Necromancers Genius

Ken remained in the small town for two more days, refining his control over shadow minions and Valor's minions alike. During this time, he also studied barrier formations, learning how to reinforce them under heavy assault.

The space within the Black Hole had expanded significantly due to the addition of a captain to their legion. With this newfound space, a nest had been created for Shadow's minions—a place where they could rest, heal, and even multiply.

Now standing on an open training ground within the Black Hole, Ken commanded the shadow minions to form a barrier. Instantly, darkness gathered, molding into a thick, protective dome around him.

Moments later, a storm of undead eagles—Valor's minions—descended upon the barrier. There were at least a hundred of them, their combined attacks were strong enough to reduce a mountain to rubble. Claws, beaks, and dark energy rained down relentlessly, trying to break through.

Ken gritted his teeth, focusing on maintaining the barrier. The onslaught continued for over a minute before the structure finally shattered.

Shadow's voice echoed in his mind. "Excellent. Your barrier is far sturdier now. You barely lasted ten seconds before, but this time you held out for one minute and twenty-three seconds."

Ken exhaled sharply, frustration flickering in his eyes. "It's still not good enough," he muttered.

Valor, sensing his thoughts, spoke up. "Is it time now?"

Ken nodded. "Yeah. Looks like our time here is up—we need to return to the academy."

With a final glance at the darkened void, Ken stepped out of the Black Hole. The town had returned to normal, its once-fractured leadership now replaced with an elected mayor. Everything seemed peaceful.

Ken made his way toward the outskirts, where two minions from Kips should have been waiting. Their only duty was to handle the teleportation for students—they never interfered in missions.

But when Ken arrived, he found no one.

His eyes narrowed. "Where are the minions?"

Valor's voice rumbled in his mind. "Look at the teleportation circle. It was created recently, but someone has already used it."

Ken's frown deepened. "Then… could it be? Did the minions teleport back to the academy by themselves?"

"Maybe…" Valor responded, his tone uncertain.

Ken didn't like that answer. "Maybe? What do you mean 'maybe'?"

A pause. Then, Valor said something that sent a chill down Ken's spine.

"Maybe… something happened at the academy."

Ken's eyes widened slightly. "No way. With the Witch of Curses there, who would dare attack?"

"We'll only know if we get back," Valor replied.

Ken took a deep breath, trying to suppress the unease creeping into his chest. "Can you activate this teleportation circle?"

Valor hesitated before saying, "I can't."

For a brief second, Ken's expression darkened. His usual confidence wavered, his mind scrambling for alternatives.

Seeing his reaction, Valor quickly added, "But Shadow can."

Ken's face instantly lit up. "Really? Shadow, can you do it?"

Shadow's voice rang out, filled with pride. "You bet I can! It's one of my barrier techniques—watch carefully."

Ken nodded. "I will."

Emerging from the Black Hole, Shadow summoned his minions, scattering them around the teleportation circle. A dark aura pulsed from the ground as the symbols within the circle flickered back to life.

"Get ready," Shadow said. "We're going!"

With a blinding flash of light, the teleportation activated.

In an instant, Ken found himself standing in front of the academy.

But what he saw made his breath hitch.

His eyes widened in shock. This… this can't be real…

His voice barely above a whisper, he muttered, "Everyth—"