Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 698: Noble Leash

The man standing before him was a lanky fellow with a slightly hunched back. He had long disheveled hair that had already started graying at the roots.

Dark circles dominated the area under his eyes, and he wore round crystal glasses that highlighted them even more. His cheeks were sunken and he looked very haggard.

Despite his outward unkempt appearance, the man was undoubtedly a Rank 3 - Mana Vortex Magus!

What shocked Adam was the fact that unlike the other members of the Benton Family, who looked like sturdy and domineering warriors, this man before him was the exact opposite.

He approached Adam and smiled timidly, ”Greetings, Count Constantine, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

Adam snapped out of his shock and placed a hand on his chest as he bowed, ”Lord Benton, the pleasure is all mine.”

Marden Benton, the youngest son of Sabrina Benton, was considered the black sheep of the family. Despite being a Magus of the Mana Vortex Rank, the man was very meek and reserved.

Unlike the other members of the Benton family who diligently worked towards furthering their martial prowess, Marden chose to be a scholar instead, burying himself in academia and arcane research.

However, despite Mardenʼs shortcomings, no one in the Benton family looked down on him or behaved harshly toward him.

This wasnʼt because he was Sabrina Bentonʼs son, but because he was a very kind man. He was considerate and welcoming to not just his fellow Magi, but also toward mortals.

”It… It is quite the feat you have accomplished, Lord Constantine,” said Marden with a slight stutter. ”I-I have never heard of a Magus besting another one entire realm above them. I must say, you… you are truly a genius.”

Adam smiled modestly, ”My Lord, I simply got lucky.”

Marden Benton deeply looked at the youth, his eyes shining with a keen light, ”You took out fourteen Magi before you dealt with the Rank 3 Magus.

”I have seen their corpses—studied their corpses. It would appear that they were under the effects of a gravity spell. Fascinating, very fascinating!”

He paused for a moment before speaking in a cryptic manner, ”As for the Rank 3 Magus, I studied his corpse as well, Lord Constantine. Strangely enough, his soul showed traces of... hijacking—for lack of a better term—just like the fourteen Rank 2 Magi before him.”

Adamʼs eyes narrowed and he thought to himself with slight shock, This guy… heʼs quite observant! He was even able to tell that the corpseʼs soul was forcefully taken?

”Lord Benton, I suspect that is because of thier dealings with the evil entity,” said he.

”Oh?” Mardenʼs eyes lit up. ”Are you saying that they might have struck some sort of deal with this evil entity? Perhaps power in exchange for thier souls upon death? Or something similar.”

”…Something like that.” Adam nodded.

”I see.” Marden stroked his chin in wonder. ”Interesting! Very interesting!”

The next moment, he looked up at Adam and spoke with eagerness, ”I have read your research paper about the spirit world and the anchoring network one can create to facilitate teleportation. I must say, it is quite ingenious!”

”You have?” Adam was pleasantly surprised.

”Yes!” Marden showed a bright smile. ”I am an alumni of Saratoga, you see. As such, I have access to all research papers published by the students there.”

He paused for a moment before speaking eagerly, ”Lord Constantine, if… if you have time in the future, I wonder if you would like to sit with me and discuss the intricacies of the spirit world?”

”It would be my pleasure!” Adam bowed lightly.

”Splendid!”

The pair spoke for a few more minutes before Marden Benton decided to leave the gathering and return to his quarters. Socializing was not his forte.

Adam too wanted to leave this place, but he couldnʼt. This feast was held in his name, after all.

After what felt like forever, he finally finished greeting all the guests that had arrived at the event, as well as all the Benton family members. Needless to say, he was quite surprised by the large number of people in this family.

Finally, he walked up to Sabrina Benton, who seemed to be discussing something with the city officials.

Seeing him approach, she dismissed them, telling them to come later. She smiled faintly and greeted the youth, ”Count Constantine, how do you like the feast?”

Adam respectfully bowed. ”Thank you, Lord Marshall, for hosting this event.”

He then looked at her and asked in slight confusion, ”Although, Iʼm not sure why you would go so far. Truth be told, I didnʼt even expect to receive the nobility title.”

The smile on Sabrinaʼs face deepened. ”Walk with me,” she said as she proceeded to exit the grand hall.

Adam could only follow behind her. The pair left the hall, walked through the corridors of the enormous mansion, and finally arrived at the sprawling backyard.

As they walked through the well-maintained pavements, surrounded by lush vegetation on all sides, Sabrina began, ”Truth be told, giving you the Count title was the least I could do, considering your achievements.”

”Then what about the position of the Lord Commander of the Black Legion?” Adam asked with an inquisitive gaze.

Sabrina Benton ignored his question and asked a question of her own, ”Count Constantine, where does your allegiance lie?”

Adam frowned. ”Iʼm afraid Iʼm not sure what you mean.”

Sabrina gave the youth a knowing smile, but her eyes remained sharp. ”Youʼre a difficult man to read, Adam. You move in the shadows, yet stand in the light. You rise swiftly, but not without purpose.”

She paused for a moment, her smile turning cold. ”It makes one wonder… Is it Ravenfell you serve? Or Saratoga Castle? Or something else entirely.”

Adamʼs expression remained neutral, but inside his heart sank.

I see… So sheʼs suspecting me, eh? No wonder I was made the Lord Commander!

Sabrina Benton exhaled softly, looking into the clouds drifting in the distant sky, ”I am not blind, and I believe you are not stupid. You were give these titles not just as a reward, but as a leash.”

She then turned her attention towards Adam, meeting his gaze, ”Tell me, Count of Ravenfell, If I were to pull on that leash, what would happen?”