Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

In another part of the grand dining hall, a small group of Magi had gathered.

There were fewer than half a dozen of them, each hailing from a different faction participating in the Grand Magus Tournament.

Currently, they were all looking at a peculiar man with great interest and also… mockery.

”Magus Constantine’s research on establishing a teleportation network in specific coordinates in the Spirit World corresponding to our material world is truly fascinating, I tell you!”

The man, who had spoken, was a lanky fellow with a slightly hunched back. He had long disheveled hair that had started graying at the roots. Dark circles dominated his eyes, and he wore round, crystal glasses that highlighted them even more.

It was none other than the youngest son of the Benton Family Matriarch, the Mana Vortex Magus, Marden Benton.

His eyes flashed with fascination as he continued to speak about the intricacies of Adam’s research. ”A true genius! From his research paper, I could tell that he has a deep understanding of the Spirit World. For him to major in the School of Summoning is truly apt…”

While he was excitedly talking about Adam’s research work, he failed to notice the contempt in the eyes of the Magi around him.

Or perhaps, he did notice, but he chose to ignore them anyway.

He had been used to such gazes his entire life, after all.

Marden Benton was considered the black sheep of the family. The Benton Family was known to produce powerful warriors. Even members who weren’t from the direct lineage grew up to become fine Magi who excelled in warfare.

Yet, Marden had always been the odd one out, despite being the Matriarch’s son. His eccentricity was so striking that rumors once spread through the city claiming he was adopted.

Of course, such rumors were baseless.

But why would the public care? It was entertaining to them, gossiping about a scandal involving one of the most powerful Magus families in Ravenfell.

Despite being born with no inclination for warfare or combat, Marden still rose to the rank of Mana Vortex Magus. This was a clear testament to his talent at spell-casting.

But the world chose not to see it that way.

The world mocked him, and his family… well, only a few held any fondness for him, mostly the younger generations of the Benton Family, who appreciated his kind and gentle nature.

Among the Magi present was Slade’s uncle, Alcott Shipley. He was the man who once secretly funded the Velvet Dreams, a notorious establishment in the red light district of Acryon.

There had been several allegations of his involvement in human trafficking, but of course, he got away with all of them. He wielded more than enough power and influence in Acryon to silence any opposition.

Moreover, he was also a renowned professor at the Tower of Daybreak.

Seeing Marden go on and on about the Dark King’s work, Alcott wouldn’t help but sneer inwardly.

He couldn’t believe that someone at the level of the Mana Vortex Rank, like Marden, could be so oblivious to social cues.

On many occasions, the Magi in the group had subtly tried to steer conversation elsewhere, but Marden, too socially inept to pick up on their hints, continued to talk about whatever was on his mind.

A fool like him born to the mighty Benton Family? Alcott thought to himself, his eyes flashing with unmasked disdain.

If he were my son, I would have him exiled from the family and stripped him of our name! That Sabrina is too soft-hearted.

As seconds continued to pass, Marden continued to make the atmosphere more and more awkward. He kept talking about the arcane arts, the Spirit World, School of Enchantment, and all other things that interested him and him only.

But he was mostly talking about Adam’s stellar research work surrounding the School of Summoning.

Having had enough, Alcott gazed at the other Magi in the group and came to a mutual understanding.

”…So that’s why I believe that the School of Summoning has far more potential than any of the—” Marden continued to speak, his eyes full of awe and wonder.

But the very next moment, he was rudely interrupted by Alcott. ”Lord Benton, I noticed that you talk quite a lot about the Dark King.”

Marden’s eyes lit up. ”Yes, yes, of course! He is a splendid Magus and his knowledge in the School of Summoning is profound—”

Once again, he was rudely interrupted.

”Please, refrain from talking so animatedly about the Dark King, Lord Benton,” said Alcott with a sly smirk. He leaned in closer and whispered, ”Otherwise, others might start to think you harbor... rather peculiar feelings for him.”

Marden panicked, ”N-no! That is a lie. I am simply admiring—”

”Oh?” Alcott arched an eyebrow. ”You claim to be the Dark King’s admirer. Perhaps, you truly have... unusual feelings for him.”

This elicited a round of laughter from the group. Alcott took a step forward, causing Marden to involuntarily flinch.

”I wonder what would happen if rumours started circulating about the son of the Lord Marshall having such… unsavory inclinations.”

”T-that is not true!” Marden protested.

Alcott and the rest of the Magi took great pleasure in bullying Marden. In fact, they felt even better knowing that they were belittling someone of higher social standing than them.

He and the rest were about to continue harassing the man when suddenly the shadow of a figure loomed over them.

Alcott and the others immediately stopped talking. They turned around, and when they saw who it was, the color on their faces immediately drained.

Did he hear us?

That was the first thought that echoed in their minds.

A middle-aged man with a clean-shaven face and short hair gazed at the group with narrowed eyes. Just when everyone thought that things would spiral out of control, the man revealed a faint smile.

”Gentlemen, if you don’t mind, I have some business with my brother here.”

”O-of course, Lord Benton.” Alcott couldn’t help but stutter, stepping out of the way.

Then, without waiting for another awkward moment, he bid the man farewell and quickly left along with the rest of the Magi.

Marden looked at the newcomer with a slightly downcast expression. ”Brother… I swear they are lying—”

However, Nash Benton coldly cut him off with a few simple words.

”Let’s talk somewhere else.”

With that said, the eldest son of the Lord Marshall of Ravenfell turned around and walked away.

Meanwhile, Marden hesitated for a few moments before ultimately following behind his elder brother.