Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 2169: A Fairy Tale

Sturdy platforms ascended from all around the Magus tower, carrying dozens of distinguished guests toward the small floating island above.

Stern-faced members of the City Watch stood guard at every platform, ensuring that everything proceeded in an orderly fashion. Their presence was reassuring, especially given the sheer number of influential figures gathered for the occasion.

Naturally, not everyone received the same treatment.

The most influential Magi and Paladins were given priority. The wealthiest families of Davos, high-ranking government officials, and delegations from the other member states of the Free City Alliance were escorted onto the platforms first.

Their arrival was met with respectful bows and deferential greetings. Attendants hurried to accommodate their needs, while those still waiting below watched the privileged guests ascend toward the gala.

For many, being among the first to arrive was a mark of prestige in itself. It was a subtle display of one’s standing within the Free City Alliance, a reminder that even at an event celebrating the legacy of Sapphire Tower, social hierarchy remained very much alive.

The atmosphere was charged with excitement. Distinguished guests greeted old acquaintances, exchanged pleasantries, and discussed the latest developments in their respective fields. Every now and then, a familiar name would draw the attention of the surrounding crowd.

Thankfully, one of the rising platforms was reserved exclusively for the students and staff of Sapphire Tower.

Genevieve didn’t have to wait long. Holding Adam’s hand, she guided him toward the designated platform, greeting familiar faces along the way.

Some were her friends. Others were professors she had studied under or staff members she had known during her time at the Tower. And with every introduction, her cerulean eyes seemed to shine a little brighter.

"This is Magus Adam Constantine," she said proudly, introducing him to one of her acquaintances. "We’re attending the gala together."

She never once let go of his hand. Adam greeted everyone politely and kept it short. It was better to give them the impression that he was a man of few words so they wouldn’t come later and bother him.

He cast a side glance at Genevieve. She could have easily walked ahead and greeted her friends while expecting him to follow. Instead, she made sure to bring him along, introducing him to everyone she knew as though she couldn’t wait for them to meet him.

Adam glanced at their joined hands before looking at her beaming face. He subconsciously held her a little tighter.

Genevieve turned to him with curious eyes. Adam simply smiled in response.

The platform slowly ascended toward the top of the Tower. As they rose higher, the city of Davos gradually unfolded beneath them. The streets, buildings, and countless people grew smaller until the entire city resembled a vast sea of multicolored lights.

Adam leaned against the railing, taking in the view. It was beautiful.

Before long, the platform reached the floating island. Adam stepped onto its surface and froze for a moment.

The world that opened before him was a scene of extravagance and opulence unlike anything he had ever witnessed.

Well, he hadn’t attended many social events to begin with. But even so, he was certain that the Centennial Gala surpassed them all.

The floating island was enormous, with grand pavilions, beautifully decorated pathways, and countless guests dressed in their finest attire. Magical lights floated through the air, illuminating the surroundings in a dazzling array of colors.

Genevieve leaned closer and whispered into his ear, "I’ve heard they always go all out for this. After all, it’s a once-in-a-hundred-year event."

Adam nodded, a little absentmindedly. They continued walking until they reached the edge of a grove. The sight before them was nothing short of magical.

Trees with leaves of different colors stretched toward the sky. Some bore golden leaves, while others glowed in shades of crimson, violet, and sapphire. Colorful ribbons connected the branches, swaying gently in the breeze.

Exotic birds and other small magical creatures danced among the branches, hopping from one ribbon to another. Some fluttered overhead, their feathers catching the light, while others perched on the branches and sang along with the music. It was like stepping into a fairy tale.

A glowing marble path wound through the grove, guiding the guests deeper into the venue. Soft music drifted through the trees, mingling with the sounds of laughter and conversation. The atmosphere was fantastic.

Everywhere Adam looked, there was something new to admire. The decorations, the magical creatures, the elegant guests, and the enchanting music all blended together to create a scene of breathtaking beauty.

Genevieve had been noticing his expression all this while. She couldn’t help but cover her lips and giggle. "I told you it would be worth your time."

"I believe you now," Adam murmured as he saw a mermaid pass through the pond while they walked across a bridge.

In the distance, he saw shadows darting between the trees. He frowned. A moment later, his brows relaxed. Those were people from the City Watch, guarding the perimeter.

The crowd eventually reached the edge of the grove, where a vast clearing opened before them.

Tables and chairs were scattered across the grounds, occupied by elegantly dressed guests enjoying the festivities. Waiters wove between them, carrying trays laden with delicious food and glasses of wine.

Genevieve glanced around until she finally spotted Professor Oakley and his family seated at a table farther inside the clearing. Two seats had been left empty for Adam and Genevieve.

"There they are!" she said, her face brightening.

Grabbing Adam’s hand, she led him toward the table.

"Professor!" Genevieve greeted him warmly upon arriving. "I hope we haven’t kept you waiting."

Channing Oakley rose from his seat and smiled.

"Not at all, my dear." He hugged her and gently kissed her forehead. "We arrived only a little while ago."

Genevieve proceeded to greet the others at the table—Professor Oakley’s daughter, his son-in-law, and two grandchildren.

Meanwhile, Adam approached Professor Oakley and gave him a tight hug.

"My lad. You look well!" the old man grinned as he clasped Adam’s shoulders.

"It’s nice to see you, Professor."

The old man was no different from Genevieve’s grandfather. So Adam had quite a good relationship with him. He greeted the old man’s family, then finally took his seat beside Genevieve.

Genevieve glanced at the raised platform in the center of the clearing. There, at a long table, the most powerful and influential men and women of the Free City Alliance sat, including the Witch of Davos. But one seat was still empty.

"Where is the Lady of the Tower?" she murmured, her tone slightly bitter.

Professor Oakley noticed her strange tone but didn’t think much of it.

"She’s running a little late, it appears," he replied.

"Most of the guests have arrived by now. The Gala should begin shortly once she arrives."