Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

The city's armed forces had set up a temporary camp on the southern edges of the Northern Quarter, while the cultists had done the same directly opposite them. Although they hadn't ventured too far north, wary of the dangerous shockwaves radiating from the Mana Core Magi's battle in the mountain ranges.

Strangely enough, the two sides had to come to a tacit understanding. That this would be the final showdown between them. And thus, the two armies prepared themselves for battle as a tense atmosphere descended over the entire district.

The Cult of Bones had bypassed all of Ravenfell's security measures and infiltrated the city through the vast underground sewer tunnels. Then, they had wreaked havoc throughout the city.

Caught off guard, the city's forces suffered massive casualties at the beginning of the battle. But gradually the tides shifted in their favor. Their naval forces received the surprising assistance of the Brotherhood's fleet. Meanwhile, the city's ground forces received the help of the Serpents of War.

And now, after hours of grueling, continous fighting, the Battle of Ravenfell had culminated to its final showdown that would take place in the Northern Quarter. This was exluding the battle of the Mana Core Magi, of course. The outcome of this entire battle would ultimately hinge on which side's Mana Core Magi emerged victorious.

In the heart of the Acadian Magi's camp, within a temporary tent serving as the command center, all the prominent Mana Vortex Magi had gathered. They hailed not only from Ravenfell and Saratoga, but also from the other Pillars of the Empire.

Ravenfell used to have seven councilors, but now… only two of them were present at the command center.

Taron Norwood, the traitor, had been slain. Ives Ballard, yet another traitor, was currently away from the city, in pursuit of Anna and her entourage.

Daniel Ranzenberg's current location was unknown. Nylian Feno was also the same. He had been recuperating ever since the battle at Blackshore.

And Sabrina Benton… she had perished.

That left only Hammon McLeod and Halbert Dawson representing the Council of Ravenfell. However, that was not to say they were the city's only Mana Vortex Magi. No, there were others as well. And most, if not all, of them had gathered here.

Additionally, the Mana Vortex Magi, who had arrived here with their students for the Grand Magus Tournament, were also present. Needless to say, they all had extremely ugly expressions on their faces.

They had already received word from Saratoga about the invasion of the cultists. Needless to say, they were thunderstruck at that discovery. Later, when they found out that the threat had been dealt with and that all the young Magi were safe, they couldn't help but feel relieved.

And then came the shocking news of Mathilda Whitaker's death…

"She died protecting her home…" Hammon McLeod stood at the large, round table and muttered in grief.

He couldn't believe that Professor Whitaker had passed away defending Saratoga Castle. The two were old friends, and as such, the news of her death hurt him deeply. But there was yet another feeling bubbling inside his heart, raging with tumultuous waves.

The fact that someone knew about the secret passages that led to Saratoga meant that there was a spy amongst them—a spy who most likely attended Saratoga!

Yet, there was another matter pressing heavily on his heart.

He looked at all the Magi present, then took a deep breath and said, "I have received verifiable intel that the Mana Core Magus who led the invasion of Saratoga has managed to escape. He was last seen flying towards the city."

At once, a grave expression settled on the faces of the Magi that had gathered around the table. The Magi from the other Pillars, or the ones who had come from outside of Ravenfell, weren't shocked that Saratoga Castle was able to repel a mighty Mana Core Magus.

Saratoga was the oldest Pillar of the Acadian Empire. As such, no one doubted its strength and heritage. It was a given that the ancient fortress would be able to remain standing despite being invaded by a small army led by a Mana Core Magus, even if they had managed to secretly infiltrate it.

What really bothered these people was that the Mana Core Magus in question was now heading their way. No matter how many of them gathered, they wouldn't be able to defeat the enemy. They might be able to stall for some time, but slaying the enemy was out of the question.

The gap between a Mana Vortex Magus and a Mana Core Magus was just that wide.

Even Ink the Kraken, with the help of his merfolk army, had failed to kill Daggett, so how could these Mana Vortex Magi hope to slay him?

Soner Pitt, the professor from Greenfield Ridge, stepped forward and asked solemnly, "I don't care about the approaching enemy. We will deal with him one way or the other. But are our children safe?"

That was the common mentality among most of the Magi in the Empire. They cared less about their own lives and more about the future generation who would one day inherit their legacy.

"Rest assured." Hammon nodded. "There are no casualties among the contestants who came to participate in the tournament."

There were, however, some casualties among the students of Saratoga, but Hammon did not mention it. He kept that sorrowful news in his heart.

"And what about Adam?! Any news of him?!" Edwin slammed the table with his fist, his tone laced with nervousness, fear, and anger.

Adam was not only the benefactor of his Turner Family, but he was also his grandson's sworn brother. More importantly, even his daughter, Elia, considered Adam her own son.

All the Magi present inside the tent had heard about how Adam had heroically dragged the enemy Mana Core Magus, who had been hiding in the city, to the spirit world. Since then, there had been no news about him.

A somber mood shadowed everyone's face. They didn't know what to say. A mere Mana Vortex Magus of thirty-five years of age had sacrificed himself to give Ravenfell a fighting chance. Everyone here knew how much death and destruction a Mana Core Magus could cause, especially with no one to stop him.

Hammon McLeod lowered his head, his eyes flickering with deep sadness. Meanwhile, Halbert Dawson, the leader of the Herbalists' Guild, who was standing beside him, tried his best to suppress the smile about to form on his face.

After a few moments of heavy silence, Hammor shook his head, "I'm afraid—"

Right at that moment, two messengers burst through the entrance of the tent, catching everyone's attention. Both these Magi had a strangely… excited look on their faces.

Without even asking for permission, the first messenger spoke, "Reporting to Councilor! The Dark King's staff was seen launching into the air from the Market Quarter. It was last sighted flying towards this location!"

Everyone inside the tent had their eyes turn wide from shock.

The Dark King's staff was seen flying through the air?

What did that mean?

They all knew…

Right at that moment, the second messenger stepped forward and spoke with barely restrained excitement, "My Lord, there has been a major disturbance in the enemy camp. Our scouts report several of their experts dead, and more importantly, their formation is in chaos! They seem to be… looking for someone in their midst!"

In that moment, countless questions appeared inside the Magi's heads. But more importantly, there was one that shook them to their cores.

Did the Dark King defeat the Mana Core Magus he was fighting?

Hammon McLeod was the first to snap out of his daze. With Adam wreaking havoc behind enemy lines, this was the most opportune moment to strike the enemy.

He thrust out his hand and roared:

"Prepare to attack!"

And unbeknownst to them…

A bolt of lightning streaked through the air, vaulting towards the enemy lines.