared to Tilon's Shield.

"All of you are dismissed for today. We shall inform everyone of their duties and the new processes of the Dark Faction when the time comes. A new change is coming, and everyone will be playing their part!" Amir announced.

Many started leaving with conflicted feelings. They had been worried before about the fate of the Dark Faction, and after the meeting, some were less worried now that someone had taken Murkel's place. But just what would having the Dark Magus as leader bring to the Dark Faction, and how would the other factions react?

Just as everyone was getting ready to leave, Raze stood up and looked directly at one individual—an old man with a hunched back, using a cane to keep himself from falling over.

A man Raze had seen before.

"Jiyo, I need you to stay behind. I hope you still remember your promise," Raze said.

Jiyo smiled as he looked at Raze. He still remembered the young student arriving at the library that day.

"Yes, I said I would tell you everything if you became the principal of the academy. I never thought this day would come," Jiyo replied.

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