Warlock Of The Magus World FF: Dark Lord

Leylin sat in his dimly lit dormitory, staring at the bag filled with newly purchased goods. Potions, rune-crafting materials, and various spell scrolls lay neatly packed—every single item meticulously chosen.

He had spent the remaining magic crystals wisely, ensuring he wouldn't lack resources once he left the academy. Outside, the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's air hung heavy with an unnatural stillness, its oppressive energy pressing against his skin.

The time had come.

This departure was not just a temporary retreat—it was a transition, a movement from being a mere acolyte toward something greater. Whether that would be as a Magus or as something else entirely, he did not yet know.

His fingers traced the cool surface of the map spread before him. Extreme Night Town, nestled on the easternmost border of the Poolfield Kingdom, was far from the academy's reach. The mission there—to investigate the wilting vegetation—would serve as his excuse for leaving, a convenient cover while he sought his own path.

"Extreme Night...good name for a city…" Leylin murmured, folding the map with careful precision.

A knock on his door pulled him from his thoughts. Opening it, he found two figures clad in dark armor—Dorotte's Great Knight servants. Each carried an imposing aura, their sheer presence emanating a quiet, disciplined strength.

They weren't here to protect him. Not truly.

They were a message.

Dorotte had sent them not to safeguard his life but to inform others that Leylin was leaving with a strong backing. A warning for any who might consider interfering.

"Sir Leylin, we bring you this." One of them extended a small, blue metal card.

Leylin took it, feeling its smooth, cool surface between his fingers. The academy's security had tightened significantly, and an exit pass of this caliber was rare. Blue cards were reserved for valued apprentices—usually powerful Level 3 acolytes. The fact that he had received one was telling.

"Only a select few are granted these," one of the knights remarked, his voice neutral. "Consider it an honor."

Leylin smiled faintly. "I shall treasure it."

The next morning, the academy was draped in an eerie twilight as Leylin stood near the exit gates. Though it was past six, the sun had not yet fully risen, and the sky remained a muted, bruised shade of purple and gold.

The two Great Knights escorted him to the academy's lesser-known exit. It was a massive stone archway built against a towering rock wall, its twin doors carved with ancient symbols.

"Take out your exit pass," a voice commanded from the gate.

Leylin presented the blue metal card.

Bang!

The massive stone doors creaked open, flooding the passage with golden light.

Leylin squinted, momentarily blinded. The air here was different, fresher, untouched by the academy's suffocating atmosphere.

"This is a different exit," he noted.

The knight to his left nodded. "The main entrance is for red card holders. This path is for blue card bearers—acolytes with… special privileges."

"Blue card holders are considered valuable," the other added.

Leylin chuckled. "An exception, then. How fortunate."

He climbed onto the waiting carriage, the Great Knights taking their positions beside him.

"Hyaa!"

With a crack of the whip, the horses surged forward, hooves pounding against the packed dirt road.

As they rode, the dense trees lining the path thinned. Shadows danced in the early light, stretching long fingers across the ground. A strange silence hung in the air. No birds, no rustling leaves—just the steady rhythm of the horses' hooves.

Leylin sat back, his fingers tapping lightly against his knee.

Then, after a long time as they reached the academy's outer perimeter, the carriage slowed to a stop.

"Sir, you must proceed alone from here," one of the knights said.

Leylin stepped down, dusting off his robes. "I expected as much."

The knights turned to leave, but before they could, Leylin's voice stopped them.

"A moment, if you will."

They turned, waiting.

Leylin smiled, a warm, polite smile. "May I have a bit of your blood for research?"

Silence.

The request hung in the air like a suspended blade. The knights tensed, their expressions unreadable.

Leylin continued, his tone gentle. "I assure you, it is for research. I am already a Knight and wish to walk further on this path. Your blood can help me understand some secrets of life essence."

A flicker of uncertainty crossed their faces, but there was no malice in his voice, no forcefulness. Just quiet sincerity.

The hesitation lasted only a moment. Then, the knights exchanged glances and nodded.

Leylin produced a set of syringes. "As much as you can spare. But do not overexert yourselves, my friends."

A smile.

Politeness.

The illusion of choice.

One by one, the knights filled the syringes, their movements precise. Three each. Six in total.

Leylin accepted them with a bow of his head. "I am grateful."

He watched as they mounted their horses, turning back toward the academy.

Then, as their figures disappeared down the road, he turned the syringes in his hands.

His eyes gleamed.' This… will be enough for me to reach Intermediate or if lucky High Knight level.'

The road stretched before him, winding toward an uncertain future. With a final glance at the fading silhouette of the academy's black forest, Leylin set off.