Murderer Identified

The badge on Leylin's chest emitted fluorescent light.

Leylin's entire body was then engulfed by a layer of this light and was lifted off the ground as he began to involuntarily rise into the sky.

Floating at a distance within the light bubble, Leylin saw other acolytes in distant regions also floating in the same manner; they looked like stars strewn across the sky.

Leylin's hand touched a badge and holding it he thought: 'There is no force felt from this badge. It seems that the pulling force of the badge only works on those acolytes who are still alive. If that's the case…'

Leylin waved his hands, and 2 badges that belonged to two level 3 acolytes were tossed out of the light bubble.

These two badges had, at one time, belonged to Silver-Claw Saurun and Biol. Since Leylin had already collected sufficient badges, he would no longer keep these two with him.

'I also have this thing with me.' Mused Leylin, as he withdrew an iron chain that had an electrical current and also threw that away.

After a thorough examination by Aralis of this destroyed magic artifact, there was a hidden Spiritual Force within it that kept pulsating — it seemed that this force had a tracking ability. If Leylin were to bring this item with him, then the professors of the rival academies would know immediately that he was the one who had killed Torash.

As for the other items taken from the acolytes — the half dagger and the shattered silver palm — there were no problems if he brought them back with him. They were carefully placed in his satchel.

'Now, the final procedure…' Leylin snapped his fingers and removed the Shapeshifting spell.

The muscles on his face contorted, as his height continuously grew. Very soon, Leylin resumed the state of his original appearance once again.

'I have been acting inside the secret plane with this disguise, where no one had seen my true appearance. Even when I undid my Shapeshifting spell during the fight with Torash, my thick aura kept everything hidden. I'm afraid after I exit, the enemy forces would wildly search for an acolyte that doesn't exist, hahaha.'

After thinking of the probable scene in the future, he could not help but smile.

'Right now, I am Leylin Farlier, the Potioneering acolyte.'

Looking at the dazzling rainbow-colored exit, Leylin's smile widened even more.

With little effort, Leylin managed to suppress the dizziness that came abruptly and did not vomit.

Leylin hurriedly left the place using the portal. Only then, did he take a look at the surroundings.

Outside the exit of the secret plane, it looked the same as before. The 3 academies were divided into a triangular formation where they faced each other. Sage Gotham's Hut and Whitewoods Castle members stood closer together and faced the common enemy, Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, in unison.

As for now, acolytes continuously swarmed out from the exit, returning back to their respective professor's sides.

"Who is that person?" -A nameless acolyte said.

Leylin saw a black-robed man ahead of the 3 chairmen. He couldn't help guessing the person's identity.

But now, because the black-robed man felt Leylin's unwavering sight upon him, he turned his head around and looked back.

He immediately glanced upon a pair of dark green eyes.

The surrounding world was as if it had been suspended in time; everywhere one could see only green.

The acolytes and professors around Leylin seemed to turn into jade statues where no signs of life could be observed.

Leylin strove to open his mouth, but he found no words coming out of his mouth.

"Leylin! Leylin! Leylin!"

The surrounding statues suddenly opened their mouths, chanting Leylin's name.

"What is happening?" Leylin roared within his heart, but not a single word could be spoken.

The dark green sculptures began to move and green dust constantly fell off of them. Their eyes had become red-colored as if the sockets had been embedded with rubies.

Countless green statues swarmed around Leylin, drowning him….

Then, Leylin had suddenly become aware of what was happening, and merely gave a cunning smile at the black figure he saw before.

The figure was surprised and also pleased by this, and the shadowy cloud that enveloped him diminished until one could faintly discern an old human form.

"As one should expect from the acolyte who managed to defeat so many geniuses single-handedly. It appears the hallucinations brought forth by my terrible aura did not fully render your mind." -The figure spoke in a deep supernatural voice.

"During all my years, I have personally overseen countless Bloodbaths. Yet, this is the first time I encounter such a fascinating and devious acolyte. For better or worse, you truly are one of a kind." -The figure continued in a relaxed tone.

"I am not worthy of your praise, my Lord. I merely did what was asked of me by my superiors." -Leylin bowed respectfully as he fell on one knee.

"Don't tell me, you actually know who I am?" -The figure exclaimed with amusement.

By this time, everyone around the two conversing individuals had completely disappeared as if they were made out of dust, and had been blown away by a strong current.

"I wouldn't dare to make such a claim. Though I have a pretty good idea of what you are. The chairman of Lighthouse of the Night, that is." -Leylin replied, his head not leaving the bowing position.

