The Dark Faction Pagna Academy had gone through a large number of changes this year. Unexpected things had occurred that none of them could predict, and all the academy could do was react to all of the situations that were taking place.
Currently, the new first-year students were still going through the first trial. They had picked books from the library and were learning the techniques within them, but things felt unsettling for them.
The teachers were doing their best to observe them, to watch how they were doing and giving them guidance, but their focus didn't seem to be quite there. To them, it was clear that the focus was on something else, and this odd feeling they had, they were right about it.
Currently, inside the main academy, something that didn't happen very often was taking place again, and that was a meeting between all of the Main Clans in the Dark Faction.
It appeared that Murkel had some news to inform them all about what was going on.
"What did you say!" Gavin shouted, slamming his fist on the round table, shaking it to the point everyone could feel his power behind the fist.
"I am afraid it's true," Murkel commented. "Feebie, as well as Royo, from the Lethal Bite Clan, is no longer. At the moment, they are going through the selection of a new leader."
The news had been delivered; there had been rumors and suspicions but no one really knew the reason why, and since the news was coming from Murkel himself, it appeared that he knew a bit more about the situation.
"And, do you care to inform us how you know of this information?" Crine asked. "I'm sure you are aware I have heard of some things."
Gunther, being part of the Academy himself, had informed his head clan leader Crine from the Flowing Force Clan. At the time, it was the only way Gunther felt like he could protect himself.
Having already worked to go against the others, he had come up with an excuse stating that he just wanted to protect the students after what had occurred. The best lies were always those with some truth to them, and the clan which he had mostly abandoned his duties with, he had to ask for their help.
"Yes, I am sure you are aware from the last assessment there were some unfortunate outcomes, one of them being the main disciple Lisa losing her life. It appears that Feebie had a grudge against the young White Dragon; we don't know much with what has occurred but it appears that one of the students that had infiltrated was actually part of the Demonic Faction."
Everyone's fists tensed up a bit as soon as they heard these words, but they didn't say anything because the matter was no longer small.
"I'm sure you all saw that the White Dragon used Demonic Energy himself. I am unsure if he is part of the Demonic Faction or not, and the person who we had before, he is no longer alive.
"Of course, if we ask the Demonic Faction about this, they will just deny everything, and with no information to go on, or what clan he is a part of, we can't dig into a further investigation."
It was a lot to take in, but these things happened from time to time. The big news that they had to actually focus on though was the death of the current leader of one of the big five.
"I think Feebie got what was coming to her, chasing after a student. If you ask me, I don't think that the Lethal Bite Clan should even be a part of our group anymore. We are an alliance of strength!" Samantha exclaimed.
"One of the pillars has been knocked down, and for the vice head to be taken out is a big blow. Royo was a big part of what made the Lethal Bite Clan."
Murkel was thinking about it quite a bit, and he finally decided to speak up.
"It is one of the reasons why I have called you today; this is not a matter of the Pagna Academy; this instead is a matter of the Dark Faction. The Lethal Bite Clan holds a strong position in the Faction.
"Because their headquarters is on the border of the Demonic Faction, due to what has happened, I think it's important that we keep a close eye on the situation as well."
"So what is it that you are suggesting, do you wish for one of us to take over the Lethal Bite Clan's headquarters?" Gavin asked.
"Not take over," Murkel replied. "The Lethal Bite Clan has their own pride, and even without their leaders, although their strength can no longer be comparable to us, they have a large force that can be utilized well."
"I suggest that one of us, or a high-ranking member of our clan, is sent over. We will inform them it is just while they are gathering things together."
The leaders all looked at each other, trying to think who would take up the position over the other. It was a chance in a way for them to grow, but a lot of them had their own things going on as well.
"I will send someone there," Gavin suggested. "The Moon Shield Clan has been affected by what has happened quite a bit as well with our main disciple. I believe they will be more inclined to take our help because of this, and there will be fewer problems."
The others had next to no reason to object. What Gavin said had made sense, and even more so, out of all of the leaders, Gavin and the Moon Shield clan were perhaps the least hungry for power and were just happy with their position.
"I would like to ask something since we are talking about the Demonic Faction and Faction matters, how are the students doing, have you chosen who will be selected for the Martial Arts Tournament?" Samantha asked.
"I have indeed," Murkel answered. "At this moment, every single one of them is currently training with Amir, to give us the best possibility of winning. The three no names have shown the greatest power.
"Our opponents also know nothing about them. Safa, Liam, and Simyon. On top of that, it has come to no surprise that I have chosen the two main disciples. Ricktor and Mada. These two also have grown in strength by a large margin and seem to be improving at a quick rate every day.
"It is a shame about the White Dragon and the losses we have incurred, but with that, the five have been selected, and we will focus on them. They will become the pillars of the Dark Faction."
They were strong words said by Murkel, the principal, but Crine was thinking otherwise. Knowing more of the story from Gunther, he knew the three no names were awfully close to the White Dragon.
Raising their strength was all good and well for the tournament, and winning it would be a great achievement to get the other Factions off their back, but they could very well just be raising a future enemy.
