Chapter 150: Ossum

Leo's crimson third eye glowered as he scanned the gathered mages. After a long silence, he finally spoke. "I have an announcement. Within three days, all mages below level four are to pack up and leave the Dark Spirit Domain."

The room erupted in shock as mages exchanged stunned looks, trying to fathom the gravity of the situation. Many of them had spent decades here and had never witnessed an evacuation on this scale.

One mage, Hall, who specialized in potion research and was a long-standing official member of the Dark Spirit Domain, stepped forward. "Master Leo, please tell us what has happened. As official members of the Dark Spirit Domain, bound by contract, we have a duty to stand together in times of crisis."

Hall's words resonated with others, for even though Leo was not known for his patience in teaching, many of his students had reached the level of official members, some as level-one or even higher mages. As per their contracts with the Dark Spirit Domain, they were obliged to bear certain responsibilities should trouble arise.

Leo's gaze softened slightly, though his expression remained severe. In a low voice, he explained, "This is not a situation that those below level four can handle. But you'll find out soon enough, as the news will spread regardless." He paused, then pronounced each word with chilling precision, "Kreiss has betrayed the Dark Spirit Domain. He has defected to Ossum."

"Kreiss betrayed the Dark Spirit Domain? That's impossible!"

"Yes, Kreiss is the most talented mage in the Dark Spirit Domain in centuries. He achieved mastery over five schools of magic in a short span of time and is on the cusp of becoming a level-four mage. Once he constructs a level-four spell, he could establish his own tower. Why would he betray us?"

"He's not just any five-school mage. If Kreiss achieves level-four status, he'll have power equal to a level-six mage. The Domain practically grants his every request. How could he abandon it?"

Many of the mages murmured in disbelief. Even Merlin, who had recently heard his name mentioned as a comparison, felt a pang of shock. Kreiss had become a near-legendary figure in the Dark Spirit Domain—a five-school mage taken as a student by a level-seven mage, who rose from an entry-level mage to a level-three pinnacle mage in just over a decade. It was hard to imagine that someone with such a promising future would defect.

The name Ossum, though vaguely familiar to a few mages, remained shrouded in mystery.

"All of you, go and prepare," Leo continued. "In three days, you must leave the Dark Spirit Domain. This may escalate into a conflict beyond your comprehension—warfare between mage organizations."

A tense silence hung in the air, weighted by Leo's cold, somber tone and the ominous presence of his crimson third eye, which glinted with a hint of blood-red light.

"Master Leo, how long will we be away?" one mage hesitantly asked, concern clear in his voice. They had fought hard to be part of the Dark Spirit Domain, and the thought of leaving it unsettled them deeply.

After a moment of reflection, Leo replied, "It may be quite some time. Keep your Dark Spirit Rings safe; once the situation stabilizes, you will be notified to return."

With that, the mages began filing out, resigned to prepare for departure. Merlin turned to leave, only to have Leo call him back. "Merlin, make sure you choose your remaining two spell models quickly," he instructed.

Merlin nodded, already planning to complete his selection of level-one spells before he had to leave the Dark Spirit Domain.

Without delay, Merlin made his way to the Tower of Myriad Phenomena to select his remaining lightning and dark spells.

---

Within one of the highest towers of the Dark Spirit Domain, nearly all of the level-four mages and above were assembled.

"Is everyone here?" rasped an elderly mage with a thick head of gray hair, wearing a ring with an oversized green gem.

A quick count revealed over forty mages present, almost the entirety of the Dark Spirit Domain's elite.

"Almost everyone is accounted for," Leo replied, his tone as cold as ice. His intimidating presence caused even the strongest mages to flinch slightly. "Those who haven't arrived are still away on missions. We can't wait for them. Where are Ossum's forces now?"

The elderly mage, Hersus, known as one of the most powerful mages in the Dark Spirit Domain, responded without taking offense at Leo's interruption. "As some of you already know, our most gifted mage, Kreiss, has betrayed us and joined Ossum. This is nothing less than an outright provocation."

His booming voice echoed through the hall like a storm, chilling those present to their core.

"Old man, cut the speeches. Where is Ossum?" Leo's blood-colored third eye blinked, emitting a menacing crimson glow.

There were murmurs of surprise among the mages. Leo had never shown such blatant disregard for protocol before, even referring to Hersus as "old man." Yet, to their amazement, Hersus only chuckled slightly.

"Leo, no need to rush. Ossum's reach extends beyond us alone," Hersus said, gravely. "They have managed to sway two highly gifted mages from Flame City as well as a mage on the verge of creating the Dark Heart from the Abyss Fortress. If we're to counter Ossum, we will need to join forces with Flame City, the Abyss Fortress, and the Lava Domain. Ossum is simply too powerful for any of us to face alone."

The assembled mages fell silent, grasping the gravity of the situation. Many of them were familiar with the legends surrounding Ossum, a mysterious organization that recruited only the most gifted mages. Whenever a prodigy emerged within any mage guild or military order, Ossum would go to great lengths to lure them away.

In fact, the very name "Ossum" was derived from an ancient Morta Empire word meaning "genius." The organization was composed entirely of exceptionally talented mages, and while its strength was largely unknown, it was believed to rival that of the most formidable mage organizations. Every few decades, mages from various guilds would mysteriously defect, joining Ossum despite powerful binding contracts. These contracts, rendered void by Ossum's use of the rare and costly substance known as Earth Purifying Water, underscored the organization's astonishing wealth and influence.

Faced with such a formidable adversary, Hersus's fury was tempered by pragmatism.

Suddenly, a glimmer of runic energy flickered over Hersus, relaying a message from afar. He read it carefully, then addressed the hall with a hint of relief. "Flame City, Abyss Fortress, and the Lava Domain have agreed to join us. This time, we will show Ossum that their reach has limits."

Plans were made to amass their forces and prepare for an unprecedented conflict—one that could reshape the power structure among the mage guilds.

As the hall filled with a sense of grim determination, Leo remained silent, clutching a faintly dark ring in his hand. A dark, dangerous glint appeared in his eyes as he muttered softly, "Redor, my dear brother. Finally, an opportunity has come. I will avenge you by taking down Ossum's finest."

Hersus cast a solemn glance at Leo's twisted expression, a flash of regret crossing his face, though he said nothing. The room grew quiet as the mages steeled themselves for the trials that lay ahead.