Sovereign of the Ashes

Morsidor left behind a substantial legacy.

As an alchemist, his personal wealth was at least three times greater than that of other black mages at the same rank, if not more!

This wealth was also evident in the legacies he bestowed upon his apprentices.

Both Sein and Zorro had since been promoted to Rank One.

Although Faye was still not a full-fledged mage, she had once used a considerable amount of resources in an attempt to make her mark. Unfortunately, she failed.

Sein never intended to keep the entire legacy Master Morsidor entrusted to him for himself.

The items he had given Faye two days ago were not part of Morsidor’s legacy. Instead, they were resources Sein had allocated from his own reserves.

A little over a dozen Grade One energy crystals, three Grade Two energy crystals, a mystic wood from a five-hundred-year-old ancient tree, two metal disks, nearly a hundred magic tomes, and several alchemy tables with special functions—these were the items Morsidor had bequeathed to Sein before his death.

Now, Sein had brought all of these items with him to the Western Archipelago.

At this point, many items from Master Morsidor’s legacy were of little use to Sein, including the energy crystals, as he was not short on funds.

He had initially planned to craft his own magic rod from the mystic wood but eventually discovered a superior material and created the Verdant Flame Heart Rod instead.

The two metal disks remained quite useful to Sein.

These disks had previously served as Morsidor’s signature magic artifacts. Although many once existed, only two remained now.

Upon seeing those metal disks, Zorro’s mood turned somber once more.

The alchemy tables bequeathed by Morsidor were especially valuable for alchemists like Sein and Zorro.

However, since Sein became Tower Master of Verdant Spring’s apprentice, he had access to the extensive laboratories on the top floors of the divine tower.

The experimental equipment used by a Rank Four tower master far surpassed those once utilized by a Rank One black mage.

As a result, Sein seldom used the experimental equipment left behind by Master Morsidor, opting instead for the advanced facilities readily available at the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring.

Among Morsidor’s legacy, what truly captivated Sein now were the hundreds of magic tomes and alchemy notes.

These documents held the wisdom of a Rank One alchemist accumulated over centuries, potentially sparing Sein from future missteps.

Zorro did not decline the generous inheritance that Sein presented.

If accounts must be clearly settled among blood brothers, then certainly the same applied to mages, seekers of truth who upheld the principle of equivalent exchange.

In the end, Zorro accepted his portion of the legacy. However, his interest was piqued by two metal disks.

Zorro hesitated before speaking, “I couldn’t find any information on creating these disks in the notes left by Master Morsidor. Could you spare one?”

“Take them all, Zorro. I have other means of transportation,” Sein replied, referring to the one-seater aircraft he had recently acquired in Steel City.

However, Zorro shook his head. He had noticed the changes in Sein and also learned from Faye that Sein had eliminated Bhabaluka, another Rank One black mage, just yesterday.

Despite this, Zorro did not want to exploit Sein’s generosity.

Seeing that Sein had no issues parting with the two metal disks, Zorro suggested, “Let Faye have the other one then, it could be a useful tool for her.”

Faye laughed and declined, “I don’t need it. Using a ranked magic artifact would be too much for my current focus and mana level.”

“It’s better for you to take it, Zorro. If you can unravel the mysteries of these disks, make me a new one later,” she added.

This time, Zorro accepted the metal disks without further objection.

Sein was unsure about the practices among other mages’ apprentices, but at least the division of inheritance with his seniors was remarkably harmonious.

Sein had no use for the energy crystals and experimental equipment, so he did not claim them.

Instead, he meticulously gathered the spell books and handwritten alchemy notes that Morsidor had left behind in the Western Archipelago.

There were also some texts and notes that even Zorro had never read, let alone mastered.

For these, Sein simply made copies of them through magical means.

The division concluded on a happy note, and everyone received what they wanted.

For Zorro, this included a few Rank One energy crystals and a valuable Rank Two crystal. Though insignificant to Sein, they represented a small fortune to Zorro.

The experimental equipment Sein retrieved from Morsidor’s residence was invaluable and nearly impossible to price.

In a place like Blackhaven, such rare and advanced experimental instruments were scarce and could not be purchased, even with ample funds.

With these tools, Zorro’s capabilities in alchemy could increase by at least thirty percent.

Faye was initially reluctant to claim too much of the inheritance because she had previously received more generous gifts from Sein.

Nevertheless, she eventually accepted her share

Neither Sein nor Zorro would allow her to miss out on what was rightfully hers.

***

“It’s good that you managed to join a reputable divine tower organization. Blackhaven is far from safe, and only in the Magus Continent will you have access to the best resources and the greatest opportunities for growth,” Zorro said to Sein in a serious tone after they were done dividing the legacy.

As Sein’s senior, Zorro still possessed considerable insight.

In his earlier years, he had traveled with Morsidor and witnessed firsthand the stark differences between the Western Archipelago and the rest of the Magus World.

Being able to clear one’s name indeed held more promise than remaining a black mage.

Apart from those who were inherently vicious, the identity of a normal mage was more fitting for those seeking to unravel the mysteries of truths.

“Why don’t you come with me after this? I can recommend you and Faye to the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring,” Sein suggested.

Faye’s expression brightened at the prospect.

Zorro appeared visibly tempted but ultimately sighed and replied, “Forget it. I’ve adapted to surviving in Blackhaven. Take Faye with you instead.”

“Someone needs to stay here to oversee Master Morsidor’s legacy and settle some unresolved grudges,” Zorro said gruffly.

His serious tone caused Sein’s expression to darken too.

“You’re talking about Daelis, aren’t you?” Sein asked.

At that moment, a loud crack echoed through the room as a corner of the stone table shattered.

Under the surge of Zorro’s unrestrained mana, various items around them began to levitate.