Walking up to the front, the group could see mbers of the Dark Guild moving in and out of the building, their figures slipping across the surrounding structures and pathways. Several were positioned at the other sections nearby, their attention drawn toward the unexpected visitors. Raze didn’t hesitate. He let the weight of his Dark Magic leak outward, an oppressive wave that pressed down on the atmosphere and announced his presence before a single word was spoken.
His mask began to fade, lting back into his blazer until his pale face and striking white hair were revealed for all to see. The others followed his lead. One by one, the companions pulled away their disguises as well, revealing their true selves. If they were going to stand side by side as allies, then there could be no illusions. Honesty was required, even if it was uncomfortable.
"Are we about to be attacked?" Liam whispered tensely, his eyes scanning the figures above. His system was already working in the background, warning him of hostile thoughts flickering in the minds of so of those watching. "Because mine is telling that more than a few are thinking about it."
"It’s fine," Kelly said calmly, stepping up beside him. "Raze made it clear that today was the day he would co. His presence at the event was enough, and the word has already spread through the network. Those who saw him there, those who recognized his power, have already spoken. Seeing his white hair in person now, there’s no mistaking who he is. They all know."
She was right. The mont the crowd realized who they were looking at, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The figures who had been perched on top of the structures froze. The ones standing in the streets lowered their gazes. Then, almost as one, they began to kneel. Heads bowed to the ground, their bodies perfectly still, they offered the kind of respect and reverence usually reserved for legends. They parted without resistance, creating a path that allowed the Dark Magus to pass through undisturbed.
Finally, Raze and the others reached the massive double doors of the building. He pressed a hand against the dark wood, his palm brushing over the surface. Imdiately, he felt the hum of enchantnts woven into the fra, protective wards and runes that would only allow passage to those who wielded Dark Magic. Without hesitation, he pushed, and the doors opened wide.
The group entered into an enormous hall. The ceiling stretched high above them, shadows clinging to the rafters while magical lights glowed faintly along the walls. Rows of seats lined either side of the chamber, and several wide tunnels extended into the distance, leading deeper into hidden areas of the complex. The entire place seed alive, filled with movent, but the focus of all those present was locked firmly on the figure standing at the front.
Harvey.
He stood proudly on the raised dais, a blazer wrapping his body, and around his neck was a thick, ruffled collar that fanned out like black feathers, framing his face and giving him an almost regal appearance. When he saw Raze, his booming voice carried across the entire hall.
"I welco you, Dark Magus!" Harvey declared, his tone filled with triumph. His gaze shifted briefly, acknowledging the companions that Raze had brought with him. "And the guests you’ve chosen to stand at your side."
Then, before anyone could react, Harvey bent down onto his knees, lowering himself in deference. He remained still, waiting patiently for Raze to approach.
The sight left an impression on the military personnel who had co along with Alen. Even they, seasoned and hardened as they were, couldn’t help but exchange stunned looks. When the Grand Magus visited, they inspired fear, awe, and obedience, but not devotion like this. The loyalty displayed by the Dark Guild mbers bordered on worship. It was as though they were not in the presence of a man, but of royalty.
Raze continued forward with asured steps, the others trailing closely behind. When he reached the front, he finally spoke, his voice carrying a sharp weight.
"You can stand," he instructed. "We have much to discuss. Since the last ti we t, the situation has changed drastically, not only here, but across the entirety of Alterian."
Harvey rose slowly to his feet, and as he did so, a broad smile spread across his face. His eyes glead with satisfaction as he looked upon Raze.
"You have been busy," Harvey said, his tone almost giddy. "Not only did you finally reveal yourself in person, but the first thing you did was to strike down not one, but two of the Grand Magus! You truly live up to your na. You’ve worked quickly, ruthlessly, and without hesitation!" His voice swelled as he gestured toward Raze with both hands. "Tell , though, did it never occur to you that we could help? We aided you before, didn’t we? With the Dark Guild stronger than it has ever been, perhaps it might have been easier to target them together. We could have torn them down piece by piece."
There were several things that Raze wanted to say. He wanted to speak of the people who had been displaced in the Underside, forced from their hos, manipulated into choosing between survival or servitude. He wanted to ask Harvey about the costs of what had been built here. But the words stuck in his throat.
The truth was bitter. Harvey had not killed those people; he had forced them into a choice, true, but it wasn’t so different from what Raze himself had done. How many lives had he ended in his pursuit of vengeance? How much blood was already on his hands? Harvey’s thods were cruel, but Raze had done worse.
"The situation was what it was," Raze said finally, his tone steady, his expression unreadable. "I acted as I thought best. With my return still unknown to them, I believed it was wiser to move without drawing too much attention. But the power you’ve gathered here, the strength of the Dark Guild, it is undeniable. I intend to use it. That is why I am here now."
For a mont, Harvey turned away, his shoulders trembling as though he were suppressing sothing. There was an odd flicker in his deanor, a small crack in the mask he wore. But when he faced them again, his expression was once more composed, his voice booming with certainty.
"Excellent," Harvey said. "We have been waiting for this. Whatever it is you need from us, we will do it. For the sake of the Dark Magus. For the sake of building a better world."
"Behind ," Raze continued, "stand those who will aid us in this task. They are powerful military personnel, strong mages, and n with influence and connections that will allow us to reach into places the Grand Magus have always kept sealed away. They will open doors we could not open alone." His eyes narrowed, and his words cut through the silence with sharp precision. "Our next target is Gizin. To strike him, we will need to take on the Cerebus Guild. And to do so, we must work as one."
Raze paused, letting the words sink in. His gaze shifted across the room, lingering on the sea of faces bowed toward him, then returning to Harvey.
"But before we move on Gizin," he said at last, his voice darkening, "there is sothing more. The Grand Magus must be distracted. Their attention divided, their forces weakened. That is why, with Enaxx already gone, I believe the ti has co. We will launch a full attack on the Glory Guild."
**
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