Dark Magus Returns

The timing of Raze standing up was a bit odd to everyone watching. For one, there should have been still two more matches to go for the Blue headband wearers. Simyon, along with one of the other students, had yet to compete.

After that, the selected Yellow headband users would fight next against pretty much the rest of the headband users. That was the main event, while everything else was the warm-up.

However, Raze wasn't going to let this momentum shift. Right now, the miracles that had been achieved by the Blue headband group were fresh in all of their minds, and they were more inclined to listen.

"I...have a proposal," Raze said out loud as he walked forward past the teacher and onto the platform. For those watching, it felt like quite a shock to see a student acting this way.

The way he had stepped onto the platform, it was as if he owned it, but Raze carefully turned away from the students and faced the crowd as he gave a small, polite bow.

"Please hear me out," Raze said after lifting his head.

No one had come out to stop Raze, despite how much Teacher Lee wanted to tackle him out of the area. This was his golden goose, and discourse between the two would seem a little strange.

Raze looked directly into the eye of the principal and saw a slight nod; he knew this was his chance, his only chance.

"Thank you," Raze cleared his throat and held out his hand toward the two hundred students on the side. "We are all from the Dark faction and are from multiple clans across the continent. Although we might not be the majority of strength that leads the faction, our clans do cover the majority of the land. With it, it means that we work with the majority of the people in our territory. Today, with our blue headbands representing our clans, we wanted to prove something. That we can play a bigger role, that by working hard, we can show our importance to all of you. Do you believe we have shown you this today?" Raze asked.

The merchants started to talk amongst themselves, as well as the Clan heads. The merchants were the ones who would work closely with the other clans, so in their eyes, if they had those who were more capable, it would be better for them. Besides, the higher clans always charged more, but for them, it was seen as worth the price since they were guaranteed a level of protection. But for merchants, money was king. If there was competition and more choice, their costs would be lowered.

However, they had all come to an agreement. Just two members besting those in the Yellow group didn't mean much in their eyes.

"Just the two of us winning against the Yellow headband users doesn't mean much, right?" Raze said seemingly reading their minds. "We haven't even fought against the selected students. Which is why I have a suggestion, where we Blue headbands have a chance to redeem ourselves for what has happened, prove our skills, and of course entertain you," Raze bowed down again.

Dame couldn't help but smile as he saw what Raze was doing; he never thought he had this sly side to him.

'He's set up an image in their head, given them a reason for his actions, and all while they were in a good mood. I bet a lot of them were saddened by the fact they had only seen a taste of Raze's skills, and right now, all of them were curious about wanting to see more.'

"We understand," Amir, the vice principal, shouted out. "What is your suggestion?"

Raze looked over for a moment at the Five-man disciples sitting in the red seats, and they caught it, a large smile that was on his face. All they could do as they sat there was wonder just what was it that he had planned.

"I suggest a group match," Raze asked. "A team of us that will go up against the Red headbands. But not just any of the Red headbands—the Five Main Disciples of the five great clans belonging to the Dark faction."

Immediately, there were gasps and whispers among the guests and the students themselves. Even the Blue headbands felt uneasy about what he was suggesting.

"A group of five!" Teacher Lee nearly choked on the air. "But most of the capable students are already injured, and why did he have to pick the main disciples?"

For the disciples themselves, there was anger spread across their faces. They were almost disgusted by the suggestion. Why should they even waste their time fighting against people like them?

"I believe by going up against the best the academy has to offer, we will be able to display our strength to you the best as well," Raze explained. "I am not a fool; I know there is a large difference between our two groups. I think this will serve as a great warm-up for those that are called the best, just before you can enjoy your fight between the Red and Yellow headband students."

At first, those at the side thought it would be a clear slaughter fest. The main disciples would win regardless. But if it was just as a warm-up and was an extra fight that they could watch, then they would be happy to get more entertainment. The seed of curiosity was also strong in them all. Just like when one would play the lottery, they knew the chances of success were low, yet the excitement of the chance of something happening, and a dream excited them.

Murkle didn't make a decision straight away; instead, he was looking at the guests and seeing their reaction. Some thought it would be a waste of time, while others were looking forward to the match. Even if it was a waste of time, it would only delay them by a few moments at most.

"I would really like to see what happens," Himmy said out loud in a deep voice, but he was just looking at Charlotte as he spoke.

She raised an eyebrow, wondering what on earth he was doing. To which she eventually saw him wink.

'If the boy wants to fight that badly, then I'm sure he has something amazing to show us,' Himmy thought.

"Ah, yes!" Charlotte said out loud, relatively robotic. She was a horrible actor. "I quite like seeing the sword swinging and the fist punching, and the... the jumping and stuff."

Overhearing the two on the left, Murkel had made his decision.

"I accept your proposal. At the very least, the Five Main Disciples should be able to best the Blue headbands and fight against the other students. Please, select who you wish to fight with you."

Raze looked at his group, and many were turning their eyes away from him, wishing not to be selected. The first name to be called had come as a surprise to them all.

"Liam," Raze said.

"Wait, what!" Liam shouted, holding the side of his ribs. "I've only just recovered, and I'm half-dead. I already fought against one of the Red headbands; why do I have to fight against them again? What in the balls is this?"

Ignoring his angry words, Raze continued.

"I select Simyon as well."

Nervous, Simyon stood up from his seat and started to walk over. He had somewhat expected this. When he finally reached Raze and stood by his side, he stood there helplessly with his hands tucked into his armpits. n)/0In

"I hope you know what you're doing," Simyon whispered.

Seeing how Raze was continuing to call out names, Liam eventually stood up. He reluctantly walked over, feeling like there was no choice.

"Safa Cromwell," Raze asked.

She didn't hesitate as she ran over, a smile on her face, happy that her brother was relying on her. She had trained hard, so she wouldn't hold him back.

"And lastly, I pick you," Raze pointed right up to the corner. "Pink!"

"Huh!" Dame stood up. "Me?" He pointed to himself once again, feeling a sense of déjà vu.

With that, the five had been selected to go against the Five Main Disciples. Raze turned his head, looking at the disciples getting up from their seats.

'I have no intention of this actually just being a simple warm-up. I'm going to make each one of them spill blood right on this stage.'