Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe
Chapter 1022: Future of Acadia

Chapter 1022: Future of Acadia

In a dimly lit chamber directly underneath the coliseum, all the young Magi—over a hundred and fifty of them—who had participated in the tournament had gathered.

Among them were the members of Party A, Edward, Lisa, Biden, Chris, Mikar, and Michael. There were the members of Party B, Eleniey, Arthur, Aiden, Khan, and Charlie. Daneli’s party, as well as the one led by Qamara, had also gathered.

Furthermore, the close family members of the participants, such as Daneli’s twin sister and Michael’s two sons were also in attendance. All in all, there were close to two hundred people present.

They did not know why the Dark King had summoned them, but they all probably thought it had something to do with the conclusion of the Grand Magus Tournament.

Perhaps, the famed Magus was going to give them a speech, or perhaps even a gift. Either way, they were quite eager to meet the Dark King.

However, a handful of people among them wore dark expressions on their faces. Edward, Daneli, and Adam’s three students, did not share the same enthusiasm as the rest.

After all, they knew what was about to go down. They exchanged glances with one another, nervousness concealed in their eyes.

"...Where’s Merlin?" Eleiney looked around the small crowd, trying to find her party member.

Hearing her question, the other young Magi who were familiar with the madman also began to look for him. Alas, they couldn’t find him.

Edward frowned. "What’s wrong with that guy? He always disappears when something important is about to happen," he said.

He looked around, his eyes squinting as he tried to search for the clown-faced Magus. He muttered under his breath, his tone laced with disappointment:

"He was missing when we were with Adam a few days ago, and now this..."

Lisa, who was standing beside him, suddenly felt her brows furrow into a light knot. She had this gnawing suspicion about Merlin ever since his first duel in the Final Trial.

He purposely came late to the match to anger and frustrate his opponent, then there was that familiar face paint...

A flicker of realization shone in her beautiful emerald eyes as she wondered, Could it really be?

The more she thought about it, the more it made sense. Slowly, her lips curled into a faint smile.

That’s exactly the kind of thing he’d do.

She sighed, shaking her head. Then, Lisa gently placed her hand on Edward’s shoulder and softly said, "No need to worry about him. I saw him enter the infirmary a while ago."

Edward turned to her with an arched eyebrow. "You did?"

The other members of Party A and B also looked at her with inquisitive gazes.

Lisa had an amused expression on her face and she said, "What, surely you guys don’t think he managed to get to the finals without any hidden injuries. Even Eddie received several wounds."

The people thought her words made sense, but at the same time, they couldn’t help but find it a little strange...

The madman entering the infirmary to treat his wounds? Strange. Very strange. Somehow, when Merlin did something normal, it still managed to feel completely abnormal.

He was a man full of oddities.

Before anyone had a chance to ask further about Merlin’s state, suddenly they heard the sound of loud footsteps echo in the chamber. They turned towards the source of the sound and their breaths got caught in their throat.

The silhouette of a tall man with broad shoulders and an imposing presence came into view. He wore flowing dark robes layered over purple and white inner garments, paired with dark trousers and knee-high leather boots.

And atop his head sat an unmistakable mark of his eccentric presence... a black, pointy hat.

For most of these young Magi, this was the first time they were in the presence of the Dark King. They had only seen him once during his homecoming ceremony.

Except for Daneli and his twin sister, Atiel, Qamara, members of Party A and B, and of course, a handful of students from Saratoga, it was a surreal experience for the rest to be standing so close to the Dark King.

He was undoubtedly the most famous person in the Empire at the moment. But more than that, it was said that he was unrivaled in the Mana Vortex Rank despite just having advanced. Such a person was truly worthy of respect and admiration.

This was a revered figure, worshipped and idolized by the vast majority of young Magi across the lands.

So the moment he arrived in the chamber, a ripple of hushed murmurs and barely concealed excitement flowed through the crowd.

Moreover, there was someone else who had arrived with Adam...

A chubby gray cat perched upon the raven-haired youth’s shoulder, gracefully licking his paw. From time to time, this cute feline would curiously glance at the Magi with his piercing topaz eyes.

Of course, they all knew the Dark King’s dear familiar. The cat, who could transform into a powerful and towering winged panther, was as famous as he, after all.

He stood a few feet away from the group of young Magi, scanning everyone’s faces with a faint smile on his lips. He could see the curious and eager expressions on their faces.

They wanted to know why they were summoned. And now... he would finally tell them.

Adam’s gaze lingered on his friends and students for a moment longer before he said softly, "All of you... you are the best of the best young Magi this land has produced."

When he said those words, the group felt their heart swell with pride. This was more so for the rogue Magi. All of them waited patiently for what the Dark King had to say.

"You are the future of Acadia," Adam continued.

He lowered his head, his eyes flickering with complicated emotions. His lips parted, and he muttered under his breath, "That is why you all must be protected... no matter the cost."

Edward frowned. Daneli’s expression darkened. And Adam’s students’ hearts sank.

Before they could ask what he was trying to say... or trying to do, the Dark King looked at them and offered an apologetic smile. "I hope you can forgive me."

He raised his hand and weaved a simple seal. Then, his dark eyes flickered with a holy white gleam.

Rank 3 Spell: Compel!