Warlock Of The Magus World FF: Dark Lord

Leylin stood in the academy's mission hall, his sharp eyes scanning the tense atmosphere. Something was off.

The air was heavy with unease, the quiet punctuated by the occasional sobbing of an acolyte or the low curses of those who had barely escaped death. The number of casualties in the Mission Area had risen drastically, and it was evident from the haunted expressions on many students' faces that they had paid a heavy price for their recent assignments.

He walked past several clusters of acolytes whispering in hushed voices, their faces pale and drenched in sweat, some even trembling slightly. Many had lost close friends, and those who returned bore scars, both physical and mental. Bloodstained robes were no longer an uncommon sight in the halls, and the once lively mission area felt more like a place of mourning than opportunity.

"Look! The missions have been refreshed!" a student suddenly shouted, drawing everyone's attention to the black stone wall ahead.

Leylin moved forward, his gaze landing on the topmost corner of the wall, where a new notice had been posted. The striking red words stood out ominously:

"Attention! There has been a significant increase in the number of dangerous creatures around the academy. We urge all acolytes to be extremely cautious when accepting missions. If you are not a Level 3 Acolyte, it is strongly recommended that you stay inside the academy at all costs."

The warning was written in large, blood-red letters, demanding attention. Below it, in the same ominous red, was a newly listed mission:

"Mission: Investigate the source of the abnormalities occurring in the vicinity of the academy.

Reward: 500 magic crystals, high-grade information on three topics of your choice, or an improved spell model.

Warning: This mission is classified as EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. Accept at your own risk!"

Leylin's eyes narrowed as he silently assessed the mission. 500 magic crystals… high-grade information… an improved spell model! The reward was astronomical, enough to clear most of his worries and fund his advancement.

However, Leylin had no illusions about the danger. If even Level 3 acolytes were dying at an alarming rate, taking on such a task was no different from signing his own death warrant.

Shaking his head, he turned away. His priorities lay elsewhere. He had already sold all the magical runes he had created so far, converting them into necessities that would assist his future growth.

As he moved through the crowd, a few students—especially female acolytes—stole glances at him. Gossip followed in his wake, whispers of admiration and speculation.

"That's Leylin… the once-in-a-century rune crafting genius and a Fifth-Grade Acolyte!"

"He's not just talented—his rune crafting is said to be unparalleled among our generation!"

"I heard even some noble families have approached him, offering him sponsorship and powerful backing, but he rejected them all."

"Tch, what a waste! If I were him, I'd accept their help in an instant! Imagine the resources he could gain!"

"He doesn't give anyone a chance to get close to him. Even those from influential backgrounds have been turned down!"

Leylin ignored their whispers as he strode toward the dining hall, uninterested in the attention. His focus was solely on his path forward.

...

The third-level cafeteria, known for its free meals, was packed with students. The usual lively atmosphere was missing, replaced by tension and hushed conversations.

Leylin ate alone, his ears tuned to the various discussions around him. The meal today consisted of white bread with fish paste, steak, and fruit juice—simple but sufficient.

"What? Perry is dead?! But he was a Level 3 Acolyte!"

Leylin's attention sharpened.

"Perry? That Perry?" Another student gasped. "The Fifth-Grade Acolyte? The one with a powerful mentor?"

"Yes! Four years ago, he became a Level 3 Acolyte and was considered one of the strongest among us! He took on the investigation mission, even forming a party with another Level 3 Acolyte."

"With that level of strength, only an Official Magus could have killed him!" a girl muttered in disbelief.

"Not necessarily," another student countered grimly. "They might have been overwhelmed. When Perry's body was found, his lower half was missing, and his innards were devoured. It was obvious… Beastmen did it."

A deep silence spread through the cafeteria. Everyone knew that Beastmen were savage creatures, but for them to be so close to the academy, hunting acolytes like prey, was unheard of.

Leylin set down his fork, deep in thought. Even a powerful acolyte like Perry was reduced to nothing more than food for monsters… As Dorotte said Dark times are coming.

Leylin's mind drifted back to his meeting with Dorotte earlier that day.

