Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

After completing his enrollment—if one could even call it that—Adam gathered the documents and the black pouch and left the administration hall in a daze.

Seeing him in such a state, Daneli couldn’t help but chuckle, ”What’s wrong? Shocked that everything happened so smoothly?”

Adam snapped back to his senses and glanced at the young elf with an incredulous look. ”What the hell happened? Wasn’t that... too easy?”

He was right to voice out his concerns. After all, Saratoga Castle was considered one of the Four Pillars of the Empire, yet his admission to this institution was easier than getting a room in a tavern.

”My teacher was the one to recommend you to the Castle,” said Daneli like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

”Lord Elrod?” Adam was even more confused. ”But he isn’t a faculty member here, is he?”

”So what if he isn’t?” Daneli spoke with pride, ”He has quite the influence in the Empire.”

”I still don’t get it,” said Adam.

The pair exited the administration hall and entered a long and wide corridor. It was adorned with magnificent arched windows that let in the golden rays of the afternoon sun.

This corridor was lined with beautiful paintings, each depicting various scenes of the Castle’s rich history—the construction of the castle grounds, the grand assembly of legendary Magi, and magical landscapes.

”North of the Murky Mountains, the Acadian Empire shares these lands with us elves of the Baja High Forest,” Daneli began explaining.

”The Magi from the Empire have always had good relations with the Baja Elves. After all, if a war broke down between the two, the entire Ulier Continent would be ravaged in the ensuing chaos.”

Adam nodded his head in understanding, thinking to himself, That’s right. Why become enemies when there are more benefits to be gained by becoming allies?

Daneli continued, ”My teacher happens to be one of the representatives of the Baja High Forest. Naturally, he’s had to work with the powerful Magi from the Empire on several occasions.”

The youth paused for a moment as the pair turned a corner in the corridor. Then, he added, ”As a result, my teacher has established deep connections with many of the influential Magi from various organizations in the Empire.”

Adam’s eyes lit up as realization dawned on him. ”And one of these Magi is from the Castle?”

”Indeed.” Daneli nodded. ”This Magi also happens to be the one in charge of the admission process.”

Adam nodded from time to time, stroking his chin deep in thought. He then glanced at the elf and stated, ”Still, Lord Elrod’s words hold such sway in an institution as powerful as Saratoga Castle?”

”Yes and no,” Daneli explained.

As the pair walked through the corridor, their footsteps echoed behind them. The floor beneath their feet was made of ancient-looking stones, adding a vintage vibe to the atmosphere.

The air in the corridor was filled with the scent of aged wood and parchment papers, mingling with the fresh breeze coming in from the open window.

”It is undeniable that my teacher’s recommendation opened the doors to the Saratoga Castle for you,” said Daneli, ”but your past records also played a major role in your admissions.”

He then glanced at the raven-haired youth and smirked, ”Did you really think an institution as great as this one wouldn’t do their due diligence on a prospective student?”

”That’s why I’m questioning the ease with which I was granted admission.” Adam rolled his eyes.

”Haa, my friend,” Daneli sighed as he patted Adam’s shoulder. ”You think too little of yourself.”

”What do you mean?” Adam frowned slightly.

The pair soon reached a grand staircase made of aged dark oak, its handrails and uprights carved with vines and magical beasts. The stairs curved upwards, their polished steps turned smooth by the centuries of footfall.

As the pair climbed the stairs, the sound behind them gradually faded. It was replaced by the soft murmurs of students who journeyed up and down these stairs.

”Your academic records from Clover Academy have already been verified by the faculty here. Although your scores were not exemplary, they were not bad either,” said Daneli mockingly.

”The hell?” Adam’s eyes squinted. ”How do you even know about my grades? Weren’t those supposed to be, I don’t know, private?”

”Of course, it’s because my teacher told me about them.” Daneli shrugged. ”Anyway, it’s obviously not your scores that the Castle found desirable, but your actions during the war.”

Adam’s face turned solemn when he was reminded of the war. There was a trace of sorrow that flashed past his jet-black eyes.

Daneli didn’t notice this, he continued, ”To become a Mana Liquefaction Magus at the age of twenty is no joke. Even the most talented Magi in the Empire had not achieved this.”

His voice seemed to contain a hint of admiration. When he had learned of this from Elrod, he was truly shocked.

Even he, who was considered a genius among geniuses in the Baja High Forest, took six years to reach this rank.

Yet, Adam had done it in only five.

”And not only that, you even took down two Mana Liquefaction Magi as a newly advanced Rank 2 Magus,” Daneli continued, ”this, in my opinion, is what compelled the faculty from the Castle to admit you into this institution.”

”Heh, what can I say? I guess my presence here really is that appealing,” said Adam with a smug expression.

Daneli’s lips twitched. ”Hmph, don’t get so cocky. It probably has something to do with losing you to the Tower of Daybreak.”

Adam’s eyes widened in surprise. ”What?! They even know about that?”

”Of course,” Daneli spoke matter-of-factly. ”When a Magus as powerful as Edwin Turner makes a move into recruiting someone, you think the other three Pillars won’t hear of it?”

This made sense to Adam, but at the same time, he found it very shocking. They were sure to keep tabs on him if he was now on the radar of other powerful Magi in the Empire.

This didn’t sit well with him. After all, he was a person who liked to remain low-key.

He didn’t care about fame.

Only money.

But still, this couldn’t help but put a smile on his face. ”So all the big shots in the Empire know of me, huh? I’m really moving up in the world.”

”Don’t get carried away.” Daneli rolled his eyes. ”There are countless geniuses in the Empire as there are stars in the night sky.”

He paused for a moment, thinking that his words might have sounded wrong. Thus, he corrected himself, ”I’m not saying this to demean your past achievements. What I mean to say is, that you must work even harder now. This place, after all, is highly competitive.”

Sensing the concern in his friend’s voice, Adam’s heart warmed a little. Yet, he decided to poke him out of fun nonetheless.

”Aww, Daneli, you really do care for me~”

”S-shut your pig mouth!” Daneli harrumphed and stomped away. ”We’re about to reach the accommodation floor.”

Adam chuckled in amusement before following him up the stairs.

This elven friend of his might appear cold and aloof on the outside, but on the inside, it was a whole different matter.