Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

A stern-looking old man sat at the massive oak desk, staring at Adam with an inquisitive gaze

He wore ash-colored flowing robes that radiated a mystical charm. If one were to look close enough, they'd see countless dark feathers faintly squirming deep within the fabric.

If those feathers were real or the mind playing tricks… remained unknown.

The elderly man had a stern-looking face, but his dark eyes carried traces of warmth and the vicissitudes of life. He had a neatly trimmed beard, and short white hair framed his high hairline.

Currently, he was smoking from a long, wooden pipe as he observed Adam from up to toe.

This was the first time the raven-haired youth had properly seen the Headmaster. The last time he had met the man, he was so nervous that he could barely stand straight.

At that time, he felt inferior and fear just by staying in Blackwood's presence.

But this time… the feeling of inferiority had vanished. However, Adam would be lying if he said he didn't feel any trace of fear claw at his heart.

This was a Mana Core Magus, and one of the most powerful to have ever lived in the Ulier Continent!

Adam found himself involuntarily standing straight. Even after advancing to the Mana Vortex Rank, he still felt a great sense of pressure from the elderly man sitting at the desk.

Heh, at least I no longer feel like I'm a lesser Magus in front of you, he mused.

I wonder how long I can last in a battle against you…

"Magus Constantine." Blackwood's voice was low yet firm. "I was not expecting you here."

Adam snapped out of his silly thoughts. He placed his hand over his chest and bowed respectfully, "Greetings, Headmaster. I apologize for coming in unannounced."

"Hmm." The Headmaster hummed in response.

He took a slow drag from the smoking pipe, then savoured the taste of rich tobacco before gently exhaling to the side.

The elderly Magus squinted his eyes as he observed Adam.

"Your physique is quite sturdy for a Mana Vortex Magus," he said after a moment. "Have you been consuming too many potions?"

He lingered for another moment, his expression turning stern—well, more stern than it usually was.

"As a Herbalist, you should know that consuming too many potions would accumulate harmful toxins in your system."

Adam stood straight. "Yes, Headmaster, I am aware."

The next moment, he puffed out his chest a little and added, "I just…" He cleared his throat. "...Practice strength training. A lot."

For some strange reason, he felt his heart bubble with pride when someone praised his physique. Only he knew the amount of effort and torture he had to endure to sculpt such a fine physique.

The Headmaster stared at the raven-haired youth for a moment or two, seemingly speechless. Then, he shook his head and gestured to one of the two leather chairs in front of him.

"Sit."

Adam walked towards the oak desk, but not before scanning the spacious office. When his gaze passed by the fireplace, his eyes suddenly narrowed, and he halted in his footsteps.

Strange…

Seeing his reaction, a corner of Blackwood's lips curled into a light smirk.

"Is something the matter?" he asked, his tone laced with slight amusement.

"Ah, nothing, nothing." Adam shook his head and took his seat. "You have a nice fireplace," he added.

The Headmaster scoffed, thinking to himself, It's just like you said… He's quite the observant fellow.

"So, what brings you here, Magus Constantine?" He asked, clearing the burnt ash on a crystal tray nearby.

Adam had thought a lot about how this conversation would go. But now that the time was finally here, he found himself anxious and hesitant.

He lingered for a few moments before taking a deep breath.

This was not the time to be irresolute. It was now or never.

His dark eyes flashed with conviction as he decided to be as blunt as possible. He looked the Headmaster of Saratoga straight in the eye and spoke solemnly, "Ravenfell is in danger. Immense danger!"

As those words escaped his lips, he found the invisible weight on his shoulders lessen ever so slightly.

"The truth is, there is an evil group of Magi, a Cult, that has been eyeing the Grand Magus Tournament. They have been planning for a very, very long time.

"These people… they are ruthless and vile. They plan to strike Ravenfell when all of the most promising young Magi of the Empire have gathered together in one place.

"This is the perfect opportunity for them to land a decisive blow to the Empire, and most likely even the entirety of Ulier! Yes… yes, I suspect that the Cult has grand plans for this continent, and I fear Ravenfell will just be the beginning!"

Adam exhaled a heavy sigh.

Damn, that felt… refreshing!

He thought, amazed.

He took another deep breath and continued, "My Lord, do you remember the Duskfall Incident? The human trafficking ring that the couple was part of was actually directly funded… by this… Cult…"

His voice eventually trailed off. The reaction that the Headmaster was directing at him was completely out of Adam's expectations.

If not shocked, Adam expected the man to at least show a solemn expression.

But the Headmaster simply looked… bored.

"Eh?" Adam was dumbfounded. "W-why aren't you… Wait, what's with that reaction? Do you think I'm crazy?"

Headmaster Blackwood ignored him. He placed fresh, minced tobacco leaves in his pipe. He snapped his finger and lit the tobacco aflame.

Then, he casually leaned back in his chair and took a long and slow drag.

Adam was utterly flabbergasted by what was happening. His mouth was agape at how nonchalant this man was.

"Headmaster, I'm being serious! Ravenfell is in danger!" He practically screamed, his tone laced with urgency.

Damn it, it took me so much strength to divulge this secret to you… And this is how you react?! Are you crazy!

Just when he was about to speak again, he was suddenly interrupted.

But it wasn't Headmaster Blackwood who interrupted him...

"Boy, you are naive. Did you think the Lord of Ravenfell wouldn't know about the happenings in his city?"

Adam's eyes widened, and his heart was gripped by terror. He couldn't sense this presence at all.

He couldn't help but immediately assume the worst.

Don't tell me… the Headmaster is also…

Adam slowly turned around, his back drenched in a layer of cold sweat. Then, his gaze landed on a figure sitting on the high-back leather chair by the fireplace.

When he realized who it was… he was thunderstruck.

"It's you!!"