Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 1136: Lonely Figure

Somewhere in the Galestine Ocean.

An unknown island floated on this vast ocean like a giant fortress made out of stone. But of course, it was no stone at all. The surface of the island was built entirely from countless generations of coral.

Over the long course of time, these corals of myriad colors had hardened into jagged ridges, plains, and small valleys that stretched for more than a mile. The island’s shape was uneven, resembling an oval.

Above the waterline, the corals bleached pale under the radiant sun, forming natural walls, spires, and plateaus. Colors stuck to the lower slopes of the island where the ocean lapped against the corals. Reds, purples, and blues glittered underwater.

Seabirds could be seen circling overhead or resting on jagged ledges, their cries echoing across the strange and colorful landscape.

Under the rays of the blazing sun, the entire island glowed like a fractured mirror reflecting a thousand colors.

Amid the myriad colors of this vibrant landscape, a lonely figure could be seen slowly traversing the island.

This figure was tall, but slightly hunched. He walked barefoot across the colorful land, with only a crude cloak made out of moss and weeds covering his body. His face was hidden under the shadow of the hood.

His bare feet that were visible under the sun, however... told a story of deep anguish and torment. The skin on the feet was seared, and the flesh was charred. Every step carried the weight of unending pain, yet not a groan of agony escaped the figure’s lips.

In one hand, he leaned on a black staff etched with mysterious runes across its shaft, supporting his weary frame and movement. In the other hand, he carried a makeshift bag woven out of seaweed, filled with mushrooms and fish.

The figure suddenly froze in his footsteps. He slowly turned around and looked over his shoulder.

”Come out,” said the figure in a hoarse voice, his tone laced with vigilance but also uncertainty.

However, there was no movement where his gaze landed. There was no one else on this island except for him. And the corals, of course.

”Did you know corals are living animals? Though they are always mistaken for plants or rocks,” the figure muttered under his breath. ”They’re key ingredients in several potions, too.”

But there was no one there. He was talking to... no one.

”Hmm.” The figure turned back around. He tilted his head a little and mumbled, ”What was I doing?”

He remained silent for a long time. Then, he raised his head and looked upward.

”Do any of you know?” He asked.

The figure felt like someone was watching him. He felt like a lot of people were watching him. Some cheered for him, while others took great pleasure in seeing him struggle. Some remained silent, continuing to follow his journey. While others... abandoned him.

”Are you... there?”

He asked softly.

”Is anyone... there?”

The figure slowly lowered his head, his shoulders trembling. It seemed that the figure was having a mental breakdown. Again.

He inhaled deeply, then raised his head to the bright, blue sky, and...

”HAHAHAHA!”

He laughed.

He laughed and laughed and laughed.

Gradually, the hood covering his head slid back, revealing his grotesque appearance. His face was a ruin of burn scars, every inch marred and twisted. His scalp bore no hair, only a blackened-red patch of flesh corroded by fire and acid.

And his eyes... or rather the absence of them...chilled the soul. They were the most terrifying feature. He had no eyes at all. Just a pair of hollow sockets that seemed to contain infinite darkness in them. And within that darkness, there was grief, loneliness, and madness.

The Laughing God whispered.

And Adam listened.

He gradually calmed down, lowering his head. His lips curled into a wide, unnatural smile, twisting his hideous face into a demonic visage straight out of a nightmare.

”It’s funny, don’t you think?” He mumbled.

There was no one around him. He was simply talking to himself. Or was he? Even he did not know.

”My life had been a steady ascent,” he began. ”After overcoming countless obstacles, each step of my life earned me love, admiration, and respect. I had everything... wealth, power, and fame. Yet, because of a single incident...”

His smile grew deeper.

”Because of that single incident, one not even of my own making, my life crumbled. From hero to outcast, from savior to traitor... I was branded as everyone’s enemy. My own sworn brother looked at me with doubtful eyes. My own mentor questioned my past. Funny, right?

”My existence is like a... comet. I blazed brilliantly across the heavens for one fleeting moment, only to vanish into darkness. I bet I am remembered not for my light... but for the ruin I left behind. Don’t you think so, too? Hey, why don’t you answer me? I’m talking to you!”

But no one answered.

There was no one around him.

Adam once again looked at the sky, the smile on his face widening. ”Hey, Tron! This is how you repay my kindness? I planted the ash tree and gave your sentience form. And this is what I get in return? Turned into a fugitive. Hated by the world. And I can’t even see!!”

He lowered his head again, his shoulders slouching in discouragement. He then heaved a long, helpless sigh.

”I feel so... lonely. I miss everyone.”

”Fuck them.”

Adam abruptly turned around, his grip around the Staff of Calamity tightening. After scanning his surroundings with the Sphere of Resonance, he finally relaxed a little.

”...Who was that?” he mumbled. ”And... what was I doing?”

”Ah, right!” His eyes would have lit up... if he had them. ”Food!”

Adam put all his worries to the back of his fractured mind, then strutted towards his humble abode, whistling a merry tune.

Three months ago, by a twist of fate, Adam found himself on this mysterious island, rather than dying in the depths of the Galestine or in the stomach of some mighty predator of the deep.

Of course, back then, his situation was extremely dire. His mind was relentlessly assaulted by the ravings of the Faceless Mask, while his body lay bloodied and broken.

It took every ounce of willpower just to mend his wounds and drag himself out of critical condition. Once his body could move again, he turned his focus inward, towards his fractured mind.

And amidst the madness... he discovered a method within it.