Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Druids were a subdivision of Magi who had great talent for the School of Summoning, Alteration, and Invocation.

They were said to draw their magical power from the breath of nature itself. Meaning, they had a great affinity for the five fundamental elements that governed the world.

Their abilities were strongly tied to animals and plants.

They were often seen as protectors of the natural world. They could shapeshift into beasts, command an endless army of magical beasts, and even nourish and bring to life an expansive rainforest with a mere swing of their hands.

Autumn Godsaint was one such person. She had the arcane physiology akin to that of a druid.

So when Adam learned that she had left the city due to family matters, he was first glad that she wouldn't be a part of the mayhem that would eventually descend on Ravenfell.

But when he thought more about it, he began to suspect the whole timing of it.

The will of the world worked in mysterious ways.

Back in Constantine, the will of the world had subtly pulled the strings of causality, ensuring that no powerful Magi set their eyes on this town.

For if they did, they would go to great lengths in experimenting on the ash tree that Adam had planted.

That could quite possibly result in dire consequences for the tree, the town, and even Tron itself.

The will of the world never acted directly. It remained in the shadows, always working in ways that served its own interest.

It did not care about right or wrong, morals or corruption, only its own survival.

More importantly, the will of Tron had only just recently gained sentience. So, even if it wanted to directly meddle in the affairs of its inhabitants, it couldn't.

Yet nothing stopped it from weaving its fingers through their fate, reshaping the course of their lives.

Adam speculated that the survival of Autumn Godsaint was integral to the planet itself.

He believed that it had something to do with her unique physiology, but that was about the extent of his knowledge.

Still, though it was mere speculation, his gut told him it was very likely to be true.

And that same gut feeling now told him that the crude map of the Dark Valley that had fallen into his hands was the work of… none other than the will of the world!

But why?

Adam thought to himself, masking the shock and confusion on his face with a mask of indifference.

It… wants me to go there? Is it crazy?

Adam recalled the dream he had where he met the will of Tron for the first time. It had told him that it would protect the ash tree until it grew and matured, that it would let no one harm it.

The will thanked Adam for helping it gain sentience.

It also said that it would help him in return…

This is how you intend to help me? By sending me to my death? Adam was inwardly flabbergasted.

You ungrateful little sh—

But he wisely cut off his thoughts. Who knew if Tron could hear his thoughts? If it caught him cursing it, wouldn't it rain misfortune down on him?

Adam didn't know if the will of Tron was as petty as he was, but he sure did not want to find out.

And there was another thing he didn't wish to ever find out…

Never! I'm never going to that forbidden zone, he thought.

If some as powerful as the founder, who had reached the peak of the Mana Core Rank, went in and lost his mind, what makes Tron think I'd set foot in there too?

Does it think I'm an idiot? Hmph!

While Adam was gazing at the yellowed parchment and contemplating something, Cedric Acadia retrieved another parchment and gently pushed it toward Adam.

This map appeared even more ancient, giving one the feeling that it would turn to dust just from a simple gust of wind.

But the truth was far from it.

When Adam's gaze landed on the parchment, his eyes narrowed. He could sense a faint yet strong mana fluctuation from it.

The material the map seemed to be made out of belonged to a…

"Mana Core Rank?" Adam muttered with a light frown on his face.

Cedric smiled. "Indeed. This parchment is made from the tendons of a magical beast of the Mana Core Rank."

He paused, leaning back in his chair. "The map of the Dark Valley is priceless, no doubt. But it is also filled with immense danger and could potentially cost you your life. I can understand your reasons for not venturing there. But this…"

Cedric gestured to the other parchment on the table, then continued, "The value of this map is equally priceless, but unlike the Dark Valley, the place this leads to is riddled with fewer dangers. At least, there have been reports of adventurers making it back alive."

The Prince had assumed Adam's silence as a sign of reluctance, and indeed he was right. He had anticipated this reaction long before, which is why he had prepared another gift to tempt him.

Another map? Adam thought as he reached out for it. He unrolled the parchment and read its contents.

Immediately, his eyes narrowed.

On the other side of the table, Cedric noticed the change in Adam's expression and smiled. He then patiently explained, "Thousands of years ago, this city was considered the shining jewel of Tron. It was a grand elven city of unmatched beauty and power.

"Its towers stretched skyward and its spires seemingly touched the stars themselves. The elves of that time were said to be masters of magic. Although I find this a bit theatrical, it is said that their arcane prowess was so great that they could weave spells that could dance with the twin moons."

He paused for a moment, his expression turning slightly somber. "But then... an unknown calamity struck. The skies darkened, the land withered, and this once great city fell. It's proud civilization vanished into legends…"

Cedric turned towards the map in Adam's hands, and added, "Now only ruins remain. And that map right there is one of the most detailed, if not the very most detailed, you can find in this world. I paid a fortune to get it from a friend from Baja."

His smile deepened as he shifted his gaze towards the raven-haired youth. "You should be familiar with this place, Count Constantine. After all, to my knowledge, your previous residence, Moon City, was modeled after this legendary city."

"The lost city of Feypore…" Adam muttered under his breath.

This map was indeed very detailed and also priceless. He was sure he could uncover many secrets and treasures if he visited these ancient ruins in the future.

But there was one problem…

The ruins of Feypore lay deep within the most dangerous continent in this world—one teeming with ferocious magical beasts.

The continent of Mabi.