Chapter 221: Preperations

"Where did you learn about the four principles of magic manifestation?" Lisa asked eagerly. "Nothing of sorts was mentioned in the school's final-year textbooks."

The trio leisurely walked through the academy campus, on their way to the next class. As soon as they had gotten out of their last class, Lisa immediately shot a bunch of questions, her curiosity getting the best of her.

"Foolish girl, kekeke." Adam laughed smugly. He lifted his chin at a forty-five-degree angle and spoke passionately, "Isn't it obvious? I know such things because I'm a genius."

"You!" Lisa clenched her fist in a threatening manner. "Stop spouting rubbish. Tell me where did you learn it?"

Adam's nose seemed to be elongating by the moment. "I told you already."

Lisa was getting frustrated but suddenly thought of something and her eyes lit up. "That's right, Lord Berger must've told you."

She then flicked her hair and harrumphed, "I knew it."

Adam didn't reply, choosing to remain silent. He simply smiled mysteriously, letting Lisa think of whatever justifications she could that would help her sleep better at night.

Of course, there was no way in the world he would tell her that he knew such profound knowledge because of the memories he had absorbed.

The next moment, Lisa turned to look at him and sincerely requested, "Can you teach me what you've learned?"

For some reason, she had this strange feeling that Adam was more learned than all the professors at the academy. Bizarre as it seemed, she attributed this to Adam being personally taught these high-level topics by Berger, a Rank 3 Magus.

Adam happily obliged, "Sure, I don't mind."

According to him, this was very basic knowledge compared to all the things he had learned from the memories. It was fine if he divulged it to his close friends.

"Oh! By the way, Adam." Edward suddenly recalled something. "Remember, before we entered the secret plane, you said you'd give me a present? Something very suitable for, uh, me."

"Hehe, I haven't forgotten, fatty." Adam chuckled.

"No, I know you haven't." Edward shook his head and then asked curiously, "What I don't understand is, why did you say you'd give it to me after we advanced to the Organ Stage?"

"Guess?" Adam's lips curled up into a smirk.

The reason why he had said that was because he was waiting to advance to the Organ Stage so that he could absorb more souls inside the mysterious space of the white lotus.

Only by strengthening his soul would he be able to absorb the next set of memories that he had been targeting!

Adam could tell from a single glance that this orb of light contained a vast treasure trove of knowledge. However, to devour these memories, he had to make sure that his soul was strong enough to withstand it in the first place.

Throughout his time in the secret plane, he had been regularly absorbing the souls inside the white lotus. All so his soul could be strong enough to devour this next set of memories.

"Hmph, being mysterious for no reason." Lisa pouted and looked away.

Adam patted her shoulder and grinned, "Don't worry, I have something for you as well."

"Who said I wanted anything from you?" Lisa rolled her eyes.

However, her heart was warmed by his words. Adam was the stingiest person she knew. But ironically, he was also the most generous person she knew.

He would always gift them potions, spell-books, and sometimes even precious arcane knowledge without ever wanting anything in return. Lisa was very grateful to have such a friend in her life.

"Hehe, I can't wait for it!" Edward was very excited. He knew for a fact that anything given by Adam wouldn't be inferior to what he already had.

"Come over to my house tomorrow night, you both," Adam spoke with great enthusiasm. "I'll give you the greatest surprise of your life."

...

Nightfall.

Adam comfortably sat on his couch in his underground laboratory at home. His eyes flashed with anticipation and his lips formed a wide grin.

"Finally! After so long, I'll finally be able to absorb that soul! Mwahaha!"

For the last couple of years, he had been slowly absorbing the soul fragments inside the mysterious space and gradually strengthening his soul.

All for this day!

Valerian is busy eating upstairs. I've already told Barry to not allow anyone down here. There shouldn't be anyone disturbing me now.

The youth took deep breaths to calm down his excited heart. Difficult as it was, he slowly managed to compose himself. He leaned back on the couch and closed his eyes.

When he opened his eyes again, he found himself levitating over a vast waterbody.

The spirit sea!

He looked around and muttered to himself, "What changes will my spirit sea go through when I finally advance to Rank 2?"

After all, the formation of the spirit sea and mana channels signified that a Magus had reached the threshold of Rank 2. However, due to Adam having the white lotus, he had already formed the spirit sea when he had advanced to Rank 1 Flesh Stage!

Forget it, that's for later... Although it's not far away. Adam smirked and then flew toward the white lotus at the center of his spirit sea.

The majestic white lotus was like an island in the middle of the ocean. It radiated a pristine aura that involuntarily made one bow their head in reverence. Three verdant, round leaves brimming with vitality surrounded the lotus, making it appear all the more grandiose.

Adam only cast a momentary glance at the lotus before diving straight into it. His body passed through the lotus and the next moment, he had already arrived at the mysterious white space.

Thousands of bright orbs of light, big and small, hovered in the air all around him for as far as his eyes could see. Adam looked at this familiar place and couldn't help but smile.

This place could be considered his personal treasury. It didn't contain material wealth, but something far greater.

The youth mused to himself, "Who knows? This place could very well be the greatest treasury in the world. No, perhaps even the universe?"

He then flew toward a particular orb of light. This one was slightly bigger than the size of his head and multi-colored lights flashed on its surface from time to time.

Adam's expression slowly turned solemn. As he gazed at this soul—or whatever was left of it—he could feel the spiritual power subtly emanating from it.

I hope my preparations are enough.

He took a deep breath, his eyes flashing with determination.

And the next moment...

He thrust his hands inside the orb!