Chapter Twenty Seven: Unlucky Seven

"You need to get out of here, at once! You have no idea how ugly this Prudence Wars is going to be. They will all gonna die while the results is being rigged."

"But why? How do you know this?"

"I cannot give you the exact details for now, especially on how I knew of this evil ploy, but I am certain that the sabotage will come, and this is going to be a complete shock for everyone. The Sinister Agents that they will field towards the conclusion of the Games will be strong monsters that will comouflage themselves as some innocent Potioneers and Dark Masters. This competition is not very safe anymore. Even the elected Group of Seven will be fooled."

"But, how about the Solemn Oath that we have taken to defend the Dark Masters? We simply cannot escape from our societal obligations."

"That is why we will escape as soon as possible. They do not need to know our reasons for leaving!"

"I do not think I can do this. Fleeing is an obvious manifestation of cowardice and weakness. I will never become a spineless coward, and I will definitely refuse to be a weakling."

"If that is what it takes, then so be it; then cowards and weaklings we are!"

"But I am not, you see? I am truly determined to fight in this Prudence Wars. Nothing good will ever happen if everybody will flee simply because the danger is lurking in the darkness. Peril is to be confronted head on; there is simply no other way to do it but prepare for the battle, and defy all the risks involved."

"Even if it means to die a very painful death?"

"A painful death? Even living a life in fear is more than painful in itself. We just need to learn to embrace pain with a certain positive value, whatever it is that our character eventually takes us. A choice is needing, between right and wrong, and it is my choice to fight rather than to flee in fear. Allow me to do this, please."

"But I simply cannot lose you! Nobody will win in this Prudence Wars because it will be sabotaged by a horrific phenomena that will strike horrendously like a thief in the night. You do not understand what is actually coming. They will kill us all!"

"You are talking about the Mages, right?"

"But . . . H-how did you know?"

"I know. I just do. And the unlucky seven in the Group will know it, too."

"You mean . . . They contacted you as well?"

"Who are they?"

"The time travellers."

"Of course, they've made contact. Do not worry too much, for fear itself consumes the power of the potential love inside us."

"You mean, they are here to . . .?"

"Catch them red-handed?"

"I guess so?"

"Yes."

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This Chapter is sponsored by Casio G-Shock.