High School of Demon Hunting

Chapter 1565: Chapter 309: A Long Night (Part 2)

A few figures in gray robes swept through the winding, desolate streets, carried by the cold wind.

Unlike the dark gray robes of the school custodians, the gray robes on the street were lighter in color, taking on an ashen hue under the moonlight, like wisps of smoke freshly rising from a chimney.

A figure quickened their pace slightly and approached the leader, reporting in a low voice:

”Avery, the bookstore at No. 99 Pedestrian Street still has its light on this late. Could something have happened? Should we check it out?”

The leader, named Avery, had hair as silver as moonlight—an influence of Korma, under whom most Northern District Wizards either naturally developed or dyed a streak of silver in their hair as a mark of respect. Upon hearing his subordinate’s report, Avery paused briefly, glancing toward the location of the bookstore.

Indeed, warm orange light spilled from the windows of the shop at the street corner, and on the glass was the reflection of a plump Yellow Flowered Cat curiously gazing at them from the sill.

”No need,” he dismissed his subordinate’s suggestion, pausing before giving a curt explanation: ”As long as that cat sits calmly by the window, it proves no dire incidents have occurred inside. Perhaps it’s merely a diligent bookseller tidying their inventory... besides, we cannot afford further delays. The Great Sage has issued an urgent command, summoning all patrol squads back immediately. This takes precedence.”

A low murmur of agreement rippled through the squad.

No one questioned Avery’s judgment, just as no one would dare question Korma’s revered authority among the Northern District Wizards. That authority transcended the region’s entrenched cunning pragmatism, transforming them into devout followers of the witches.

When Avery and his patrol squad returned to the Sakura Pub,

the courtyard in front of the pub had already become crowded with Northern District Wizards clad in gray and white robes. At the forefront of the assembly stood a few familiar figures—Katherine, Enock, Casey, Colin, and others—early members of Gini Cottage. Following the rise of the Northern District Wizards, these members had naturally become the Great Sage’s closest confidants.

”What’s happening?” Avery stepped into the circle, asking in a hushed tone.

Every head shook in unison.

Even Katherine Stuart, the first Northern District Wizard born out of Gini Cottage and one of Korma’s most trusted, seemed equally puzzled by the abrupt summons.

”We only received the directive to assemble,” Colin replied after a glance at Katherine. ”The Great Sage hasn’t disclosed the specific reason. But judging from private exchanges, it seems likely that a patrol squad venturing into the Silent Forest discovered something...”

The Silent Forest?

Avery nodded thoughtfully, pondering what the patrol could have found to alarm a Big Wizard. Perhaps a cluster of wild drakes near the school, or the appearance of a magic circle deep within the forest meant to summon demons. Or worse—it could be the early onset of the Black Tide. Whatever the answer, it wasn’t good news.

At that moment, the voice of Korma the Wise suddenly echoed in Avery’s ears:

”Captains, come in.”

He lifted his head, scanning his surroundings, and saw the same surprise mirrored on the faces of the others in the circle. Clearly, all the patrol captains had heard the Great Sage’s voice.

Under Katherine’s lead, the group quickly formed a neat line and ascended to the second floor of the Sakura Pub.

Downstairs, the remaining Northern District Wizards collectively exhaled in relief—so long as the Great Sage still had a plan, the situation didn’t feel entirely hopeless. Some of the more spirited younger members even took out their frogs from their pockets, comparing whose sacrifices were plumper.

...

In stark contrast to the lively, crowded courtyard below,

the hall on the second floor of the Sakura Pub was vast and hushed.

The wine cabinets, bar counters, draped curtains, and weathered round tables had long been relegated to the past alongside the rise of the Northern District Wizards. The only constant was the master of this hall.

At the far end of the hall, Korma sat upon a black high-backed chair, her platform elevated nearly half a meter above all others in the room. On either side of the hall, two rows of long tables stretched out, draped in deep crimson velvet tablecloths, with empty chairs stationed at their ends.

As the patrol captains entered, they silently seated themselves in their respective chairs, lowered their heads, and awaited the Great Sage’s words.

Although Avery avoided scrutinizing her directly, he had the odd feeling—or perhaps a trick of the mind—that the Great Sage seemed slightly more distant than yesterday. Her presence also appeared larger, more imposing.

Before he could fully process this impression, the voice of the Northern District Wizards’ Great Sage resounded from the platform: ”I have always considered participation in the Silent Forest patrols a stroke of fortune for both you and me... Do you understand my meaning?”

The hall remained utterly still, each person contemplating the deeper implications behind her words.

Especially the word ”fortune.”

But none dared interrupt with flattery, knowing the Great Sage disliked such obsequious displays. It wasn’t until her gaze swept across the room and landed on Katherine—the ’first of the Northern District Wizards’—that Katherine cautiously rose and responded:

”Do you mean that participating in the Silent Forest patrols increases our familiarity with casting spells?”

”No, I mean recognition.” Korma raised her hand, signaling Katherine to sit down as she continued in a measured tone: ”If the Northern District Wizards are to be accepted by Beta Town, by the First University, and by the Mage Alliance... then we must learn to shoulder responsibility and earn recognition. Just as, long ago, the Tricksters’ ancestors sacrificed so much to gain their status as Mages during the Witch Demon Wars.”

The room’s atmosphere became palpably heavier.

”The Northern District Wizards have endured enough scorn and contempt. To rise during such a pivotal moment—to protect this forest, this town, and this academy—is a monumental fortune for every one of us.”

”We have gained new powers, the strength to enact retribution, but we cannot unleash the injustices we suffered onto other mages. That would leave us ostracized by the entire Alliance... And now, with a new Black Tide surging in the Silent Forest, this is a great fortune for me, for all of you, and for the entire Northern District.”

”But every fortune comes with a price.”

Before her words fully settled, Korma threw a Shadow Stone from her elevated platform to the center of the hall. The gray-green stone tumbled, emitting a low hum, and within moments, projected a dynamic image.

The patrol captains seated on either side immediately recognized the perspective—it belonged to a patrol recorder responsible for documenting their paths and encounters. Each patrol had one for assessments and evidence retention.