The School's Wager

Time passed slowly. Suddenly, everyone stopped talking and looked toward the small door at the back of the hall. It had opened, and a group of Wizards emerged. Among them were Green's mentor, Lilian, and his grandmentor, Dennis.

Dennis and two others walked at the front. Lilian and the other Wizards followed behind them.

Clearly, the two beside Dennis were the School's other Third-Level Wizards! One wore a black robe, the other a white one.

Dennis led the group slowly to the front of the hall, where the other two Third-Level Wizards took their places on either side of him.

"What happened?" Green's expression turned grave, his brows drawn tight.

Why are all the mentors who came through that door frowning? Green watched the Wizards who had just emerged, puzzled.

"Welcome to this School gathering. Unlike previous gatherings, this one will decide something of great importance!"

Dennis stopped there and looked over every Wizard in the hall.

"Mentor Dennis, what exactly happened? Please, just tell us!" A white-robed Wizard stood and asked him directly.

After a long silence—

"Sigh." Dennis let out a breath, then said helplessly, "I'm sure you all know the Wizarding World has begun returning to the conditions of the Ancient Era. Advanced Meditation Methods, unable to adapt to the changing environment, are on the verge of being cast aside!"

The Wizards' faces grew grave. They lowered their heads and fell silent, until the entire hall was unnaturally quiet.

How could they be unaware that the times were changing? The Extreme School demanded talent above all else. Everyone who joined was a top genius and held at least a senior position within their own faction.

"The situation is worse than you imagine. Will, explain what you discovered," Dennis said to the Wizard on his left.

*Will! There's