The Bonum Society members were running around the base, a bit confused about what exactly was going on. Not too long ago, many thought they were being attacked. There was destruction all over the place, and injured members walking around proved it.
What was strange though, was that none of it was getting repaired.
They were told what had occurred was a misunderstanding, and now, lastly, they were informed that they should get ready to move out. Perhaps they would no longer have to use the underground base.
Amir had decided that the base had served its purpose, originally built away from the eyes of others to protect the god-tier item, the Golden Globe. Now, above and with control of the entire Dark Faction, they could move around with more ease and set up communication above.
Things would be easier if there was less hiding for them to do. While the Bonum Society members were getting ready, there was still one more thing they needed to wait for, that they were all waiting for.
Raze's allies had headed down to the canteen, a large food hall with rectangular tables that could seat around twenty or so people. They would take their wooden trays and grab pieces of food.
Due to the impending move, there was plenty of food to go around, and that meant the warriors were free to dig in as they wished.
Although, the higher stage warriors didn't need as much food as they already consumed a lot of energy from cultivating. They could survive an extremely long time without food or water.
Still, it didn't mean it wasn't a pastime that many of them enjoyed.
"So, what are we doing now? We're just waiting for Raze, right, and then we're going to head to the academy?" Liam asked.
"That's why I was out before," Amir answered. "I've made preparations above. When Raze enters the academy, along with all your help, it will be easy for him to take the position, and we'll make it clear that Murkel is no longer."
"So, what is Raze exactly doing now? He holed himself up in that room and said no one was to enter, no matter what," Froma asked. "Doesn't anyone think it's weird that he's been in that room for hours, and we're all just accepting it and waiting?"
"He's actually done this before," Alba said.
"Right, in Flendon," Anna added. "He was holed up in that room, and then we had to fight off the Behemoth Clan. Even with all the fighting happening outside, he didn't leave that room once.
"Maybe this is the secret to his strength building, a cultivation technique only he knows."
That didn't surprise anyone. Although a lot of Raze's powers with magic could be explained, what couldn't be explained was how skilled and strong he was in terms of using Pagna skills.
"There's another question that has been on my mind as well," Rayna said as she finished her food, surprisingly before anyone else. "We have been accepting of the people here, and we can somewhat understand everyone's relationship to Raze."
"Amir is part of the Bonum Society, which saw Raze as an otherorlder that could change the flow of the Academy. Ricktor and Mada were also saved by Raze while at the academy."
"Safa and Liam were both part of the orphanage where Raze was. We then have all of the Crimson Crane, who he met first, asking for help. That was when they went up against the Light Faction Elder and saved me."
"I am, of course, his wife now as well. Then we have the three Dark Faction members working with Cronker from the Crimson Crane; they are in debt to Raze because of the tough assessment they went through."
"Mantis seems to have been forced into the situation because of the Bonum Society. It will be tough for him to head back to his clan now. We also have Dame, who started the business of the Dark Magus, selling his special pills on the market."
"Finally, we have Anna, a member of this group called Alter, which Raze was also recruited to be a part of, including Simyon and Liam. Due to a situation, Raze was caught using magic."
"So, all of that is cleared up, and we know how everyone came to gather around Raze—all but you," Rayna said, staring at Zon. "You seem to be from the same world as Anna but also have an interest in Raze, to the point you haven't left yet. Why are you here, and where did you even come from in the arena?"
Everyone was curious about the mysterious warrior whose strength they didn't even know much about.
"My answer is not as complex as you might think," Zon said. "There are two reasons, just like the others: I am an otherworlder trying to find my way back home."
"There was something the Bonum Society didn't mention in their briefing, and it's the fact that mages—those from Alterian's power—seem to have the ability to open portals. At times, when a mass amount of magic is used, portals end up opening."
"In fact, the way I open up portals is quite similar, although we can save that for another time. However, the reason I need Raze is more than just to find a way home; there was a reason why I picked him and not just anyone from Alterian."
"Besides, I wanted to get a powerful mage before they were tainted by Alter or the Bonum Society, and he seems perfect, making his own path. Even if we never get the Golden Globe, I believe someday Raze will be able to travel freely."
"Besides, someone has to be strong enough to make these artifacts—even the Golden Globe at one point—and the weapons he has made, particularly from the Crimson Crane, have been immensely powerful. That's why I'm with Raze."
Everyone was stunned to silence, and then the door slid open.
"I'm ready; let's go to the surface," Raze said.