The Return of the Archmage (2)

Dark magic, when applied in such omnipotence, was an overwhelmingly powerful discipline.

Yet, it was considered an inferior branch of magic because of a single fatal flaw that overshadowed all its strengths.

'It is weak against light.'

In the presence of the sun, darkness could only exist as mere shadows stretching at its feet.

The stronger the light, the more mental energy was required to cast dark magic.

Of course, once night fell, a dark mage's power would be maximized. However, even that advantage was diminishing with the popularization of Kergos' photonization theory, which revolutionized the application of light magic.

Once, numerous dark mages had mastered the craft, but now, there were hardly any students in magical academies across the continent who chose to specialize in the discipline. This was proof of just how disregarded dark magic had become in magical society.

'But my master is different.'

Arcane had overcome the fundamental weakness of dark magic. And the ultimate essence he had realized had been passed down in its entirety to Canis.

'Yes, I must trust in my master.'

No matter what thoughts Arcane harbored, Canis had no intention of straying from his path.

With a thunderous crash, the entrance to the prison was torn apart.

Arcane swiftly dispatched the guards rushing down the corridor before unlocking the iron doors of Block A-3.

The prisoners, sensing that something was amiss, began banging their food trays against the bars.

"Hey! I don't know who you are, but let me out!"

"Open this damn door! I'll pay you handsomely! Or I can even kill someone for you!"

Arcane raised his hands.

A dark prison cell was the perfect environment for dark magic to thrive.

"Authority of Darkness."

Shadows lurking outside the reach of torchlight slithered forth, merging into hands that hovered ominously in the air.

Hundreds of shadowy hands gripped the iron bars and pulled.

Creeeeak! Crrrk!

"W-what the hell?!"

As fear gripped the prisoners, they retreated against the walls just in time to witness the prison bars along the corridor being torn apart in succession.

A hush fell over the corridor.

Just as light mages had photonization, dark mages had the Authority of Darkness.

It was a magic that absorbed external energy and converted it into physical force, allowing them to manipulate shadows and even withstand light to some extent.

The strength exerted by each shadow was negligible, weaker than that of a child, but with a vast expanse of darkness at play, the force increased exponentially. By applying engineering principles, even sturdy iron bars could be effortlessly wrenched apart.

After a moment's hesitation, the prisoners emerged from their cells, their movements hindered by the iron balls chained to their ankles.

"What the hell? You're a mage? Damn impressive."

"Anyway, thanks. Let's introduce ourselves. The name's Kraken, the Night Cat. People in these parts know me by name."

Sensing the nature of these men, Arcane let out a disappointed sigh.

Forty years ago, Inferno was not like this. Once a den filled with the vilest criminals, how had it fallen to such mediocrity?

'How fleeting time is. Or maybe this means the world has simply become a better place?'

Arcane believed that as civilization advanced, the quality of criminals declined.

Most of them were mere swindlers, good at scheming but lacking true strength. The truly wicked had long since infiltrated society, hiding in plain sight.

"Pathetic wretches. Do criminals introduce themselves now? Just because there are no bars, do you really think you can escape from here?"

"What? This senile old man must have lost his mind. I was trying to be nice, but do you even know who I am?"

The prisoners relied on their numbers, emboldened by their supposed advantage.

Despite lacking any guarantee of camaraderie, their ignorance was evident in both their nature and intellect.

"Listen well, you fools. If you cannot defeat me, you would do best to remain in your cells. Disobey me, and your bones will shatter."

The prisoners burst into laughter.

"Puhaha! Did you hear this old coot? Does he think we'll back down now?"

"If we all rush him at once, even a mage is nothing! Let's get out of this accursed place!"

Fueled by the excitement of their newfound freedom, the prisoners charged mindlessly.

Only to realize, too late, that the shackles on their ankles were still there.

Had their reason temporarily left them? Or had they worn the chains for so long that they had forgotten their existence?

"Huh? Wait, what?! Damn it!"

As they flailed in panic, Arcane scoffed in disgust.

If one bore the name of evil, they needed strength. And if they lacked strength, they at least needed intelligence.

These men were mere parasites, feeding off the prison's rations.

"Authority of Darkness."

Arcane's shadow spread like a flood, engulfing the entire corridor in darkness.

"W-what is this?!"

The shadowy hands that had once torn down iron bars now wrapped around the prisoners, pulling them into the abyss.

Like insects trapped in a gelatinous mass, their eyes, noses, and mouths vanished into the black shroud.

"N-no! Please, spare me—! Ack!"

A sickening crack echoed through the corridor.

"Mmmph! Mmph!"

"Ggghhh!"

As muffled screams died in the darkness, Arin shuddered.

Even though she couldn't see them, the agony of those consumed by the shadows was seared into her mind.

"Canis, must we really go this far for Master's revenge?"

"Arin, denying Master means denying ourselves."

"But still…"

"Have you forgotten what happened in Radum? We've witnessed far worse. And these scum are no different from the ones who tormented us there."

"But we promised. We swore to forget Radum. To find happiness."

"It's not over yet. We can't find happiness until Master's vengeance is fulfilled."

As the darkness receded, the prisoners lay writhing on the ground, their bones shattered like brittle twigs.

Arcane observed their pathetic state and sneered.

"Pitiful. Was this a wasted effort? Or will I find better prospects in the other cells?"

Inferno housed 320 inmates.

Perhaps this corridor simply held the dregs.

Clank. Clank.

As Arcane mused, the sound of chains echoed from the farthest cell.

A man, wolf-like in demeanor, stepped forward, drawing Arcane's interest.

"Oh?"

Unlike the mindless prisoners who had rushed out recklessly, this man had calculated his actions.

And the fact that he was both shackled and handcuffed was an encouraging sign.

"So, another one remains. Did you conceal your presence? Your schema is rather impressive."

The wolfish man glanced at the crumpled prisoners strewn across the floor and let out a dry chuckle.

"Ha, what a spectacle. Do you even know where you are? This is Inferno, the kingdom's designated prison. Are you planning to rebel against the kingdom?"

"Rebellion? That sounds delightful. Care to join me?"

The man shrugged.

"If you get me out, I might consider it."