Earth's Greatest Magus

Chapter 2468: Challenge

”What is this now?! A mere Moon Realm dares to challenge me?!”

The booming voice of Grand Magus Vernon echoed across the grand hall of the Azure Cloud Palace. The oppressive aura of his power weighed heavy on everyone present, like an iron shroud tightening around their throats.

Emery stood firm, his presence unwavering, as he had already made up his mind.

At first, he had intended to remain in the shadows. But with the Kronos duels looming just nine months away, he realized a passive stance would not serve his purpose. Helping the Azure Cloud Clan and earning their favor could bolster his goals.

In front of him stood Ella, the Azure Cloud patriarchʼs daughter, her face pale, still trembling from her recent release from Vernonʼs brutal restraints. Emery stepped protectively in front of her, his voice clear and sharp.

”Is there no law in this Border City? Why would someone dare to kidnap and kill in broad daylight?!”

Before Ella could respond, Vernon erupted into mocking laughter, his subordinates joining in chorus like a pack of hyenas.

”Law?” Vernon sneered, stepping closer, his fists crackling with destructive energy. ”I thought you were someone of importance... Turns out, youʼre just another brat... In this kingdom, only the strong are respected!” Vernonʼs lips curled into a sneer as he clenched his massive fist. ”My fist IS the law!”

The Grand Magus erupted into roaring laughter, and his men joined in, their jeers echoing in the crowded square. Ella turned her gaze to Emery, her voice trembling.

”Mister Emery, this has nothing to do with you… You should leave while you still can.”

But before Emery could answer, Vernonʼs voice boomed once more.

”HUH?! You think you can just LEAVE?!”

With a snarl, Vernon raised his colossal fist, and a surge of energy crackled around it, forming a titanic projection of his clenched hand. The raw, violent force of the energy blast roared through the air as it surged toward Emery.

Time seemed to slow as Emeryʼs instincts kicked in. He crossed his arms in front of him, and in an instant, the golden glow of the Elysian Vambrace flared to life, forming an ethereal barrier around his forearms.

BAMMMM!!!

The collision was deafening, the air vibrated with force, marble tiles shattered under Emeryʼs feet, and a shockwave blasted outward. Emery slid backward three full steps, his arms trembling and numb from the impact. Yet, instead of fear, a faint smile crept onto his lips.

Compared to Toloroʼs bone-crushing strength, Vernonʼs strike was manageable.

The crowd, including Vernonʼs subordinates, stared in stunned silence. A Magus realm acolyte had just withstood a direct blow from a Grand Magus. For Vernon, the sight was infuriating.

”You dare?!” Vernon bellowed, his face contorting with rage. His aura surged once more as he activated his domain, concentrating raw energy into his fists.

This time, Emery was ready. With a surge of willpower, he activated his [Sylvian Armor], and a thick layer of green bark infused with vibrant nature energy enveloped his body. Alongside the radiant glow of the Elysian Vambrace on his arms, Emery stood poised, prepared to meet the Grand Magus head-on—fist against fist.

BAMM! BAMM! BAAMM!

To match Vernonʼs overwhelming strength, Emery pushed his Immortal Gate technique to Stage Nine, his body surging with raw power as he crossed the 1,000 battle power threshold. The Sylvian Armor absorbed the brunt of Vernonʼs crushing blows, granting Emery a layer of resilience that kept him on equal footing.

BAMM! BAAMM!

Fists collided with devastating force, each strike tearing through the air and distorting the space around them. Emeryʼs was burned with focus as he endured a dozen thunderous blows, his arms trembling under the relentless assault.

Yet, Vernon fared no better. Though he had taken only half the strikes Emery had endured, the shame etched across his face was unmistakable. With each passing moment, every blocked strike chipped away at his pride.

Dozens of strikes flew between Emery and Vernon, but none could cause critical damage to the other. This was Emeryʼs intended purpose; he deliberately held back, carefully concealing his spatial abilities and the might of his Khaos power. Emery had no intention of killing his opponent or escalating this conflict into something irreparable.

Vernonʼs face was twisted in frustration, his breath coming in short, furious bursts. Despite his overwhelming strength, he couldnʼt break Emeryʼs calm demeanor.

”Damn you!” Vernon howled.

The fight continued relentlessly. Emery adjusted his movements, redirecting Vernonʼs forceful blows while conserving his own energy. But cracks began to form on his [Sylvian Armor]. His natural defenses were reaching their limit. ȑ𝘢𐌽o͍฿Èś

Finally, with one earth-shattering punch, Vernon shattered Emeryʼs armor.

CRACK!

But Emery remained calm. With a flick of his fingers, thick, glowing Elysian roots erupted from the cracked stone ground, snaking towards Vernon with uncanny speed. Emery transitioned seamlessly into a mid-range strategy, using the roots as both shield and weapon.

The roots danced around Vernon, coiling and striking like living serpents. Each time the Grand Magus raised his fist, another root would intercept him, deflecting his strikes or binding his limbs momentarily.

”You damn maggot!! Vernon roared, growing increasingly agitated as Emery continued to evade and restrain him with the roots.

With precise movements, Emery manipulated the Elysian roots, weaving them into an intricate trap. Vernonʼs furious strikes became slower, his energy expended with every wasted swing.

”URGGH!!! DAMMIT!!” Vernon snarled, thrashing against his bindings.

Realizing the battle had turned against him, Vernonʼs expression contorted with fury and humiliation. He took steps back, his chest heaved with labored breaths.

”This… this isnʼt over!” Vernon barked, his voice strained with both anger and frustration.

He turned his venomous gaze toward the Azure Cloud Clan patriarch, his voice dripping with menace. ”I will return! Youʼd best prepare to hand over everything to me when I do!!”

”Withdraw!” he commanded, his voice echoing across the square.

The Grand Magus and his entourage retreated in haste, while Emery was showered with gratitude.