Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Adam had learned from Headmaster Blackwood that the First Trial was designed to avoid causing any life-threatening injuries.

At worst, participants would lose consciousness from running out of air should the effects of the spell wear off before they were able to get their hands on the magical key.

However, there were enough security measures put in place to ensure the survival of all participants involved.

Furthermore, there were countless powerful Magi who were stationed nearby. Should anything unexpected arise, they wouldn't hesitate to get involved.

That is why Adam thought it was highly unlikely that the Cult of Bones would make their move during the First Trial. It would be foolish of them.

He had fought them long enough to anticipate their movements to some degree. Based on his assessment and knowledge about the trials of the tournament, the Cult was most likely to make their move during the Second or Third Trial.

Still, that did not mean that Adam had completely lowered his guard in the depths of Marian Lake. Even if there were no external threats, there were still creatures of the deep that would try to cause harm.

And the first of these creatures had already arrived.

The sirens emerged gradually from the murky depths. At first, it was just a low melodic hum… soft and distant.

Then, shapes begin to move through the underwater vegetation. Their forms were sleek and otherworldly, half hidden by the drifting kelp.

Pale, glowing skin. Long hair floated around them like seaweed. Eyes that didn't blink, just stared… too large, too hypnotic.

Their song grew clearer and clearer. It was slow, sweet, and eerily beautiful. It didn't sound dangerous at all. But it pulled at thoughts, clouded focus, and made it hard to think.

Adam was immune to the mental hex. The white lotus guarded the inner sanctum of his mind with great ease, rendering the sirens' song completely ineffective.

However, the same couldn't be said about the other participants—men, mostly.

With a powerful flap of his webbed feet, he shot forward, thinking to himself in dismay:

Damn it, you brats! I thought I taught you better!

***

Just as the participants set foot on the lakebed, a beautiful melody drifted into their ears. For a brief moment, their eyes glazed over, and they felt disoriented.

But it didn't take long for them to utilize thier respective spells and tricks to snap out of the enchantment.

The ones who were strong-willed and better equipped were able to quickly come to their senses. They cast a horrified look into the dark horizon before immediately swimming into the coral maze.

Most of them were the talented young Magi of the Four Pillars and the Baja High Forest. They knew the exact source of this bewitching melody. Thus, they did their best to block their hearing and frantically disappear into the labyrinth.

The ones who were already enchanted by the sweet melody, however, were left behind floating outside the maze. Their expressions were that of relaxed euphoria.

Among the ones affected by the sirens' song were none other than… Arthur and Aiden!

When the soothing melody drifted into their ears, they immediately lost any will to struggle. All they wanted to do was listen to the beautiful song and spend the rest of their lives with the singers.

Meanwhile, Eleiney—only mildly affected by the song—clung tightly to her friends by the arms and was desperately pulling them into the labyrinth.

Her face contorted in frustration as she realized that Aiden and Arthur were proactively resisting her grip, trying to swim toward the distant melody instead of away from it.

Damn it!

She cursed inwardly.

How are we to face Mentor if we cannot even pass the First Trial?!

She turned around and gazed at her two friends with a dark look on her face.

What the hell is wrong with you two?! How can you just…

Her thoughts came to a gradual halt when suddenly she noticed something move in the distance. Her heart sank when she finally saw these terrifying yet strangely alluring creatures come into view.

Eleiney's eyes widened in disbelief. She had only heard stories of these creatures, tales that spoke of them haunting the deep ocean.

Never in her wildest imagination did she think that such creatures would be lurking in the depths of Marain Lake!

According to legends, sirens were half-women and half-fish. They were beautiful and deadly.

They looked like stunning young women with flowing hair, flawless skin, and eyes that shimmered like precious gemstones. Their voices were said to be their greatest weapons, capable of enchanting most men who heard them.

From the waist down, their bodies turned into powerful tails covered in iridescent scales, allowing them to move swiftly through water.

Tales described them resting on underwater rocks, brushing their hair, or singing songs that led sailors to their blissful doom.

Their beauty was both enchanting and deceptive.

What looked like a lustful man's salvation often turned out to be a predator in disguise.

A beautiful trap with sharp teeth hidden behind a sweet smile and a haunting melody.

Several sirens descended on the lakebed, gently wrapping their hands around the participants who were completely enthralled by their melodious song.

They whispered promises of paradise while slowly dragging their victims into the hells of the deep.

Most of these victims were rogue Magi, lacking proper defences against mental attacks. A few came from the major factions, but they were the ones with unchecked lust in their hearts.

A man consumed by desire was always the first to fall to the sirens.

Eleiney's eyes flashed with anxiety as she saw two sirens swimming towards her with enchanting smiles on their faces.

She found her mental barriers wavering, and her eyes soon turned hazy. Her grip on Aiden and Arthur weakened as the two sirens gently drew them away.

Then, a third siren approached from a distance, gazing at Eleiney with a soft, inviting smile, her hand reaching out for her.

Just as the last traces of clarity began to vanish from her mind…

A firm hand clutched her shoulder.

But it wasn't the siren's.

A surge of mana burst through her body like a shockwave, stinging like a thousand tiny needles. But the pain did its job. Her mind snapped back to clarity.

She quickly turned her head around, trying to see just who had come to her aid. But the sight that greeted her eyes made her shudder in sheer horror.

Because now… before her was an unknown creature…

Far more terrifying than the sirens!