Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Adam spent the entire day with Valerian on his shoulders.

This time, he didn’t have to worry about anyone realizing Valerian’s true identity. This time, he did not fear. He did not panic.

They visited several shops in the Trade Borough and ate until they couldn’t breathe. They played hide and seek in the crowded streets. They played many other games in the market. It was so much fun.

Adam would not cry in front of Valerian because he knew how much returning home to his mother and siblings meant to him.

So Adam showed him only smiles and love and laughter.

He told Valerian to behave properly at his ancestral home and listen to what his elders would teach him. He left him with the means to send letters through the spirit world.

And he promised Valerian that he would visit him soon.

That day became one of the most memorable days of Valerian’s life.

As the promised time arrived, Adam and Valerian arrived at a cliffside facing the Sea of Storms, a few kilometers north of Davos.

Venia and Voraxus were already waiting there.

By now, Valerian’s cheerful and happy mood had been replaced by sadness. He tightly held onto Adam’s pinky finger as they walked side by side.

He couldn’t control himself anymore and burst into tears.

”I’m going to miss you, brother.”

”Don’t cry now, you’re a big boy.” Adam gently reprimanded. ”Big boys don’t cry.”

”Mmh!” Valerian forced a straight face, but the tears wouldn’t stop flowing.

He wiped his eyes, but the tears flowed nevertheless.

Adam knelt before him. He wiped Valerian’s tears away. He kissed his cheeks and gently said, ”Be brave, my brother. I promised to meet you in the future, didn’t I?”

”Mm!” Valerian fiercely nodded. He tried to be brave.

Adam smiled warmly and kissed him on the forehead.

He walked him to the Somnia siblings who stood at the edge of the cliff.

Adam and Valerian shared one final hug before the little guy scrambled toward Venia, who then picked him up by the shoulders and gently held him.

Voraxus stepped forward with an awkward smile.

”It’s not much, but…” he said as he passed a rolled parchment and a key to Adam. ”This belongs to the fool from last night.”

Adam glanced at the items with a frown. Then he realized they were the deed and key to Antero Mortem’s mansion in Blue Borough. His frown deepened when he realized how transactional this all seemed.

He shook his head and said, ”It’s fine. I don’t want this.”

”It’s of no use to us,” Voraxus said frankly. ”We’d rather you have it than sell it in the market. Besides, this isn’t a thank-you token for raising our little brother. What you did for Valerian is priceless, and the Somnia Clan will forever be grateful to you.”

Adam hesitated. In the end, he kept the items.

”And take this,” Voraxus added with a smile.

”What’s this?” Adam glanced at the medallion in Voraxus’s hand. It had the carving of a dragon on its surface, and something else was written in the Mauri language.

”Somnia,” he muttered.

”You know our tongue.” Voraxus nodded. ”This medallion means you are a friend of Somnia. Might come in handy if you get in trouble with powerful beings.”

”I see.” Adam accepted it gracefully. ”Thank you.”

”No.” Voraxus clasped Adam’s shoulders. ”Thank you.”

Adam smiled. He quite liked this dragon.

But Venia hadn’t said a word to him since the scene at the lab. Adam wouldn’t blame her.

After the number of times he had failed to protect Valerian throughout his life, Adam was surprised Venia hadn’t killed him.

Voraxus swiped his hand in the air. A giant spatial tear formed in midair, leading to the spirit world. He bade Adam farewell and dove into the portal.

Venia stepped toward the portal next, with Valerian still in her arms.

Just as she was about to step inside, Valerian turned to look at Adam with teary eyes and screamed:

”Brother! I love you! I love you so much!”

Adam’s lips trembled, and his heart ached. But he put on a brave front for his little brother. He showed a bright smile and replied:

”I love you more!”

Valerian finally entered the spirit world. The portal soon closed.

Just like that… he was gone.

Adam collapsed to his knees, his heart unable to bear the weight of grief anymore. He buried his face in his hands, his shoulders trembling. He cried. He laughed.

He didn’t know how long had passed. The sun had already set beyond the horizon. Night had arrived, and so had the moons of Myrrandor.

He heard the sound of footsteps coming from behind him. He raised his head. His face was streaked with tear marks, and his eyes were red and puffy.

When he saw who it was, he looked away.

”It’s you…” he murmured.

”Did you think you could simply run away after leaving me hanging like that?” Genevieve asked, hands on her hips. ”That’s very ungentlemanly of you, Adam Constantine.”

”I’m sorry, I…” Adam smiled wryly. ”It’s Valerian. He…”

”I heard,” Genevieve said softly as she sat beside him. ”I’m sorry, Adam.”

”You don’t have to be,” Adam said as he shook his head. ”It’s probably for the best.”

Genevieve didn’t know how to respond. So she simply stayed beside Adam, keeping him company.

Adam remained silent for a long time. Genevieve could see how desperately he was holding back his tears and trying not to break down in front of her.

”He’s gone,” Adam whispered into the wind. ”My brother…. He’s gone.”

”But…” Genevieve gathered her courage and gently clasped Adam’s hand. ”I’m here, aren’t I?”

Adam silently looked at Genevieve’s hand resting on his.

She quickly added, ”And so is Luca and Michael and Hannibal…”

Her embarrassment grew, and her cheeks flushed red as Adam did not respond.

So she buried herself in Adam’s embrace to hide her face. She silently cursed herself for acting so silly.

Say something, you idiot! She thought to herself as she placed her head against Adam’s chest and listened to his heartbeat. She listened as it slowly calmed down.

Adam raised his arms and embraced her too.

She almost squealed in delight, but thankfully she managed to control herself. She raised her head and looked at him with her beautiful cerulean eyes.

”Yes,” Adam said with a faint smile. ”Yes, you are.”

Then he pressed his lips against hers.

(End of Volume 9—Tale of Two Brothers)