In the dimly lit lab, the elderly Magus sat behind a cluttered desk, his skeletal fingers tapping lightly on an ancient tome. The air smelled of chemicals and burnt ingredients, a stark reminder of the experiments that had just taken place.

Dorotte dismissed Jayden, who shot a cold glare at Leylin before leaving. Leylin, unfazed, stepped forward.

"Sir, you called for me?"

Dorotte nodded, his piercing gaze studying Leylin. "How is your cultivation progressing?"

Leylin answered concisely, detailing his advancements. Dorotte nodded approvingly before shifting the conversation toward rune crafting. He questioned Leylin on his latest theories and techniques, seeming pleased with his responses.

After a long pause, Dorotte spoke gravely. "Dark times are coming, Leylin. The academy will soon be caught in a storm… but of course, when the sky falls, it is the taller ones who will bear the weight."

Leylin frowned. "What do you mean, Sir?"

Dorotte gave a cryptic smile. "For now, what you need to know is this: By current orders, you must leave the academy for the next year or so. Perhaps even earlier."

Leylin was surprised. "Why? What's happening?"

Dorotte shook his head. "Not everything can be explained, Leylin. But I will tell you this—do you know about the Byron Empire?"

Leylin remained silent, listening.

"The Magi of ancient times were far beyond anything you can comprehend," Dorotte continued. "They created an empire that spanned multiple continents, conquering entire planes of existence! Their power was unmatched… and yet, one night, the Byron Empire collapsed. No one knows why. Their legacies were lost, and we Magi today survive on mere fragments of their knowledge."

Dorotte's tone darkened. "The past teaches us one thing—power is never eternal. You never know what will happen, so it is wise to be cautious. If you learn nothing form me, I wish you would learn caution, because whenever darkness veils the world, the brightest ones are often target, and you my boy is exceptionally bright."

Leylin understood. This was a warning.

"But dont worry for now, I can handle things but soon it would be out of my hands too."

After a moment of contemplation, Leylin bowed and spoke. "Sir, may I take a dispatch mission then?"

Dorotte nodded. "Yes. Go to the Mission Area and make your selection, or I will assign one for you."

Leylin bowed. "Thank you, Sir."

Before he could leave, Dorotte called out again. "You should think about your breakthrough as well."

Leylin turned back.

"Even a Fifth-Grade Acolyte, without proper resources, requires at least three years to reach Level 3. But you are different, Leylin. You have potential beyond the others."

Dorotte's gaze sharpened. "Do you know what you need to reach Level 3?"

Leylin answered. "Spiritual force: 7, mastery of three spell models, and Reactive Elixirs for assistance."

Dorotte nodded. "Reactive Elixirs are expensive. 500 grams at least, costing 500 magic crystals. Even with all your savings, you'll be stretched thin."

Leylin frowned, deep in thought. He had prepared, but not enough.

Dorotte said, "Why don't you learn from other acolytes like that potioneering genuis Merlin. He signed a contract with a Magus family, where they can provide you support? A magus family has recently approached me interested in funding your path to Magus."

"I like my freedom!" Leylin shook his head. He knew a little about Merlin's decision. He had been approach by a few acolytes family although he rejected them but still found some information about them.

Merlin for example had signed a contract with a Magus family. The family would provide huge amounts of ingredients for him to practice brewing and would also provide him with viable resources to aid him in breaking through to an official Magus. But after he becomes a level 3 acolyte, Merlin will have to provide a certain number of potions for the family every month. Furthermore, he would have to join the family after becoming an official Magus.

This was how Magus families roped in lowly acolytes.

Dorotte smirked. "I know how you would answer. Okay as your mentor, I will sell you the reagent for 300 magic crystals. Make your preparations. The next time we meet, I expect you to be a Level 3 Acolyte. It's for your own good."

...

In the dining hall

Leylin shook his head, got up, and left the rest of the food on his plate, making his way back to his dorm.

The halls were quieter than usual, the tense atmosphere pressing down on every acolyte who walked past him. Whispers of the recent deaths, the increasing dangers, and the academy's uncertain future filled the air. None of that mattered to Leylin anymore—his mind was focused solely on his next step.

