Chapter 32: Dark Machinations

Chapter 32: Dark Machinations

Midgard and Dora were sitting face to face in an armchair, the young man, with his head lowered, slowly opened his eyes which gave off a red-orange light. He shifted his weight back into the comfortable embrace of his chair, crossing his legs as he settled in. His eyes narrowed slightly and he furrowed his brow, his expression clearly indicating that he was not pleased with the woman sitting across from him.

"So? What business do you have with me?"

With a mocking stare, she taunted him.

"Yes, You only smile when you're fighting."

"Don't waste my time. If you don't tell me soon, I won't answer your calls anymore. What do you want?"

Midgard tilted her head and responded.

"I just need some confirmation. If I recall correctly, none of your alter egos can take control of the main body if one is already in control, except in the case of the Delta Body. So, for instance, Sigma cannot return unless you give him control, am I correct?"

The young man's gaze darkened and his eyes narrowed.

"Maybe, what difference does it make?"

"Hm... Interesting. So, my point is...Did you try to kill one of the students earlier?"

The boy seemed confused and stared at Midgard.

"Which student? When did something like this happen?"

"So you don't remember either... I see."

She could tell he was being honest, but that only made things more complicated. She scratched her cheek and looked at the door. She asked him if he remembered what he did to win the battle against the Death Hounds when he used fire magic.

Gamma looked at Midgard with confusion written all over his face. He tried to make sense of Midgard's words but couldn't. He looked up at the ceiling and frowned. Midgard let out a sigh, noticing Gamma's confusion.

"So, you don't remember it either. It's starting to make sense now."

"What are you talking about?" Gamma asked, feeling frustrated. "Can you just tell me what you know?"

Midgard spoke slowly.

"You have healing magic and debuff... So you have an affinity with the Upper element, correct?"

Gamma was taken aback by Midgard's bizarre questions and was losing his patience. Before he could respond, she continued.

"There are four categories of elemental magic, as you would have known if you had taken all the courses I took for you. The first category is primal elements, consisting of time, space, matter, and antimatter. The second category is the elements of creation, derived from matter and antimatter, which include light, darkness, and spirit. The third category is the original elements, magma, ice, and plasma. Lastly, the fourth category is natural elements, derived from the original elements, which include fire, air, earth, water, and lightning. Everything in this world revolves around this concept, and the emissaries as well as the monsters are the fruits of it and have an infinity of powers derived from them. As you progress to higher categories of magic, it becomes increasingly rare to find peers with the same abilities. For example, while 1000 individuals may be proficient in fire magic, only 100 out of that 1000 can wield magma, and only 1 out of 1000 can manipulate the creation element. This particular category is most prevalent among healers who specialize in light magic and shamans who specialize in dark magic."

Gamma was completely absorbed in Midgard's teachings, sitting on the edge of his seat and following along eagerly.

"Have you ever considered the potential risks of using the elements of creation? It is interesting to note that healers are typically portrayed as pure and warm-hearted, while dark users tend to be associated with negativity and dress in black. Additionally, ancient elves who converse with spirits are often depicted as wise."

The boy scratched his chin, unable to answer. Midgard smiled and answered her own question.

"Remember this: the etymologies of these words come from the behavior of the people who wear them, one is dark because its attributes change their personality. You told me your biggest secret, so I will tell you mine, I am a user of elements of creation, specifically matter and darkness. You don't remember but when you were fighting the hands, you drew on my energy, and earlier when you were bickering with the children, you were emitting this energy."

"I really don't remember, I didn't fight the students and for the hounds, Sigma and I were more of a duo, he was the one who fought, so why not ask him?"

"Because he doesn't remember it either, of course. But what's more interesting is that when you were fighting the kids, you didn't take my energy, so I can confirm something, I don't know who, but one of you is a dark magic user."

Gamma looked up, with the most intrigued expression he had ever presented.

"You just said that the debuff is dark magic..."

"... Dear, I know, what I mean is that there is creation magic and it is derived from it. Heals and debuffs are derived from light and dark magic, they aren't that dangerous, but pure creation magic can and will affect you. You used pure dark magic twice and the second time you would have turned a boy into a corpse if that guy hadn't hit him."

"Sounds like me but doesn't sound familiar... So what do you want? I don't even remember what you're saying and I've never seen darkness... This kind of darkness in us."

"Gamma, for the moment, and this also applies to Sigma, I have 2 requests, first, never use black magic, even if your life depends on it, you had to do it the first time because your other skills were too superficial, so I'm allowing you to use your stat points for other areas."

"I really hate it when you boss us around, we had a good organization and don't need your care."

"Please bear with it, at least until I find the origin of your dark power. The second request I have should please you, I want you, Sigma, and Beta to use Delta more often and share your body, outside of combat.

The young man's eyes widened.

"What?" He probably wanted to say more, but this request was the most ridiculous thing he had heard in his life. Midgard continued.

"I guess we should gain experience with all your characters to unlock the remaining jobs, we need to get Beta into something other than school life, and..."

She tried to say something but suddenly went silent, Gamma, still in shock, his palms on his face.

"Are you kidding me? You want me to go to school?!"

"I wasn't talking about school, but I suggest you switch up your schedule. There's an exchange program coming up soon that we could get into based on our grades. Beta's assistance will be crucial for this next step."

"... But do I have to go to school?"

"No, you won't, happy?"

"I would, if you weren't here, but it won't be forever, will it?... So, if we're done, I'd like to leave now, I don't have the time for..."

"Wait, just one last question."

Gamma started tapping the handle of his chair with her fingers, very annoyed.

"What else do you want?"

Midgar stood up, and as her smile faded, she asked. n.-0vεlbIn

"What is your oldest memory?"

At the same time, in her office, the dean stood facing the large window, observing the glow of the moon on the walls of the academy. Behind her, sitting on an armchair, an old woman dressed in a veil was drinking a cup of tea.

"I don't know why you're so obsessed with him, but since you asked, I added him to the list. It's only because it's you."

"Hm~hm, thanks, Dean, you know I can only count on you for this kind of favor, but trust me, you won't regret it."

"Hmph, I hope so, and since when do you call me Dean when we're alone? You little brat."

The old lady smiled and passed her hand over her face, a white light appeared and when she removed it, her face no longer looked old. Her long black hair fell over her shoulders and her sapphire eyes lit up her goddess-like face.

"Yes, yes, Miss Candace. It's been ages since we last saw each other, How about we celebrate our reunion in our own special way?

"Look at this insatiable brat, you don't even offer me a drink and you already want to sweat, I wonder who you get that from."

After sharing a smile, the dean positioned herself in front of the window. Moments later, a brilliant white light filled the office and then, she said with a determined expression.

"Open daily challenge."