Chapter 1378: Shadows Behind the Gate

The students had been relocated from the portal chamber to one of the main training halls used by the Underfang Guild. At the moment, the room was empty. The transfer students had already cleared it out, which made it the safest option, clean of blood, clean of bodies. It was one of the few places they could sit without being haunted by the horrors they had just witnessed.

“Teacher,” one of the students asked, timidly raising their hand. “Why are we here? Shouldn’t we be waiting outside for the bus to take us back to the academy?”

“There’s just been a slight delay,” Redrick replied with a calm smile. “Don’t worry. The transfer students and the other instructors just need to settle something first.”

In truth, Raze and the others were waiting for someone, Alen. He had promised to arrive at the Underfang Guild as quickly as possible after Raze contacted him, though Raze had given him only the barest context about the situation.

Still, Alen had agreed to come.

Wanting others to fully understand the weight of what was going on, Raze had brought both Luka and Panla along. If he could show them the depth of the conspiracy, especially with Alen present, then perhaps they would begin to believe that everything he had done, every move, was for a just cause.

While they waited outside the guild building, a strange humming sound echoed in the distance. Moments later, a large military aircraft descended from the sky. Unlike the student transport vehicles, this one was rugged in design. Sharper edges, reinforced plating, and a fortified hull, it was clear this was built for combat, not comfort.

When the hatch opened, Alen stepped out.

He wasn’t dressed casually like before. This time, he wore his full military uniform, clean white with sharp gold decals, each symbol placed with meaning. A uniquely styled beret sat tilted slightly on his head. The soldiers at his side were similarly dressed, all bearing the same crest and posture of discipline.

“Are these people ones you trust?” Raze asked without hesitation.

Alen raised a brow at the bluntness, shaking his head. “That’s the first thing you ask me? After you were the one who called me for help?” But his expression softened as he answered, “Yes. They’ve been vetted thoroughly. We’ve been through fire and blood together. Their loyalty lies with me, before anyone else.”

Raze gave a small nod. He understood Alen’s frustration, but he had to be sure. After all, what they were about to discuss involved Alterian’s most dangerous secrets.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both, Professors,” Alen said respectfully as he greeted Luka and Panla.

The group began walking toward the guild’s interior. There was small talk between them, Alen had a good relationship with Wilton, the one who ran the academy, and he had already met Luka before. Everyone was familiar with one another’s position and reputation. Respect ran both ways.

Before entering the core of the guild, Luka and Panla decided to bring Alen up to speed on what had happened inside the portal. They left no detail out, well, almost none.

They explained how the Underfang Guild had led them into a deadly portal and disguised themselves as members of the Dark Guild. They spoke of how Raze and his team had saved the students and teachers, fighting off monsters and traitors alike. The only thing they omitted was the subject of dark magic.

They still weren’t sure if even Alen was aware of Raze’s true capabilities.

Alen listened intently, his brows gradually furrowing. He hadn’t expected to be called in so soon after helping Raze and the others gain entry to the academy, and everything he heard now was almost beyond belief.

Eventually, they reached the main office of the guild.

Inside, Dame was already waiting, alongside Bronto and two other high-ranking Underfang members. All four were restrained, each bound by thick, glowing ropes.

These weren’t ordinary bindings. They were enchanted ropes, items usually reserved for restraining magical beasts or high-level prisoners. That they were found in the guild’s own storeroom was a red flag in itself.

“Military personnel?” Bronto scoffed, glaring at Alen. “And working with someone from the Dark Guild, no less. What has this world come to?”

The comment wasn’t random. It was calculated, spoken loud and clear, a provocation designed to turn Alen against Raze if he didn’t already know where the lines were drawn.

“Nice try,” Alen responded coolly. “I don’t work with the Dark Guild. I’ve never been part of them. But I am someone who believes in uncovering the truth, no matter who’s involved.”

He stepped forward, meeting Bronto’s gaze. “And judging from everything I’ve seen and heard so far… you and your people are long overdue for punishment.”

He turned toward Raze.

“Leave them with us for an hour,” Alen instructed. “We have our methods. We’ll get everything, why they did it, who they’re working for, and what their endgame is. Once we’re done, I’ll personally escort you back to the academy. And don’t worry, if secrecy is needed, we’ll make sure none of this reaches the outside.”

Raze gave a nod, trusting him for now.

Despite the claim of one hour, it wasn’t long before Alen returned. He ushered the group into a side room, a research chamber filled with ancient tomes and tools used for magical analysis.

“It turns out everything you said was true,” Alen confirmed.

“The group was acting under the orders of the Cerberus Guild. They claimed not to know who at the top gave the directive. However, they were asked to hand specific items over to the academy after returning from the portal.”

He let the weight of that settle in before continuing.

“And they’re not the only ones. Apparently, several other teams have been tasked with similar orders. As for disguising themselves as the Dark Guild, that, too, was part of the plan. According to them, they were just following instructions.”

Bronto, despite his silence, had shared his own suspicion.

“He believes the disguise was intentional,” Alen explained. “An easy scapegoat. It paints the Dark Guild as villains once again, fuel for the fire of public fear. But I know what you’re thinking, Raze… It’s not just about blame. It’s a narrative. A way to slowly shape public opinion, to turn the world further against them.”

Alen walked over to the desk, placing a recording crystal down.

“You’ve done well, Raze,” he said. “This is the first step. I’ve documented every word from the interrogations. But… confessions aren’t enough to move the public. They’re weak in the face of doubt and propaganda.”

“The students, and these teachers, they’ll believe you. They were there. They saw it all.”

“But if you want to expose the truth to the world, you’ll need more. You’ll need undeniable proof. And remember, Cerberus is tied to Gizin. But you’re not just going after them. Your real path leads to the academy… and to Ibarin.”

He looked Raze in the eye.

“You’ll need something solid on him, too.”

****

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