Earth's Greatest Magus

More than 3,000 acolytes were gearing up for the Magus Academy’s final exam.

The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as students prepared for what would be the culmination of their training. For Emery’s Hall 6, the excitement was tangible—especially among the 12 third-year acolytes, who were about to complete their journey of three intense years within the academy.

Standing before his 50 acolytes, Emery took a moment to address them, his voice steady and filled with pride. “Go! Show them what you are!”

“Yes, Master!!” came their enthusiastic response, voices united with a determination they’d honed together.

The weeklong exam brought a thrill to both Emery and Klea, who watched every match from the sidelines, cheering on their acolytes with unwavering support.

Each contest was an opportunity to see the growth and dedication of their students, and it was clear that every one of them was pouring their heart and skill into the trials. This was the moment they had been training for, and it showed.

However, reaching the much coveted Golden Insignia remained as difficult as ever.

Each year brought a new wave of prodigies from elite families, many of whom quickly rose to claim top ranks. As a result, the final exam results for Hall 6 closely mirrored those from the previous semester.

KingRig’s performance showed a remarkable advancement. His mastery over his lightning clones had evolved beyond simple duplication. With each battle, he demonstrated improved control, sending clones to flank opponents from multiple angles, forcing them to fight on multiple fronts.

Ha Ron, ever steadfast, entered the arena with his characteristic calm but brought a deadly ferocity when his sword aura lit up. His attacks were precise and relentless, each swing of his blade leaving a trail of energy that struck with the force of Khaos. Meanwhile, both Evalice and Blaine demonstrated noticeable improvement, their skills bolstered by the enhanced gene serum from Emery’s projects.

But the standout was Hardy. Against all odds, he had made significant strides in his time magic, and his dedication paid off. His mastery secured him a place among the top 100 acolytes, earning him the prestigious Golden Insignia—a proud achievement he could present back home to the Kaleos family.

[Rank 98 – Hardy]

[Rank 57 – Evalice]

[Rank 28 – Kingrig]

[Rank 24 – Ha Ron] [Rank 17 – Blaine]

The final fight of the year’s exam was the one everyone had been eagerly awaiting.

All eyes were on Shinta, who had captured the hearts of many with her incredible displays of skill and bravery throughout the tournament. Her recent victory over a renowned spirit reader from the Alabaster family—a match many deemed impossible—had catapulted her into the spotlight, drawing admiration and respect from acolytes and spectators alike.

Shinta stood resolute at the center of the arena, her fiery spirit and unwavering resolve were evident as she declared, “Let me fight for number one!”

Her voice rang out with confidence, cutting through the murmurs of the crowd. It was a bold statement, one that resonated deeply with the spectators.

“SHINTA!! SHINTA!! SHINTA!!!”

As if the academy itself had heeded her call, the system responded, and the matchup was announced: Shinta would face Alexandros, the number one-rank acolyte, a prodigious young paladin hailing from the esteemed Arcanum faction.

He was a priest who turned into a warrior. Known for his incredible prowess and mastery of both combat and arcane arts, Alexandros was a force to be reckoned with.

The paladin wielded a massive hammer that seemed to hum with latent energy, seamlessly blending high-ranking rune formations with his attacks, creating a whirlwind of power that left his opponents reeling.

Alexandros stood tall and imposing, his aura radiating confidence. Shinta, though smaller in stature, exuded an intensity that belied her youth. As the duel began, the Paladin wasted no time demonstrating why he held the top spot. With each swing, he activated powerful rune formations that boosted his strength and speed to superhuman levels, creating shockwaves that reverberated across the arena floor. His control over arcane magic was exceptional, creating a radiant aura that protected him from Shinta’s hexes and poisons.

Fortunately, she was prepared. Emery’s guidance in swordsmanship and nature magic had equipped her with techniques and skills far beyond her years. With a surge of focus, Shinta entered her Shaman transformation, her aura dark and potent, yet elegantly controlled, as she channeled her peak 9-pillar realm strength into the fight.

The fight stretched on, with neither willing to yield, both pushing past their limits. But finally, it was Shinta who stood tall as Alexandros, exhausted and outmatched, was forced to yield.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, witnessing the moment she claimed the number one rank, securing her place at the top of the academy’s ranks and earning the highest respect from her peers and mentors alike.

 Shinta’s body bore the marks of a grueling battle; her skin was bruised, and cuts lined her arms and legs, yet she radiated strength. She held her mother’s [Gentle Sword] aloft, her hand raised high in a gesture of triumph. “Father… Mother… I did it!!” she cried, her face beaming with exhilaration.

Emery watched from the stands, his heart swelling with emotion as he saw his daughter standing tall in the center of the arena. Pride filled his chest as he joined the tens of thousands around him, clapping his hands and cheering at the top of his voice, celebrating Shinta’s remarkable achievement. He saw on the massive display board above them, a sight he would forever treasure:

[Rank 1 – Shinta Ouroboros]

That evening, Emery threw a grand celebration in honor of his daughter and the other acolytes’ hard-won achievements. Hall 6 was filled with laughter and excitement as dozens of acolytes, friends, and allies from other halls arrived to join the festivities. The celebration stretched well into the night, a much-deserved reprieve for those who had trained relentlessly for so long. Emery couldn’t help but feel immense pride watching his students, knowing how far each of them had come.