Getting engaged? What in the world?
Adam was speechless and his facial expressions froze, but he quickly recovered and laughed out in joy, "Hahaha, that's great news, Johnny!"
He gave his friend, Johnathan, a warm hug. He then approached Felicia and politely shook her hand. "Congratulations, Felicia."
Felicia beamed. "Thank you, Adam!"
She had heard rumors about Adam from the friends in her clique. They said he was a hooligan and that he had no manners at all.
But meeting him in person was a great surprise for her. She couldn't help but think to herself, Sure enough. Rumors can't always be trusted.
Edward and Lisa greeted the couple as well. Although this news took them by surprise, they couldn't help but feel happy for the couple. Especially Johantahan, whom they've known for years now.
As drinks and food kept being served to their table, the group thoroughly enjoyed this joyous occasion.
It was definitely a cause for celebration. And celebrate they did.
Gradually, the group conversation was divided in two. Lisa started chatting with Felicia about girl stuff, asking her about how their romantic relationship came to be.
Whereas Johnathan, Adam, and Edward started having an intense drinking competition.
Adam chugged the wine from his cup with gusto. He glanced at Johnathan and asked mischievously, "So you finally settled down for one, huh? Color me surprised. Kekeke!"
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})"Shush!" Johnathan smiled lecherously as he winked at Adam and whispered, "That's just for now. Over time, I'm going to persuade Felicia to welcome another woman into our marriage. And then another, and another. Uehehe!"
"Hahahaha!" Edward laughed knowingly. "Now, that's the John I know. Having a harem must be a wonderful—"
Suddenly, the words got stuck in his throat when he felt someone's malevolent gaze drill into his back. He gulped nervously and then turned around ever so slightly.
He noticed that Lisa was glaring at him.
"H-Hehe…" he laughed awkwardly and then immediately turned back around. "What I mean to say is, we should all practice monogamy. Yes, that's right!"
Adam found this short interaction between his friends to be very amusing. He then looked at Johnathan and asked, "So when do you plan to get married?"
"Our families haven't decided on the date yet, but it should be sometime soon after we graduate," Johnathan replied with a wide grin.
"I see." Adam nodded. He thought of something and couldn't help but ask, "Are you really planning to settle down so early? I mean, you're still young. Don't you wish to pursue higher studies in the Empire?"
Johnathan, who was gently petting Valerian, spoke with a drunken smile, "I have everything that I need here in this city. I just want to live a comfortable and luxurious life here, get married, have loads of kids, and manage the lands owned by my family."
He took a large mouthful of wine and added, "What more could I possibly ask for? This is the life I had always wanted. Kahaha!"
Listening to his response, Adam remained silent for a while. But soon, he replied with a forced smile, "…That's a good life indeed."
He leaned back in his chair and raised his head, gazing at the artificial clouds hovering above.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})Before he joined the academy, before he acquired the lotus, he too had a similar dream - to make more money than he knew what to do with, marry a beautiful woman, and settle down, enjoying a life of great wealth and status befitting a Magus.
But now…
After all the fantastical things that he had witnessed in the memories of the experts whose souls he had absorbed, how could he settle down for a life of mediocrity?
Based on his speculations, the white lotus was a supreme treasure whose capabilities he had yet to fully decipher. Having such a wondrous item at his disposal, how could he settle for less?
No!
He would never!
Forget the Southern Federation, Adam had already decided in his heart that he would one day leave this planet and venture into the vast expanse of the universe.
He would travel to various worlds, experience multitudes of magical civilizations, and go on countless adventures.
A tiny planet like Tron could never contain his grand ambitions.
"What're you thinking?" Johnathan patted his shoulder seeing that he was unusually quiet.
The thought that perhaps Adam was drunk and had hence become quiet didn't even cross his mind. After all, the youth was the heaviest drinker he knew. According to him, Adam could probably outdrink an entire city.
"Huh?" Adam snapped out of his reverie and smiled. "Nothing. Let's drink."
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})Although he had noble aspirations, he would never look down on others if theirs seemed inferior to his. If Johnathan wanted to live a stable and carefree life, then that was that. Adam would support him as his friend.
He was only now beginning to realize that in his journey as a Magus, he would eventually one day surpass his friends and perhaps even outlive them.
Thinking of leaving them behind left a bad after-taste in his mouth.
"You alright?" Edward glanced at Adam, his voice laced with slight concern. He knew him well enough to know when something was bothering him. And there was hardly anything that bothered him.
Adam glanced at Edward and his lips slowly bloomed into a smile.
At the very least, I can rest assured knowing that you will be able to tag along in my journey, you stupid bastard who's blessed by mana.
"Gaaahhh!" Adam's expression then turned ugly and he roared in annoyance. "I'm so envious!"
His friends wondered just what happened for him to suddenly react like that. However, Adam couldn't care less. His eyes gleamed with a sharp glint and he grabbed a gourd of wine from the table and stuffed it down Edward's mouth.
"You, fat pig, drink up. Grrrr!"
"Mmph-mmpphh!" Edward could only helplessly swallow all the wine that Adam was forcing down his throat. He couldn't help but flail his hands around, signaling to his friends for help.
However, they all ignored him and waited to see the spectacle unfold with amused expressions.
Seeing this, Edward was full of grievances as he thought to himself.
Uwahhh! What did I even do?
Somebody, please!
Help me!
