After Gary had disappeared, Ark was covered in sweat by the confrontation. He was subdued by fear and he was surprised at what he had said directly to Gary's face. He knew that Gary was able to squash him like a bug in an instant.

  But something had come over him, maybe it was the fact that everything seemed to be going wrong in his life, but Ark had found the courage to speak up and say his true feelings against Gary.

  After meeting up with Gary, Ark headed back to the castle and immediately called a meeting for the investigation team. Everyone was currently sat at a table in the dining hall in the castle. It was late and the sky was black so other than the few guards and maids there weren't many people around them. In fact, they were the only people in the dining hall at a table.

  Ark had just informed them all of the messages that Gary had given.

  "But why would Gary ask for a year?" Jack asked.

  "If I was to take a guess, it might be because the demon inside the weapon is still struggling for control." Lenny replied, "Gary was a strong person, unlike Vercy. So to be able to unleash the full powers of the demon it would take some time before the demon gained full control."

  "Then shouldn't we attack immediately," Jack said.

  "No that would be silly." Said Ray, "We would be walking right into the Shadow's territory. It's probably what they want us to do. They will have the advantage of knowing the area and will be able to attack us from all sides."

  "Then what about Avrion, Slyvia and the others, what if they attack earlier then they said," Jack added.

  "I think Lenny's idea could be right, Perhaps Gary really does plan to attack in a year's time. The demon seemed arrogant. He probably thinks in a year's time he will be unbeatable but what he doesn't realise is I too can get much stronger in that year."

  "What should we do then?" Ark asked.

  "For now you guys continue on as normal," Said Ray. "It seems like Gary may still be in the city. Watching what we will do next. In the meantime, I will teleport back to Avrion and discuss matters with them."

  Before the others could even contest what Ray had said, he already activated his teleport skill and disappeared in a few seconds.

  "The boy really does do whatever he wants doesn't he?" Lenny said.

  "I don't know, he seems to be annoyed by this more than I thought," Jack said, "Maybe he won't admit it but he's worried about Gary."

  Back at Avrion, Slyvia had gathered, Martha, Dan, Badger, Sloth and Kyle at the front gate. Slyvia had planned for them to secretly leave the city and scout out the dark guild area to bring Monk back. As an elder Slyvia was an important figure in the city. It was dangerous for her to go out on dangerous missions like this, Sir K and Wilfred would have immediately stopped Slyiva if they knew about her plan.

  Just then as Slyvia and the others were ready to sneak out of the front gate, a bright light started to shine by Slyvia's side.

  "Raaaaa Ray!" Dan said as he pointed behind Slyvia.

  Slyvia turned to look at Ray and had a nervous look on her face. As Ray looked around, he could see everyone was in cloaks and outside of the academy for some reason.

  "Now just what were you guys planning to do?" Ray asked.

  Slyvia started to laugh nervously.

  *****

  After finding out what Slyvia was planning to do. The next day in the morning Ray decided to gather the people he trusted most in one of the classrooms at Avrion. Slyvia's group was there, as well as the two elders Sir K and Wilfred and also Von the ex-elder. Ray had also invited the dwarf Randin as his plan included him as well.

  "I can't believe it Gary has been possessed." Slyvia said, "Maybe something similar happened to Monk."

  "That would be my guess as well, in fact, I believe Monk and Gary may have even gone to the same fortress just pass the borders of Avrion," Ray replied. "It's lucky I caught you when I did. It sounds like they are confident fighting against us in their territory."

  "So what do you plan to do Ray?" Wilfred asked.

  "Of course, I plan to win this war, even though waiting is probably what the demon man wants. I believe we can grow more powerful than he ever thought possible." Said Ray, "Has the guild hall been finished being built?"

  "Yes, it was done a few days ago," Slyvia replied.

  "Good, my plan is to continue to expand the Red wings, allow for adventures to come and leave this city, make sure no one learns of the information about the attack. We don't want them to be frightened away. Also, recruit anyone you can into becoming a member of the Red wings guild. Randin I will be relying on you to lead the team of blacksmiths to create the best possible equipment for our army. I plan to win this war."

  "And what about you Ray?" Wilfred asked.

  "I have unfinished business to deal with, I have met up with a very smart man and I believe he will be able to help with discovering the secrets behind these mysterious weapons, including the hammer that has possessed Gary."

  With Ray's words said and done. The meeting was finished and the group went into another gear to complete the tasks given. Everyone was working harder with the looming danger over their head that there was the possibility of attack at any second.

  While Ray walked around the academy, he found himself naturally walking to the black sash mansion. Were him and the other black knights used to train. Outside of the mansion on the green grass, Kyle was currently training the new students.

  Kyle had replaced Monk's role now that Monk had disappeared. When Kyle spotted Ray he asked the students to continue training while he ran over.

  The two of them chatted and continued to walk around the mansion.

  "It's strange huh, the four of us all started together in this place." Kyle said, "And now it's just us two."

  Kyle then clenched his fist tightly.

  "Ray, we need to bring them back. I don't believe for a second Monk or Gary truly have gone over to the other side, we know them better than anyone."

  Ray didn't know why he decided to head to the mansion but after meeting Kyle he understood. He missed the days when the four of them would train and the most important thing to them were the rankings. There were a few times in his day were Ray would completely forget that he was a dragon and just wanted to enjoy school life.

  But the Shadow plague had continually gotten in his way. When he was a dragon the humans had tried to take everything he had away from him and now the Shadow was trying to do the same.

  "Don't worry Kyle, I will bring them back I promise."