Earth's Greatest Magus

The final examinations concluded with the much-anticipated announcement of which halls had successfully advanced.

Among those celebrating was Emery’s hall, which had secured its place, but the real buzz surrounded the Mammon faction hall. This grade-two faction had achieved a remarkable feat by climbing to rank 8 in the top 10 halls, an unprecedented accomplishment that drew admiration and surprise from many.

Meanwhile, the Proxima faction’s protest regarding the Navarro faction’s rank was officially dismissed by the academy. The Navarro faction retained their coveted rank 10 position, a decision that sparked public outrage and disappointment from the Proxima faction. Despite the tensions, a two-day break followed, filled with celebrations across the academy grounds before all were summoned to attend the grand graduation ceremony.

This event was one of the most significant and elaborate in the academy’s calendar.

Held simultaneously across all three academies in each quadrant, it was a day of great pomp and circumstance. Thousands of honored guests, including influential magus, nobles, and dignitaries, attended the ceremonies, their presence a testament to the importance of the occasion. Tens of thousands of citizens, who fervently supported the academy and its mission, also gathered to witness the event.

Within the Alpha Academy, more than 4,000 acolytes filled the central arena. At the forefront of this gathering stood 1,120 third-year acolytes, distinguished by their special white uniforms. These were the students who had survived years of rigorous training and grueling challenges, now standing on the brink of their life achievement.

Emery, Klea, and Ashaka watched with immense pride. Among the graduates were ten of their own, including Dillon, Damo, Kat, and six other senior students who had worked tirelessly to reach this pivotal moment. The celebration was nothing short of spectacular.

Multiple ships, adorned with shimmering decorations, hovered majestically, their cannons firing in synchrony to produce breathtaking fireworks that lit up the heavens. The bursts of color and light were accompanied by a chorus of cheers from the crowd below, their faces illuminated by the dazzling display.

Adding to the grandeur, dozens of magus took to the skies, performing an intricate air show. They weaved through the air with grace and precision, their magic leaving trails of light that added to the mesmerizing spectacle below.

Emery watched the festivities unfold, realizing the significance of this ceremony.

 It was the first graduation held by the academy in fifteen years, the last one having been canceled due to the tragic incursion that had left deep scars on the institution and its people.

The scale of the event was a clear indication of its importance, not just to the acolytes but to the academy itself. Emery’s thoughts drifted to Klea, who stood beside him. During the last incursion, she had been held captive, a victim of the chaos that had nearly torn the academy apart. The memory of that time was still fresh in his mind, a reminder of how close he had come to losing her.

As the fireworks lit up the sky, Emery reached for her hand, gripping it tightly.

Headmaster Goldstein addressed the acolytes and guests, sharing the academy’s vision and mission to cultivate the brightest minds and strongest warriors. His speech was a mix of pride and expectation, wishing the third-year acolytes success beyond the academy.

The ceremony then moved to the calling of names. Each of the 1,000 graduating acolytes stepped forward, receiving their certificates and a wooden box containing their new identity card and a [Scroll of Awakening] to aid in their breakthrough to the Magus realm.

In the end, the final group called to the stage were the top ten highest-ranking acolytes, the elite of the third year. Among them was Shiryu, the dragon half-blood, unfortunatly Dillion didn’t make it to this group.

After receiving their special rewards and recognition, Headmaster Goldstein also announced that these ten acolytes would represent Alpha Academy in the first-ever competition against the other two academies in the quadrant.

The headmaster concluded the ceremony with a spectacular finale, a display of magical fireworks and light shows that filled the sky, drawing cheers from the crowd.

As the official proceedings came to an end and the guests began to disperse, the acolytes were left to continue their own celebrations. Some organized private parties within their halls, while others ventured outside the academy grounds, eager to make the most of their newfound freedom.

Emery encouraged the acolytes to enjoy this moment. He released them to savor their accomplishments and the time they had left together.

Following the graduation ceremony, the academy granted the acolytes two weeks of holidays—a final respite before the third year would be required to leave the academy.

This was their last chance to create memories within these hallowed halls, to bond with friends, and to prepare for the challenges that awaited them in the world beyond. At the same time, the academy simultaneously hosted five days of open events in the grand halls. These events were bustling with representatives from various factions and organizations, all eager to recruit the newly graduated acolytes.

They set up impressive displays, offering enticing rewards, prestigious titles, and promises of advancement to lure the best and brightest to their ranks.

Among all the organizations present, the Magus Alliance Military forces stood out as the most influential and prominent. Their presence was commanding, with seasoned officers and recruiters presenting the opportunity for advanced military training and the chance to join the ongoing war efforts.

For many acolytes, especially those from Hall 60 who came from the lower realm, the prospect of military service was highly appealing. They saw it as the fastest route to gain enough merit points to secure their freedom and the ability to visit their home planets at will—a similar situation to what happening to the Earth magus.

Dillion, Kat, Damo, and the other six senior acolytes from Hall 60 found themselves drawn to the military’s offer. However, before making any decisions, they sought out Emery, to ask for his advice.