Earth's Greatest Magus

The number “twenty” echoed in Emery’s mind—far more than he’d anticipated.

Despite his reservations, Emery knew he didn’t hold the power to admit additional acolytes into the Magus Academy. Getting the four Earth acolytes accepted last year required significant leverage from the deputy headmaster. The thought of accommodating twenty more acolytes felt daunting, almost impossible.

Sensing his hesitation, the queen leaned in, her eyes gleaming with a persuasion. “Twenty acolytes,” she repeated, her voice steady. “That means twenty research samples. I’ll even provide you with one of our experts to assist with your project.”

Emery exhaled deeply, the weight of the request settling on his shoulders.

He explained his limitations, expecting the queen to understand the political intricacies involved. But instead, she chuckled softly, her confidence unwavering.

“No, no, you misunderstand,” she said, her tone laced with assurance. “All you need to do is agree to let them into your hall. I will take care of the academy approvals, and as for Zodiac City… consider it handled.”

The queen’s confidence was almost infectious, If she truly had the influence she claimed, then there was no reason for him to refuse. “If that’s the case, then I accept.”

A satisfied smile spread across the queen’s face as she raised her glass, signaling the completion of their pact. Emery mirrored her gesture, sealing the deal with a toast. #####

Days later, Emery learned of the insect queen’s significant contribution to the academy and the Magus alliance: over a three hundred thousands saint-level insectoid warriors sent to the frontlines as part of the ongoing war effort. A staggering number that underscored the queen’s unwavering dedication to her people and their future.

This massive deployment wasn’t just an act of loyalty—it was a calculated investment. In return for this support, the academy awarded the insectoids ten annual placements for their young acolytes.

Upon hearing this, Emery couldn’t help but feel a mix of admiration and caution. Ten placements might seem like a modest number, but it was double what any other half-blood race had managed to secure. The queen’s actions were a masterstroke, reinforcing her race’s status and ensuring that their young would not only survive but thrive in the competitive environment of the academy. It was a stark reminder to Emery of the lengths to which the queen would go to protect and elevate her people. ####

The new academic year was about to start, and the air buzzed with anticipation.

Emery, Klea, Ashaka, and the 12 acolytes busied themselves with the move to their new hall, a transition that marked their elevation within the academy’s ranks.

As the mountain’s majestic peaks loomed overhead, the group watched in awe as the magic-infused construction commenced. With a simple command from the academy staff, the mountain itself seemed to awaken. Stone and earth trembled as they molded into the shapes required, rising and descending in perfect harmony, sculpted by powerful incantations. Their formerly Hall 60, ascended majestically through the clouds, coming to rest just dozens of miles below the summit.

Here, the air was thin and crisp, charged with high spirit energy that seemed to invigorate the very soul. The sky above was a deep, cerulean blue, untainted by the haze of the lower altitudes. The view was nothing short of breathtaking—a vast panorama of endless skies, jagged peaks, and a landscape that stretched out far below like a living tapestry.

The new facilities were nothing short of impressive. An extra training ground sprawled out beneath the open sky, its surface shimmering with protective enchantments that allowed for high-intensity practice without fear of collateral damage. Multiple indoor training areas were integrated into the main structure.

Adjacent to the main hall, ten small houses were constructed, each a compact but comfortable space designed to accommodate the acolytes. Each house had five rooms, providing both privacy and a sense of community among the young acolytes. Once the construction was complete, Emery took it upon himself to breathe life into the area. With a series of spells, he transformed the stark, gray stone of the buildings into a vibrant green space. Vines and moss crept up the walls, their growth accelerated by magic, while patches of lush grass and small flowering shrubs sprung up in the courtyard.

He even carved out a series of caves along the mountain’s rocky face, nestled just next to the main hall, to serve as a home for the young Chizpurs. Klea, ever vigilant, added her own touch by constructing powerful defensive formations around the palace. She meticulously designed the magical arrays to create a protective barrier that would deter intruders and nullify any hostile spells. The final touch was added as the Hall’s signage was ceremoniously raised above its grand entrance. The elegantly crafted sign bore the words:

[Hall 33] – [Head Instructor: Emery Ambrose]

The moment the sign was secured in place, a wave of excitement swept through the acolytes. Cheers erupted from the group, their voices echoing off the mountain walls. This simple act marked their official ascent into the upper echelons of the academy, a prestigious milestone that filled them with pride.

“We are all higher hall seniors now!! Yes!!” one of the acolytes shouted, and the declaration was met with enthusiastic agreement. The 12 acolytes, now in their second year, realized that the future of the hall rested on their shoulders. It was a moment of both opportunity and challenge, as they were now responsible for recruiting new members and continuing the legacy of Hall 33.

But before they could move forward, Kingrig, stepped forward, his voice cutting through the noise. “Wait!!!” he called out, commanding the attention of his peers. “First, we need a new leader!” Kingrig declared.

The atmosphere in Hall 33 shifted from excitement to tension as the acolytes confronted the inevitable—without Dillion, Damo or Kat, the leadership void needed to be filled. Kingrig, never one to shy away from the spotlight, was the first to nominate himself. His boldness was expected, but it quickly set off a chain reaction. Two other names were immediately suggested: He Ron, the silver insignia bearer, and Hardy, whose leadership capabilities had already been proven in past trials. Both were strong candidates, each bringing different strengths to the table.

But the nominations didn’t stop there. The two Romans, Titus and Armenius, were also put forward. Even Blaine, usually the quiet one, threw his name into the ring, motivated by the belief that his insectoid brothers would soon be joining the hall.

As more names entered the fray, the previous solidarity began to fracture. What had started as a unified celebration quickly devolved into a heated debate.

“Let’s decide this with our strength!” “No!! Let’s decide with the most votes!” “Let’s decide by who can eat the most!” “…..”

Emery, Klea, and Ashaka watched the scene unfold from the sidelines, their expressions neutral. Then, just as the debate seemed on the verge of spiraling out of control, Ha Ron spoke up, his gaze fixed on Emery.

“What about Shinta? Is she going to join our hall?”