Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe-Chapter 1631: Set in Motion

The following morning, the warriors of the Dark King’s army gathered at the skyport and began boarding the majestic flying vessel.

The process was orderly and quiet. Compared to the ground spectacle that had greeted their arrival in the capital, there was little fanfare this time. It was unnecessary.

The early morning air was cool, and soft mist lingered around the landing platform as the soldiers made their way up the gangways and onto the enormous ship.

Still, they were not without witnesses...

The Emperor had come to see them off, standing at the edge of the skyport with several of his trusted confidants and members of the royal family. Old Ani stood nearby as well, watching the preparations with thoughtful eyes.

A handful of citizens who had risen early had gathered beyond the guard lines. Though the crowd was small, they gazed at the skyship with the same awe that had gripped the city the day before.

Above them, the colossal vessel loomed quietly, its crimson sails hanging still in the pale morning light, while the ancient leafless tree at its center creaked faintly in the wind.

One by one, the warriors of the Dark King’s army disappeared into the ship, preparing to depart for the war that awaited them beyond the horizon.

Standing beside the Emperor and Old Ani, Adam used Mind Whisper and spoke directly into their minds:

’With Godfrey impriosned, I’m sure the Cult must have sent someone to Hannes to check up on the portal.’

The Emperor turned solemn.

’And?’ he asked. ’Will they find anything amiss?’

Adam shook his head. ’It’s hard to tell, your grace. They won’t find any difference unless their understanding of rune magic is on par with mine.’

’We will keep an eye on it.’ Old Ani said with a nod.

’Remember, it is important not to alert the cultist. They still don’t know that we are aware of the true extent of their plans. And that... is our biggest advantage,’ Adam sent a mental transmission.

Both the Emperor and Old Ani nodded.

Lucian’s lips parted, and he said in slight concern, "You’re sure you don’t need any other Mana Core Magus besides Balthazar?"

Last night, it was decided that Blackfire Balthazar would be the second-in-command in the Dark King’s army. Adam happily welcomed it, for he knew just how powerful the man who commanded black flames truly was.

"You forget, your grace... I still have my serpents," Adam said with a wicked grin.

Since returning to Ravenfell, Adam hadn’t summoned the serpents from the Coil. He didn’t need to. His strength alone was enough.

But still, the serpents were one of his trump cards. They were also the primary reason why Adam didn’t recruit more men. After all, the majority of the army’s ranks would be filled by the gluttonous snakes.

"Besides, there are a few who will surely advance to the Mana Core Rank during my campaign," he added with a confident smirk.

The Emperor inhaled deeply. "Very well."

He placed a hand on Adam’s shoulder and gently clasped it. "May fortune be with you."

Adam raised his chin and laughed.

"Fortune is a woman, and she favors boldness," he said. "And rest assured, your grace, I’m plenty bold!"

Lucian snorted. Meanwhile, Old Ani couldn’t help but shake her head, sighing helplessly.

The Dark King bid his farewells, and just as he was about to proceed into the flying ship, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Do you have room for one more, mighty Dark King?"

Adam paused in his footsteps, his lips slowly curling into a bright smile. He turned around and gazed at the speaker — a robed figure — with gentle fondness.

"For you?" he said. "Always!"

The figure slowly lowered her hood, revealing a head full of luscious blonde hair and emerald eyes that gleamed with vitality.

Her eyes glistening with unshed tears, and she said in a choking voice, "It’s been so long, Adam..."

Adam approached her, his smiled turning wider. Then, without hesitation, he gave her a big and warm hug.

"Where the hell have you been?" he said in a soft voice.

"I really thought I wouldn’t get to see you again... Lisa!"

The blonde-haired Lisa de Claire, who was now a Mana Vortex Magus, closed her eyes and silently sobbed in her childhood friend’s embrace.

The years had left their mark on her. She had grown into a splendid and mature woman, her beauty carrying a quiet grace that spoke of the many trials she had endured. Time had shaped her features, lending her an air of strength and dignity.

Yet the same couldn’t be said for Adam...

Lisa wiped her tears away and intently looked at her friend. Standing before her, he still looked like the youthful boy she remembered, no older than someone in his late teenage years.

While decades had passed for her, leaving their traces on her face and bearing, he appeared almost untouched by time. No, if anything, he looked as if he had aged in reverse.

"I was in the Murky Mountains," she said. "But when I heard about your long march, I rushed here."

Adam nodded with a smile. "So, you’re ready to fight alongside me once again? Just like we did against the orcs all those years ago."

Lisa chuckled sweetly. She slightly lifted the hems of her gown and gave a graceful curtsy.

"It would be an honor," she said warmly, "to fight alongside the legendary Dark King."

Adam rolled his eyes. "Enough with your antics. Let’s go!"

Before boarding the vessel, he nonchalantly introduced her to the Emperor — an act that took Lisa by wild surprise.

Then, just as they climbed the gangway, under the cheers and applause of the gathered crowd, Adam awkwardly cleared his throat and whispered to her, "By the way, uhm... fattie is also here. So... I mean... uh, it’ll be fine, right?"

"It doesn’t matter," Lisa said in an indifferent tone.

Just as the pair entered the main deck, Edward rushed forward with wide eyes.

"Lisa!" he blurted out, his voice laced with concern. "You shouldn’t be here—"

His words died in his throat when...

Lisa ignored him and walked right past him, warmly greeting Anna and Valerian.

Edward stood there gaping, frozen in embarrassment.

Adam walked up to him, glanced at his stupid expression, and snorted. "Well deserved."

He then stepped onto the quarterdeck and calmly took command of the vessel. At his signal, the ancient runes along the hull flickered to life, and the crimson sails unfurled once more.

Slowly, the colossal ship began its ascent.

From the skyport below, the Emperor, the nobles, and the gathered citizens watched in silence, their gazes filled with emotion as the Dark King’s army departed for war.

The vessel climbed higher and higher into the morning sky, until at last it passed through the clouds and vanished from sight.

And with that, the Dark King’s war campaign was set in motion...