Chapter 908: Dark Forces

Chapter 908: Dark Forces

The two childhood friends walked side by side along a marble path that wound through the lush, green garden.

One was blessed by mana.

The other… with a profound grasp of the Way.

In the distant reaches of the Outer Universe, two stars were born, destined to cast their radiant light across the vast expanse of the cosmos.

But sometimes… even stars needed guidance.

“What’s the matter?” Adam asked with a light frown. “You don’t seem alright.”

“Whatever the hell does that mean!” Edward rolled his eyes. “I’m perfectly fine.”

Adam’s eyes narrowed. “You do know I can sense your concealed emotions, yes? Self-doubt, unfulfilled, disillusioned, insecurity, should I go on?”

Edward’s heart sank, and he panicked. “What… You! It’s nothing like that!”

He felt as if the raven-haired youth had seen right through his entire being.

It felt like realizing you’re standing naked in a crowded square, every eye fixed on you.

In some ways, it felt even worse than that.

Seeing him get so embarrassed, Adam didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

They arrived at a fountain. It was a marble statue of a woman carrying a vase on her shoulder. Water poured gracefully from the vase into the basin below, creating a serene and beautiful scene.

The pair sat on a simple stone bench before the fountain. The gentle sound of water cascading into the basin eased the tension in Edward’s shoulders, helping him relax slightly.

Adam patiently waited for him to speak. He took out two flat cups and poured wine into them. He offered one cup to his friend, took the other, and silently sipped on it as he gazed at the fountain.

Almost a minute later, after Edward had emptied the cups a few times, he finally spoke up:

“You’re right, I… All those things you said… You’re right.”

His cheeks were a little flushed from the wine. Edward’s lips curled into a wry smile, and he murmured, “Hey, Adam… Do you really think a Magus can never grow to their full potential if they just… you know, stick to just one place?”

Adam cast him a side-glance, an amused smile tugging at his lips. “Is this why your aura is so tame? Because you’ve been spending all your time inside the Tower?”

“Huh?” Edward was startled. He looked at him and asked with surprise tinged in his voice, “How did you know I spent most of my time at the institution?”

He paused, his brows furrowing into a knot. “And what do you mean my aura is tame? I’d like to believe my aura is very formidable.”

“I can see it, you know,” said the raven-haired youth with a light smirk. “Your presence is like a polished blade. It’s gleaming, but untouched by war and blood.”

Edward turned silent, his brows furrowing even further.

A long time later, he murmured, “You’re right. I, uh… I’ve spent most of my time just practicing mindfulness.”

He suddenly looked around, ensuring no one was nearby, and added, “That manual you gave me, the Storm Bringer, it’s magnificent! The more I practice it, the more I realize just how invaluable it is. And that’s all I’ve been doing—practicing mindfulness.”

“But my dear brother,” Adam said, putting his arm around the blue-eyed youth’s shoulders and smirking, “a calm sea never made a skilled sailor.”

He paused, seeing Edward slip into deep thought, then added. “What good is practicing the Storm Bringer if you’ve never weathered any storms in your life?”

Adam sighed heavily, rising to his feet and glancing at the starry sky. “Even now, I can see you’re not far away from stepping into the Mana Vortex Rank. But so what if you did?”

He turned to Edward and added, “A Mana Liquefaction Magus who has gone through life-and-death situations countless times and come out on top can still best you.”

“That’s not possible.” Edward frowned. “You know it’s practically impossible for a Magus to defeat others who are above their ranks.”

“Hmph, I eat Magi more powerful than me for breakfast.” Adam raised his chin, smirking arrogantly. “I can assure you, it is definitely not impossible.”

The blue-eyed youth’s lips twitched. “That’s because you’re an anomaly.”

“But so are you.”

Edward knew exactly what Adam was referring to. It was his unique constiution which allowed him to interact with mana far more efficiently than others.

He couldn’t help but smile bitterly, “And that’s precisely why I feel this way. Despite being gifted with… with whatever this is, I still find myself lacking.”

His shoulders slouched, and he muttered under his breath, “I’m so pathetic…”

“The silver lining in all of this is that you aren’t blind to your shortcomings. Most people simply refuse to acknowledge their weaknesses. But not you.” Adam smiled.

He paused for a moment, then added, “You’ve already identified your flaws, and now you can work on them.”

“So just… wander the lands, looking for obstacles?” Edward asked with an arched eyebrow, recalling what he’d said to his students.

“Believe me, it really is that simple.” Adam chuckled. “Experience. That’s exactly what you need.”

Edward thought for a long time before nodding, his blue eyes flashing with conviction. “Alright! After the Grand Magus Tournament is over, I’ll apply at the adventure’s guild back in Caleport. I’ll travel the continent and gain experience… whether it’s related to life or battle.”

Adam’s eyes narrowed, and he wondered, The Grand Magus Tournament…

Who can tell what will happen?

But, at the very least, I can rest assured that you’ll be safe. The Magi from the Tower will give their lives to protect their prodigy.

“Adam?” Edward called out to him. “What’re you thinking?”

Should I tell him? Adam thought with a solemn look on his face.

In the end, he decided that it was for the best if he gave his friend a heads-up.

“Fatty.” He sat down on the stone bench and muttered seriously, “This tournament is not as simple as you think it is.”

Sensing the gravity in his voice, Edward frowned. “What do you mean?”

Adam took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking:

“There are dark forces looking to use this opportunity to strike a serious blow to the Empire. The Grand Magus Tournament, where the Empire’s most promising young Magi have gathered, is the perfect stage for them to make a move.”

Edward’s heart sank. And he could tell that Adam wasn’t joking. “Wait, wait, wait, what do you mean?! If there was such a thing, I’m sure the professors at the Tower would have known!”

“They might, or they might not,” Adam answered in a low voice. “But this year’s Grand Magus Tournament is going to get ugly. I’m telling you this so you can be ready for what’s coming.”

Edward’s heart was gripped by a foreboding feeling. He shot to his feet and said in a panic, “If this is true, then I must inform everyone—”

“No.” Adam cut him off, his voice resolute. “You cannot.”

“What?! Why?!”

“I can’t be certain, but there’s a chance that they’ve infiltrated the Tower of Daybreak,” Adam muttered, his voice solemn.

Edward’s eyes widened. “Infiltrated… the Tower?!”

Adam nodded. He thought for a moment before suggesting, “Tell only your grandfather about this. Got it? No one else.”

He was about to say more, but he suddenly sensed something in his Sphere of Resonance.

Someone was approaching…