Wizard World Irregular

“How strong is the Gatekeeper?” Ethan asked. “Is it as strong as the Legacy it’s protecting?”

Lord Edmond didn’t answer right away. Instead, he glanced at Professor Rinehart as if asking him to answer Ethan’s question.

“There have only been two instances when an Epic Legacy Gate has appeared in the Shire Continent,” Professor Rinehart explained. “The strength of the Gatekeeper varies depending on the nature of the power it is protecting.

“The Gatekeeper of the First Epic Legacy Gate that appeared in the Shire Continent was an Ifrit, an Ancient Fire Elemental. It is truly powerful. But, the irony of it all is that the one who had greedily taken the Epic Legacy transformed into an Ifrit.

“The subjugation force had been wiped out, forcing the Elven King, Fairy King, Dwarven King, Beast King, and the Human King to personally take action and work together to destroy it. After countless sacrifices, the Ifrit was finally killed, and its Legacy was forever erased from the face of the world.

“The Second Epic Legacy that appeared was easily handled because the Gatekeeper was a Satyr, who could only charm women. In that expedition, there were only four women participating in the conquest, so they were easily subdued before they could attack their allies.

“The Satyr didn’t stand a chance against the full might of the remaining warriors, so it died without killing anyone. After the Satyr was killed, the Legacy Tome that contained the Epic Legacy was destroyed, preventing another tragedy from taking place.”

Lord Edmond nodded. “And now, after four hundred years, a third Epic Legacy Gate has appeared in Westshire. All the Kingdoms are going to send their representatives to ensure that the Epic Legacy is destroyed in order to prevent another tragedy from happening.”

Ethan, who had listened to the explanation from beginning to end, asked another question.

“If this expedition is that dangerous, then why are Nicole and I being included in the expedition?” Ethan inquired. “Wouldn’t it be better if only the powerful adults go and handle it?”

Lord Edmond sighed after hearing Ethan’s question. Truth be told, he understood why the young man was asking such a question.

However, the answer to this was really simple.

“It’s because this time around, the Epic Legacy Gate only allows those below the age of twenty-five to enter its Domain,” Lord Edmond said in a solemn tone. “So, we are gathering the best among the Younger Generation to participate in this expedition.

“Your head Prefect, Henry, and Rowan Oswald from Schwartz Manor will also come with us. There are also others, who are already on their way to Westshire. Among them are Cedric Raylight, Vladimir Asta, and Constantine Asta.”

Lord Edmond sent an apologetic look in Nicole’s direction, knowing that she didn’t get along with the two Prodigies of the Asta Family.

However, the Patriarch of the Asta Family declared that if they were able to help the expedition succeed, they would be allowed to skip two trials from the Heir Wars. This was an opportunity that Nicole, Vladimir, and Constantine didn’t dare to miss.

“Excellency, isn’t this dangerous?” Ethan couldn’t help but feel worried about the lineup of people that would go on the expedition. “All of us are young. What if one of us gets tempted by the power of an Epic Legacy? Wouldn’t that turn into a disaster?”

Lord Edmond’s face turned solemn as he looked at the young man, who wielded a powerful Legacy of his own.

“This is another reason why I am sending you and Nicole to participate in this expedition,” Lord Edmond stated. “These young geniuses and prodigies are all proud and arrogant, and some of them might indeed be tempted by such powers.

“If anyone were to dare to take the power of the Epic Legacy, you are to kill them without mercy. This is an absolute order. No matter who that person is, no matter what race, background, or reason, they must be killed at all cost.”

The Grand Archmage’s expression was fierce, highlighting the real reason why Ethan and Nicole had to go on the expedition alongside Henry and Rowan. The students of Brynhildr Academy could be trusted, and he believed that they wouldn’t fall into temptation.

“Promise us, Ethan, Nicole,” Professor Rinehart said softly, “that no matter what happens, neither of you will allow yourselves to be greedy and take something that might potentially destroy not only your future but also the future of everyone in the Shire Continent.”

Ethan and Nicole nodded at the same time because they both had no intention of taking the Legacy with them.

Nicole was already suffering from the Legacy, which she still hadn’t tamed inside of her body. If she were to take the power of the Epic Legacy, then she was certain that she wouldn’t have the willpower to survive its corruption.

Ethan, on the other hand, believed that he didn’t need another Legacy. After all, he already had three of them.

Adding one more would just make him too greedy, and it might also cause irreversible repercussions to his mental state.

The discussion lasted for another hour before Ethan and Nicole left Lord Edmond’s Villa to return to their own Manors.

Ethan still needed to make a few final preparations and say a proper goodbye to his lovers.

They already knew that he was going to Westshire, but they didn’t know the reason behind why he was going.

Of course, Ethan was not allowed to tell them because this was confidential information.

When he arrived at Dud Manor, he happened to see Henry chatting with George in the Common Room.

Reminded that the Head Prefect was also coming with them to Westshire, Ethan decided to discuss a few things with him before they set out on their journey.

“Sir Henry, are you free right now?” Ethan asked. “There is something I want to ask you in private.”

“He’s not free!” George replied. “The two of us are going to Terra Manor to have afternoon tea with beautiful ladies.”

“That is still two hours away, George,” Henry commented before standing up. “I’ll go with you, Ethan.”

George let out an exaggerated sigh before looking at Henry as if he was some kind of traitor.

Ethan could only shake his head helplessly because he was already used to George’s antics.

When the two finally entered Ethan’s room and properly closed the door, the young man immediately asked his Head Prefect about his thoughts on the upcoming expedition.

“I’m not gonna lie, Ethan,” Henry said. “I am very worried about this mission. I’m sure that all the races are gathering their geniuses and prodigies. When you put all of these arrogant and strong-willed people in one group, conflicts of interest are bound to arise.

“Also, not all of them have Legacies, so it’s very easy to get tempted by such power. Not everyone is fine with staying mediocre for the rest of their lives. Because of this, I am very certain that once the Gatekeeper is defeated, a few of them will rush to enter the vault that contains the Legacy Tome in order to take a gamble and acquire its powers.

“I’m telling you now—there’s a high possibility that there will be a bloodbath. If worst comes to worst, I will drag all of you out of the Legacy Domain. Since the adults will also stay to guard the Legacy Gate just in case that scenario happens, it will be best to leave it to them.”

Ethan nodded his head in understanding because he shared the same sentiment with his Head Prefect.

If the worst-case scenario were to indeed come to reality, then it would be best to run away and ensure that they would all live to fight another day.