Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

A dark and ominous portal floated at the center of this underground cavern, occasionally releasing wisps of blackish-red energy.

Adam's back was drenched in a layer of cold sweat when he saw the size of the portal.

So this is the true purpose… This is what the Cult of Bones has planned for Hannes City! He thought in alarm.

The youth had the lotus still activated and, as such, his gaze could pierce through several layers and see just what it was that lay on the other side of the portal.

To be more precise, he could feel just what lay on the other side.

Adam's expression grew dark—very dark!

That fucking madman! He cursed inwardly.

Just what is the Cult Leader thinking? Does he not have any clue just what this could lead to?!

The sheer density of mana radiating through the portal suggested that whatever it was on the other side was a realm far greater than Tron.

So this is what those summoning runes carved in the vampire's lair were about, he thought.

He took a step forward and walked closer to the ominous portal. The closer he got, the more the density of mana became.

This greatly shocked Adam, and he couldn't help but wonder, If I were to practice mindfulness here, my advancement speed could be astounding!

Perhaps, I could even…

His eyes sparkled with a brilliant light, but he quickly shook his head.

No, I can think about such things after I've dealt with the Cult of Bones. This organization is, by far, the greatest enemy I have come across.

And the Cult Leader…

He had several speculations regarding this mysterious person's strength and goals. After coming here, Adam was able to remove the veil and see the truth.

But this caused him to be even more terrified of the Cult Leader!

He learned that, in terms of strength, he was no match for him. But in terms of wits… he may yet have a chance. A very small chance.

It was possible as long as he didn't give up.

His eyes flashed with resolve, and he walked to the boundaries of the cavern, making sure to keep the lotus activated.

After what happened earlier, he was afraid that he might mistakenly activate some defense mechanisms that the Cult Leader may or may not have put in place.

This is getting far more dangerous than I had imagined, he thought to himself as a drop of sweat trickled down the side of his forehead.

The only reason he had come to Hannes City was based on a hunch. His intuition had pointed out to him about the great discrepancy in this place.

Moreover, this idea was further solidified when he felt the same discrepancy in Blackshore.

But even he, in his wildest imagination, would not have thought that coming here would lead him to unravel a huge conspiracy that the Cult Leader had set in place centuries, maybe even a thousand years ago!

Adam found a hint of comfort in knowing that whatever it was that the Cult was planning, it would take a long time to come to fruition.

After all, the portal behind him was still far from complete!

A hundred more years? Perhaps, a hundred-fifty… I don't know, the youth thought to himself as he retrieved his parchment papers and quill from his earrings.

His expression turned extremely grave. But I must know the difference between what I can control and what I cannot.

I can only focus on my own actions and judgments. External events are beyond my control, and I must treat them with equanimity.

He took a deep breath and calmed himself down. Then, he began studying the runes on the walls.

While at the same time… he revolved the Five Elemental Codex!

The density of mana here was astonishing. It was a rare opportunity he simply could not pass up.

…

Moon City, Nightingale Kingdom.

Professor Godfrey led Anna and her group through the streets of the South Ward, towards the skyport—a place where the flying ships docked and took off.

She glanced at the red-haired young woman with a look of amusement.

Then, she turned towards Kaspar, the old Rank 3 - Mana Vortex Magus, and then finally at the two other Rank 2 - Mana Liquefaction Magi.

All four of them still had expressions of disbelief on their faces. They could not believe that the Dark King, that entire continent was talking about, actually turned out to be the person they had come here for!

"Is it so shocking, dear?" The old Headmistress turned to Anna and let out a chuckle.

Anna snapped out of her daze and looked at the old woman with an incredulous expression. "Magus Godfrey… do you mean to tell me Adam becoming a Mana Vortex Magus by the age of thirty-five is normal?"

Headmistress Godfrey let out a hearty chuckle. "Well, when you put it like that, then no. But if you take into account what Adam has done throughout his time at the Academy, then it might not seem all that surprising."

"Lady Godfrey, would you mind explaining?" Kasapr politely asked.

"That child, even when he was only fifteen years of age, showed great analytical skills," Headmistress Godfrey began.

"He wasn't good at the theoretical aspect of the arcane arts, but ironically, he had a deep understanding of magic, far more than any of his peers and even the professors."

"How could that be possible, my lady?" Ada Bray asked with a tilt of her head. "How can one have a deep understanding of the arcane and have great analytical skills while not be proficient in its theoretical studies?"

"Oh, it is possible." Headmistress Godfrey nodded with a faint smile. "It's highly difficult for a fifteen-year-old child, but it is certainly possible."

Kaspar York thought of something and his eyes widened. "Lady Godfrey, you don't mean…"

"Yes." The old headmistress nodded.

"Even as a mere child, Adam showed a profound understanding of the philosophy of the Way."

"How can that be?!" Daryl Quinn was stunned. "Magi begin to study the profundities of the Way when they arrive at the Mana Vortex Rank, or at least close to becoming one! How can a mere child understand such an esoteric concept?!"

"There are always things in this world that defy logic," said the old headmistress, her gaze distant. "Perhaps, Adam is one of those rare souls born to become Magi."

She paused for a moment, her eyes flashing with a peculiar light, before she added softly, "It's almost as if… he didn't choose magic.

"Magic chose him."