Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Adam’s brows furrowed a little. He expanded his Sphere of Resonance, enveloping the approaching figures in its invisible web.

A moment later, his expression eased, and he retracted the Sphere of Resonance.

”They’re from Ravenfell, Val,” he said, shifting his attention back to the book in his hand.

He knew he’d get very busy from now on, so he wanted to finish studying everything he could about ritual magic while he still had time.

Or at least, that was his current goal.

Who knew what would happen in the days leading up to the tournament? Or during the tournament? Or perhaps… even after the tournament.

No one knew what tomorrow would bring.

So why not finish all the work while peace still lingered?

Hearing his brother’s words, Valerian, too, calmed down. He thought he was going to have to fight another aerial battle.

Truth be told… he was quite looking forward to it.

Bored, he continued to fly ahead, and within a minute, he finally closed the distance and arrived right before the figures clad in armor, proudly displaing the sigil of Ravenfell.

All three of Mana Liquefaction Magi were mounted on enormous ravens, their dark eyes gleaming with intelligence.

The one in the middle nudged his mount to fly a little further. Now, levitating only a few meters away from Valerian, the man was able to get a clear view of the terrifying and majestic flying beast.

A black-winged panther? The Magus’s heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Being a resident of Ravenfell, he naturally knew all the important things about the Dark King—one of them being, he had a cat familiar who could transform into an enormous winged panther!

It can’t be!

He thought incredulously, Is this really the Dark King?!!

The man craned his neck, trying to get a better view of the rider sprawled leisurely on Valerian’s back.

But from his angle, all he could see was a figure dressed in black, right leg crossed over left knee, calmly reading a book.

No way…

He’s dressed in all black, too!

Could it really be?!

The guard’s mind was a mess. While the two other remaining guards also slowly started to realize what was happening when they glimpsed the majestic, flying black panther.

Valerian grew frustrated. These people were neither communicating with him nor allowing him to pass.

All they did was gawk at his supreme majesty.

”Hmph! You dare to block the Great Valerian’s path?” He snapped, his tone arrogant. ”You mongrels must be tired of living!”

The three Magi were taken aback. They exchanged awkward glances with each other.

Were they hearing things?

Why was this Mana Foundation creature speaking so arrogantly?

Where does his confidence come from?

The one in the lead cleared his throat and solemnly stated, ”You cannot fly beyond this checkpoint. You must travel by land. And…”

He paused for a moment as nervousness gripped his heart, ”My Lord, please… state your identity.”

The three Magi truly hoped that it was the Dark King.

Not just them, but the whole of Ravenfell was awaiting his arrival!

After all, he had been the one to lead their armed forces to victory in the Blackshore Incident.

He was the pride of Ravenfell!

He was the hero of Ravenfell!

So, how could these people not be eager to see him?

Valerian wanted to angrily retort, but seeing as how the Magi were trying to look past him and identify the person on his back with hopeful eyes, he reconsidered.

”Brother, can you show your face or something?” He turned his head around and whispered, allowing the wind to carry his words.

”What is it, Val?” Adam put away the book and sat up. He turned around and looked at the three Magi in armor, riding giant ravens.

”Is something the matter, gentlemen?” He asked, brows slightly raised.

When the Magi laid their eyes on him, they trembled. Although Adam looked slightly different with the stubble on his chin, he was unmistakably the Dark King!

Every Magus working for the city’s security forces had seen his portrait, after all.

Recognition was immediate.

So the moment the Magus at the forefront confirmed Adam’s identity, he hurriedly turned around and barked out orders with urgency.

”You! Fly to Council Keep and inform the Lord Marshall of the Dark King’s return this instance!”

Then, he turned to the other guard and continued, ”And you! Head to Saratoga Castle and inform Professor Whitaker of the same. Quick! Quick!”

”Yes, sir!”

The two Magi thumped their armor with their fists. They cast a secret glance at Adam mounted atop Valerian’s back and then turned around, flying into the distance and soon vanishing.

Seeing the interaction between the three, Adam was utterly confused. He couldn’t help but ask, ”What’s going on?”

”My Lord, the Lord Marshall and Professor Whitaker have given us strict instructions to inform them of your arrival,” the Magus respectfully answered, his eyes flashing with excitement.

Adam’s lips twitched. ”Are you serious?”

He was dazed for a few moments, wondering what these old ladies wanted from him. In the end, he sighed, ”Alright, step aside now.”

The Magus gulped loudly. ”M-my Lord, I’m afraid… I c-cannot do that!”

Adam’s eyes narrowed. ”So you’re not going to let me through?”

The Magus’s entire body trembled. The Dark King’s simple gaze seemed to have hurled a thousand needles at him, piercing every part of his body and freezing him in place.

”Y-your arrival must be grand, my lord!” the Magus blurted out. ”You are the Dark King! Your homecoming has to be a grand celebration! The Lord Marshall has instructed me to accommodate you until everything is ready. My Lord, please… please be understanding!”

”My homecoming?” Adam was even more perplexed. ”A grand celebration?”

”Y-yes, my lord!”

Although Adam thought it was a waste of time and money, somewhere deep down in his heart, he was quite looking forward to it.

”...Alright then.” He nodded. ”So, where am I staying until all the preparations are complete? And how long is it going to take? The preparations, I mean.”

The Magus breathed a sigh of relief. He truly did not know what he would have done if the Dark King hadn’t complied with the Lord Marshall’s instructions.

”My Lord, please follow me,” said the man humbly. ”Your quarters have already been prepared in advance in the border outpost.”

He paused for a moment before answering the second question, ”And I’m sure the preparations shouldn’t take more than a day. That is to say, your homecoming celebration should begin as early as tomorrow!”

”Very well.” Adam gave a small smile. ”Lead the way.”

As he and Valerian descended towards the outpost, less than a hundred miles from Ravenfell, rumors exploded like wildfire.

Through alleyways, taverns, inns, and market stalls...

The Dark King had returned!