Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 624: Splendid Magus



Anna's words echoed in Adam's 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 didn't know what she had to do but knew that it was very important to her.

But still, he didn't 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 don't return now, they might-"

Adam buried himself in the princess' embrace. "Don't leave me! Please, Anna! I promise I'll study diligently. I'll listen to everything you say. I'll do everything you tell me to. Just don't... go."

The boy knew he was being selfish. Very selfish. But he didn't care. Anna was the only family he had now. He didn't 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 Anna's fair face. She hugged him warmly, gently patting his back. "Don't cry, little Adam."

"I won't 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 couldn't think of the words to say. This feeling was a first for her as well. She hadn't grown this attached even to her own elder brother. So, she remained silent, patting Adam's back while soundlessly crying herself.

After almost a minute, she grabbed the youth's shoulders and looked him in the eye. "If I don't 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 Anna's fiery red eyes. Silently. Emotionally.

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

Adam's 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 one's parents. It was heartbreaking. It was painful. Very painful. Anna was someone whom he loved like his own blood. He didn't want her to go through what he had. Never.

The boy forced a smile, his eyes hopeful, "Promise me you'll find me again."

Tears slid down Anna's 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 boy's cheeks and smiled brightly. "It's 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 Adam's arms and spoke her parting words, "You must pay attention to what they're 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." Anna's smile turned warm and she continued, "Make friends. It doesn't have to be a lot, just a few that will always have your back."

Suddenly, Adam saw Anna's figure overlap with his mother's, 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. You'll find three Magi wearing white cloaks with a four-leaf clover imprinted on them."

Adam was greatly taken aback. "Magi?!"

"You don't need to worry, I've already spoken to them," Anna assured. "Go in and introduce yourself to them. They'll 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. "Everything's 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 couldn't 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,

won't you?"

"Yes!" Adam stated matter-of-factly.

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

This time, Adam didn't 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 she'd 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 don't 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?"