Back by the scrying pool in the examination hall, the three administrators couldn't help but applaud at Daphne's method of conjuring a Vespa scooter to cut the travel time to the mountain.

"It is a uniquely mortal answer to a question that would have baffled most mages who would not yet know how to teleport," Dean Cesare said, in approval.

"I was willing to bet money on them using Aeroga and Levitate again, only this time to glide there," Leonidas mused. "I am, therefore, quite glad I did not wager anything."

"Hey, speaking of wager—" Flim-Flam began.

"I think not, Lad," Leonidas interrupted him.

"Aww…"

"If I hadn't mastered teleportation in my first term, that would've been the option I'd have chosen, too," Vincent admitted. "And that is in spite of my fondness for that chariot."

"Rhariot?" Scooby asked, as all three administrators gave exasperated sighs at the memory.

"This one had a prized possession in a gold-gilded chariot and two fine horses descended from Pegasus," Reed said, indicating Vincent. "How did you obtain that again, Vincent?"

Vincent smirked.

"Won them in a wager of my own against some visiting Spartan warlocks—told them that I could beat them in a mages' duel, one against five."

"Wow, you musta shown 'em good!" Scrappy grinned.

"Yes, and then he proceeded to joyride around campus in that infernal thing until his graduation, despite mastering teleportation only months after obtaining it," Dean Cesare sighed.

"Well, there was no rule against it…" Vincent pointed out.

"Hey, Vince, you still have that chariot?" Flim-Flam asked, his eyes wide.

Vincent gave him a look.

"Unfortunately for you, no—after graduation, I gave it to Byron, since he never did master teleporting…"

Reed shook his head.

"Well, it will still be some time before they reach the simulated Etna—would anyone care for some refreshments and snacks?" he asked.

There was an enthusiastic response, particularly from Flim-Flam and the dogs.

"Very well, Lad—if you and the dogs would like to accompany me, we can obtain them before things really get interesting."

"Ryahoo!" Scooby grinned, licking his lips in anticipation.

And as they bounded out after Reed, Vincent looked to Cesare and Leonidas in some amount of confusion.

"Something is amiss, isn't it?" he asked, speaking Greek now.

Cesare and Leonidas's expressions grew grim.

"Ordinarily, I wouldn't think this to be your concern," Cesare began. "But this does, inevitably, concern you and your kids."

"You know, of course, that the Sacred Seal you placed upon the door to the Underworld will weaken by Samhain to the point where Hades will be able to reopen it," Leonidas reminded him. "Though he cannot stay here for long, Asmodeus can, and will act to resume his goal of global dominion."

"Yes, I am well aware," Vincent sighed. "Part of the reason for having this exam now is to bolster Daphne and Shaggy's confidence for what's coming. The rest of my old gang have already agreed to back us up—Helena Grimwood, as well."

"My son and his old gang—Baz's gang—are also willing to help you, as am I," Leonidas added.

"And I, too, will help if you need it," Cesare promised. "And Endora, reluctant though she will be to aid mortals, can also be counted upon in a crisis—her daughter and grandchildren, as well. But you will note that one name is not among those who can help."

Vincent glanced at them in concern, and then glanced in the location that Reed had gone with the others.

"…What's wrong with Associate Dean Reed?" he asked.

"He is facing the repercussions of something he did four thousand years ago," Dean Cesare said. "Reed once had a tremendous amount of mana at his disposal then—a strength that rivaled yours and Asmodeus. But that strength terrified him—for he feared that he would fall to corruption—and Asmodeus only convinced him further."

"And so, he sealed away large portions of his mana in magical cards to reduce his powers," Leonidas continued. "But, as he ages, his powers that remain had gotten weaker since then, as his mana is being redirected towards keeping him alive."

"His powers are fading, Vincent," Cesare said, grimly. "With what's coming, we felt the need to let you know."

Vincent shook his head.

"What is to become of him?" he asked.

"He hasn't confirmed it yet, but we believe he intends to retire to Fa'Diel—his family line is strong, and he has long since chosen his heirs," Leonidas said. "But, Vincent, we felt as though you should know on account of how this fate could have happened to you."

"Yes, I… feared my power when it was growing—but the kids believed in me and my ability to stay true to myself," Vincent said. "And they were the ones who, in the end, tempered that power."

"That power, Vincent, more than anything else, is what will help us persevere," Cesare said. "The bonds between you and your kids—the power that allows you to become a Paladin—is what will allow you to stand against Asmodeus."

"He will come at you with everything he can throw, Vincent," Leonidas warned. "But we believe you will be fine as long as you hold on to each other."

"Yes… I believe it, too," Vincent nodded.

"We will discuss it some other time—as we get closer to Samhain," Cesare said. "For now, let us sit back and admire what your students have learned from you. You have every right to be proud of them."

"I am, Sir," Vincent assured him. "I am."

They all lapsed into silence until Reed returned with the others and the snacks—Vincent exchanged a brief look with him and nodded, silently acknowledging that he understood the current situation.

The time to worry about the future would be later—for now, they would continue to cheer on Shaggy and Daphne.