54 Legacy

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Eldric's eyes widened, his expression remaining neutral as Aiden relied all the information related to the current situation.

"So you're telling me that we've got only 17 minutes to find a way to return all of us to Moxi Island, or we will die?"

A resounding "Yes!" echoed through the room. The gravity of the situation became clear as the group are now all on the fifth floor of the magic tower. In the midst of the chaos, Eldric Julius, one of the greatest magic researchers in the Sarna world, found himself engrossed in a critical operation. Seath, lying on a table, had his chest and ribcage exposed as Eldric worked diligently to help save his life.

It had been just over three minutes since the group's return to the magic tower. The urgency of their situation had not allowed for formalities. The scene was unsettling for some, with a few onlookers unable to stomach the sight and turning away. Aiden, however, observed with a curious mix of surprise and recognition. It was reminiscent of surgical procedures back on Earth, and he couldn't help but notice the parallels.

After the battle between Damien and Aiden began, Eldric swiftly retreated to the laboratory on the fifth floor. He immediately began utilizing a variety of magic potions and concoctions, searching through both his supplies and those available in the lab, all in a desperate attempt to stabilize Seath's condition.

Seath's state proved to be very severe. Damien, had some foresight as he had infused Seath's magic crystal with remnants of his dark miasmas during his attack with the spear, to make sure that even if he survived, the darkness would to consume his magic crystal and heart leading to a sure death.

The gravity of the situation pushed Eldric to make a very risky move. With delicate precision, he opened Seath's chest, searching for the source of the darkness plaguing the magical beast.

Woosh

Eldric: "Wind spell, Wind Scalpel."

A verdant wind coalesced around Eldric's hand, forming into a small, razor-sharp blade. The room watched in awe as the Wind Scalpel manifested, a testament to Eldric's proficiency.

Aiden, perplexed by Eldric's ability to wield magic, voiced his surprise. "Wait, how are you able to use spells? I thought the mana disappeared from the air."

Eldric dismissed the concern, explaining, "It's the mana in the air that vanished. I still have mana inside me, and since I haven't used much, I can perform simple spells. So don't worry; I'm confident I can find a solution in ten minutes. Just wait a little, I'm in the middle of something here."

An uneasy silence hung in the air as Eldric focused on his task. Dian Long, growing impatient, interjected, "Hey, I hate to interrupt, but I think we are more important than that wolf. Damien has corrupted his magic crystal; he won't have a chance to survive."

Eldric, undeterred, retorted, "And who decided that? Now go back and give me some space so I can finish this and deal with the other mess."

Aiden, caught in the tension, remained silent.

Eldric continued his intricate work on Seath, making precise incisions with the Wind Scalpel. The atmosphere in the room grew tenser with each careful slash.

Slash, Slash

Eldric's actions were met with anticipation and anxiety. As the minutes passed, he meticulously carved a path to Seath's magic crystal. Charles, observing Eldric's skill, couldn't help but acknowledge, 'Such outstanding technique and precision, and a creative idea like this would've been very helpful in the past.'

Finally, after five intense minutes, Eldric reached the magic crystal. Half-dimmed by the encroaching darkness, he used his fingernail to create a thinner wind blade, akin to a needle. With surgical precision, Eldric punctured the crystal on its darkened side.

Charles: 'This is a technique born of exceptional skill and creativity.'

The tiny hole allowed the darkness to seep out, and Eldric swiftly contained it in a small bottle. Utilizing his mana, he sealed the minute opening.

The observers began to witness a positive change in Seath's countenance as the darkness was expelled from his body. Eldric, finishing the operation, cleaned his hands with water and addressed the group.

"Fyeeww. Now we can talk about the other problem. If there's a mage capable of healing, please tend to his wounds. I've used all my potions to keep him alive."

Saya hesitated. After all, the time Seath tried to kill her was still fresh in her mind. Aiden, understanding what she was going through, offered support by placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Just heal him this time. Consider it as helping Eldric and not the wolf."

After some little thinking, Saya nodded and went on and began channeling her healing magic towards Seath. Eldric who noticed that nodded at both Saya Aiden expressing his gratitude. He then started moving his fingers and seemed like he was drawing something in the air.

Eldric: "Fortunately for all you, I didn't use that much magic spells so I still have enough mana to do something like this. You better thank me when we get out of this island".

