Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

”Astral warfare?”

Genevieve was stunned.

”This is the Age of Reclamation, my darling,” Valentina said.

”And the Imperium is at war. For the past twenty thousand years since the beginning of the Fifth Epoch, cosmic storms, invasions by other species, and the sheer vastness of the universe have isolated countless human worlds.

”It is our duty to unite our people. The Institute will prepare you for the wars that take place in the blackness of the astral sea. It is a rite of passage for every child born of the Great Noble Houses.”

”So it is mandatory for us?” Genevieve couldn’t help but frown. She never saw herself as a warrior. More of a scholar, really.

”Of course,” Valentina replied matter-of-factly.

”We are the Great Noble Houses, descendants of the God Emperor. It is our duty to set an example for the rest of humanity. If the children of the First Sons indulge in decadence and abandon their responsibilities, how can we expect the rest of mankind to do any better?

”There is a reason we are revered and respected throughout the Imperium. It is because of our actions. The people look up to us because they believe we will lead them.”

Valentina’s voice carried pride.

”We were born into these Houses for a reason, my darling. Our blood carries the legacy of the First Sons, and with that legacy comes responsibility. We are not merely nobles who happen to possess wealth and power and influence.

”We are the ones who are supposed to guide humanity. To stand at the front when the Imperium marches to war. To show the rest of mankind what they should aspire to become. That is the burden of being born into a Great Noble House. And it is our duty to carry it.”

Seeing Genevieve inspired by her words, Valentina smiled. She did not tell her about the few bad apples of the Great Noble Houses. There were always those who dragged the hallowed name of the legacy they were born into. Such was human nature.

But Valentina didn’t need her sweet niece to know that. As long as she could guide Genevieve into becoming a proper human—not Magus, not paladin, but a human—then she would be very satisfied.

Genevieve remained silent for a long time as she mulled over her aunt’s words. Valentina gave her the silence and calm she needed. She retrieved another wine bottle from her artifact and began enjoying the flavor.

It was a thousand-year-old wine. If others knew how expensive the bottle was, and how quickly Valentina was consuming it, they wouldn’t even have any tears left to shed.

”Aunt Valentina,” Genevieve suddenly said.

Valentina did not stop the smile from blooming on her face when she heard Genevieve call her ’Aunt’.

”Yes, darling?”

”If the Imperium is at war,” Genevieve said with a thoughtful look on her face. ”Then how come Myrrandor is so peaceful?”

”That is a mystery,” Valentina said with a lopsided smile.

”Well, the simple answer to your question is the God Emperor’s decree. It is why this world remains at peace. Sure, there might be small skirmishes happening here and there, but no large-scale wars to alter the terrain of the supercontinent like in the past. I’m sure you know the history of this world.”

Genevieve nodded. ”And the not-simple answer?”

”That…” Valentina paused for effect. ”Even I do not know.”

The corner of Genevieve’s lips twitched. She was speechless.

”So!” Valentina placed an empty goblet back on the table. ”What have you decided?”

”I wish to stay in Myrrandor,” Genevieve said.

Valentina sighed in exasperation. ”Although I would have loved for you to come home, I shall respect your decision.”

”Would you have said the same if I wished to join the Domina Occulta?” Genevieve smiled wryly.

”Anyway, I have a few things for you.” Valentina pretended like she did not hear her niece’s words just now.

She retrieved a necklace from her storage artifact, one that she had the Artificers of her House especially forge for her niece.

Valentina walked around Genevieve and placed it around her neck. Genevieve held up her auburn hair to allow her aunt to fasten the necklace.

”What’s this?” Genevieve murmured curiously.

The chain appeared to be made of some kind of thin platinum material. Cool to the touch. At its center hung a delicate pendant in the shape of a crane in flight.

”It’s a bloodline artifact,” Valentina said as she returned to her seat. She showed her own, except hers was a bracelet and attached to it was the same pendant of a crane.

”As long as another member of House Fortuna is nearby, the crane will react, allowing you to sense their presence. Go ahead, infuse mana into it.”

Genevieve did so. Immediately, she sensed Valentina’s presence through the artifact. It was like a beacon, guiding her on a mysterious plane.

”I see,” she murmured. ”I suppose it can only be wielded by those of House of Fortuna.”

”Correct.” Valentina nodded. ”The necklace will also protect you from all forms of scrying and divination. Attempts to peer into your fate, locate your position, or glimpse your future would be obstructed by the necklace.”

Genevieve was amazed. She wondered how much money it must have cost. It was an invaluable treasure for a member of House Fortuna. Especially for her.

She couldn’t help but ask, a little shamelessly, ”No physical protection?”

”Hah!” Valentina laughed. ”Fret not, my darling. Your generous aunt comes bearing many gifts.”

She retrieved a small box. It was covered in complex runes meant to seal whatever was inside. Her expression became somber as she placed the box on the table between herself and her niece.

”What’s this?” Genevieve’s expression turned slightly pale. She could feel a malevolent aura coming from within the box.

Valentina did not answer. Instead, she erected several barriers around the two of them—an act that made Genevieve even more nervous and curious.

”Is this safe?” Genevieve couldn’t help but ask. ”We’re still inside the Tower’s campus.”

”It’s safe.” Valentina waved her hand.

She deactivated the seals, but did not unlock the box yet.

Instead, she commanded, ”Rise.”

Under Genevieve’s stunned gaze, a figure rose from Valentina’s shadow!