Earth's Greatest Magus

Emery had agreed to let Shinta remain in Lucius’s hall, but before she could begin any intense training, it was crucial to ensure her health was thoroughly checked—especially after her sudden blackout during the duel with Rajh. Determined to give her the best possible care, Emery took Shinta to the newly opened blood gene shop and research facility in Utopia City.

The facility was under the expert supervision of Master Bob the Frog, who was known for his mastery of apothecary and gene studies. He led a team of ten other apothecaries and gene experts, combining the knowledge of both Serpent and Wolf bloodlines. If anyone could diagnose and treat Shinta’s condition, it was them.

Upon their arrival, Master Bob was particularly excited to see them. “Emery! and my favorite niece!! Welcome, welcome!” He wasted no time and quickly began a full-body examination of Shinta.

While she was being checked, Emery took the opportunity to tour the facility. The four-story building was equipped with high-grade machines and artifacts, each more impressive than the last. The atmosphere was one of focused diligence, with researchers in crisp white lab coats moving swiftly between rooms, their hands full of data tablets and vials of shimmering liquid. The air was filled with a quiet hum of high-tech machinery, the sound of progress and innovation. The walls were lined with screens displaying complex genetic data and holographic projections of bloodline traits, each more intricate than the last.

As Emery continued his tour of the facility, his thoughts shifted to the Supreme Gene Project. This ambitious endeavor was the main reason the Utopia facility had been established, and Emery was eager to hear about the progress they had made.

“Ah, It’s progressing as expected, though there’s still a long way to go,” Bob began, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. “As we suspected, gathering samples from a wider variety of other bloodlines has been crucial. We’re making steady progress, but it’s clear that more sampling is needed to truly unlock the potential we’re aiming for.”

Bob gestured for Emery to follow him into a secure lab, where several researchers were huddled around a large, transparent cylinder filled with swirling, luminescent liquid. Inside the cylinder, intricate strands of genetic material were being meticulously analyzed and recombined. The room was filled with the soft glow of monitors displaying complex genetic sequences, each one representing a different bloodline they had sampled.

“We’ve received a significant number of samples from the Wolf bloodline,” Bob continued, his tone becoming more focused. “Grand Master Reikun of the Silvermane Apex Facility has been incredibly helpful in this regard. The samples they sent us have boosted our Supreme Gene efficiency by 2%. It’s a solid improvement, but we’re still striving for more.”

Emery nodded, impressed by the progress but knowing that every percentage point was hard-won in such an intricate project. As they moved deeper into the lab, Bob pointed out several containment units where new samples were being processed.

“Since we opened this Utopia facility, we’ve received dozens of jobs and with it are new samples from various half-bloods,” Bob explained. “Some of these samples are quite unique, and a few have provided a surprising boost to our efficiency—another 1% added to the overall progress. Each new addition helps us refine the gene, making it more stable and potent.”

Emery’s interest peaked when Master Bob mentioned a particular sample that had surprised them all. “This,” Bob said, his tone reverent, “is the dragon blood you provided us. We analyzed it thoroughly, and the results were astounding. That single sample alone increased our Supreme Gene efficiency by another 1%. It’s an incredibly potent source of genetic material”

The conversation shifted to a topic of profound importance: the ancient connection between higher-tier bloodlines and their supposed lower-tier descendants.

Emery’s theory about the dragon bloodline being the root of the serpent bloodline seemed to gain solid ground. With VIA’s help, they had uncovered old research suggesting this link, which had been dismissed by the bloodline communities for centuries. Now, with advanced tools, they could pinpoint specific blood cells that supported the theory.

Bob showed Emery the microscopic images of dragon and serpent blood cells, highlighting the striking similarities. “This cell is key,” Bob said, pointing to the screen. “It’s a remnant of ancient genetic material, passed down through generations. We’re on the verge of proving these bloodlines share a common ancestor.”

To further prove their theory, they needed more dragon bloodline samples—especially from an ancient dragon. This necessity led to the idea of approaching a powerful dragon clan for assistance.

The Supreme Gene Project held significance that extended far beyond advancing the Serpent Supreme’s ambitions. In theory, it had the potential to benefit all bloodlines, including those like Emery’s, which had already achieved peak purity. Success with the project could not only advance his own bloodline but also create a serum of immense value.

Understanding the potential impact, Emery decided to fully dedicate himself to the project. To this end, he reached out to King Alduin, seeking his assistance with obtaining critical dragon blood samples.

After discussing the Supreme Gene Project, Emery turned his attention to the two other samples he had provided to the facility. These samples belonged to Blaine and Belanna, the insectoid half-blood siblings.

Bob’s eyes gleamed with enthusiasm as he spoke. “Yes, yes… truly fascinating samples,” he said, handing Emery the detailed analysis. The report highlighted the unique characteristics of the insectoid bloodline, uncovering the potential for significant enhancements in their abilities. With this in-depth analysis in hand, Emery was ready to start developing an experimental serum specifically for Blaine and Belanna.

However, before moving forward, Emery recognized the need for parental consent. Given the controversial nature of the insectoid bloodline, this step was crucial. Emery anticipated that he might also need to communicate with their patriarch to secure approval, ensuring that all necessary permissions and considerations were addressed.

Afterward, Emery turned his focus back to Shinta, whose full checkup results were finally ready. Bob carefully explained the findings, reassuring Emery that, aside from her previous gene mutation caused by her mixed bloodline, there was nothing new to be concerned about. In fact, Shinta’s body was in excellent health, and she was on the brink of evolving to her sixth blood gene rank.

Bob had already prepared a new serum for her, designed to assist in her gene evolution. However, he advised caution. “Her spirit core needs to be stronger before she takes this serum,” he warned. “Ideally, she should reach a high stage of rank 9. She needs to form two more pillars, bringing her total to seven, before it’s safe for her to consume the serum.”

Emery nodded, understanding the importance of patience in this process. Bob concluded, “When she’s ready, bring her back here, and we’ll ensure her gene evolution is properly managed.”

The news was troubling for Shinta, as she wasn’t sure she could reach the necessary strength before the upcoming tournament in three months. Seeing the concern in her eyes, Emery reassured her, urging her to prioritize safety over speed. “You can wait until next year’s tournament,” he suggested gently.

Shinta smiled and replied, “Yes, I can wait until next year.” But inside, her thoughts were in stark contrast to her words.

With the tests confirming that her sudden fainting wasn’t due to her blood gene or physique, they turned their attention to her spirit core. Emery agreed with her plan to further enhance her plant energy through sessions in the origin stone room but insisted on one condition. “You need to spend time with me at least once a week,” he said firmly, “so I can check on your Dao techniques.”

Shinta’s response was swift and playful. She flashed a cheeky smile at her father and teased, “Once a week? Are you sure you have that kind of time for me?”

Her remark caught Emery off guard. She had a point—his schedule was packed, especially with the grand opening of his new apothecary shops in Centauri City just days away. The truth of her words lingered in the air for a moment, making him pause.

But Emery quickly gathered himself. “I will definitely make time!” he declared. Despite his hectic schedule, he knew how important it was to be there for her.