After the figures of the two official dark mages gradually disappeared, the distant hoots of owls finally echoed softly through the air.
In truth, the academy's watchers had arrived long ago, but even they were reluctant to involve themselves in the battle between two formal dark mages. Uncertain if other mages were observing from the shadows nearby, Saen nonetheless recognized an owl he knew among the watchers — Qi. His familiarity with this particular owl arose from noticing a distinctive red feather among the white ones on its chest, setting it apart from its peers.
Qi likely spotted Saen as well, though it made no gesture of acknowledgment. Instead, after assigning two owls to monitor the surroundings and the flame-engulfed corpse of the plant monster, Qi and the other owl watchers flew in the direction taken by Master Mosido and Keserson as they departed.
Mossubra City hadn't witnessed a clash between official dark mages for over a decade. It was unclear whether this battle would significantly impact the academy or the city itself.
"Come on now, since Keserson has apologized and you've extracted the heart from his plant pet, let's just let this matter drop," proposed Dardalon Master, a venerable guest in Master Mosido's chamber. Saen was acquainted with this guest; he was none other than one of the three vice-deans of the Mossubra City Dark Magic Academy.
Given the entanglement of Saen in the dark mage duel a few days prior, even though he was merely an intermediate-level apprentice, he found himself present in the room. Unlike his previous demeanor of slyness and coldness in the dungeon months ago, Dardalon Master now appeared amicable, akin to a friendly old neighbor, conversing warmly with Mosido.
During the conversation, Dean Dardalon cast an approving glance at Saen, who stood respectfully by. His gaze was filled with pride and admiration, akin to an elder regarding a promising youth.
"You've picked a good disciple; in just a few months, he's advanced to an intermediate apprentice."
Dean Dardalon intended to mediate a peace. Typically, when tensions erupted between official dark mages, it was customary for someone of considerable strength and authority, like a Dean, to step in to resolve them. However, this time…
"Dean, if only my experimental accident and my disciples' injuries were involved, it might have been forgettable."
"But you have to know that even the Water Element Fission Generator failed due to his disruption."
"When Martin invited me to come from the Western Isles, surely you understand why?"
"What? The Water Element Fission Generator failed to be completed!" Dean Dardalon couldn't continue to shield Keserson, as he asked tensely, "Is there any chance to remake it?"
Mosido, caressing his metallic staff, replied faintly, "It can be remade, but my laboratory requires repairs, and new materials will need to be sourced."
Mosido's reply allowed Dean Dardalon to exhale in relief but was also aware that being a mediator in this situation would be no easy feat.
A few days prior, Mosido pursued Keserson from the Dark Magic Academy to the southern district of Mossubra City. He continued the chase from the southern district to the eastern district, finally driving Keserson out of Mossubra City altogether before he relented.
The battle between the mages resulted in damage to numerous residences and general chaos in the city; however, these were lesser concerns. What drew attention from many mages was Mosido's bold threat: should Keserson dare to return to the academy, Mosido pledged to strike him down again!
This unbridled threat and fearless conduct underscored a volatility typical of dark mages. Mosido's quiet demeanor, it seemed, belied his formidable nature. In battle capacity and his grudging ways, Mosido exceeded most dark mages.
Moreover, Mosido disclosed a significant piece of information: he hailed from the Western Isles. Realizing Mosido's unyielding stance, Dean Dardalon soon took his leave, exchanging casual pleasantries with Mosido before departing.
Upon leaving, Dean Dardalon committed to sourcing the alchemical materials Mosido required as quickly as possible but insisted Mosido complete the Water Element Fission Generator within the stipulated timeframe.
Throughout the encounter, Saen, standing respectfully, barely had the chance to speak but was curious about the purpose behind Dean Dardalon's insistence on assembling the fission generator and its overarching significance.
However, such matters pertained to formal dark mages and secrets far beyond Saen's current reach.
While Saen was unable to contribute to the dialogue, his mentor Mosido gave a brief nod towards him when seeing Dean Dardalon off, advising: "If someone bullies you, you must retaliate—and hard. Should you find yourself outmatched, you may choose to endure or seek reconciliation. But if the opponent is weaker, do not be lenient, nor let them escape to become a future threat."
"If you can root them out completely, it's best." Mosido's advice lingered.
After voicing such counsel, Mosido seemed lost in thought, his mood growing heavier. Moments passed before he continued, "Had your second senior understood this earlier, or been less arrogant, he might not have met his demise so soon."
With those final words, Mosido retired to his laboratory, leaving Saen alone in the foyer to ponder his mentor's guidance.
In his plantation, Master Keserson appeared to have influential connections within the academy. Since Dean Dardalon's visit, an additional trio of official dark mages had approached, seeking Mosido's clemency for Keserson.
The first two mages were unfamiliar to Saen, but Mosido showed little regard for them. However, the third mediator was unique, as Mosido treated this visitor with respect.
"Even you came to speak for that fellow?" Mosido, typically perceived as brooding, softened his tone.
Before Mosido stood a female mage clad in a pale blue magical robe. This mage was a renowned potion master within the academy, with her reputation in potion-making matching Mosido's acclaim in alchemy. Her name was Dyrth, and she happened to be Mel's mentor.