Published at 17th of March 2026 8:44 pm

Chapter 1596 The Same Streets

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A heavy atmosphere hung in the air.

The travelers and residents who had been planning to enter the city through the southern gates now found themselves pushed far back, watching from a distance as the tense standoff between two Mana Core Magi unfolded.

Daniel Ranzenberg, the Lord Marshall of Ravenfell, stood with a complicated look on his face. Behind him, dozens of Magi from the city watch stood with tense and hostile expressions.

Anna stood behind Adam, holding Valerian in her arms. She appeared slightly anxious, unaware of how things were about to unfold. Whereas the young dragon yawned lazily, completely unbothered.

Adam had a relaxed smile on his face as he gazed at Daniel's stern expression. "We meet again, Lord Marshall."

Daniel's eyes flashed with conflicting emotions. As a survivor of the Battle of Ravenfell, he had witnessed firsthand what had unfolded all those decades ago. A part of him resented Adam, but another part of him knew that the youth was innocent.

He had, after all, seen the record of Adam's childhood memories in the Raven Inheritance. Nylian Feno had shown them to him to help clear his doubts.

"Magus Constantine," he asked. "What is the purpose of your visit?"

"Does a man need a reason to return home?" Adam asked, his dark eyes flashing with mischief.

Receiving no response from the Lord Marshall, he sighed helplessly. "Have you been in contact with His Majesty?"

Daniel silently shook his head, his eyes narrowing. Of course, he was aware of the Imperial Court's widespread campaign to help clear Adam's name. But he hadn't personally been in touch with Lucian regarding it.

"I see." Adam stroked his chin. "Perhaps, Headmaster Feno has."

"Perhaps..." Daniel murmured.

"Well then." Adams shrugged. "I humbly request an audience with the Lord of Ravenfell."

The Magi standing behind Daniel immediately turned to him, wondering what he'd say or do. Truth be told, they wanted nothing to do with the Deceitful One.

But at the end of the day, the decision to allow him entry rested on the Lord Marshall.

Daniel Ranzenberg deeply looked at the youth. His gaze then shifted to Anna, the gray cat resting in her arms, and finally back to Adam.

In the end, he nodded. "Follow me."

"Lord Marshall, but-"

The leader of the city watch tried to protest, but a simple glance from Daniel made him freeze.

Daniel turned back around and scanned all the Magi. He then said in an even voice, "Lower your weapons."

The Magi glanced at one another before slowly lowering their weapons. They stepped aside and formed two rows, leaving a wide passage through the city gates.

Daniel walked into the city first.

Adam, Anna, and Valerian followed behind.

By now, a large crowd had gathered near the southern gates. When they saw the Lord Marshall guiding the Deceitful One into the city, they instinctively stepped aside, parting to make way.

Adam walked forward in silence.

Once upon a time, these very streets had welcomed him with cheers. Once, when he walked through Ravenfell, people greeted him with admiration and pride.

Children ran after him in excitement. To the citizens of the city, he had been a rising star... the Dark King of Ravenfell.

But that had been a long, long time ago.

Now, as he walked the streets again, the crowd's eyes were different. There was no admiration left in them. Only fear, hostility, hatred, and suspicion.

Some glared openly, while others whispered behind their hands. A few simply looked away, unwilling to even look at his visage.

This was the city where Adam had risen to prominence.

And it was also the city where he had fallen from grace.

He was the Dark King.

And he was also the Deceitful one.

Anna walked a few steps behind him. All she could see was Adam's back. It was straight, steady, and lonely as he continued down the street.

On both sides of the road, the crowd had grown thicker. People shouted at him

as he passed. Some cursed his name, while others told him to leave the city.

A few yelled that he was not welcome here, that Ravenfell had no place for the

Deceitful One.

The words came from every direction.

Anna felt her fists involuntarily clench. She knew Adam could hear every one of them. A Mana Core Magus could not simply ignore voices in a crowd. Yet he did not slow down. He did not respond. He kept walking forward with a smile on his face as if the insults meant nothing.

But that silence only made it harder to watch.

This was the city where he had once been loved. The place where he had built

his name. The place he had fought to protect.

And now the same streets spat him out like a stranger.

Anger rose in Anna's chest, mixed with something heavier, something closer to helplessness. She could only watch as her little brother walked ahead alone, carrying the weight of the city's hatred on his back.

Daniel led them to his residence in the Uptown Quarter.

The estate was heavily guarded. Members of the Black Legion stood watch at the gates and along the walls. These were the elite Magi that Adam himself had

led a long time ago.

When he stepped through the gates, their eyes turned toward him.

The reaction was immediate.

Their gazes were sharp and blatant, filled with hostility and resentment. Some

of them tightened their grips on their weapons. Others simply stared, their

expressions cold.

These men had once been his soldiers.

Now they looked at him as if he were an enemy.

Adam glanced at them, taking in the familiar faces and the hatred directed at him. For a brief moment, the silence between them grew heavy.

And then... he laughed.

"Long time no see!"

Of course, the Magi of the Black Legion did not respond. They just continued to

coldly stare at him with resentment.

Daniel watched their interaction with complicated emotions swirling in his

heart. In the end, he led Adam to his manor.

Inside, another person awaited him.

"Adam Constantine."

A gentle, familiar voice echoed in the hall.

Adam turned to the source and found an elf with ash-blond hair staring at him,

waiting for him with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Headmaster..." Adam's lips curled into a faint smile as he approached Nylian Feno and extended his hand for a handshake. "How have you been?" Nylian glanced at Adam's outstretched hand and then back at the youth.

"Ah, apologies." The raven-haired youth awkwardly put away his hand.

But the next moment, the elven Headmaster of Saratoga clasped Adam's shoulders and pulled him into a hug.

Adam was slightly taken aback. And Nylian's following words made him

tremble.

"You've been through a lot, Adam," he said gently, patting the youth on the back.

"Welcome home."

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