"Sir, you need to hurry. there are only 10 minutes remaining before the Island start falling"

One of the adventurers voiced his concern, regretting his decision to embark on this perilous journey and vowing to never set foot on a flying island ever again.

Eldric: "Just relax. Do you think I came here without a backup plan? The moment I felt the mana disappear, I called for help. I also wanted to consult the spirit living on this island about using the formations down in Moxi Island, but we won't have time since he's literally disintegrating."

The group, now remembering Charles, turned their attention to the remnants of the once-great mage. Aiden faced Charles, who, despite his vanishing form, smiled and spoke through the echoes of his laughter in their minds.

"In all my years of living, I saw many people, and the expressions they showed were always the same. Anger, respect, fear, admiration, and many more. Yet, this is the first time ever that I see pity."

Aiden, with a solemn promise, responded, "...Old man, I will make sure to give proper payback to that lizard."

Charles: "Even if he didn't come, I would've disappeared in a few years. In fact, I'm happy. With all these people that I saw in these last few days, I'm sure that the legacy I preserved all these years has been passed."

Charles then turned at Dian Long and said in his mind, "Dian Long, go grab that thing for me".

Dian Long, somewhat surprised, nodded and vanished to the upper floors. He returned moments later, holding a small gold ring adorned with a dragon drawing, 

Aiden questioned, "What is this?"

Charles mysteriously smiled as he started to shine, gradually disappearing like a fading star, his voice echoing, "My Legacy..."

In that moment, Charles vanished from the world, leaving behind a profound void in the history of the Sarna world.

Simultaneously, a green magic circle materialized in the air, and a voice resonated through it.

"Eldric, where are you? I couldn't find the island you're talking about. It seems that it isn't above Moxi island."

Eldric: "Edvard, I don't have much time. Get our location using the magic circle I'm contacting you with and save us now. We only have some..."

Rumble Rumble

Suddenly, a colossal earthquake shook the entire island, and the magic tower itself began to quake, revealing cracks that snaked through its structure.

The magic circle vanished, severed by the abrupt seismic disturbance.

"Everyone... RUN!! to the highest floor immediately!"

Eldric's urgent command echoed through the chaos as he levitated Seath with a wind spell, swiftly soaring towards the tower's topmost floor—the same roof damaged in the earlier battle between Aiden and Damien.

Responding to Eldric's urgency, the group followed suit, sprinting up the tower's staircases.

Panic set in among the people as they felt the island descending towards the sea. However, Aiden remained steadfast, trusting Eldric to lead them to safety.

Finally reaching the top floor, they surveyed the scene. The western part of the island, including the lake and swamp, had already separated and fallen apart.

Rumble Rumble

Their gaze then turned northward, discovering that the vast snow-covered area and the snow mountain had vanished. Expectant eyes turned to Eldric for guidance, but he remained silent.

Aiden, breaking the suspense, asked, "Eldric, what are we waiting for right now? How are you going to leave this island?"

Eldric: "Just wait."

Everyone held their breath, seconds ticking away. The southern desert collapsed and descended. The tension grew, but Eldric and Aiden maintained their composure.

Emelia, anxious, turned to her father, Morgan, seeking reassurance. Morgan, uncertain of the outcome, shared his belief in Eldric's capability, "I'm sure that Sir Eldric has a plan. Look at him, and you will know that everything is in control. Even Aiden trusts him."

The seconds passed, and the eastern forest fell. The atmosphere tensed again, but Eldric's calm demeanor kept some at ease. Emelia, George, and the second prince found solace in Saifon's composed stance.

Rumble Rumble

Eldric: "He came. Sigh, the guy almost got me. EVERYONE!! NOW!! JUMP!!"

Confusion clouded the minds of Aiden and the others, but Eldric didn't explain. He leaped with Seath before any questions could be asked.

Wooshhh

As they wondered about Eldric's actions, a brilliant blue light enveloped them, and Eldric's voice rang out again, now tinged with frustration.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!!!!!! JUMP NOW OR I WILL GO AND LEAVE ALL OF YOU HERE!!!!!"

Without further hesitation, Aiden jumped, followed by Saya and the rest, landing on the deck of an airship.

Thud Thud Thud Thud

They found themselves on the deck of a flying ship, a surprise given the circumstances. Yet, relief washed over them, knowing they were safe.

"Edvard, take us out of here NOW!!"

Edvard, the man behind the airship's appearance, remained silent, pressing a button that bathed the ship in the same blue light, causing them to vanish from the collapsing island.