Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

On the first landing of the stairway, Adam encountered a group of young Magi wearing gray cloaks with the raven insignia on them passing by.

Their arms were laden with thick tomes and scrolls. When they gazed at Daneli, they bowed respectfully. When they saw Adam with him, they politely nodded at him. A few of them offered brief smiles before leaving.

”Kids here are so respectful,” said Adam with gratification.

”If you weren’t a Mana Liquefaction Magus, they wouldn’t be so respectful,” Daneli harrumphed as he climbed the stairs which seemed to stretch on toward infinity.

Hearing his response, Adam clicked his tongue in annoyance. But he knew that the elf was speaking the truth.

In this world, strength was everything.

He then walked toward the railing and looked upward. Glancing at the astronomical amount of staircases overlapping each other; he was quite amazed.

”This place really is huge!”

The pair continued their ascent, each step taking them to the heart of the castle. The walls along the stairway were adorned with even more paintings, each depicting an influential alumni from history.

Some of the people in these paintings were even squinting at Adam, wondering who this newcomer was.

Realizing that the paintings were actually alive, Adam blurted out, ”It moved!”

The nearby Magi gave him strange looks before chuckling in hushed manners and walking away.

Daneli turned around to glance at the raven-haired youth with a deep frown. ”Stop embarrassing me!”

”But, Daneli, how can they move? I’ve never seen something like that!” Adam hurriedly followed after him, shouting out his findings.

Daneli, on the other hand, climbed the stairs even faster, avoiding him.

Second-hand embarrassment was real.

Adam carefully observed the paintings along the walls and saw that they were accompanied by a small bronze plaque underneath them, detailing the Magus’ name and the years they attended this institution.

The light from the candleholders as well as the rays of the sun seeping in through the arched windows illuminated these paintings, casting a warm glow on them, further increasing the reverential atmosphere.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, the pair reached the upper floors where they found themselves in a very spacious common room.

The common room was furnished with comfortable armchairs and couches, arranged before a large crackling fireplace.

Magi could be seen huddled around the fireplace, lounging. Shelves filled with thick tomes lined the walls. Adam saw that a few Magi were sitting here and studying, while others were engaging in animated debates.

A large crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, illuminating the entire place.

”This is the East Wing’s common room,” Daneli explained. ”This floor is strictly for Mana Liquefaction Magi such as ourselves.”

As Adam was viewing the common room, his eyes flashed with excitement and curiosity. This was completely unlike what he had experienced at Clover Academy.

The ambiance was simply worlds apart.

One thing he realized was that although this common room was huge, there were very few people there. ”Why is it so empty?” he asked.

”It’s because the academic year hasn’t begun yet,” explained Daneli as he led the youth to a narrow hallway after greeting a few Magi.

”When does it begin?” Adam asked.

Daneli looked back at him and sighed, ”You really need to stay on top of things.”

”What do you mean?” Adam protested with a wronged expression. ”I just got here yesterday, and Lord Elrod also didn’t tell me anything.”

The elf shook his head and scoffed, ”That excuse won’t work always. Anyway, the academic year begins a week from now.”

”That’s good, I have plenty of time to familiarize myself with things.” Adam nodded with a sigh of relief.

”Good that you understand,” said Daneli as he led the youth to the depths of the hallway.

The hallway was quieter, the only sounds being the soft footsteps of other Magi walking by. On each side were the entrances to the dorm rooms, however, no sounds were coming from within.

Adam guessed that the rooms must be inscribed with yet another runic formation that canceled out any noise.

Finally, after passing a few rooms, Daneli stood in front of a particular door and pointed at it. ”This is going to be your dorm room. The black pouch Magus Elkien gave you contains the key. I have other things to tend to, so I’ll be taking my leave now.”

Adam looked at his friend and sincerely said, ”Thanks for helping me out. I appreciate it.”

Daneli’s lips slowly curled up into a smile, ”Don’t mention it, Brother Adam.” He then pointed down the hallway and added, ”If you need anything, I’m down that way.”

”Understood.” Adam nodded.

Daneli turned around and walked toward his room. He waved his hand and spoke without looking back, ”Welcome to Saratoga Castle, my friend.”

Hearing his words, Adam couldn’t help but smile brightly.

He then glanced at the door beside him and saw that it was made of sturdy oak. It had a brass handle and also a small engraved nameplate.

The youth brushed his fingers across the nameplate. His name was already engraved on it. Then, he opened the holding bag and found his key card among other things.

Unlocking the door, he finally stepped foot inside, taking in the sight of his new quarters.

His dorm room was warm and cozy, to say the least. It was quite spacious, twice the size of the one he had back in Clover Academy. Furthermore, he had this room all for himself.

A large arched window on one wall offered a breathtaking view of the Marian Lake and the green hills behind it. Beside the window was his bed, covered with a thick quilted blanket, accompanied by a wardrobe to the side.

A sturdy wooden desk that came with a set of high bookshelves and drawers stood against one wall. Right across from it was the living room which came with a luxurious seating area as well as a mini fireplace.

Adam took in everything with a great sense of satisfaction. He then walked toward the arched window and glanced at the mesmerizing view, his lips curling up into a smile.

Suddenly, a gray light flashed and a furry gray cat appeared in the dorm room.

Valerian looked around the place with curiosity and excitement. First, he ran a few circles around the spacious room, seemingly marking his territory.

Then, he jumped into Adam’s arms, fondly licking his cheeks. ”Brother, is this our new home?” he asked excitedly.

Adam gently rubbed the young dragon’s head and nodded. ”Yes, Val.”

He scanned the room once again, feeling a growing sense of belonging. Then, he turned his head and looked toward the serene lake outside.

”This will be our new home.”