As he pushed open the door to his room, the sight that greeted him was all too familiar. The same wooden bed, the same worn-out desk, the faint scent of parchment and ink still lingering in the air. He had spent months here, honing his abilities, gathering resources, and setting his plans in motion.

Yet, there was no nostalgia. No sense of security.

Instead, irritation gnawed at him.

Damn it.

He clenched his fists. It irritated him to no end that his plans had been disturbed. That he had to run like a rat while the academy fell into chaos. But he knew it was for the best. He had an option most acolytes didn't—he could leave. He had prepared for this possibility from the very start.

More than that, this was an opportunity.

If the academy was truly heading for disaster, then leaving now meant he could observe from a distance. He could decide his next course of action brilliantly rather than being caught up in the coming storm.

Leylin shut the door behind him, locking out the noise of the world. He walked to his bed, opened his bag, and pulled out a large parchment roll. He spread it across the mattress, revealing a detailed map of the region.

Faint blue lines traced the general outline of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy and its surroundings. In the center, glowing green words marked the academy's exact location.

His eyes scanned the map, taking in every detail.

"From this map, it's clear that Abyssal Bone Forest Academy only occupies a small section of the South Coast. In truth, it's just an insignificant part of the grander world."

Leylin tapped a finger on the academy's location before dragging it downward.

"To the south is the Death Seas—a treacherous region where even Magi hesitate to venture. Its waters are filled with eldritch horrors, cursed spirits, and remnants of ancient creatures long forgotten. No one sane would take that route."

His finger moved northward.

"To the north lies the Mountain Plains of Despair—an unforgiving wasteland swarming with beasts tainted by corrupted bloodlines. Some are said to be the descendants of long-dead Magi experiments, twisted beyond recognition. And then there are the ghosts. The wraiths of fallen warriors, consumed by grief and hatred. Any acolyte who sets foot there would die ten out of ten times."

Leylin's eyes darkened. He had heard of foolish acolytes attempting to cross the Mountain Plains. None had returned.

Shaking his head, he traced the western section of the map.

"To the west is Sage Gotham's Hut—another Magi faction. From what I've gathered, there's an ongoing conflict between them and Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. If I go there, I risk being hunted or drawn into their schemes. That's not an option either."

His fingers finally drifted eastward.

"That leaves only one option—Poolfield Kingdom."

Leylin's expression remained indifferent.

Unlike Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, which was a hidden and independent force, Poolfield Kingdom was part of the larger world controlled by Magi factions. The kingdom had its own ruling families, with Magi serving as the hidden power behind its politics. The noble houses were descended from Magi bloodlines, while knights were their loyal warriors, forming the military backbone.

"The structure is similar to a feudal system. Magi families act as the true rulers, while knights serve under them as enforcers. There's no central power governing all these kingdoms—they exist in a constant state of competition, fighting only for their own benefit. It's a chaotic era."

Leylin's lips curled into a slight smirk. A chaotic era meant opportunities.

"There are a few Magi families supporting the Poolfield Kingdom behind the scenes. The kingdom itself is vast, divided into 19 provinces, each ruled by different factions. Within those territories, countless small Magi families exist—some powerful, some weak. Wandering Magi travel between them, and hidden markets operate beyond the control of major factions."

Leylin's mind was made up.

"The Magi there wouldn't willingly trade with Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. That means there must be independent markets—places where I can sell my magical runes and acquire resources without attracting too much attention. If I keep my identity hidden, I can operate freely."

More than that, this was a chance to take the next step.

Leylin's grip on the edge of the map tightened.

"If nothing else… I can finally start working toward Great Knight."

It was an ambition he had put on hold. While magic was his primary path, the power of a Great Knight wasn't something to be underestimated since it wouldn't take much of his energy. If he could reach that level, his physical combat ability would skyrocket, making him a threat even without spells in acolytes level.

This was his path forward for now.

Leylin rolled up the map, his decision solidified. He would leave the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy and head east toward the Poolfield Kingdom. There, he would carve out his own place in the world.

The storm was coming—but he would not be caught in it.

He would rise above it.

...

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