The figure only nodded with a content hum. "I see I was not mistaken when I decided to grant you an audience within my personal dimension… So tell me, what are you planning to do when I reveal that was is you who ended the lives of three generational prodigies?"

Leylin smirked. "With all due respect, I highly doubt those would be your intentions. Otherwise, we would not be having this conversation."

"Hah! I like you, boy!" The figure laughed. "You are correct. I am not going to add any more fuel to the wildfire that I have spent so many resources to control. However, I am still curious as to what your real goals are. Undoubtedly, once you surrender the badges in your possession, Chairman Siley will reward you handsomely."

"Power, my Lord. I crave power." -Leylin declared with absolute honesty. Under these circumstances, lying to such an enigmatic character would probably get him killed, or worse.

"Come on, you can do better than that." -The figure challenged.

"If it's like this… I would have to say that my goal is achieving the rank of Magus." -Leylin said casually.

The figure pondered on Leylin's answer for a moment. Afterward, he chuckled to himself.

"That was the right thing to say. I know you are keeping things from me, but I would not expect you to come clean so suddenly. Perhaps there will be another chance to get to know each other. Or not... Be that as it may, you are now free to go and claim your rewards. But don't forget, I will be watching…"

After he said that, the entire landscape became white and a bright flash knocked him out. He had no chance to defend himself.

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"Argh!" -Leylin suddenly regained consciousness and panted heavily.

"What happened earlier?" The surrounding acolytes now seemed to be doing fine, yet Leylin did not dare to look in the direction of those chairmen again.

"Relax, son!" -A pair of hands with a medicinal scent covered Leylin's head, emitting white glowing light.

"Professor Kroft?" -Leylin bowed deeply. Under the white light, he felt much better. "Was it you who saved me?"

"I did not exactly 'save' you. It was only a small favor." -Professor Kroft smiled and led Leylin back toward their academy's gathering area.

"Official Magi always have a defensive force field surrounding them. Moreover, most of them are instantly activated or have a permanent effect. As for higher-ranking Magi, they have an even stronger force field encircling them at all times. An ordinary acolyte cannot even get close to them." -Kroft explained to Leylin.

"Just now, that Magus from the Lighthouse of the Night did not do it intentionally. He just looked over this side and immediately many apprentices got caught in a hallucination. If a professor wasn't here, then you would have been..." Kroft's expression slowly turned stern. "Leylin, before you turn into an official Magus, remember to steer clear of any high-ranking Magus. Otherwise, I would not even be able to imagine your end..."

"Very well, Professor. I'll keep that in mind." -Leylin's expression was extremely solemn as he nodded his head. Inwardly, he was still reflecting on what the chairman from the Lighthouse of the Night had meant to gain from that audience.

Either way, that event had resulted in Leylin feeling confident in his odds of getting away with the murder of Torash. And also of the dire need of keeping any future 'business' as secret as possible. Moreover, it resolved his determination to climb up in the ranks of the food chain. Drawing the attention of such a venerable entity could end up representing both a blessing and a curse for Leylin.

'I don't wish for my soul to crumble immediately in the future just because a Magus crosses my path. It would be a disgrace.'

Even if higher-ranking Magus could exercise restraint on their auras, it would mean that they were showing their softer side. Leylin could not imagine anyone doing that for him.

"Alright, now I can properly greet you. Welcome back, son!" After healing Leylin, Kroft revealed a sincere smile.

"It really is great to see you again, Professor." -Leylin smiled a fake smile as he hugged his so-called mentor.

At this moment, only then he had time to view the casualties in his own academy.

Due to the teaming up of the other two academies, a huge number of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's acolytes had perished previously in the war. Right now it seems that Abyssal Bone Forest Academy suffered an even more severe casualty count.

At this moment, behind the professors, there were only a few scattered acolytes standing behind him. Most of them carried severe injuries and gloomy expressions.

"Leylin!" -A pleasantly surprised voice sounded in his ear.

'Fuck. I had hoped that our reunion would come at a later date.'

"Bicky!" -Leylin smiled warmly and hugged the curvaceous and beautiful Bicky.

"I am so glad you survived, Leylin! I believed in you…" Tears welled up in Bicky's eyes. The mixed emotions about what she went through and the relief at seeing her friend.

It seemed like she was worried about Leylin but that she did not know he was the mysterious man who had saved her before.

