Earth's Greatest Magus

Chapter 2470: Rumours

While the Azure Cloud faction was busy investigating the plot between the Alchemist master and the Amber Fall faction, Emery decided it was time to conduct his own investigation.

He needed answers—not about the treachery looming over the two clans but about this mysterious realm and, more importantly, how he could return to his own world.

”Youʼre exploring the town? I can be your guide!” Ella offered, her bright smile and earnest eyes filled with enthusiasm.

However, Emery gently declined. ”I appreciate your offer, Lady Ella, but I feel better exploring on my own”

Having a guide would have made things undoubtedly easier, but it would also limit his movements and possibly draw unwanted attention. Ella gave a small nod, her smile fading just a little.

”All right then… If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.”

With that, Emery departed the Azure Cloud estate and began his stroll into the heart of the bustling town. His first stop was obvious—the local tavern. If there was one place where rumors, secrets, and stray information flowed freely, it was in the dimly lit corners of a rowdy drinking establishment.

Before stepping inside, Emery paused in a narrow alley and activated his shapeshifting ability. His facial structure shifted slightly and his hair darkened. It wasnʼt a drastic transformation, but it was enough to make him unrecognizable to casual observers. If anything went wrong, he wanted no connection leading back to his identity within the Azure Cloud faction.

The tavern was alive with sound and motion. A mix of rough laughter, clinking glasses, and animated conversation filled the smoky air. Emeryʼs sharp eyes scanned the crowd, assessing the patrons. As expected, half of the people in the room radiated faint magical energy—they were magus-level individuals. Probing their minds directly would have been too risky, so Emery relied on subtle observation and intuition.

He ordered a drink, casually slipping a small spirit stone to the tavern keeper, and settled into a corner where he had a good vantage point. The currency here was spirit stones, much like in the Magus Realm, which made transactions simple.

At a nearby table, Emery noticed a group of beast-men—a warrior group with shaggy fur, a spotted feline humanoid, and another with long rabbit-like ears. Their distinct features set them apart from the rest of the tavern patrons. However, Emery didnʼt approach them directly. Interacting with them without understanding the cultural dynamics would risk blowing his cover.

Instead, Emery shifted his focus to the table adjacent to the beastmen. There sat three human magus who were openly glaring at the beastmen with thinly veiled disgust.

”Huh! These filthy breeds only sour my mood!” one of the humans muttered.

Another chimed in, chuckling cruelly, ”Their smell alone could make my drink taste foul.”

Emery seized the opportunity. With a slight smirk, he joined in, casually remarking, ”Itʼs hard to understand why theyʼre even allowed to sit among proper folk, isnʼt it?”

The humans laughed and nodded approvingly, quickly accepting him into their circle.

It was a harsh reality Emery had encountered time and time again—half-bloods and beastmen were almost universally subjected to discrimination, even in this unfamiliar realm.

Through their casual prejudice-laden conversation, Emery managed to extract valuable information. The beastmen were not a single united race but consisted of dozens of tribes, each with their own customs and scattered settlements. Most preferred solitary lives in remote regions, while others sought coexistence within larger cities.

This insight made it easier for Emery to solidify his cover as a possible wandering beastman—should the need arise.

As the conversation shifted, Emery introduced a new topic with calculated nonchalance. ”There are so many of these beastmen around… and now I hear there are also the travelers. Iʼve heard theyʼre even less human.”

The moment he said the word ʼtraveler,ʼ the table went silent. The previously loud and boisterous men glanced at each other nervously. The most talkative one leaned closer and whispered, ”Youʼve heard wrong, friend. These so-called travelers… they look just like us. But theyʼre not.”

Emeryʼs curiosity was piqued. ”Not human? Then what are they?”

The men hesitated, glancing over their shoulders as if afraid of being overheard. One of them lowered his voice further. ”There are stories—whispers, really—of travelers capable of devastating entire groups of Cosmos realm experts. Some say theyʼre creatures of the night, others claim theyʼre cursed beings from another world.”

Another added grimly, ”They say no one whoʼs seen them has lived to tell the tale.”

Emery arched an eyebrow. ”If no oneʼs lived, then who told the stories in the first place?”

The man froze his face slack with realization. ”Thatʼs… a good point.”

The conversation continued with more fragmented tales and wild speculation. Some spoke of travelers being shadows that devoured souls, others believed they were ancient guardians bound to a secret purpose. However, a common thread emerged—recent activity up north. Supposedly, the kingdom had been quietly waging war against these mysterious travelers, far from public knowledge.

This was the clue Emery needed. North. If there was any chance of uncovering the truth, it lay in that direction.

Satisfied with the information heʼd gleaned, Emery finished his drink, slipped away from the table, and exited the tavern. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows over the town. His feet carried him instinctively towards one of the most prominent structures nearby—the Alchemy Center. 𝔯àꞐȯᛒĚŜ

The building stood tall and regal, with intricate runes etched into its stone facade, glowing faintly with residual magical energy. Tendrils of multi-colored smoke curled from tall chimneys, blending into the dusky sky, a clear sign of active concoctions within.

Emeryʼs curiosity burned brightly, momentarily overshadowing his other concerns. He stepped inside and was welcomed by the scent of herbs, minerals, and faint traces of alchemical smoke that immediately assaulted his senses—a sharp yet oddly pleasant aroma. The grand circular hall before him was alive with activity.

A crowd had gathered in the center, encircling a bronze cauldron. At its edge stood an alchemist in flowing emerald robes, sweat beading on his brow. The concoction within the cauldron glowed an ominous shade of violet, crackling softly with unstable energy.

Emery stepped closer, his sharp eyes locked on the process. His spirit reading extended outward, probing the cauldron and the alchemist. Instantly, he sensed it—something was wrong. The potion was on the verge of destabilizing.

”Ahh, such a waste” Emery whispered under his breath. ”Itʼs about to explode.”

An elderly man nearby turned to him, frowning. ”Huh! Young fellow... donʼt say things you donʼt understand.”

Emery glanced at the elderly man with mild amusement and replied, ”Do you want to bet?”