When people hear the term “Black Magic,” their minds typically jump straight to the undead.
Back in the days when Black Magicians were actively causing chaos across the Arkaria Continent, they certainly left a mighty impression on the general populace.
But let’s get one thing straight—Black Magic isn’t just about undead. Oh no. The undead may be what people fear and avoid like the plague, but they’re merely a sliver, a tiny fraction of what Black Magic is capable of.
“Hehehe.”
In a quiet corner, far from prying eyes, Princess Arte Flora of the Flora Kingdom let out a soft, mischievous laugh. The Lorelai Kingdom camp, on the other hand, was nothing short of chaos.
Their specially crafted weapons, designed and prepared just for this war, were proving to be devastatingly effective.
“Princess, it seems to be working splendidly.”
“Hehe. Indeed, doesn’t it?”
“Should we prepare for the next move?”
“No, let’s savor this a bit longer. It’s such a beautiful sight to behold right now.”
Arte’s piercing gaze remained fixed on the Lorelai Kingdom soldiers, a smirk playing on her lips.
Despite their best efforts to fortify their defenses, the Lorelai camp was crumbling before her very eyes. Soldiers were fleeing in terror, their bl**d splattering everywhere. The mages who belatedly arrived to set up barriers found that their countermeasures were woefully inadequate.
Against the dark, razor-sharp spines ejected by the creatures, the Lorelai soldiers fell like wheat before the scythe.
For this operation, Arte had sent in 24 of her creatures. Or rather, 24 had become something closer to 50 by now thanks to their ability to multiply.
“Hehe, better than I thought. These babies are simply perfect.”
Arte found immense satisfaction in the macabre scene before her—a morbid joy as Lorelai soldiers writhed in agony, black spines piercing their flesh, their life’s bl**d spilling onto the ground.
It was exhilarating. Simply exhilarating.
She had never before experimented on unknowing humans—such a thing would be quite cruel, after all. But her first trial couldn’t have gone better. Her initial concerns now seemed laughable.
Truth be told, she hadn’t expected much from these specific creatures. All they were supposed to do was tie up the enemy and create a small number of casualties. But oh, they had exceeded every expectation.
“Hehehe. Number 67 will need a proper name too.”
Arte, her crimson hair gleaming like the bl**d that now stained the Lorelai camp, gave a slight toss of her locks.
Arte Flora, sole princess of the Flora Kingdom and now the likely heir to the throne after the untimely demise of her older brother, the Crown Prince, was more than just a royal. She was also the Second Elder of the Nameless Organization.
“Undead? Pfft. My children are far superior. Hehe.”
She glanced over the Flora Kingdom forces preparing for the assault. Though their faces were etched with determination, subtle hints of fear were evident.
“Our creations? They know no fear,” she muttered, turning away from the soldiers with a snort. Arte prided herself on her expertise in crafting these creatures—a dark art derived from Black Magic.
Of the three Elders in the Nameless Organization, each excelled in their own area of expertise: Arte wielded creatures born from her dark enchantments; Landgar specialized in undeads and barrier magic; but Arte firmly believed her creations outclassed anything he could conjure.
Number 67 was an example of this superiority—her 67th experimental creation had performed extraordinarily well.
She’d completed every mission assigned to her by the group with impeccable success—something her colleague Landgar had consistently struggled with.
All that remained was to secure this victory and showcase the full potential of her creatures to the world.
“Our children will show them,” she giggled softly.
“Charge!”
“YEAH!!!”
As the Flora Kingdom forces surged forward at her command, Arte’s dark grin widened. The western region of the Arkaria Continent was about to descend into chaos—and she had every intention of leading the charge.
*
“Following numerous discussions, we’ve finalised the academy’s academic schedule.”
Professor Amillion paused as all eyes turned toward him, a mix of anxiety and curiosity heavy in the air.
“Despite the circumstances we’ve faced, Crescent Academy will proceed with the semester as originally planned. Our decision is firm.”
