Dark Magus Returns

Kelly wasn't so taken aback by the question asked; she had assumed that the Dark Magus at some point would want to know. With her position as well, she practically knew everything that was happening within the Dark Guild, and further on the outside.

"The Dark Guild has been growing by a significant amount thanks to the performance that you made last time," Kelly answered.

"It seems that reports and details came out after talking about the Guild's wrongdoings. Other Guilds had even reported the wrongdoings. For a short while, there was small support for the Dark Guild, but that had been quelled fairly quickly."

"Support, for the Dark Guild?" Raze repeated. It was unbelievable to hear. Sure, he understood those wanting to join the Dark Guild.

Even when he was the Dark Magus there would be fanatics here and there, those that were like Harvey, but the general public's opinion was never heavily in favor of the Dark Magus.

"Yes, there were protests, and people started to talk online about how the Dark Magus might have been doing some good. Some reporters and online streamers even began to look into particular past matters.

"However, it was hard for them to find anything. Many seemed like extremely loose connections, coincidences, and it was claimed that people were just doing it for attention and views."

This in particular had affected Kelly quite a bit. In the past, she was also saved by the Dark Magus's actions, which was why she knew the Dark Magus wasn't completely evil like the news reports stated.

Yet, no matter what she would say or comment, the public opinion had already been decided. It was hard, almost impossible, to convince others when they had already made their decision for whatever they wanted to believe.

"The public appearance, and targeting that Guild, it was a good choice made by Harvey. I never cared about trying to get the support of others in the past…the power of the Grand Magus, I just thought it was too strong…maybe I really had been going about things the wrong way," Raze spoke openly as if talking to himself.

"Because of all of that, many people have been joining the Dark Guild. Harvey has made sure that they are serious about joining. Only allowing those willing to learn Dark Magic, making sure to learn of their motivations as well.

"He knows that society, regardless of if someone had joined on impulse, doesn't care. As long as you know Dark Magic, it's considered a crime."

Raze was sure of that, and he was sure that rule would stay in place.

"The situation has changed somewhat," Kelly continued. "There aren't as many people trying to join the Dark Guild currently, and there is a reason for that.

"The journalists that had reported on the Dark Magus's past, or talked badly about the guilds, have been tried. It was said that evidence was found that they were working with the Dark Guild.

"Claiming that there were bribes, documents, notes, plans, and more. Of course, there was no such thing. It was set up. All of the information was fake."

"Right," Raze answered. The more he thought about it, the more obvious it was that this would be the Grand Magus's next move. "More so, that played as a warning. To stop anyone talking positively about the Dark Magus and the Dark Guild.

"Regardless if they really had connections or not, now people would think twice, as those rumors spread, and as long as there's no evidence, no one willing to be a whistleblower, things will get quiet and go back to the way they were."

Kelly nodded along like she knew it was the reason, but truthfully she had overlooked the bigger picture of things.

"And what about the Dark Guild in general? Has there been any more movement, any planning from Harvey, or perhaps efforts from the Grand Magus?"

"No," Kelly replied instantly. "The Grand Magus seems to be working on trying to find the Dark Guild and its members. Because of that, Harvey has decided it's the best time to stay low, making sure they have no idea when we're going to strike.

"That, along with the influx of members, we have a lot on our plate. The good thing is nothing has happened in terms of them finding us, but there does seem to be another issue.

"Many of those that are in the Dark Guild are not in the best situation. They are either on the run, need finances badly, or elsewhere. Guilds typically support these people, but we are not a typical guild.

"We are not even a guild on the black market. We have talked about ways of increasing our finances. Maybe doing assassination tasks in exchange for payment or…"

"No, don't do any of that," Raze answered instantly. "We are not other people's tools to be used. Doing such things will also ruin the reputation of the Dark Guild that it's started to build up.

"Also, doing things like that will just create more people who are in the situation of those that joined the Dark Guild in the first place. I don't want the guild to become that.

"Finances, I should be able to solve the problem one way or another when I arrive," Raze answered.

"When you arrive?" Kelly's heart was thumping louder when she heard this.

"It's not long now, but I predict the next time we meet, I will be in my real body."

Kelly could feel her heart beating even faster as she heard these words, and she had to let out a big breath to slow it down.

"So has there been any other news?" Raze asked.

Kelly thought about it as she placed her finger on her chin until something came to mind.

"Ah, there is one thing. It's been in news reports everywhere, and all over the academy as well. It's about the disappearance of Aurora…and it seems her brother Alen is making quite the big deal out of it."

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