Earth's Greatest Magus

The morning after the celebration brought a jarring change in mood. The carefree atmosphere of the previous night evaporated as the acolytes of Hall 60 gathered to hear the details of their end-of-year group exams. Anticipation hung in the air, thick with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

The exams had evolved beyond the simulated virtual missions of the mid-year assessments. This time, the challenges were rooted in the real world, with all the dangers and unpredictability that entailed. The stakes were higher, and the complexity of the tasks set before them would test not just their skills but their very survival.

Emery had been through missions like these before. He vividly remembered the harrowing experience on Andora, a planet teetering on the edge of annihilation. The memory of battling time itself to save the world from a cataclysmic end still haunted him. Then there was also the mission on Nexus, where a simple task of capturing rebels had escalated into a full-blown conflict against a dark elf invasion, each moment fraught with life-and-death decisions.

Yet, as he reviewed the mission brief for the upcoming exam, Emery realized this group exam carried an unexpected twist.

The headmaster’s announcement was made with a tone that conveyed the gravity of the situation. Due to escalating tensions on the frontlines, there was an increasing demand for assistance from local enforcement across the quadrants.

In response to this need, the Magus Academy decided to collaborate with taskmasters from twelve different cities, across the Alpha quadrant. This collaboration resulted in a list of over 500 missions, each varying in difficulty and objective.

The students were informed that over the next three weeks, each hall would have the freedom to choose from these missions. The goal was to complete as many tasks as possible, demonstrating not only their capabilities but also upholding the reputation of the Academy. As Emery and the others reviewed the rules of the exams, the weight of the situation began to settle in. Firstly, the rules stated that each mission could be undertaken by more than one hall, with no limit on the number of acolytes participating. However, the scoring and rewards would be distributed based on the proportional contributions of each hall. This meant that while collaboration was possible, competition was inevitable.

Secondly, while external resources could be used to bolster the success of a mission—such as supplies, equipment, or information—no outside personnel could be involved. This rule emphasized that the acolytes were expected to complete the tasks on their own. It was a true test of their abilities, pushing them to their limits as they navigate complex and potentially dangerous situations with only their skills and teamwork to rely on.

Thirdly, the rules included a clause for safety: first-year acolytes were allowed to opt out of the group exams. This provision, while intended to protect the less experienced students, carried an underlying message. The exams were dangerous, and the stakes were high enough that those not ready could avoid the risk.

“What kind of bullshit rule is this!!”

Kat’s outburst echoed through the room, her anger reflecting the collective frustration of Hall 60. The rules seemed to be stacked against them—21 members, many of whom were first-years, and limited resources compared to the other halls. It felt as if the exam was designed specifically to ensure their failure, to prevent them from earning enough points to advance.

The reality of their situation was sobering; the enthusiasm and excitement from the day before had evaporated, replaced by a heavy atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety.

Klea tried her best to keep spirits up, offering words of encouragement, but even her optimism couldn’t completely erase the growing sense of doubt that crept into their hearts.

“We have to complain about this!” someone shouted, and a chorus of agreement followed. “Yes! This is not fair!” Another voice chimed in, the sentiment spreading quickly among the group. It was then that Emery stepped forward, his calm demeanor cutting through the clamor. “Nothing is ever really fair, but we will do our best anyway.” His words were simple, but they carried a weight that resonated with the acolytes.

Emery reminded them that the mission ahead wasn’t just about earning points or advancing in the rankings. The tasks they would undertake were designed to help those in need. This was more than just an exam; it was a chance to gain invaluable experience and to grow stronger not just in their abilities, but in their understanding of the world.

“Would you prefer wasting your time complaining, or start doing your mission?”

The effect was immediate. The acolytes, who had moments ago been gripped by frustration and doubt, felt a surge of purpose. Even the first-year acolytes, who had been given the option to opt-out, were now resolute in their decision to participate. None of them were willing to back down.

Seeing their renewed energy, Emery allowed a small smile to play on his lips. “However, we’re not preparing to lose just yet. We still need to do this properly and win”

The goal was clear: to secure more points against all the mid-level halls—ranging from Hall 41 to Hall 70, becoming the top 10 among these thirty halls. This perspective transformed the daunting task ahead into a challenge they were eager to tackle.

With their spirits lifted and their minds focused, the acolytes quickly began their preparations. There was no time to waste. They packed their gear and traveled to Centauri City.

Upon arrival, they wasted no time. They rented a building near the portal, a strategic decision that would allow them to move quickly between locations. Once settled, they immediately began to strategize. The room buzzed with discussion as they pored over the list of missions, analyzing each one to determine the best approach.

With the help of VIA, Emery meticulously analyzed the list of 500 available missions and cross-referenced each mission’s difficulty, the number of acolytes required, and the time it would take to complete. This data-driven approach would enable them to make informed decisions and maximize their efficiency.

It became clear that their limited numbers meant they needed to be extremely selective about the missions they chose. Emery emphasized the importance of accepting missions that required the minimum number of personnel, allowing them to form smaller, more agile groups that could operate efficiently.

Dillion, Damo, and Kat were appointed as the leaders of these groups, each assigned the most suitable team members to maximize their chances of success.

Before leaving, Emery provided them with higher-level artifacts and high-grade pills, ensuring they had the necessary resources for their missions. “Do your best and be safe!”