Earth's Greatest Magus

“They really did it?!” “Yes… and against Nephilim Hall?! How crazy is that!”

The air was thick with disbelief. Conversations buzzed throughout the stands, a constant hum of astonishment as spectators tried to process what they had just witnessed. The sight of Hall 33 defeating Nephilim Hall was nothing short of shocking. Though the event was far from over, no one could stop talking about the match. Whispers echoed from every corner, questions and disbelief mixing with admiration.

Lucious of Hall 9 stood quietly, observing the unfolding excitement with a mixture of emotions. On one hand, he felt a sense of pride that another half-blood Hall had managed to break into the prestigious top ten. But on the other, the timing couldn’t have been worse. His Hall was about to fight their next challenger, yet all eyes were still focused on Hall 33’s victory. No one seemed to care about what came next.

His expression tightened as he glanced toward the arena where the next battle was set to take place. Hall 15, the Aryan faction, was ready to make their move, attempting to dethrone Hall 9, just as they had done the previous year.

“They couldn’t defeat us last time and dare to challenge us again… how foolish,”

There was a particular reason Lucius felt confident heading into the match. It wasn’t just the strength of Hall 9’s lineup. During the last group exam, they had specifically challenged the Aryan faction with the intention of studying their top five acolytes. Each member of Hall 9 had analyzed their opponents’ abilities and weaknesses, and Lucius knew this familiarity would give them the upper hand.

As the match began, Hall 9’s half-blood acolytes stepped forward one by one, displaying their prowess with confidence. The Aryan faction had underestimated them. The crowd watched with growing excitement as Hall 9 systematically dismantled their opponents.

Shinta appeared annoyed as she didn’t even get a chance to step into the arena. Rajh the tiger halfblood, Hall 9’s formidable champion defeated Zhin, the Aryan faction’s top acolyte concluding the match and defending their placement within the top 10 halls.

The advancement challenge ended and with it, the academy’s end-of-year ceremony commenced. The celebration was grand and spectacular, Yet, despite the festivities, one topic still dominated the conversations: Hall 33’s shocking triumph over Nephilim Hall.

Even as the crowds dispersed, whispers of Hall 33’s success lingered in every corner. The ripple effects of their victory were far greater than Emery had anticipated. It had reshaped the academy’s political landscape. For the lower realm acolytes, it was a beacon of possibility, a symbol that even the mightiest halls could fall. But for the upper echelons, it was a warning—one that would not be ignored.

Emery was just about to return to Hall 33 to celebrate when a figure blocked his path—Lewis, the Nephilim Grand Magus instructor. His sudden presence sent a ripple of tension through the acolytes nearby. All eyes turned toward the interaction, wary of what might come next. “The Grand Overseer would like to speak with you,” he said, his voice steady but leaving little room for refusal.

Klea, standing close by, exchanged worried glances with the others. Emery could feel their concern radiating toward him. Balthazar, the insectoid Grand Magus stepped forward, offering his support.

“I will accompany you if you wish,”

Emery shook his head with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.” His voice carried confidence. The Nephilim won’t harm him, not after he won fair and square in front of the entire academy.

The meeting took place in one of the Academy’s most exclusive chambers, a grand, isolated room often reserved for significant events or discussions between high-ranking individuals. Its presence alone hinted that the headmaster himself was aware of, if not facilitating, this encounter. Inside, the atmosphere was heavy. At the center of the room sat the Grand Overseer, an elderly but imposing figure who radiated authority. His eyes were sharp, scrutinizing Emery as he entered. Standing beside the Overseer was Adam, the Nephilim Apostle who had fought so fiercely against Emery in the match. His face was pale, his posture stiff. Adam was still reeling from the effects of their grueling battle. The wounds might have healed, but the exhaustion and humiliation remained etched in his expression.

The tension in the room was palpable, thick enough to cut through the silence like a blade. The Grand Overseer was one of the eight high councils of the Nephilim, his rank equaled that of the patriarchs of the three ruling families. No one, not even Adam an apostle, dares to behave unproperly around him.

Emery stood his ground, meeting the Overseer’s gaze with a calm, unyielding composure. He gave a respectful gesture, bowing slightly, but waited for the elder to reveal his intention.

The Grand Overseer’s eyes narrowed as he studied Emery, his expression cold and unforgiving. Finally, he spoke, his voice sharp and laden with authority. “How dare you refuse my offer,” the elder said, his words carrying an almost palpable pressure. The aura of dominance that followed them seemed to pulse through the room.

But Emery did not waver, he held his ground. His voice was steady as he responded, “I apologize for not following the elder’s wishes,” he said, though his tone held no true remorse. His words were respectful, but they carried a subtle defiance that was impossible to miss.

The Grand Overseer’s expression darkened, “Do you not understand the consequences of such defiance?” His voice rose, brimming with a commanding force, and with it, the pressure in the room intensified. Emery felt the crushing weight, an invisible hand pushing down, threatening to force him to his knees. But Emery did not yield, resisting the overwhelming force. His breathing grew heavier under the strain, but his resolve remained unshaken. “Elder, with respect… You know very well that it was not I who started this.”

Hearing Emery’s bold words, Lewis, the Nephilim Grand Magus, stirred uncomfortably beside the elder. He looked as though he wanted to speak, his lips twitching, but the fear of overstepping kept him silent. Emery, unfazed, pressed on. “Besides, Elder… it was you who officially sanctioned the Earth faction as a Nephilim subsidiary. By that logic, the Nephilim representation is still within the top 10 halls… it’s just that we, the Earth faction, have proven to be more competent than the other Nephilim Hall.”

The elder was momentarily stunned by the boldness of Emery’s argument, using his name as leverage in the reasoning. It was enough to make the composed Grand Overseer lose his cool, and his irritation became evident in the way his jaw tightened and his gaze hardened.

With a heavy sigh, he muttered, “Young people these days… how brazen.” His tone was sharp but tinged with reluctant admiration. To Emery’s surprise, the elder then gestured for the two Grand Magus standing nearby to leave the room, a clear sign that he intended to speak privately.

Emery couldn’t help but feel a slight amusement as the Grand Overseer revealed his true purpose for the meeting. “I am here as a courtesy, on behalf of my favorite grand-niece.”