This old man had a muscular build and was broad-shouldered. He wore dark blue robes and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, displaying his scar-filled forearms.

Despite having the appearance of an old man, this person seemed to be brimming with strength and vitality.

His presence was commanding, emanating an aura of power and authority.

When the man gazed at Adam with his piercing blue eyes, the youth's body couldn't help but involuntarily tremble a little.

This was the might of a Rank 3 Magus!

"We finally meet, Adam." Edwin got up from his seat and walked out of the gazebo.

The man was close to 2 meters tall. This caught Adam by surprise. He couldn't help but stand there in a daze as he watched the old man walk toward him.

Edwin's hair was thick and pure white in color. It was tied into a knot and cascaded down his shoulders. His beard, equally white, was properly trimmed and well-groomed.

The old man stood before Adam and carefully observed him for a good minute. He slapped the youth's arms and then lightly punched his abdomen.

"Good!" Edwain burst into a loud peal of laughter. "Very good! This is how a man should be - strong and muscular!"

His eyes then narrowed as he glanced at Biden. "Unlike this twig. Always buried in the library. Hmph!"

"Teacher!" Biden had an extremely embarrassed expression on his face as he kept glancing between Edwin and Adam.

He screamed inwardly, Why must you embarrass me in front of the new guy?!

Edwin just ignored his apprentice. He then glanced at Adam, who was still looking at him in a daze, and asked with a chuckle, "Why are you so quiet? Never met a Mana Vortex Magus?"

Adam snapped out of his daze and respectfully replied, "Forgive me, it's just your presence is just vastly different from the other Rank 3 Magi I've met."

"Oho?" Edwin was intrigued. "Apart from Berger, who else do you know?"

"Lord Elrod Firvele of Baja High Forest."

"Hmm, an elf from Baja, eh?" Edwin tried to recall if he'd ever met any elf by that name. "No, I don't think I've met him."

"But you know old man? Uh, I mean Magus Berger?" Adam asked with bright eyes.

"Of course, I know him, you fool!" Edwin harrumphed. "My precious daughter was in his care for the longest time. I am very grateful to that asocial gnome."

The next moment, the old man's eyes softened and he placed his right hand on his chest before deeply bowing.

"And I am eternally grateful to you, Magus Adam. Thank you for saving Elia."

Adam and Biden were astonished. Both for different reasons, of course.

The latter glanced at Adam and thought to himself incredulously, So this was the Herbalist that cured Teacher's daughter! But he can't be older than I am So young and already such great attainments in Herbalism! Incredible!

He knew just how severe his Teacher's daughter's illness was. Many Herbalists had tried to cure her but failed.

Meanwhile, Adam was in a completely flustered state and he retreated a few steps. He couldn't accept the bow of a Magus who was far stronger than him.

"M-My lord, you don't have to do that!"

However, Edwin didn't care about how Adam felt. Despite his superior rank, this was the least he could do for the person who cured his daughter when countless others failed.

He truly admired this youth.

And he was deeply indebted to him.

A few moments later, he finally stood back straight. He glanced at Adam and grinned, "Come, let us have some tea. We have much to talk about."

The trio walked to the gazebo and took their seats.

Edwin suddenly glared at Biden and stated, "What are you sitting for? Who is going to pour us tea?"

"Yes, Teacher." Biden nodded with a defeated expression and poured the herbal tea from the ceramic teapot and into the cups.

As the youth was pouring the tea, Adam's attention was involuntarily drawn to the small man-made pond beside the gazebo.

The pond was serene and he could see colorful koi fish lazily swimming within. The pond was bordered by water lilies, adding a touch of beauty to the already breathtaking scenery.

"This place is nice So peaceful," said Adam as he found himself subconsciously relaxed.

"It is a good spot to practice mindfulness," replied Edwin as he gracefully lifted the cup and took a sip.

He then glanced at Adam and said with a warm smile, "I visited Moon City after Elia recovered, you know. But at the time you weren't there."

Adam thought for a moment and then nodded. "That's right. Aunty did mention about your visit. Back then I was still inside the secret plane."

"Hmm." Edwin nodded. He deeply glanced into the youth's jet- black eyes and added, "I heard about what happened in the Federation during the war with the orcs. You kids have truly gone through a lot of hardships."

Remembering the friends that he had lost during the war, Adam's lips curled up into a rueful smile.

His eyes flashed with reminiscence and grief as he replied, "New beginnings are often painful endings in disguise. Such is the Way."

Edwin was taken aback. His eyebrows rose in surprise and he nodded. "You are truly a wise child."

He took a sip of tea and then stated, "I see Berger has already instilled in you the philosophy of the Way."

Adam smiled. "Yes, something like that."

"Hmm." Edwin nodded in gratification. "As a Magus, you must embrace change and recognize that suffering and loss are a part of the natural process that leads to growth and new opportunities."

"Life and death, joy and suffering are part of the natural cycle," Adam softly said as he glanced at the tea in his cup rippling as a gentle breeze blew by.

"If not for the harshness of the cold night, how can we look forward to the warmth of sunrise?"

"Marvelous!" Edwin sincerely praised from the bottom of his heart.

The more he talked to Adam, the more he found himself admiring the youth. Even Biden was the same. He couldn't help but be moved by the youth's words.

He couldn't believe that the Adam sitting in front of him was the same person that was acting like a hooligan and rudely speaking to him in Grand Bazaar.

Edwin stared at his empty cup for a long time. Then, his flashed with brilliance and he seemed to have come to a decision.

"Adam, you're coming with me to the Tower of Daybreak."