Earth's Greatest Magus

The grand magus’s fascination with the Elysian tree was undeniable, to the point where Emery began to feel uneasy, briefly worrying that the elder might request the entire tree.

However, the grand magus’s true desire was something called the “Elder Branch.”

As the grand magus elaborated, VIA, was already on standby, confirming the details. According to both, the Elder Branch was essentially the first limb of the tree that could separate and live on its own, functioning almost like its first offspring.

However, despite its independence, this branch wouldn’t possess the full vitality of its parent tree, at least not until the original tree was erased from existence. The grand magus’s eyes gleamed as he discussed the rarity and potential of such an item, but there was a significant catch. The Elder Branch wouldn’t emerge until the Elysian tree reached full maturity, a process that required considerable time.

Both the Grand Magus and VIA provided a similar estimate—around 1,000 years for the tree to reach maturity.

Emery glanced at the towering juvenile tree and felt a pang of anticipation mixed with frustration. Even with its rapid growth, the Elysian tree was still in its juvenile stage. Based on their calculations, it would take another 600 to 700 years before the tree produced its first Elder Branch. The sheer timescale involved was daunting.

Hearing the Grand Magus’s request, Emery smiled “Elder, forgive me, but I don’t dare promise something that is still so far ahead,” Emery’s mind already weighing the challenges that lay in his immediate future. With the looming threats from the Nephilim and the precarious situation on Earth, even the next decade was fraught with uncertainty and danger. The Grand Magus, however, wasn’t fazed by Emery’s reluctance. With a light chuckle, he replied, “Six hundred years may seem like an eternity but for someone like me… it’s hardly that long. Besides, what I’m offering in return might just fast-track the process.”

This piqued Emery’s interest.

The elder went on to explain his proposal—a long-term commitment to support Emery with vast quantities of rare and powerful materials that were uniquely compatible with the Elysian tree. His offer didn’t end there; he also promised his personal expertise to help nurture the tree, predicting that together, they could reduce the time needed for the tree to reach maturity by at least half, possibly even faster.

But the Grand Magus didn’t stop at promises of growth. To sweeten the deal, he hinted at another incentive.

The Grand Magus carefully unrolled a scroll, its edges worn and faintly glowing with the remnants of powerful magic. As Emery’s eyes fell upon the intricate designs and runes etched into the parchment, his breath caught in his throat. The complexity of the spell was staggering, and the weight of its power was undeniable.

“This… is this a tier 8… no, is this a tier 9 spell?” Emery stammered, his mind reeling from the sheer depth of understanding woven into the runes. Just a single glance at the spell was enough to stir his own comprehension of the law of nature, like a door had been opened to a new realm of possibilities.

He could feel his connection to nature pulsing, responding to the runes before him.

“Elder, what spell is this?” Emery asked, his curiosity tinged with awe.

The Grand Magus smiled, clearly pleased by Emery’s reaction.

“This is a spell of my own creation, the culmination of over a thousand years of research and deep study into the law of nature.” His voice was calm, yet the pride in his accomplishment was evident. “I call it Verdant Ascension.”

As Emery delved deeper into the spell’s purpose, the similarities to his own Nature Grasp technique became apparent, but this was on an entirely different level. It went beyond simply connecting with nature—it allowed the caster to fully merge with it, achieving a complete union where the boundaries between self and the natural world dissolved.

The result was full control over the surrounding environment, enhancing the caster’s strength and resilience in perfect harmony with the land, plants, and creatures.

Emery’s heart raced as he realized the potential of such a spell. This was not just an amplification of his power; it was an evolution. The thought of using such a technique, to command nature in such a profound way, filled him with excitement. But there was also the realization that this spell was far beyond his current capabilities—something to strive for.

The Grand Magus explained that this spell was instrumental in his own rise to the rank of Grand Magus. By mastering this spell, Emery would be able to forge a more profound connection with the Elysian tree. This enhanced bond would significantly boost the tree’s growth, potentially accelerating its development and potency.

Additionally, it would help balance and harmonize the energies within his domain, further optimizing the environment for both the Elysian tree and the creatures that thrived there. The potential for growth and balance promised by Verdant Ascension was immense, making it a valuable asset for Emery in his ongoing efforts to strengthen his domain and confront the challenges ahead.

He let his words hang in the air, waiting for Emery’s reaction. “So, what do you think? Do we have a deal?” the elder asked, the corners of his mouth turning up in a smile of anticipation.

Emery didn’t need time to mull it over. The offer was too good to pass up.

The elder branch, while incredibly precious, was still something that would take centuries to materialize into real benefit—it didn’t address his immediate needs.

 What he needed now was leverage, power, and resources to face the mounting challenges ahead. The spell, combined with the Grand Magus’s support, was a much more tangible and urgent benefit.

There was more to this deal. By forging this alliance with such a prominent and influential figure, Emery was securing something priceless—access to the Grand Magus’s wisdom, council, and resources. This formal relationship could even give Emery an edge in navigating the intricate politics of the Magus Alliance.

Seeing Emery’s positive response, the Grand Magus added a final clause to their agreement: if Emery were unable to continue developing the Elysian tree—whether after 600 years or in the event of his demise—the Grand Magus would retain the right to take the tree. This clause ensured that the Elysian tree’s future would be secured, regardless of unforeseen circumstances.

The agreement would be formalized in writing, allowing Emery to review it with other experts. Understanding the fairness of this provision, Emery accepted the terms.

“Good, I will be seeing you more often, then.”

With that, the Grand Magus departed from Earth, his expression one of contentment.

Emery on the other hand had other pressing matters to attend to.

Shinta, noticing his preoccupation, asked, “Are we going back to the academy?”

“You are… I still have somewhere I need to go.” Emery replied.

His next destination was a place that Shinta, or anyone else, could not join him in: a Nephilim-ruled planet. This journey demanded a level of discretion that only he could provide. The time for answers had arrived, and Emery was ready to face whatever lay ahead.