[Gradion City-Central hospital]

"Don't worry. He's merely unconscious from mana overuse. He'll regain consciousness in a few days," the doctor reassured Leo, monitoring the young man's pulse.

Leo breathed a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his forehead. He'd been consumed with worry since his friend collapsed during their intense battle.

"I'm sorry, Aisel. I let your brother fall in this condition. I can understand how you feel so if you want you can take him with you," Ethan expressed, his tone heavy with guilt and remorse.

"But boss..." Leo began, eager to prevent Mike from being separated from the team, but Dagger intervened, shaking his head.

"We're all sorry too," Emily added softly.

"It's alright, Young Master. It wasn't your fault or your teammates'. And I won't remove him from your team. He appears happier and more cheerful with all of you," Aisel reassured, his smile tinged with sadness.

He had watched his brother evolve from a timid child into a courageous sorcerer.

"Thank you very much," Ethan expressed, feeling a slight sense of relief. He appreciated Aisel's understanding and kindness.

"By the way, sir, do you know why he is in this condition?" Leo inquired, curious about the reason behind his friend's collapse.

"It's due to his class, the [Frail Sorcerer]. While it grants him the ability to cast multiple types of magic, it also leads to a significant mana loss if the casting is interrupted," Aisel explained, shedding light on his brother's class.

"That's truly a double-edged class," Leo remarked, struck by the power and inherent risk of such a class.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"It certainly is," Aisel agreed with a nod, his thoughts filled with hope for his brother's swift recovery and return to their team.

As Ethan observed Aisel and Mike, the latter still lying on the bed, he felt a surge of affection and admiration for them. These were brothers who had weathered many storms together, and they deserved some well-earned peace and tranquility.

"Team, why don't we step out for a while and give them some space to rest?" Emily suggested to her teammates.

"That sounds like a plan, Vice Leader," Leo chimed in, nodding in agreement.

"I'm in. I could definitely use a break from this place," Mia added with a sigh of relief.

"Alright, then. Let's head out," Ethan declared, rising to his feet, ready to lead the way.

They all rose from their seats and made their way to the door, leaving Aisel and Mike alone in the room.

"Thank you for everything, Young Master. And please, take care of yourselves," Aisel expressed, his smile filled with gratitude towards Ethan and his team.

"Don't mention it, Aisel. And don't worry, we will. You take good care of your brother, alright?" Ethan replied, returning the smile warmly.

They exchanged a few more words of farewell before Ethan and his team departed, closing the door behind them.

Turning his attention back to Mike, who remained unconscious, Aisel tenderly stroked his hair and whispered softly.

"Mike, you've grown so much. I'm proud of you, my little brother, for all you've achieved and endured. I love you with all my heart, and I always will."

-----

[Mage Tower–Magic academy]

Hans and Andrew led the association in an assault on the Mage Tower, the world's most prestigious magic academy.

"Sir, we're approaching our target," Sam reported, spotting the sprawling building with its five imposing towers in the distance.

"Are you all prepared?" Hans inquired, casting a glance over his men. They were equipped with weapons, armor, and anti-magic devices, ready for the impending confrontation.

"Good. Let's proceed," Hans commanded. They disembarked from their vehicles and advanced stealthily towards the academy.

Anticipating heavy resistance, they were surprised to find the gates wide open. A foul odor lingered in the air, heightening their unease.

As they entered, they were met with a horrifying sight. The academy lay in ruins, a scene of utter carnage.

Headless bodies of players and mages littered the ground, blood splattered across the walls and floors.

Some victims still twitched, their eyes wide with terror.

"What in the world happened here?" Hans wondered aloud, a shiver running down his spine. He had never witnessed such brutality before.

"Who could have done this?" Andrew wondered aloud, his stomach churning with sickness.

"Hey, are you alright? Can you tell us what happened here?" Sam asked one of the dying players, kneeling beside him to staunch the bleeding from his neck.

The player was pale, struggling for breath.

"It was Blood Hound," the player uttered with his last breath, his gaze filled with a mixture of fear and regret before his eyes closed forever.

"What!? Blood Hound?!" Sam exclaimed in shock upon hearing the name.

He was familiar with them but hadn't anticipated their connection with the demon guild.

Blood Hound was notorious for comprising mostly illegal players, willing to kill for profit.

"I should've seen this coming. Only they could be this ruthless," Andrew remarked through clenched fists, his disdain for Blood Hound evident.

"Let's retreat. We must inform Ethan immediately," Hans commanded, recognizing the urgency of the situation.

They couldn't afford to delay.