Chapter 222: A short Discussion.
At the Demon’s Whereabout
The few surviving demons from the Blackstone Village attack limped through the dark tunnels, their bodies battered and scorched.
Their claws scraped against the stone floor as they dragged themselves before their master.
At the center of the cavern, was the Shadow Disciple.
The survivors dropped to their knees, trembling. None dared to meet his gaze.
"You return..." The Shadow Disciple asked.
"Yet the village still stands. Humans live. And those little heroes that you couldn’t kill even one of them. My orders...were disobeyed." said shadow disciple.
"What shall I tell my master if you fail my mission?", shouted.
"M-Master, we tried. The Arcadia students...they were stronger than expected. They—"
Before he could finish, a sudden whoosh of black energy sliced through the air.
SLASH!
The demon’s words ended in a gurgle as his body disintegrated into ash, leaving only a charred mark on the ground.
The other demons recoiled in terror.
"You failed me," the Shadow Disciple said, rising from his seat. The smoke around him thickened, forming jagged spears of shadow.
"Failure...is death."
"No! Have Mercy, Master! Please!" another demon cried.
The cavern filled with shrieks as the Shadow Disciple unleashed his wrath.
Black spears shot forward with blinding speed, impaling demon after demon.
One by one, the hundred surviving demons were torn apart—claws snapping, bodies crumbling to dust.
The screams echoed until only silence remained.
When the smoke finally cleared, only a single demon remained alive.
It was Dakin.
He knelt so low his forehead touched the cold stone.
"Stand, Dakin," the Shadow Disciple commanded.
Dakin obeyed, though his legs shook violently.
"Master...I will do anything you command."
"You live because I require a messenger," the Shadow Disciple said coldly.
"The humans...they celebrate their pitiful victory. Let them. Their arrogance will blind them."
He turned away.
"Perhaps I should go myself and tear down their academy," he muttered to himself.
"But no...not right now. Let the human ants disperse. Let them believe they are safe and let’s wait for that human messenger."
"When they least expect it, the shadow will fall. And when it does..." He smiled faintly. "...there will be no Arcadia left to protect them."
Dakin bowed again, relief and fear mixing in his trembling voice.
"As you command, Master."
At Arcadia Academy – The Meeting of Two Academies!
News of the Blackstone Village attack had spread across Elaris City like wildfire. Reporters were still crowding outside the gates, and the public demanded answers.
Far away, in the staff room stood principals and teachers.
Beside him stood several Arcadia professors, including Professor Sylvia and Professor Grendar Voss.
Opposite them stood the visiting delegation from Bighall Academy.
Behind him waited three of his senior staff members, still visibly shaken by the recent tragedy.
Principal Elric spoke first, edged with frustration.
"We have lost two of our young heroes in that battle. Two innocent students who trusted that they were on a routine mission. We cannot—we will not—let this happen again."
Professor Sylvia lowered her eyes respectfully.
"Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, Principal Elric. Arcadia mourns with Bighall."
Elric nodded slightly but continued.
"Sympathy will not stop the next attack. I have come here to ask for more than condolences. Your students also fought against these...prisoners turned demons. You know the threat as well as we do. That is why I ask for your cooperation. Together, we must bring this matter before the Council of Clans. Justice must be sought."
Principal Alden Caelum leaned back in his chair with thoughtfulness.
"This is not the first time such attacks have occurred," he said slowly.
"But if you are willing to appeal to the council, then Arcadia will stand with you."
Relief flickered across Elric’s stern face. "Then we agreed."
Professor Grendar Voss adjusted his spectacles.
"The Council of Clans will not be easy to persuade. We will need evidence—and strong representatives."
Alden nodded. "Which is why I will send some of our most capable staff to accompany you to the North, where the council convenes."
He glanced toward the side door.
"Myra," he called.
The door opened, and Myra entered. Dressed in her academy coat.
A faint smile touched her lips—many of them still remembered the display of power she had shown at the gates earlier.
"You called for me, Principal?" she asked, bowing slightly.
"Yes," Alden said. "You will accompany Principal Elric and Professor Voss to the Northern Territories as Arcadia’s representative and security. Your skills will be needed."
Myra raised an eyebrow. "To the council? Sounds interesting."
Professor Voss gave a polite nod.
"It will be a long journey, Miss Myra."
"I like dangerous," Myra replied casually, earning a few uneasy glances from the Bighall staff.
Principal Elric studied her carefully. The memory of her overwhelming strength during their first encounter was still fresh in his mind.
(This girl... even among Arcadia’s elite, she stands apart), he thought.
(If she is their escort, the council will surely take this alliance seriously.)
Alden turned to Professor Voss. "You will oversee the diplomatic side of the mission. Myra will handle...other matters."
Voss adjusted his collar and gave a small nod.
"Understood."
Elric clasped his hands together. "Then it is settled. We depart for the North at dawn two days from now. Together, we will demand answers."
After the Meeting
As the delegations began to disperse, murmurs filled the hall.
Students whispered about the upcoming journey and the mysterious Council of Clans.
Rumors spread that guild leaders in Elaris City were already attempting to recruit members of Arcadia’s first-year rescue team, impressed by their courage in Blackstone.
Professor Sylvia approached Myra quietly as the others spoke.
"Be careful, Myra, you are new and young, if you come up with any emergency and need backup, tear this emergency talisman and we will come" she said softly.
"The North is treacherous. And the council...they have their own agendas."
Myra smirked.
"Don’t worry, Professor. If anyone tries anything, we will settle there."
"Council of clans is protected under celestial royalty. If you find a celestial royal there, it will be better not to argue. They are stubborn", said Sylvia.
(huh? I think I heard celestial royal fifty years ago) Myra thought.
"Okay professor", said Myra.
They two nodded to each other and Myra headed towards the academy medical room where kael was.
She looked at him in the bed lying unconscious and said, "when I come back, let’s talk", Myra said in a low voice.