Earth's Greatest Magus

Emery stood in the center of the Khaos hub, his aura calm but powerful, radiating an unspoken authority as he patiently waited for the others to arrive. The dim lighting of the hub reflected off the smooth stone walls, casting soft shadows that danced around the space. The first to arrive were the Khaos seeds from Earth: Grand Magus Anpu, Yama, and Yami. Their footsteps echoed through the hall as they approached, their expressions focused and purposeful.

Anpu, the imposing hybrid, was the first to step forward. His report was direct and thorough. He confirmed that Earth’s security was stable, detailing the effectiveness of the defensive measures that had been implemented. The protective formations around key strategic locations were holding strong, and recent upgrades had further fortified their defenses. Next, Yami shared updates from her explorations. She had traveled to a dozen locations connected through Earth’s newly established portal gate. She spoke of the friendly contacts she had made, many of whom were open to future collaborations. Finally, Yama, stationed at the Avalon secret realm, arrived with information about the progress of Earth’s four acolytes in training; Brant, Glita, Octavius, and Gwen. His report, though brief, was filled with details about the progress of the acolytes, including breakthroughs in their cultivation and combat techniques. The next to enter the Khaos hub was Yuria from Terra Planet. Following shortly after she was Annara, arriving from Seraph City. As Emery acknowledged their arrival, he couldn’t help but notice two key absences—Morgana and Chumo. He knew Morgana was deep in her training with Killgragah at one of the waypoints. Her absence was expected, but Chumo’s lack of presence was a surprise.

Emery turned to Yuria, “Do you know where Chumo is?” he asked, hoping for some clarity. However, Yuria shook her head slightly, her brow furrowing in shared worry. She explained that Chumo hadn’t returned to the Terra palace in weeks, leaving behind no clear sign of his whereabouts.

Before Emery could delve deeper into the matter, Annara interrupted “Hey… let’s just focus on those who care enough to be here,” she said, leaning back, arms crossed.

Emery cast a glance her way, acknowledging her point. “Alright, any new intel on the Nephilim?”

Annara delivered her update, her eyes sharp as she shared the latest insights about the Nephilim factions. She explained that internal political strife was brewing within their ranks, largely driven by the mounting pressures of the ongoing war and significant shifts in power among the upper echelons. The Academy’s recent situation also fueled these tensions, worsening the situation.

As Emery listened, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. The internal conflicts within the Nephilim faction might explain why they hadn’t retaliated against him yet. Their attention was likely divided, focused more on their struggles than external affairs. This reprieve, though temporary, gave Emery a sliver of comfort.

Annara continued, “As for the SkyLord… well, there’s zero news about him. No sightings, no rumors, not even a whisper,” she said with a shrug.

Emery couldn’t help but feel annoyed; it had been a year since the attack.

“Alright, that’s all I’ve got for now,” Annara concluded, her serious demeanor melting back into her more relaxed, teasing self. “Now, I’m gonna spend some time with my niece.” With that, she made her way to the other room, clearly eager to find Shinta.

Emery turned his attention back to Yuria, his curiosity about Chumo piqued once again. As he prepared to ask her, Yuria interrupted, mentioning that Ashaka, who was currently at Terra Palace, wanted to speak with him. This revelation shifted Emery’s plans, prompting him to decide to visit Terra City instead.

“I am coming with you then…”

After letting all return to their respective gates, Emery took a moment to compose a message to Klea before joining Yuria. Together, they stepped through the portal, emerging at Terra Palace. The familiar surroundings greeted him and the portal hummed gently behind them as it powered down.

He passed through the castle gates and made his way along a stone path, which wound around a tranquil garden. The garden was lush and well-tended, filled with vibrant flora, creating a harmonious blend of nature’s beauty. Emery’s gaze lingered briefly on a shrine nestled to one side of the garden, where Ashaka often spent time meditating and imparting wisdom to the people of Terra City.

As Emery approached, the peaceful scene became even more profound. In the tranquil garden, seated in perfect stillness, was Damo. The young monk sat cross-legged in the lotus position, his eyes closed, completely absorbed in his meditation. Emery took a moment to observe, utilizing his divine sense from a distance. A wave of satisfaction washed over him as he noted Damo’s progress; the young man was on the verge of breaking through to the Halfmoon realm.

[Damo]

[Magus Realm – Crescent Moon]

[Law of Light – 9%]

[Law of Water – 13%]

[Law of Earth – 12%]

[Law of Plant – 13%]

[Battle power: 252]

[Soul force: 382]

In less than a year, Damo’s progress was nothing short of extraordinary. His growth, both in cultivation and strength, had surged to such a degree that even the genius Dillion seemed to pale in comparison. Yet despite these impressive strides, Emery could still sense a lingering fragility in Damo—a mental injury that had not fully healed even after a year of careful recovery.

As Emery observed Damo’s serene form, the Abbot approached, his presence as calm and wise as ever. “Emery, thanks for coming,” the Abbot greeted, his deep voice filled with gratitude.

Ashaka proceeded to explain the progress Damo had made, recounting the weeks of meditation and healing the two had undertaken together. The Abbot’s tireless dedication had healed most of Damo’s injuries, but there remained something elusive, something they couldn’t quite understand.

“I’ve managed to heal much of the damage,” the Abbot said, his brow furrowing slightly as he continued, “but there’s an anomaly within Damo’s soul—something I cannot reach.”

Intrigued and slightly concerned, Emery activated his divine sense, allowing his mind to delve deeper into Damo’s soul. As he did, he immediately picked up on the subtle fluctuations the Abbot had mentioned. It was as though Damo’s soul was radiating a faint pulse, a tremor that resonated with a power far beyond what any ordinary Magus could wield.

“This…” Emery whispered to himself, astonishment creeping into his voice. “This is a grand magus domain!”

His eyes widened as the realization settled in.

What lay within Damo’s soul was no ordinary fluctuation—it was the foundation of a personal domain, a realm filled with cosmic energy. A domain was an incredible phenomenon, one that typically only existed within the soul of the Grand Magus realm.

Emery’s mind raced. He was all too familiar with domains, having developed one of his own through his high proficiency in the law of space. But for Damo to possess such a thing was unheard of. He could feel the cosmic energy swirling within the domain, chaotic yet powerful, as if it was in the process of forming but had yet to stabilize. Ashaka believed that the domain lingering within Damo’s soul was none other than Fuxi’s, a remnant of the Sage of the Sixth Path who had sacrificed himself in an attempt to save Damo. This domain, like a spectral echo, had wrapped itself around the young monk’s soul, and Ashaka was convinced that it was the final barrier to Damo’s full recovery.

Emery, who had been silently examining the strange energy fluctuations within the domain, considered Ashaka’s suggestion carefully. The idea of using his spatial power to break into the domain intrigued him, especially given its connection to Fuxi. “Senior, are you sure about this?”

“Only if you think it would be safe,” the Abbot replied.

Emery paused, contemplating the risks involved. He could not guarantee a 100% safe passage, but the curiosity that tugged at him was overwhelming. The desire to explore this unknown and potentially aid Damo in his recovery was too compelling to resist.

Breaking through to a personal domain was no small feat. Despite Damo’s consent, the young monk could not control the swirling energies within this domain. However, this limitation also meant there would be less resistance as Emery tried to break into the barrier.

After spending a few days in preparation, focusing his energy and attuning himself to the vibrations of the domain, Emery was ready to delve deeper into the mystery that awaited them.