Earth's Greatest Magus

Chapter 2742: Elite Faction

At the same time, another meeting was held in the shadows.

Several figures—Academy instructors and some others, gathered in a dim, secluded chamber. One of them stood with a respectful bow toward the others. This was the same Grand Magus who had caused trouble within Emery’s twin halls earlier. He looked anxious as questions were thrown his way.

”Is it really him? Are you certain?” one voice demanded.

”Yes... it’s him,” the man replied hesitantly. ”That’s Emery Ambrose, the missing Academy instructor. He’s back—and he... He has reached the Grand Magus realm. He’s... strong.” His words faded into a whisper.

The news drew a wave of uneasy murmurs.

”Did he return to compete again for the top halls?”

”If he’s truly broken through to the Grand Magus realm, he won’t be easy to deal with,” another said grimly. ”I still remember how he defeated Adam the Apostle back when he was only a Magus.”

”Hah! What are you afraid of?” a sneer cut through the room. ”Even if he can match a two-cosmos instructor, he’ll never stand against our strongest three cosmos master!”

”We should crush him before he causes trouble again,” someone suggested coldly.

But the leading figure of the group raised a hand for silence. After a moment’s pause, he spoke in a low, measured tone.

”No one will do such a thing. We can’t afford unnecessary risks. Even if we defeat him, that half-breed has many allies. We don’t need any complications that might jeopardize our plans.”

The others exchanged looks and nodded in reluctant agreement.

Only one remained silent, a faint smile curling his lips.

”My lady Ishtar must hear about this,”

###

After finishing his discussion with Heorgar, Emery took some time to wander through Utopia City, observing how much had changed since his long absence. The city still carried its familiar charm. Yet what caught his attention most was not the scenery, but the people.

Everywhere he looked, halfbloods and hybrids of all kinds walked side by side — even beastkin merchants can be seen trading with human scholars. There was laughter in the streets, children running between market stalls, and a sense of ease that warmed Emery’s heart. For a moment, he allowed himself a small smile. This was a city where those born of mixed blood could stand as equals, free from the scorn of lineage or birth.

His steps eventually led him to the Utopia branch of the Merlin Apothecary Shop. Fortunately, this branch hadn’t suffered the same fate as the one in Centauri. Though it wasn’t bustling, there were still customers coming and going — magus apprentices purchasing potions, traders checking supplies — proof that business, though quiet, was still alive.

The main reason for its survival was its location. This particular branch had been built beside the Gene Center, a renowned facility jointly managed by several half-blood factions. Its reputation had helped keep the area alive despite the recent turmoil.

Curious, Emery stepped into the Gene Center — only to find it eerily quiet. The once-busy halls were now almost empty. He passed a few researchers bent over their instruments and one familiar face — a female apothecary master, someone he remembered as one of Grandmaster Reikun’s assistants from the Wolf Apex facility.

”Senior Emery, I am Ayemee,” the woman greeted him, smiling faintly despite the weariness in her eyes. ”All the others were pulled back to continue the main research about a decade ago. I’m just here to keep the place running.”

Her words explained much. After Emery’s disappearance, the Gene Center had endured a string of internal and external challenges. To protect their research, the higher-ups eventually decided to transfer the entire team — and all critical data — back to Ouroboros.

Emery nodded in understanding. It was a sensible move. Still, he couldn’t help but feel a growing excitement. He was eager to see how far the research had advanced in his absence. With all the new materials and ingredients he had gathered from the Tartarus Realm, he was certain another breakthrough was within reach.

He couldn’t wait to return to Ouroboros to see it for himself — but for now, he decided to wait. His daughter, Shinta, was due to arrive soon.

After leaving the Gene Center, Emery set his next destination: to find Annara.

Heorgar had told him she was currently based in a mountain range a few thousand miles from Centauri City. Annara had apparently spent more time around Centauri than Utopia lately. Her exact activities remained a mystery even to Heorgar, but she had always been resourceful, often providing critical intelligence and aiding both Zodiac and Utopia over the years.

Emery chose not to bring Gwen, Glita, or his Void Wolf crew. Something about the situation gave him a bad feeling—and knowing Annara’s secretive nature, she would likely prefer to meet alone.

Activating his concealment technique, Emery left Centauri City and soared across the snow-covered peaks. After three hours of flight, he reached the vast, frigid wilderness. Towering mountain ranges stretched endlessly before him, until he finally found the designate hideout deep within one of the slopes.

But as he approached, his divine sense detected a dozen magus figures hidden nearby. They were using high-grade concealment techniques, so refined that even Emery could barely perceive them.

”Who are they...?” he muttered under his breath, eyes narrowing.

Not sure whether they were friend or foe, Emery chose to descend into the cave as though unaware of their presence. He moved through the icy tunnels until he reached a small wooden hut built within. To his disappointment, the place was deserted — the dust and thin layer of snow inside made it clear that no one had been here for weeks.

Unwilling to leave without answers, Emery turned to confront the hidden watchers outside. But before he could act, they moved first—a dozen figures stepped out, surrounding him in the snow.

They wore dark, uniformed cloaks, their faces concealed by masks. Their leader, emanating the unmistakable aura of a Grand Magus, stepped forward.

”Knowing this place means you know her. Now.. tell me—where is she?”