Chapter 345 Ideals
Chapter 345 Ideals
The cobblestoned streets of Moon City were brimming with humans, elves, dwarves, and gnomes of all ages, celebrating the allied forces' victory in the war.
Even though it had already been over a week since the war was over, the celebrations continued.
The air was filled with the sound of laughter, the thrumming of flutes, the beats of drums, and the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd.
Everywhere Magi went, they were showered with praises and treated as heroes. After all, they were indeed heroes who had defended the lands of the Southern Federation and protected all of its people.
Seeing such a scene brought a smile to Edward and Lisa's face.
After walking through the South Ward for a long time, the couple finally arrived at the entrance of Herbs & More.
Upon entering, a fragrant medicinal aroma wafted into their nostrils, causing them to involuntarily feel at ease.
Behind the wooden counter, a familiar old gnome was reading an arcane tome while smoking from his pipe. Noticing the couple enter, he kept his book away.
Berger glanced at the couple and then at their ceremonial graduation robes. He smiled faintly, "Congratulations are in order."
Edward and Lisa brightly smiled, "Thank you, Lord Berger!"
"Lord Berger, is… is he awake?" Edward then asked with hopeful eyes.
Berger nodded. "He's been waiting for you both." He got off his chair, walked around the counter, and led them to the second floor. "He knew you would come by today."
The trio climbed the stairs and soon reached the third floor. They then walked through Berger's laboratory and toward the guest room on the other side.
After opening the door, they saw a young man with raven hair sitting up on the bed, seemingly waiting for them.
His entire body was covered in once-white bandages but had now turned bloody. The young man looked pale and emaciated. His breathing was ragged and it seemed like he was greatly struggling.
Seeing this, Edward and Lisa's heart ached. Yet, they displayed a cheerful appearance on the surface.
Lisa walked forward and sat down beside the bed. She gently grabbed the young man's hand and smiled brightly, "Adam, congratulations! We finally graduated from the academy."
Adam didn't respond immediately. He slowly turned his head in Lisa's direction and nodded ever so slightly.
"…Finally done… with that shithole, huh?"
Edward and Lisa couldn't help but burst into chuckles. The former came forward and gently patted his shoulder. "That's right. We're finally done."
He then pointed at the youth's eyes which were covered in a layer of bloodied bandages.
"How are you feeling?"
"…Not bad," Adam muttered weakly.
Edward and Lisa glanced at each other with wry smiles.
"By the way," Edward began. "We got recommendation letters to join the Tower of Daybreak."
Adam nodded without responding.
Edward didn't know how to proceed. Lisa's lips opened and closed several times, thinking of the right words to say.
Tears streamed down her eyes as she gently squeezed Adam's hand, "We won't leave for the Empire without you, okay? So take all the time you need to recover."
"That's right!" Edward enthusiastically nodded. "We're here for you. Anything you need, just let me know. I'll have the entire Mercantile Guild at your disposal."
Sensing the deep concern in their tones, Adam's heart was warmed.
His lips parted and he spoke with great difficulty, "Thank… you…"
"Alright," Berger suddenly chimed in. "You two come back later. It's time for the boy's treatment."
The couple reluctantly left the room after bidding farewell to Adam. The moment they left, the youth couldn't hold it any longer and coughed out a mouthful of blood, his face twisting in agony.
"Ugh!" He clutched at his head and groaned.
With a solemn expression, Berger weaved hand signs and cast a spell to ease Adam's state of mind. Then, he fed him a series of potions and finally calmed him down.
Seeing the youth panting for air, the gnome asked, "Have the conditions in your spirit sea eased?"Adam shook his head. He then weakly replied, "Months… Years, maybe…"
Berger's eyes flashed with sorrow. He didn't know what exactly had happened to the youth. All he knew was that his spirit sea was greatly injured during his battle against Oswald and Hemingway.
Apart from that, he didn't know anything. Adam too couldn't give him the full details because the youth couldn't even hold a proper conversation.
Berger's fists involuntarily clenched. He deeply glanced at the youth and assured, "I will do my best to heal your injuries, physical and mental."
He paused for a moment before solemnly adding, "However, if you give up on your end, you will never be able to recover. You might even die."
Adam remained silent for a long time. In the end, his lips curled up into a smirk.
"…I will… never yield!"
Sensing the conviction in the youth's weak and soft voice, Berger was taken aback. But then, he burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! That's my boy."
A few moments later, he recalled something and said, "By the way, Helene has already sent over your diploma and the ceremonial robe to me."
Adam nodded.
Berger paused before continuing, "She's also sent a recommendation letter for you to join the Tower of Daybreak."
Adam nodded yet again, but this time, he smiled.
He couldn't wait to go to the Acadian Empire after he had recovered.
Berger's face turned extremely solemn as he began, "However, instead of joining the Tower of Daybreak, would you like to hear this old man's suggestion?"
Sensing the old man's serious tone, Adam involuntarily sat straight and nodded.
Berger took a deep breath and began, "There is this clandestine organization that I'm a part of. We are dedicated to preserving ancient magic and protecting the innocent from the forces of evil across Tron."
He paused for a moment, making sure Adam was paying attention. "I have seen you grow from a young boy to a Magus in these five years. Although your ideals may differ from the organization's in a few places, I truly believe you will be a good fit."
Adam thought for a long time. Then, he nodded. "Old man… If you think… it's going to be… beneficial… for me. Then… I will do… as you say."
He paused for a moment, before curiously asking. "By the way… what is this… organization… called?"
A brilliant light seemed to flash past Berger's eyes as he smiled.
"The Twilight Brotherhood."
(End of Volume 2—Way of Magic)