Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 624: Splendid Magus

Annaʼs words echoed in Adamʼs ears, gradually turning his eyes dim.

They had spoken about this earlier before they left Behal Town. But it was only now that the weight of the impending farewell was dawning on him.

Adam knew that Anna, whom he had come to see as his elder sister, had to return home and take care of things there. He didnʼt know what she had to do but knew that it was very important to her.

But still, he didnʼt wish to part with her. Not yet.

”…Do you really need to go?” He asked, his eyes teary.

Anna smiled faintly, ”Yes, I must.” She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath, before adding, ”When I met you, I was being pursued by… a group of very bad people. If I donʼt return now, they might—”

Adam buried himself in the princessʼ embrace. ”Donʼt leave me! Please, Anna! I promise Iʼll study diligently. Iʼll listen to everything you say. Iʼll do everything you tell me to. Just donʼt… go.”

The boy knew he was being selfish. Very selfish. But he didnʼt care. Anna was the only family he had now. He didnʼt want to part with her.

He grew up with no friends, and his parents passed away when he was only five. It was Anna who made him feel whole. It was she who made him feel loved. She was his first friend. She was his family.

Moreover, having spent more time with the princess than he had with his own parents, he had grown greatly attached to her. He wanted to be with her. He wanted her to watch him grow.

Tears silently slid down Annaʼs fair face. She hugged him warmly, gently patting his back. ”Donʼt cry, little Adam.”

”I wonʼt if you promise to not leave!” He said while sobbing, his arms around her tightening ever so slightly, afraid that she might really leave if he let her go.

Anna couldnʼt think of the words to say. This feeling was a first for her as well. She hadnʼt grown this attached even to her own elder brother. So, she remained silent, patting Adamʼs back while soundlessly crying herself.

After almost a minute, she grabbed the youthʼs shoulders and looked him in the eye. ”If I donʼt return home, those bad people that were after me might harm my family - my parents and my elder brother.”

Adam immediately went silent, his eyes flashing with great hesitation. He continued to stare at Annaʼs fiery red eyes. Silently. Emotionally.

Anna continued, ”I must let my family know that Iʼm still alive. I must help them, Adam. That is why I must return. Please understand this.”

Adamʼs lips quivered. He lowered his head, glancing at the ground while fidgeting with his fingers. ”Your parents are alive?” He asked, his voice a whisper.

”I hope they are…” Anna smiled bitterly.

Adam took a deep breath, finding the resolve in his heart to speak the following words, ”Then you must go and save them!”

He knew what it felt like to lose oneʼs parents. It was heartbreaking. It was painful. Very painful. Anna was someone whom he loved like his own blood. He didnʼt want her to go through what he had. Never.

The boy forced a smile, his eyes hopeful, ”Promise me youʼll find me again.”

Tears slid down Annaʼs eyes uncontrollably. She had thought she would have to go to great lengths to convince Adam of her departure. But it turned out that the boy was more mature than she gave him credit for.

She wiped the tears from the boyʼs cheeks and smiled brightly. ”Itʼs a promise!”

Adam too returned the same gesture - wiping the tears away from her face. Then, he hugged her again. This time, the two shared a long and warm moment without uttering another word.

Nothing needed to be said.

After they separated, Anna got to her feet. She tightly held Adamʼs arms and spoke her parting words, ”You must pay attention to what theyʼre teaching at the academy, okay? The Mana Foundation Rank is the gateway to the path of the arcane. You must work hard. You cannot slack off.”

”Mhm!” Adam nodded seriously.

”Also, make sure to eat properly. At least three meals a day,” she added. ”It is important for you to remain physically fit. Do not indulge in alcohol, tobacco, or any other drugs. Understood?”

”Of course!” Adam assured her.

”Lastly.” Annaʼs smile turned warm and she continued, ”Make friends. It doesnʼt have to be a lot, just a few that will always have your back.”

Suddenly, Adam saw Annaʼs figure overlap with his motherʼs, causing him to become teary-eyed once again. ”I promise!”

”Good boy.” Anna smiled. She bent over and kissed him on the forehead.

Then, she pointed at the entrance to the tavern behind her and instructed, ”Go inside. Youʼll find three Magi wearing white cloaks with a four-leaf clover imprinted on them.”

Adam was greatly taken aback. ”Magi?!”

”You donʼt need to worry, Iʼve already spoken to them,” Anna assured. ”Go in and introduce yourself to them. Theyʼll make sure that you reach Clover Academy safe and sound.”

”O-Okay!” Adam nodded nervously.

”Go now,” Anna said softly, holding back the tears that threatened to fall again. ”Everythingʼs going to be alright.”

Adam nodded. He slowly walked toward the entrance of the tavern. After taking a few steps, however, he suddenly stopped. Then, he turned around and ran back towards Anna, diving into her arms.

This time, Anna couldnʼt stop her tears from falling. She knelt on one knee and hugged him again.

”Be safe, Anna,” said Adam as he cried in her arms. ”But you must return one day. You promised me!”

”Yes,” Anna smiled fondly. ”When we meet again, you will have become a splendid Magus, wonʼt you?”

”Yes!” Adam stated matter-of-factly.

”Good, now off you go.” Anna stood back up and watched the youth leave.

This time, Adam didnʼt turn around. He took slow and steady steps and entered the tavern, going up to the Magi from Clover Academy and introducing himself.

Anna stood outside the tavern for a long time. ”Stay safe, Adam,” she muttered under her breath.

She went to the other side of the street and hid herself inside an inconspicuous alley. After several hours, only after sheʼd seen Adam get onto the carriage and leave with the traveling party did she breathe a sigh of relief.

Two figures stood behind her, watching her stare at the row of carriages disappearing between the buildings.

The hazy figure stroked his beard and laughed heartily, ”Would you look at that? A haughty princess of a magic kingdom caring so deeply for a mortal peasant. Now, you donʼt get to see that everyday.”

Adam glanced at the vague silhoutted of the old man beside him with narrowed eyes, a glimmer of realization flashing in them.

Seeing the young man remain silent, the hazy figure turned to look at him and asked in amusement, ”Young Magus, would you like to know what happened to her after you left?”