Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 1510 Nilrem and Kenny

City Watch Office, Trade Ward.

This office stood close to the East Gate, one of the four great arteries through which the city breathed.

The building itself was sturdy and utilitarian, built more for function. Inside, the place was never quiet. Magi coming off night duty, filling reports, fresh shifts gearing up near the weapon racks, clerks hunched over ledgers tracking patrol routes, gate tolls, and incidents.

Even at odd hours, the place remained alive. Especially now, given that the Sovereign Conclave was only months away. Security was tight throughout the city, and the city watch constantly worked overtime to ensure stability within the city walls.

Lebu moved across the bustling floor, heading straight for the underground level. His destination was the room where detailed records of every outsider who entered Springdale were kept.

Only a few hours earlier, he had realized something that set his heart churning. Memories of the dusk-skinned youth resurfaced in his mind, and he couldnʼt shake the need to uncover the truth.

How does he have that?! He thought to himself, his expression a mix of solemnity and confusion.

Is this... a coincidence? No, thatʼs not possible!

Itʼs too good to be a coincidence!

The same hat? The same feather?

I need to get to the bottom of this!

He arrived before the room and perfunctorily knocked on the door before promptly entering. ”Liam, I need to see the records of everyone who came into the city this past week,” he said quickly.

The officer in charge, Liam, was busy eating behind his desk when Lebu suddenly barged in. ”Magus Potts, is... everything alright?” ”The records,” Lebu said solemnly. ”Now.”

The officer gulped. ”Yes, sir.”

It wasnʼt long before Lebu found himself seated at a desk piled high with stacks of papers. If he went through these reports one by one, it would definitely take him more than a day.

But he didnʼt care.

He had to figure out the relationship between Nilrem and Kenny! ***

Ignisra Kingdom Embassy, High Ward.

Nilrem and Marlow sat across from one another in a lavish tea room within the manor. Sunlight streamed in through tall, arched windows, spilling across the marble floors and low tables.

Marlow sat gracefully, one hand resting on the arm of the chair as he lifted the porcelain cup to his lips. Although he appeared calm and collected on the outside, he was, in fact, slightly anxious.

Nilrem, by contrast, reclined comfortably in his seat. He held a crystal goblet brimming with dark red wine, drinking freely despite the early hour. And he did so without the slightest hint of shame.

Behind Marlow stood Gillian, silently judging the old man. He thought to himself, How is he so strong if heʼs drunk all the time? Can he even cast spells with all that intoxication clouding his mind? ”I have a high tolerance, young man.” Nilrem suddenly looked at Gillian, displaying a taunting smirk.

Gillianʼs face turned pale. ”My Lord, you... you can read minds?!” ”No,” Nilrem said with a mischievous grin. ”But I can read faces.”

Is this old man serious? Gillian didnʼt know whether to laugh or cry. Marlow cleared his throat, then respectfully said. ”Is it... safe to speak freely here?”

Nilrem arched an eyebrow. He then nodded. ”Sure,” he said casually as he weaved a simple hand seal and formed a barrier around the three. ”Go ahead.” ”My Lord, I have many questions to ask,” said the Prince as he set the cup on the table. ”Must you really refer to me as ʼMy Lord”?” Nilrem rolled his eyes. ”Just call me Nilrem.” ”No, that makes me uncomfortable.” Marlow smiled awkwardly.

The elderly man sighed, waving his hand. ”Fine, fine. Go ahead, ask whatʼs on your mind.”

Marlow gulped subconsciously. He took a slow breath, then asked, ”Why is someone like you pretending to be a Mana Vortex Magus? I mean... donʼt you find it beneath yourself? Youʼre an illustrious Mana Core Magus!”

Hearing his question, Nilrem showed a faint smile. ”My friend,” he said calmly. ”What you believe to be the end is only just the beginning. Most Mana Core Magi in this world act high and mighty, convinced theyʼve mastered all that there is to the mysteries of arcana. But I know a greater truth, and because of that, I remain humble.”

Gillian couldnʼt understand most of Nilremʼs words. But when Marlow heard his answer, he couldnʼt help but frown. ”Just the beginning?” he murmured. ”Do you mean to say...” ”Donʼt think too much of it now,” said the old Magus. ”When youʼve become a Mana Core Magus, youʼll naturally learn of it. Never let your power make you arrogant. Strength without humility binds you. Be respectful of the mysteries, and humble before what you do not understand. This is the Way.” ”The Way...” Marlow mumbled in a daze.

He had heard about this esoteric term from Magus Bunosilo while the latter helped his father to advance to the Mana Core Rank. But other than that, he knew nothing about it.

There was so much he wanted to talk to Nilrem about. After all, how often does one get the opportunity to spend time and chat with such a powerful and experienced Magus?

He wanted to talk about the arcane arts, about his life, and about the strange feeling the man stirred in him that made him wonder if the two had ever crossed paths before. ”My Lord, do you have anything important planned for the rest of the day?” he asked respectfully. ”Important?” Nilrem curled his mustache. ”I was thinking of visiting different taverns and enjoying some liquor. Other than that... not really.”

Thatʼs what you consider important? Marlow and Gillian were dumbfounded. ”Will you be open to spending the rest of the day here at the embassy?” Marlow asked, his ruby eyes flashing with hope. ”I was hoping to-” ”Cast away that formal behavior,” Nilrem interrupted him. ”What did I tell you about treating me like a friend?”

Marlow was speechless for a moment. But then he smiled. ”Youʼre right,” he said. ”Magus Nilrem, how about spending the rest of the day at the embassy?”

The old man smirked and said: ”Only if the wine keeps flowing” ***

Back in the city watch office, Lebu finally found the report he was looking for.

His heart beat with anxiety and anticipation as he traced his finger along the document. ”High-priority individual... Magus Nilrem... subject entered earlier today through the eastern gates. Behaviorally, the subject is eccentric and unpredictable... claims to be personally acquainted with highly influential figures, including the royal family of Ignisra...”

Lebu continued reading the report with rapt attention. At last, he arrived at the section that detailed Nilremʼs interrogation conducted by the captain of the city watch. Lebu gulped subconsciously and continued to read: ”Subject explained that he had planned to come to Springdale immediately after leaving Amberfall, but he had lost his way in the Sea of Green for an extended period. During that time, he claims to have injured by fighting powerful beasts and orcs.”

He paused, letting out a shaky breath. When Lebu read the following report, his eyes widened in disbelief. ”Subject claims that, if not for the... family of hunters who had taken him in and nursed him back to health... he might not have survived at all!”