Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 2168: Centennial Gala

The sky was crisp and beautiful.

Twilight settled over the horizon, an orange ribbon stretching across the point where the sky met the land.

Davos was lively.

Over the past week, influential figures from across the Free City Alliance had poured into the city to attend the Centennial Gala hosted by Sapphire Tower.

Nobles, renowned Magi, distinguished Paladins, and prominent alumni had all made their way to Davos for the occasion.

The streets were packed with people. Carriages rolled through the main thoroughfares, their passengers dressed in fine silks and expensive garments.

Merchants and street vendors did brisk business, while taverns and restaurants overflowed with visitors eager to enjoy the festivities.

Laughter and excited conversations filled the air, and everywhere one looked, people seemed caught up in the excitement.

The atmosphere was festive, almost intoxicating.

After all, this was no ordinary gathering.

Sapphire Tower was the premier institute of arcane learning in the Free City Alliance. Its influence extended far beyond Davos, and its alumni occupied important positions throughout the member states.

Many had gone on to become influential Magi, powerful Paladins, prominent scholars, and respected figures in their respective fields.

The Centennial Gala was an opportunity for them to return to their alma mater, reconnect with old acquaintances, and establish new connections.

For the younger generation, it was an opportunity to meet the very people they might one day aspire to become.

And for the influential figures of the Free City Alliance, it was an occasion to strengthen their relationships and discuss matters that might shape the future of their cities.

Naturally, the sudden influx of distinguished guests brought its own set of concerns.

The City Watch had tightened security throughout Davos to an unprecedented degree. Watchmen patrolled the streets in greater numbers, while additional checkpoints had been established around important locations.

Officers kept a close eye on unfamiliar faces and suspicious movements, doing their best to maintain order amid the enormous crowds.

Delegations from the member states of the Free City Alliance had also arrived, each accompanied by their own attendants and guards.

With so many powerful people gathered in one place, even the smallest disturbance could have serious consequences.

And so, while the citizens celebrated, the City Watch worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything proceeded smoothly.

The Centennial Gala itself was scheduled to last three days.

Tonight marked the beginning of the festivities.

All invited guests would gather at Sapphire Tower, where the opening celebration would officially commence. Over the following days, there would be further gatherings and opportunities for the distinguished attendees to mingle.

For now, however, the focus was on the Tower.

Its grand structure stood prominently above the surrounding buildings. Carriages arrived one after another, depositing elegantly dressed guests at the entrance to the campus. Attendants hurried about, ushering visitors inside, while the security personnel carefully inspected each arrival.

The many entrances to the campus were a constant stream of activity. It was crowded, but people were civil.

For Davos, the Centennial Gala was more than a celebration. It was a reminder of Sapphire Tower’s place at the heart of arcane learning in the Free City Alliance, and of the influence its people wielded throughout the region.

Tonight, the eyes of the Alliance were upon Davos.

***

Knowing that the streets would be congested and all the campus entrances would be overcrowded, Adam and Genevieve had moved to her studio apartment on campus a few days ago.

Genevieve sat before her dressing table, watching herself and the figure standing behind her in the mirror. The raven-haired young man fastened the crane-pendant necklace around her neck.

She wore a black V-neck dress whose hem reached her ankles. A slit along the side exposed one of her legs as she sat, lending the otherwise elegant dress a touch of allure.

Her short auburn hair, which reached her neck, had been combed neatly, framing her face beautifully. She looked stunning tonight.

Genevieve tilted her head slightly, studying her reflection from different angles before glancing at the man in the reflection.

"I know you don’t particularly enjoy these events, Adam," she said gently. "But human beings are social creatures. We need connections, relationships, and people we can rely on. No man can live entirely on his own, no matter how capable he is."

She turned in her chair and held his hands. She gave the knuckles a kiss.

"I know you prefer doing things your own way, and I’m not asking you to change who you are. But I’d truly like it if you attended more social events like this and took the time to connect with people. You never know when a casual acquaintance might become a good friend, or when a simple conversation might open a door you never knew existed."

She smiled and gently squeezed his hands. "Besides, I’d like to see you make a few more friends, my love."

Adam resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Instead, he nodded and smiled. "I’ll try."

Genevieve rose to her feet, put her arms around his neck, and gave him a deep kiss. "Thank you for coming with me."

Adam simply smiled in response and kissed her again.

His and Genevieve’s worldviews were vastly different, shaped by their very different upbringings.

Still, he understood what she meant. At least to some extent. He knew that connections mattered, and that building relationships with influential people could open doors that would otherwise remain closed.

But Adam had always held a different belief—as long as you were strong enough, like-minded people would naturally gravitate toward you.

That was how he had always seen things.

But he wasn’t about to dismiss Genevieve’s advice simply because he disagreed with her. He knew she had his best interests at heart.

He helped her slip into her high heels. With them on, she was just as tall as him now.

Soon, they left her studio apartment and joined the streams of crowds heading toward the heart of the campus.

"What did Hannibal say?" Genevieve asked, holding his hand and leaning against him as they walked.

They attracted quite a few glances along the way. Dressed in black, they made quite an attractive couple.

Adam shook his head, smirking. "Turns out he despises such events too."

Genevieve pulled his cheek. "I’ll make it up to you. I promise."

"What about your friends?" Adam asked. "And Professor Oakley? Where are they?"

"They must have already arrived," Genevieve said, hardly able to contain her excitement.

They arrived at the base of the Magus Tower and looked up in awe at the venue of the gala.

High above the tower floated a platform as large as an entire neighborhood. Brilliant lights illuminated its surface, while music and the sounds of dancing drifted down from above.

It was like a small island floating in the sky, suspended high above Davos by powerful magic.