Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

As Adam lowered himself into the steaming waters, a deceptive warmth first greeted his skin.

But it was short-lived.

Within seconds, the multi-colored liquid began to seep through every pore, unnaturally fast and deliberate as if it were truly alive and searching for weakness in Adam’s frail and injured body.

A burning sensation spread across the youth’s body like wildfire.

First came the itching beneath the flesh, as if invisible thorns were wriggling underneath his skin.

Then, it escalated.

It was a sensation of sizzling pain, like molten iron being poured straight into his veins. Adam’s back arched involuntarily, and his fingernails dug into the edges of the ceramic tub.

He screamed until his throat gave out, and even then his body continued to writhe in absolute pain and agony. His breathing became ragged, and every exhale was a gasp for sanity.

Outside, Valerian had an extremely concerned look on his face when he saw his brother enduring such unimaginable pain.

However, he wasn’t all that worried as he had seen Adam do this a few times before.

The young dragon knew that although Adam was going through such intense pain right now, the results would be equally rewarding. It would be something that would greatly help his big brother in the long run.

The Joker, on the other hand, intially found the entire thing very amusing. He liked seeing others desperately fight for their survival—he had a sadistic nature, after all.

But soon, his amused smile faltered, and he couldn’t help but stare at the youth with slight surprise.

He, more than anyone else, knew the value of the ingredients that he had given to Adam. As such, he also knew what would happen to a person if they directly came in contact with a potent solution made from said ingredients.

The fact that Adam could endure so much while still remaining conscious was a testament to his sheer willpower.

I see…

The Joker’s eyebrows gradually straightened out as he finally realized something about Adam. It was something that set him apart from his peers.

It wasn’t his strength.

It wasn’t his intellect.

It wasn’t his talent for the arcane arts, nor his grasp of the deeper mysteries of the Way.

No, it was none of that.

What truly set Adam apart was his perseverance!

…

Inside the ceramic tub, Adam’s agony increased with every moment that passed. Despite it all, he remained awake and continued to revolve the Astral Tyrant Manual.

His muscles twitched violently as the wyvern powder bound to his tendons and sinew, reinforcing each fiber with unbearable tightness.

Stretching. Tearing. Reforging.

The simurgh ashes ignited within, scorching away damaged cells and rot. It was like drinking fire through the skin. Adam felt like an inferno in his chest that climbed towards his throat and skull.

His bones creaked and snapped as the mandrake heart and wyvern bone essence reshaped their density, not enough to break, but enough to draw blood-curdling screams.

There were instances when Adam was on the verge of losing consciousness, the pain was far too much to bear. But he persevered nonetheless.

Then, came the worst part…

The blood orchid extract and the moonwater dew reached his vital organs. His heart pounded as though it were being squeezed and released by a cruel hand.

His lungs felt like they were filled with smoke. His liver pulsed, bloating and glowing, detoxifying decades of filth in seconds.

For a brief moment, Adam felt like dying. Blood streamed down his face, and he felt like he had had enough.

No… No more…

The thought of giving up surfaced in his mind. But the very next moment, he vanquished that thought.

PERSEVERE!

He screamed inwardly.

From the memories and experiences of the experts he had absorbed, he knew something that most didn’t.

These Magi, who had reached tremendous heights in their arcane path, taught him something very valuable.

Mediocrity offered safety. But excellence demanded courage!

So how could he give up in the face of such meagre pain? Compared to his grand aspirations, this much pain was nothing.

Persevere! Persevere! Persevere!

Adam grit his teeth and continued to endure the pain, while at the same time proactively revolving the Astral Tyrant Manual, ensuring his body advanced optimally.

After a long period of time, like a sudden sunrise after a long, dark night, the pain began to fade. Adam’s body temperature cooled down, and his breathing became smoother.

Every heartbeat now resonated with renewed vigor. Strength flooded his limbs, and raw power coursed through his veins.

His body was not just healed, it was reforged!

The medicinal liquid in the ceramic tub had completely vanished, all of it thoroughly absorbed by Adam.

As the steam parted and he slowly rose from the tub, the changes became unmistakably clear.

He now stood an inch taller, his spine lengthened, and his posture naturally upright, as though the very structure of his bones had been extended and refined.

Adam had a vague feeling that this was the optimal height, and that no matter how many more times he advanced, it would remain the same.

The Astral Tyrant Manual had refined his height to its ideal form—just under 2.2 meters, perfectly proportioned to his build.

A small smile formed on Adam’s lips as he clenched his fists. ”Worth it,” he softly muttered.

His once-lean frame had become chiselled, every muscle taut with defined power.

Not bulky, but sharp. Sculpted and coiled like a predator ready to strike!

His skin, once riddled with deep scars, had turned flawless, yet also firm like polished steel. Smooth to the eye, but dense and durable beneath.

Adam’s face had transformed, losing its boyish softness. The jawline had become sharp and angular, cheekbones subtly raised, and his eyes seemed deeper than ever.

Every feature was sharpened. He now had the face of a warrior touched by the divine.

His hair and beard had thickened and darkened. Even his nails and teeth had subtly strengthened, carrying a glint of resilience.

The Astral Tyrant Manual… is truly something! He thought to himself as he noticed the changes in his body.

I’ve completed the bones and organs stage in one go! Now, all that remains is the neural stage.

”That is quite the transformation, lad.” The Joker’s voice drifted into his ears.

Adam conjured a silk white robe from his earrings and covered his bare body. He turned around to see the Joker carrying Valerian in his arms and approaching him.

The youth revealed a faint smile, ”I’ve been fortunate enough to come across a magnificent physique enhancement technique during my travels.”

”You sure do come across a lot of inheritances in your travels,” said the Joker, his tone laced with suspicion and mockery.

His expression displayed boredom, and he added, ”Alright, since it’s over, you should get lost now.”

He paused for a moment before recalling something and adding, ”Ah, yes! Return those golem cores before you leave.”

”Sir Joker, please listen to what I have to say.” Adam displayed a fawning smile, his eyes gleaming with a shady glint.

The Joker’s eyes narrowed. He didn’t like that look on the youth’s face. ”What do you want now?” he asked, his voice low and sharp.

Adam rubbed his palms together, a sly smile creeping across his lips. ”I have a proposition for you.”