Dark Magus Returns

Everyone’s minds felt like they had melted into light as waves of color passed through their bodies, energy flowing in and out in every direction, wrapping them in sensations beyond comprehension.

Traveling through the portal created by the golden sphere wasn’t like any portal they had seen before, not like the ones in Pagna, or the rifts that opened to other realms. This feeling was different. It was the same overwhelming experience the Alterians had gone through the very first time they crossed over.

But for Raze, this wasn’t the first time. Not quite.

I entered Pagna in a new body… Raze reflected. And since then, I’ve returned to Alterian using astral projection more than once. But now, I’m going back like this… in this new, real body.

Will I still be able to access Qi the same way? Will the magic I’ve cultivated still flow through me? he wondered. Still… the biggest advantage I have over the Grand Magus is this, they don’t know what I look like. I have the freedom to strike. And I wonder… just how far the Dark Guild has expanded since I’ve been gone.

Ibarin, Gizin, Trubin, and Idore… I’m coming for you. And this time, I won’t fail.

The pull of energy and emotion slowly came to a stop. Raze could feel it, the solid weight of his body returning. His eyes opened, and the first thing he saw was the smooth, cold pavement beneath him. The chill of the surface grounded him.

“We’re here,” he whispered. “My real body… is in Alterian.”

He could feel it in every cell. There was no mana leak. The Blazer device was still strapped to his arm, functioning perfectly. And when he reached inward, yes, his Dantian responded. His Qi was still with him.

Raze’s strength was intact. A middle-stage warrior nearing the divine level, and a Seven-Star Mage in progress. While he still lacked a few stars, the hybrid combination of warrior and mage had made him deadly, powerful enough to fight a Grand Magus. His battle against Enaxx had already proved that.

“Mommy! Mommy!” a child’s voice cried out in the distance. “Those people just appeared out of nowhere! And some of them look really weird!”

“It worked! It actually worked!” Aurora’s voice rang with joy. “We’re really here… we’re back in Alterian! You did it, Raze, you really kept your promise!”

Lifting his head, Raze looked around to confirm what he already knew. They were in a public park. Neatly paved paths wove through planted trees and lush green hills. And beyond that, the world of Alterian unfolded before them, gleaming skyscrapers stretching into the sky, surrounded by floating vehicles zipping through the air and gliding smoothly on the ground.

Colorful, swirling advertisements danced overhead, powered by enchantments and magic. The familiar sight brought a strange sense of nostalgia.

“This place is insane!” Liam said, eyes wide as he pointed up. “Those buildings are taller than anything I’ve ever seen. I think… I think some of them actually reach the sky.”

“There are so many of them,” Safa added, turning slowly in a circle. “And so many people too… I don’t see much open land at all. Just concrete and moving things everywhere.”

“Is it really smart to build so many glass towers?” Beatrix asked skeptically. “If there was a battle, wouldn’t they just shatter and crumble? Seems like poor planning to me.”

Aurora laughed at their reactions. It reminded her of when she first arrived in Pagna, except now, the roles were reversed. They were the outsiders.

“Don’t be silly,” she said. “People don’t just randomly fight in the streets here. This is a city that follows strict rules, well… most people do, anyway.” She glanced at Raze with a knowing smile. “But don’t worry. You’ve got me as your guide. I’ll make sure nothing happens to you.”

The group had agreed on their first step before leaving the portal. Raze’s priority was getting Aurora back to her brother safely. Only then would they turn their attention to their true goal, the first Grand Magus target.

Still, Raze knew he had to plan carefully.

The meeting place for the Dark Guild… it’s far from here. I doubt I can use the astral projection technique while physically present in this world. I couldn’t use it in Pagna either, not to duplicate myself. So that leaves me with only one option: go there in person.

Following Aurora’s lead, the group began making their way out of the park and toward the city proper. Aurora explained that she would stop by a public office to request a call to her brother. None of them had communication devices, and she didn’t want to draw attention by showing up with unfamiliar people, it might raise alarms or, worse, get them mistaken as kidnappers.

In the meantime, she enjoyed showing them the wonders of the world she called home.

As they walked through the park, they passed children playing with magic, juggling several glowing orbs between them using wind manipulation. Magic wasn’t something everyone seemed able to wield, but it was something everyone used. Magical deliveries, enchanted lights, floating transport, it was embedded in daily life.

Eventually, they reached the bustling streets, weaving through waves of people moving in every direction.

“Where are all these people even going?” Dame asked, watching the crowds. “I don’t see any market stalls, other than those… what did you call them? Shops?”

“They’re going to work,” Raze explained. “There are all kinds of jobs here. Some use magic, some don’t. Everything, the flying vehicles, the glowing ads, even everyday tools, it all exists because people work together.”

“I see…” Dame nodded. “No wonder you had such insight in Pagna. If you came from a place like this, it all makes sense now.”

“It’s not all great,” Raze said quietly. “Every place has a dark side. Don’t forget, there’s a reason I’m here.”

As they continued walking, Liam pointed toward a wide staircase stretching hundreds of meters upward. At the top, a massive structure loomed, bold, elegant, and intimidating.

“What’s that?” he asked.

Aurora’s expression shifted.

“That,” she said nervously, “is the Glory Guild’s guild hall.”

*****

For updates on MWS, Dark Magus, and future works:

Instagram: @jksmanga

* Patreon: jksmanga

Get the latest news about MVS, MWS, and all upcoming stories, first. Feel free to reach out; if I’m not too busy, I usually reply.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!