A sigh of relief escaped several present. The professor’s announcement was a relief to some but, for others, it brought more dismay.
From behind, Anes and Marie exchanged a look of disappointment. The arrest of Landgar had been a shocking twist, and with the festival now officially cancelled, it felt like we’d just wrapped up a major quest.
Or so I thought.
Just when I was beginning to look forward to donning my uniform as an ‘Academy Dark Knight’ without interruption, a new complication arose. There had been an incident involving undead within academy grounds that shook the entire Crescent Academy. Then, through Eddi, news spread about global events that were making headlines.
In the western part of the continent, amidst the recent flare-up in hostilities, the Flora Kingdom had made no secret of their use of Black Magic—a move that swiftly painted them as the villains of the piece.
According to Eddi’s report, a coalition led by Crescent and O’Neil kingdoms was already in formation, responding to the growing crisis. Even the notorious Black Shadow Guild had been compelled to take notice, dispatching two of their top members to investigate further.
Given that Flora Kingdom was close to where my personal villa was, I figured I might pay them a visit too.
I’d assumed the matter would quietly resolve itself. But no such luck.
When word hit the public that Black Magic had re-emerged on the Arkaria continent, chaos erupted everywhere. Questions were being asked about whether it was prudent for an academy to continue operating as normal in such perilous times.
“Both the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor may be absent, but the professors have unanimously agreed that during turbulent times such as this, it’s more important than ever to cultivate the talents who will serve as our future pillars.”
Professor Amillion’s voice was resolute.
To me, the news was nothing short of a blessing, but not everyone was so pleased.
“Though, we do acknowledge the increased instability and danger across the continent. As a precaution, the festival activities and other external events scheduled will be subject to adjustment.”
“Excuse me, sir, I have a question.”
“Yes, Elaine?”
“So, the northern expedition—will that be adjusted too?”
“Ah, yes,” Amillion nodded. “Given the current state of the northern region, we feel it may be too hazardous under these conditions.”
“Oh…”
“But we are planning alternative activities—safe yet equally exciting.”
Though Elaine nodded, her disappointment was palpable. It seemed the northern expedition had been a particular point of excitement for her.
Ah yes, now I remembered. Back at the start of the semester, a mention of this field trip was made. I hadn’t thought much of it then but clearly Elaine had been eagerly anticipating it the whole time.
“However…”
Amillion paused, sensing Elaine’s lingering dismay. With a twinkle in his eye, he continued, “Though the destination won’t be the northern region, what we have in mind will offer a truly unique experience—especially for our S Class students.”
“What?!”
The professor’s teasing tone had even prompted Cynthia to raise a curious eyebrow.
“Details haven’t been confirmed yet, but you’ll be leaving the borders of Crescent Empire. Not the north, but somewhere else that will surely be memorable.”
“Where is that?” came Anes’ hopeful question.
“Patience,” Amillion replied with a sly smile. “We’ll divulge that later.”
With that note, the meeting concluded. What mattered most was that the academy would continue its operations uninterrupted.
“Pity about the northern region.”
As Amillion exited, Elaine sighed, voicing her frustration.
“On the contrary, isn’t it a blessing? Northern region? Barely habitable and uncomfortable accommodations, they say.”
“Hmm, fair point,” agreed Emily.
“Still, I wanted to see it, you know, experience it.”
“Experience what exactly?”
“Because our oldest brother once ventured there.”
“Ah, I see.”
Cassius St Claire, a respected professor of the academy, was famed for his valiant exploits in the northern region as the “Knight of Salvation.”
“How about we go another time?”
“What?”
“If you’re so keen, I’ll take you. Though it’s barren as Cynthia said, you seem keen enough.”
“Y-you’d take me?”
“If you’re uncomfortable with it, let’s forget it.”
“No no! Not at all!”
“Great. We’ll go sometime. It might be dangerous, but you’re capable.”
“Tha—that’s true?”
A faint blur of information clouded my vision.
<New Sub-Quest Received!>
A side quest notification. It had been a while since I’d seen one of these.
