Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 423: Opportunity

Adam stood in front of the entrance to Professor Whitakerʼs office, his mind whirling as he thought about how he had messed up this time to be called into the professorʼs office again.

No, seriously what the hell did I even do? I havenʼt visited the spirit world ever since establishing the contract with Yavia.

I have been attending classes on time, and havenʼt missed a single one since I came here. So why did she call me? Damn it, what did I do?

Wait a minute! Did she find out that I overpriced that woman from the Flynn Family? No, that shouldnʼt be possible… or could it—

His thoughts came to an abrupt halt when an aged voice came from behind the door.

”Magus Constantine, stop dawdling around and come inside!”

”Y-Yes, maʼam.” Adamʼs body jolted ever so slightly as he pressed his hand against the intricate lion-shaped knocker and slowly pushed the door open.

Inside, he saw the old professor sitting at her large wooden desk and going through some documents. ”Come sit,” she said while reading the papers.

”Yes.” Adam nodded as he silently closed the door behind him.

He walked up to the professorʼs desk and took a seat; he didnʼt initiate the conversation, instead, he patiently waited for her to finish her work.

From time to time, he secretly glanced at her and thought to himself, Hmm, she doesnʼt seem mad. Perhaps, Iʼm not in trouble? I sure hope so.

A few minutes later, after having signed a few documents, Professor Whitaker put away her quill and glanced at the youth through her frame-less eyeglasses.

”So how are classes going?” She asked.

”Theyʼre alright, Professor. Iʼve been attending all my classes on time,” said Adam in a slightly stiff tone.

”But Iʼve heard from my fellow faculty members that you donʼt seem to be attentive in class. Are you not sleeping at night?” The old professor asked with a slight frown.

”Nothing like that.” Adam shook his head. ”Although I practice herbalism late into the night, I make sure to get a sufficient amount of sleep.”

”Hmm.” Professor Whitaker interlocked her fingers and rested her chin on them. ”Then why the inattentiveness?”

Adam resisted the urge to roll his eyes, thinking to himself, Thatʼs because I already know all the things theyʼre teaching!

Thanks to the memories that he had absorbed, Adam had deep knowledge about the arcane arts. This resulted in him feeling bored most of the time when he attended classes.

”Haha, professor, I donʼt find theoretical knowledge that interesting,” Adam laughed awkwardly. ”Truth be told, I find myself drawn more toward the practical side of magic.”

”Hmm.” Professor Whitaker nodded as she deeply gazed at Adam. ”There are magi who prefer theory, dedicating their lives to research and studies. Similarly, some magi find the practical aspect more endearing.”

She paused for a moment before continuing with a solemn tone, ”However, as a magus, you must find the balance between the two. Both are intricately connected, but Iʼm sure you already know that.”

Adam remained silent for a few moments before nodding. ”I understand.”

Professor Whitakerʼs emerald eyes twinkled with wisdom and she spoke in a gentle tone, ”Always remember, magic isnʼt something that can ever truly be mastered. Its practice is something that we deepen and strive to perfect a little better every time we engage in it.”

Adam was momentarily stunned by the old professorʼs words. It would seem that he had allowed his arrogance to cloud his judgment.

This arrogance stemmed from the fact that he had inherited the memories of expert magi that used to rule innumerable planets in the vast universe.

It took a few moments for him to digest the weight of Professor Whitakerʼs words. His lips curled up into a wry smile, ”Youʼre right, Professor. It seems that I have been presumptuous in my approach to studying here.”

Professor Whitaker was very gratified that the youth before her was welcoming to accept his own flaws. But what he said after truly surprised her.

”The practice you speak of is like the Way itself - infinite and boundless. True mastery lies in the acceptance that there is always more to learn.”

”Magus Constantine, you…” the old professor was momentarily speechless. ”You seem to be quite well-versed in the philosophy of the Way.”

Adam smiled, ”Yes, Iʼve had good teachers.”

”Itʼs good that you think this way,” Professor Whitaker smiled warmly. She then asked, ”How is your advancement coming along?”

Adam shook his head in a disappointed manner. ”I feel like thereʼs barely any progress.”

”You mustnʼt be hasty,” the old lady warned. ”In the Mana Liquefaction Rank, the energy inside our bodies is in a gaseous and disorderly state.

”Patience and dedication are the only tools you require to convert the mana into a liquid state and gather it in your core. Even the most talented of magi would take decades to advance to the next rank.”

”I guess youʼre right.”

”How long has it been since you advanced?” Professor Whitaker asked.

”A little more than two and a half years,” Adam replied after some thought.

”I see…” The old professor muttered softly.

Sometimes I forget that he advanced to Rank 2 when he was merely twenty years old. It is truly astonishing! She thought to herself.

Suddenly, another realization dawned on her. Perhaps this boy advanced so rapidly because of his understanding of the Way… Hmm, this is very likely.

”Professor, may I ask why you called me?” Adam asked respectfully.

Professor Whitaker snapped out of her thoughts and smiled. ”I have an opportunity for you, one that could help you in your progress toward Rank 3.”

Adamʼs eyes lit up. ”Really?! What is it?”

The old professor grabbed a few sheets of parchment paper on the desk and replied, ”When we find ourselves entangled in complexity and struggling to progress, it is wise to return to the basics.”

She handed the papers to the youth and continued, ”In the simplicity of the basics, we rediscover purpose and clarity.”

Adam expectantly reached out for the documents, hoping they would contain some mysterious arcane knowledge that would help him on his path as a magus.

However, when he read the contents of the papers, his expression gradually crumbled. He then glanced at the old professor and saw that she was looking at him with an amused smile.

”You canʼt be serious!” He exclaimed.

”Oh, but I am,” Professor Whitaker chuckled.

Adam had a dumbfounded look on his face as he said, ”You…

”You want me to take in students?!”