Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 1599 Old Friends

News of the Deceitful Oneʼs return to Ravenfell spread quickly across the surrounding lands.

Messengers carried the report from town to town. Merchants repeated the rumors in marketplaces. Travelers brought the story along every road and trade route that led toward the city.

Before long, people throughout the region were speaking of the same thing... Adam Constantine had returned to Ravenfell.

The name alone was enough to stir strong reactions. Some spoke of him with anger. Others with curiosity. A few with lingering disbelief that the man who had once shaken the continent had actually come back.

Then another announcement followed.

A public hearing would be held in Ravenfell. Adam Constantine would stand before the people and answer for his actions during the Battle of Ravenfell.

That single declaration spread like wildfire,

Across villages, towns, and distant cities, people decided they wanted to witness the event with their own eyes. Caravans altered their routes, travelers set out earlier than planned, and crowds began moving toward the roads that led to Ravenfell.

Some came to hear a traitor defend himself.

While others came hoping to see justice delivered.

And some simply came because moments like this rarely happened in a lifetime.

As the days passed, the roads leading to Ravenfell grew more and more crowded than they had been in years.

People packed the roads from morning until late at night. Travelers from distant towns mixed with the cityʼs residents, filling the markets, plazas, and narrow stone streets. Carts struggled to pass through the throngs, and the steady chatter of thousands of voices constantly hung over the city.

Every tavern and inn was overflowing with customers. Wooden doors stood open as laughter, arguments, and heated discussions spilled out in the streets.

Rooms had long since been filled, and many travelers had no choice but to sleep in common halls or stable lofts.

Through the crowd walked a towering man in a hooded white cloak.

He moved calmly through the busy streets, his gaze shifting from one side to the other as he observed the swelling masses.

Ravenfell had changed since the last time he visited, which was the Grand Magus Tournament.

The gothic-styled buildings still dominated the skyline, tall stone structures with narrow windows, pointed arches, and dark rooftops rising one after another.

But the city felt harder now. Stronger. New fortifications had been built along key avenues, and reinforced watchtowers stood at several intersections.

The scars of the old battle had not been forgotten. Instead, the city had rebuilt itself with defense in mind.

As the cloaked man passed through the streets, fragments of conversation reached his ears. ”They say the Deceitful One will stand before the whole city next week.” ”About time he answered for Ravenfell.” ”I just want to hear what he has to say before they condemn him.”

Most voices carried the same tone. People had come to witness justice. And many of them hoped to see the great traitor finally pay for his crimes.

Hearing their words, the cloaked manʼs fists clenched involuntarily. His piercing blue eyes flashed with intense emotions. But he said nothing.

And just like that, he silently made his way to the Uptown Quarter. ***

Lord Marshallʼs Residence.

The cloaked figure arrived before the towering metal gates.

He noticed that the outer perimeter was heavily guarded by the Magi of the Black Legion. To the casual observer, it looked like a strong defensive presence meant to protect whoever was inside.

But to a knowing gaze, it felt different. It looked less like protection and more like... a prison. ”Halt!” A Mana Vortex Magus stepped forward, hand on the hilt of his sword. ”Identify yourself, Magus.”

The cloaked figure stopped before the man, then casually swept his gaze across the other Magi slowly gathering around him. ”Iʼm here to meet Adam Constantine,” said the cloaked figure.

The Magusʼs eyes flashed with visible disdain. ”Identify yourself.”

Meanwhile, the other Magi of the Black Legion also began displaying open hostility toward the newcomer.

The cloaked figure snorted, then retrieved scroll from his storage artifact. He handed the document to the Magus and waited.

With narrowed eyes, the Mana Vortex Magus unfurled the scroll and then began reading its contents. The document had been signed by none other than the Lord Marshall, and it also stated the identity of the newcomer.

The Magusʼs eyes slowly widened in shock. ”Youʼre-” ”Open the gates,” the newcomer interrupted him.

The Magus gulped visibly. He then glanced at his men behind him and nodded.

Soon, the gates to Ranzenbergʼs manor opened, and under the complicated gazes of the men of the Black Legion, the cloaked figure entered the compound.

He quietly walked through the lush, well-maintained gardens of the lavish manor. Stone paths wound through trimmed edges and flowering shrubs, and the air carried the faint scent of fresh greenery.

Soon, he arrived at a small, man-made pond whose still waters reflected the morning light.

Beneath the shade of a gazebo by the pond sat a raven-haired youth, alone. A cup of wine rested on his hand as he drank slowly, his gaze fixed on the quiet water before him.

The cloaked figure walked toward the gazebo and finally arrived beside Adam. ”I still donʼt understand how you remain sober despite drinking all the time,” he said with a sigh as he slowly lowered the hood of his cloak.

Adamʼs lips curled into a faint smile.

He turned toward the newcomer and met his gaze. His lips parted, and he fondly said: ”Itʼs nice to see you too... fatty.”

Edward grinned from ear to ear. ”I missed you, ya drunk bastard!”

Adam rose to his feet and spread his arms wide. He then tightly embraced his friend and laughed. ”Iʼve missed you too, brother!”

The two old friends shared a heartfelt moment.

Edward clasped Adamʼs shoulders and intently studied him. ”What the hell happened to you? You used to be as tall and muscular as me, but now... and whatʼs with your appearance? Why do you look... pretty?” ”What can I say?” Adam scoffed, shrugging helplessly. ”Forty-five years of suffering, madness, near-death experiences, and cosmic level nonsence apparently did wonders to my complexion.”

He lazily ran a hand through his raven hair. ”Tragic, I know. I was hoping to come back looking rugged and intimidating.”

Adamʼs lips curled into a mischievous smirk. ”Instead, I came back pretty.”

The two glanced at each other for a few moments, and then...

They burst into laughter.

Adam then grabbed his dear friend and forced him to sit beside him. Adopting the tone of a sleazy liqour salesmen, he said: ”Come, come! Iʼve got sake from Yen-Lu and wine from Europa. One sip and youʼll understand what true bliss tastes like!”