Thane turned to face a voice he was unfamiliar with. A white-haired, dark-skinned woman, who was presumably the principal, came up to him. He was able to feel an energy that directly opposed that of Hell's fiery aura. Satisfied with how quickly the principal appeared, the man spread his arms, calmly telling her,

[b]"We have come in Lord Lucifer's name, but our goal was not to destroy your academy today. And I had to take some... counter-measurements... to retain our mission's success."[/b]

Thane quickly dispersed the thought of the foul deity known as Apophis, instead lowering his arms. These people were not supposed to die in his hands today; therefore, that meant that they would meet another day. And on that day, that was when he would truly be serious. For now, however, he simply kept as much cool as he could.

This actually worked, however, when he saw the demon from earlier come by his side. He felt satisfied to retrieve one who had the aura of a demon within him. Thane, however, was still confused on why he was by the angel's side a few moments ago. The man turned to the principal, the fire in his eyes undying. With a solemn voice, he told the principal,

[b]"My lord personally sent these soldiers, alongside me, and... a [i]fucking [u]disgrace[/u][/i] of a servant...[/b]"

Thane seemed to spit out the word "servant," quickly disregarding a particular hollow man again. His clenched hand emitted fire for a brief moment before becoming normal again.

[b]"...to warn you that 'a battle is imminent'."[/b]

Meanwhile, the demon archer behind Thane eyed Bael. Shazt then whispered to Reggie, leaning over to him,

"[i]Welcome to the Dark Side of the Force, eh?[/i]"

"When you're welcome to the [i]'Shut The F-ck Up Side of the Force,'[/i] everyone will have a happy ending."

Shazt and Reggie grew quiet again.

Thane sighed, though his expression did not change at all. He continued to look at Maria, the principal of Athalia Academy, as he concluded his message with a small bow,

[b]"The next time we see each other... we shall be enemies. For now, however, I hope you accept my condolences..."[/b]

The man looked back up, the determined fire remaining in his eyes. He then turned to Bael. With a voice of interest, he simply told him,

[b]"We will bring you back to the netherworld if you truly desire to do so. I personally think it is a better option than having our own kin stand against us."[/b]

His business done on Earth for now, he jerked his head toward the two footsoldiers, who flinched at his look.

[b]"Find your magic-wielding friend. We shall depart as soon as he wakes up, for I had seen him fly out of some building just now..."[/b]

The soldiers hastily nodded, quickly rushing over to the main building. It was highly likely that they were still in there. If they took too long... Thane would just have to put some sense in them. He would not go too far, though. They were not under his complete guidance, after all. The cursed human turned to the decimated academy, pondering about whether he was getting closer to his goals. Remaining in the academy as an enemy was not exactly a respectful idea, especially after having their place nearly wiped out. The sooner he left, the faster these people would prepare for a battle.

He personally hoped that he would not be killing [i]children[/i] any sooner. Blind rage allowed him to kill such young people. When he was calm, however, the very idea of him killing young lives that would be unable to fulfill their dreams... was unpleasant. But a war was coming with a deadly flare. He had completed his mission: to test the academy's students. All he needed to do was have Cain return, and he would return to his endless training.

[b]"I must ask you of something,"[/b] he said, staring at the destroyed roof of the main building. [b]"There was a man who came with us, and I'm sure he went after you."[/b]

Thane's eyes slightly lit themselves on fire, asking her cautiously, yet with a dangerous tone,

[b]"Has he... directly laid his hands upon anyone yet?"[/b]

Thane noticed a dark presence nearby him, though he decided to quiet prepare his kunai instead...