Chapter 74: Shadows of the Past

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The chaos of the attack echoed in Dabi's ears as he steadied his breath, preparing for the confrontation ahead. Amidst the panic, his mind wandered back to the enemy's sudden appearance, searching for answers in the midst of the turmoil. As he gathered his thoughts, a flashback unfolded, revealing the dark past of the assailant.

Flashback: Fifteen Years Ago

In the dimly lit halls of Astral Heaven Academy, a promising teacher named Malakar thrived. Renowned for his brilliance, he was beloved by students and faculty alike, inspiring future mages with his innovative teaching methods. However, his fascination with the arcane and forbidden knowledge began to consume him.

Malakar was drawn to the secrets of dimensional manipulation and the power it promised. He conducted secret experiments on his students, pushing the boundaries of ethical magic. Many were unaware of the dark path he was treading, blinded by the allure of his charisma and intellect.

But the headmaster, Raghnall Ferrin, sensed something was amiss. Reports of strange occurrences and students vanishing from classes reached his ears. Driven by his duty to protect the academy and its students, he investigated Malakar's activities.

One fateful night, Ferrin discovered Malakar in a hidden chamber, surrounded by his students, who were subjected to harrowing experiments. The sight was chilling—flickering lights, distorted spells, and students trapped in magical restraints, their faces pale with fear.

"Malakar!" Ferrin's voice boomed through the chamber. "What have you done?"

Confronted with the evidence of his depravity, Malakar's facade crumbled. He lashed out, attempting to manipulate the very fabric of reality around him, but Ferrin was prepared. A fierce battle erupted, spells colliding and filling the room with a blinding light.

Ultimately, Ferrin triumphed, restraining Malakar and exposing his misdeeds. He was deemed a danger to the academy and its students. With a heavy heart, Ferrin made the decision to imprison Malakar in the depths of the academy's dungeons, a place designed to contain those who threatened the balance of magic.

Present Day

The memory of that night echoed in the air as Dabi prepared for battle, understanding the weight of what was at stake. Malakar had escaped from prison, fueled by revenge against the very institution that had cast him out.

Back at the training camp, the chaos intensified. Dabi could see the figure of Malakar in the distance, cloaked in dark robes, his presence radiating an aura of twisted power. With a surge of adrenaline, Dabi realized that Malakar sought not only vengeance but also a chance to reclaim the glory he once held.

As Dabi's determination solidified, he felt the weight of the academy's legacy on his shoulders. He would protect his friends and fight against the darkness that sought to invade their sanctuary.

The chapter ends with Dabi ready to confront Malakar, armed with the knowledge of the enemy's past and a burning resolve to protect

Astral Heaven Academy.

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