Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Inside the dome of corpses, Merlin's eyes snapped open, his pupils instantly constricting.

Soon, a deep frown appeared on his face, and he thought to himself, How did that thing grow so big?

From the energy fluctuations radiating from it, I'm certain that it is at the Mana Liquefaction Rank. But…

His expression turned dark.

It's got to be the most powerful Mana Liuqefaction-level beast I've ever come across. It's definitely at the peak. No, perhaps, it has gone well beyond its peak!

But how could this be possible?

Could it be the secret plane that is sealing its strength?

A creature like that… I believe even a Mana Vortex Magus would have difficulty dealing with it, let alone a bunch of Mana Liquefaction Magi.

Just what was the Headmaster thinking?

Wait!

Merlin's pupils narrowed.

Could this be the Cult's arrangement? If so…

A foreboding feeling welled up in his heart. Without being cocky, Merlin knew that the primary reason why Party A and B had survived to this point was because of him.

So then, how were the other parties faring?

Professor Whitaker said that the contestants would have to remain in the secret plane for seven days, he thought.

That is more than enough time for the blood beasts to deal with all of them. And even if some managed to survive…

How could they possibly deal with that thing resting in the heart of the Sanguine Forest?

Having fought with the Cult on many occasions, he could definitely feel their subtle influence in this Second Trial.

If I know it, then the Headmaster should know this as well. I'm sure the former Emperor must have advised him on this.

"Merlin?"

A voice drifted into his ears, snapping him out of his thoughts.

The madman turned to the source of the voice. It was Edward.

He offered a faint smile and said, "Yes?"

Edward deeply looked at the coppery-red-haired youth. He lingered for a moment, then said in a grave voice. "I've never seen you like that."

"Like what?"

Edward gestured to his face. "I've never seen you not… smiling."

He paused, his expression turning solemn. "Just what did you find?" He asked, his voice drawing the attention of the rest of the party members who were still recuperating.

Merlin's smile turned wider.

"Come here, all of you," he said softly.

A few moments later, everyone sat down before him.

The soft glow of a magic lantern cast flickering light across their faces as they gathered within the macabre tent, a shelter fashioned from flesh and bones.

Merlin took a deep breath and grinned. "There is good news, then there's bad news."

Without bothering to ask them which one they'd like to hear first, Merlin continued, "I'll tell you the good news first."

Everyone's expression was blank. They were used to Merlin's tactics, but not used to them at the same time. It was strange. So very strange.

Merlin scanned everyone's faces and added, "The good news is I've located the center of the secret plane. It should take us about twelve to twenty-four hours to reach their on foot… provided we aren't assaulted by the sea of blood beasts residing deeper in the forest."

Everyone was pleasantly surprised by that discovery. But Merlin's following words shattered them as if they were fragile glass.

"Bad news is… it is an entity the likes of you cannot defeat. I doubt even an army of Mana Liquefaction Magi will be able to defeat it."

"…What?" Edward asked with a stunned look on his face.

"Even an… army of Mana Liquefaction Magus can't face off against it?" Eleiney spoke with a shaky voice.

Merlin simply shrugged in response.

"What the hell is such a thing doing inside the secret plane in the first place?" Kahn muttered in grievance.

"Yeah! Just what the hell were people from Saratoga thinking?" Biden grumbled. "It's almost as if they don't want us to succeed."

Adam's students didn't take that statement lightly.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Arthur turned to Biden with a narrowed gaze.

Before another argument descended upon the group, Merlin cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention to him.

"Now, you may be wondering if it would be wise to camp out here for the remaining days, or head deeper into the forest," he began.

Everyone's expression turned solemn.

Of course, the thought had crossed their minds. They'd be fools to challenge a being whom even an army of Mana Liquefaction Magi would struggle to defeat.

Merlin grinned from ear to ear, then added, "But I will let you know… that entity is filled to the brim with blood cores."

He paused for a moment, then continued, his voice bewitching, like a devil whispering promises of untold riches and treasures to desperate mortals:

"If we defeat that thing… we will undoubtedly advance to the final trial."

Something about his voice made them want to reconsider their decision.

The two parties had journeyed to the depths of the secret plane in hopes of acquiring more blood cores.

Of course, they could have camped out in either of the first two layers, clearing them out and gathering just as many.

But would their pride allow them?

They were proud sons and daughters of the Four Pillars. Settling for less was never an option… not when the best was within reach.

Oh, how sweet and wonderful it would feel to slay the creature nestled in the heart of the secret plane.

Oh, how glorious that achievement would shine.

But…

They were not fools.

They knew that glory often came wrapped in an invisible cloak of death and misfortune.

Eleiney's eyes flickered with a range of conflicting emotions. In the end, she sighed. She shook her head and softly said, "It is too much of a risk, Merlin."

She turned to the madman and added, "You yourself said that even an army of Mana Liquefaction Magi might not be able to defeat it."

Merlin's grin widened, his voice as bewitching as ever.

"Oh, but we're not just ordinary Mana Liquefaction Magi, are we?"

Before anyone had a chance to speak, he pressed on.

"I have already determined the location of two other parties in the Sanguine Forest. Including us, only four parties have dared to set foot in these cursed woods."

Everyone's expression shifted. Uncertainty crept in again, colder and sharper than before.

And then... Merlin drove the final nail.

"And what if I told you, I have a way to deal with that abomination?"