Dark Magus Returns

In the prison, Anna had listened to every detail told by Raze. She could tell it was a story he had recounted countless times, not missing a single detail of what had occurred. His vivid description, while explaining, was proof that it actually happened, or at least he truly believed it had. As for his current youthful state and presence in Pagna, it didn't seem like the right time to inquire about that—nor did it seem crucial in the grand scheme of things.

The tale seemed to be at its end, as Raze continued to play with the lapel of his blazer without saying more words. At this point, Anna thought she might just bend the bars and escape, but then Raze continued.

"The final gift from my wife, what was in the laundry room," Raze said, "was this blazer that I'm wearing right now. She had made it for our anniversary. It's a pretty big gift with the host enchantment personally done by her, while the crafting was all done in her spare time at work as well.

"It's the most important thing I have of hers."

It was the first time Anna could see this expression on Raze's face. It wasn't anger, but sadness was creeping in. She didn't like this look; she preferred him when he was angry.

"So you said at the start you hated all these Grand Magus, right? From your story, I can guess that Idore and Trubin became Grand Magus due to their positions. I understand your hatred for them…and maybe Ibarin as well? The principal who cheated you out of your position, but why hate the rest of them? Or is it just because they are all part of the same pack?" Anna asked.

The saddened look on Raze's face quickly disappeared as he tensed, gripping the cloth on his knees tighter.

"At the time of all that had happened, the Grand Magus didn't exist just yet. An idea was brewing between countries' governments for a solution of peace, and this idea was put forward by Idore."

"As for the idea, it was the birth of the Grand Magus. An elite group of people even above the countries, all with the power to change what could occur. All of them had advanced their magic to the 9-star level, the pinnacle of what was achievable for magic, there was no one who could contest them anymore. Idore with his magical creations, Ibarin as the head of the Central Academy."

"Trubin, a mage who had no second thoughts about killing and could silence anyone who disagreed with them, and Gizin, the largest supplier of both legal and illegal magical substances."

Anna's eyes widened when she heard that.

"You mean… he was involved in your wife's death!"

Raze nodded in response.

"I found out later that she had told him about everything behind my back. It had caused Gizin to inform the others and act before anything happened. All of them were working together to protect this magical throne that they had built."

"And believe it or not, that wasn't the end of my suffering I had with them. Enaxx, another one of the Grand Magus, as well as more run-ins had occurred with them, but that is not something that should be remembered for today…right now, I want to remember the good memories."

The sadness and anger had turned into a smile on Raze's face as he stared at the ceiling.

"I will do anything to get revenge on these people, they don't deserve to live a happy life from the top, with no fear that anyone can take them down. Right now, I'm on a path of regaining my strength, and this new strength I have found in Pagna. I'll use it to beat them."

"This wedding I will go through, and Rayna is a nice woman. It's a shame that it appears she is being forced into this marriage on her side, but because she is with me, if in the future she does find someone she wishes to be with, at least I won't get in the way of her doing that. The only thing is, it wouldn't be right for me to wear this."

There was silence in the cave-like prison cell once more, and eventually, Rayna realized that she was in an awkward position having overheard everything. So, she lifted up her feet and stomped them on the ground a few times, making it clear so that the others could hear her.

Then continuing to walk down the hall, she appeared in front of the two of them with a key, placing it in the cell and unlocking it.

"I apologize for what has happened to you both. My father hasn't informed the members of who you are; he seems to want to keep it as a surprise for the big day."

"I'm so sorry that this has happened to both of you," Rayna said, giving a polite bow.

Both Anna and Raze dusted off their clothes as they stood up and headed out of the room.

"It's okay, it gave me time to think, I have been quite focused on one thing and one thing only so all is well," Raze said.

Rayna was finding it hard to keep eye contact with Raze. For one, she had heard everything that was said, including the comment of him calling her a nice person. She didn't understand it, but the words at the end, of him allowing her to do what she wanted, were causing her to just want to yearn for him more, yet it didn't feel right.

"Be prepared for tomorrow. The wedding will be in Repton city, I'll be getting ready in Repton, while you will be leaving from the Neverfall Clan, so the two of us will meet there.

"Fixteen, since he knows you, will be helping you out with what you need to be doing, but there is something else you need to be careful about as well, both of my brothers will be escorting you as well."

Raze had heard about Rayna's brothers. Two figures that were extremely powerful in the Neverfall Clan, and in a lot of ways from what he knew, acted more like their father, doing as they wished because of their great power.

"I will," Raze answered.

——

The next day had arrived and Raze and Anna had stayed in one of the rooms closer to the top of the Abyss. It was cooler there compared to the rest of the place. It wasn't just Raze and Anna getting ready for the wedding though, as the whole base was making preparations as well.

They would be coming to Repton with him, some entering the city, others standing by on the outside. Since the whole Clan was getting ready, it felt a little like they were going to war, rather than going to a wedding.

Entering the room, was Fixteen who managed a smile at Raze and had something in his hand.

"What's this?" Raze asked.

"Special clothing that has been prepared by the young miss," Fixteen answered. "She thought you would feel more comfortable wearing it."

Stretching out the clothing, Raze could see it was an elegant dark red colored cloth, closer to brown. There were swirling patterns on the sleeves and around the waist winding up.

It looked great and suited the look of a Pagna warrior. Not only was there cloth, but there was also a special mask for him to wear as well. Allowing him to keep his identity secret.

"This is needed since this will be a marriage between the Dark Magus and the Neverfall Clan, your identity is to remain a secret."

Raze was happy seeing the items; Rayna was certainly thoughtful.

After changing into his clothes and placing the soft mask on his face that covered just the upper part of his face and not his mouth, he was ready.

"I guess I'm getting married today."