Leylin took another look at Bicky and was rather surprised when she was not suffering from any additional injuries. Only her mental state did not seem to be in the best condition.

He could not help but assume that her luck was extremely great, as even if it was a level 3 acolyte from Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, under the oppression in numbers from their enemy, they may not be able to protect their lives.

As if seeing Leylin's bewilderment, Bicky spoke on her own accord. "I met Molly right after entering. Also, I met with an extremely powerful enemy acolyte, who killed both her and Jayden. But a stranger saved me... After that, I met Fayle and it was him who kept me by his side, so I was able to remain safe up till now."

Bicky pointed at an acolyte behind a professor.

Leylin looked over, and it was indeed Fayle who he saw before. After a span of 3 years, he seemed to be even more mature and had more charisma.

With a level 3 acolyte protecting her coupled with some luck, it was probable that she could survive. Leylin nodded his head and did not ask further. He was also amused that she left out the part when she was defiled and mutilated by Torash.

After casually exchanging a few sentences with Bicky, Leylin looked at the secret plane's exit. Most of them were enemy acolytes streaming out, whereas very few Abyssal Bone Forest Academy acolytes came out.

Leylin smirked inwardly, 'It seems that this time Abyssal Bone Forest Academy suffered a great loss. I'm afraid that there will be a scenario where Abyssal Bone Forest Academy would have more professors than acolytes for a long period of time.'

At this moment, another acolyte walked out from the exit.

This acolyte wore the grey robes of Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, and had several holes in them. Injuries seemed to riddle his body and there were even traces of blood. Moreover, an arm was missing.

"It's Senior Merlin!" -Bicky yelled at the top of her lungs.

Leylin's pupils contracted. Not out of shock, but out of curiosity. He wished to have been there to witness his pathetic rival being crushed in battle.

Towards magicians, missing a limb was no big issue. There were various and mysterious spells that could regrow their limbs. But it still was a grave humiliation for the receiver of the attack.

Merlin braced himself and walked several steps forward. After seeing his professor from Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, he smiled and fainted immediately.

A white streak of energy immediately appeared in front of Merlin and caught him.

After the white flash stopped, Leylin saw the appearance of the Magus within it – it was a skeleton with an underworld flame in its eyes.

"Professor Dorotte..." -Leylin called out the name of this set of bones.

Previously, it was Dorotte who led Leylin into Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. Moreover, he was Jayden's mentor and even gave Jayden a magic artifact. It seemed like he doted on Jayden rather much. But surely after his precious champion had not returned, he seemed to be eagerly planning for a substitute apprentice.

"Alright, there are no more surviving acolytes inside the secret plane. Seal the exit!' -The mighty figure standing before the 3 chairmen spoke.

Once he spoke, the 2 camps sank into deep silence, before the murmuring and sighing noises sounded incessant.

"No! Where is my Torash?! He is definitely still inside!"

"Silver-Claw Saurun? Hurry and come out! He is a genius acolyte, how could the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy manage to defeat him?"

"Biol! Biol, where are you?!"

Constant cries were heard from the enemy camp.

And the Abyssal bone Forest Academy's party seemed to have already expected this. Although the numbers of dead acolytes were many, the reactions of all professors were much weaker than what Leylin had expected.

Even for the great talent Jayden, his responsible Professor only let out a soft dismal gasp upon receiving news of his death. After all, a wounded Merlin was already singing praises to the skeletal Magus who promised him wealth and resources.

"Torash! Torash! I left spiritual force coordinates on his body; he should be present amongst us here!" -On the opposite side, a blue-bearded old professor yelled madly, following which he chanted an incantation.

A bright blue beam of light drifted and floated above Merlin who had fainted. Within this light, an indistinct badge of an acolyte could be seen.

"Argh! No! My dear Torash! I will kill you, Abyssal scum!" -The expression on the face of the blue-bearded old guy contorted, where a massive thunderstorm appeared midair above him.

'Torash's power, when compared to this, is absolute rubbish.' Leylin calmly deducted, as he smirked at the scene of a shocked Dorotte standing in front of Merlin to protect him.

In truth, it was Leylin's plan all along to covertly place Torash's badge inside the robes of any random acolyte.

Considering the Chairman of the Lighthouse of the Night would soon report the Bloodbath results to each academy in private, he could easily argue that the points of Torash's death be given to Leylin. And after that chat between them, Leylin was even more convinced of this.

In regard to the negative consequences of snatching those points? It looked as if Merlin would be taking care of that for him.