Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Hearing those words, Kaspar thought nothing much of it. He simply figured that the elf was curious about the happenings of the Europa Continent.

The elderly Magus took a sip of wine, his expression turning slightly grim. ”Hmm, where should I begin…”

He paused for a moment, thinking of the right words to say, then finally began, ”It may be unknown to most Magi in this continent, but Europa is actually divided by deep political rifts, long-standing rivalries, and competing ideologies.”

It was normal for most Mana Vortex Magi of Ulier to not know about the happenings in Europa, and vice versa.

After all, the distance between them was simply too vast. Perhaps, only the Mana Core Magi of each continent would be up to date on the going-on of what was happening everywhere in Tron.

They needed to. After all, they were the peak of strength and magic in this world. It would be unwise of them to now be privy to the current affairs of the different continents.

”Currently, the geopolitical climate is dominated by the ongoing power struggles between the Haynam Empire and the Sovereign Union,” he added in a solemn voice.

”The Sovereign Union?” Marcella asked with an arched eyebrow. ”From what I know about Europa, I was under the impression that it was under the unified rule of the Haynam Empire.”

Kaspar York revealed a wry smile. ”My Lady, that is what Haynam’s propaganda camps would have the world believe.”

He paused, sighing heavily. ”And it would appear they have succeeded for the most part.”

Elrod Firvele displayed a curious look on his face, but inwardly, he already knew about this political rift.

The Twilight Brotherhood had its headquarters in Europa, after all. It had been operating out of there for a couple of thousand years.

Therefore, as a Warden of the Brotherhood, he naturally knew more about the current affairs of Europa than most Mana Vortex Magi in Ulier.

He also knew one other thing that Kaspar York didn’t…

The Haynam Empire was being secretly supported by the Cult of Bones!

While the Sovereign Union was being backed by the Twilight Brotherhood!

The proxy wars going on in Europa were on a far bigger scale than what was currently happening in Ulier.

”I’m sure the rest of you have heard of the Haynam Empire, yes?” Kaspar asked, taking another sip from the goblet.

Edwin Turner nodded.

Elrod, on the other hand, laughed awkwardly, ”Ah, forgive my ignorance. I spend most of my time secluded in Baja. I’m afraid I don’t know much about the geopolitics of the Acadian Empire, let alone the factions in Europa.”

Kaspar York nodded in understanding. Most of the elves he knew were reclusive in nature. It came as no surprise to him that Elrod would also be the same.

But little did he know…

”It is a centralized empire ruled by a single imperial bloodline, House Haynam,” Kaspar began, his tone calm but steady.

Yet the flicker of indignation gleaming in his eyes belied his composure.

”The Haynam Empire exerts control over several subordinate kingdoms, duchies, and provinces. Though these vassal states retain a degree of autonomy, they all ultimately bow to the authority of their Emperor.”

It was similar to the Acadian Empire, except there were no kingdoms here. There were duchies, counties, baronies, and city-states.

”How is the Empire like?” Elrod asked ’curiously’.

Kaspar couldn’t help but blatantly sneer. ”Repulsive!” he spat.

A moment later, he tried to compose himself and continued, ”They have a militaristic and hierarchical structure. Those bastards constantly seek to expand the Empire’s borders, believing it to be their imperial destiny and whatnot.”

It seemed that there was a decent amount of alcohol in the old man’s system. Because he wasn’t bothering to hide his utter hatred and contempt for the Haynam Empire.

He took another sip, no, a mouthful of wine, and continued, his voice dripping with disdain, ”Unity through strength is what those vile Magi claim. They believe Europa must be ruled under one banner to avoid chaos and disunity, but what about the destruction they’ve caused for their goal?”

Thinking of that incident that happened more than twenty years ago in Ignisra, he couldn’t help but curse under his breath. ”Damn those bastards! I truly hope they rot in Hell… every last one of them!”

Edwin and Marcella glanced at each other with slight awkwardness. They figured that their new friend must truly loathe the Haynam Empire.

The former poured the man another glass of wine and said, ”Come now, Magus York. Let’s talk about something else. You mentioned the Sovereign Union. I reckon Ignisra Kingdom to be a part of it?”

”Indeed.” Kaspar’s mood lifted a little as he drank some more wine.

Glancing at the deep crimson liquid inside the goblet, he couldn’t help but sincerely praise, ”I must say… This is the best wine I’ve tasted in my life! Even the most renowned liquors from the Union pale in comparison.”

Taking another sip from the goblet, he continued, ”Anyway! The Sovereign Union, on the other hand, is a coalition of independent kingdoms and principalities that have banded together for mutual defence and prosperity.

”While each kingdom maintains its own ruler and government, decisions on broader issues like war, trade, are diplomacy are made by the Sovereign Council. And yes, the Ignisra Kingdom is a member of the Union.”

Kaspar glanced at the wine in his goblet as he swirled it. He then muttered, his voice barely a whisper, ”We believe in freedom, sovereignty, and cooperation. But the Haynam Empire…”

He couldn’t help but sneer. ”Their Emperor is a cruel tyrant seeking to snuff out our independence and impose an archaic order.”

Kaspar’s expression gradually turned somber. ”This rivalry between us and them… it predates my birth, and I fear it will long outlive me. So many lives… mortals, Magi, innocents… lost to a cause neither side is willing to abandon.”

He paused, leaning back in his chair and gazing at the twin moons. ”Sometimes, I wonder… is there truly an end to this bloodshed? Or are we merely caught in an endless cycle, doomed to repeat the past?”

The tyrant of the Haynam Empire was a fearsome Magus, unrivaled in power and cruelty.

None had ever bested him.

Perhaps…

Only another tyrant could.