Earth's Greatest Magus

The tension in the room began to ease as the aroma of the perfectly refined pills lingered in the air. Emery stood tall, his calm demeanor contrasting sharply with the stunned expressions around him. Master Zain had already expressed his gratitude, but one figure remained tense—the elderly grand magus.

“Huh! I believed you, you are indeed an alchemy master… but…” the old magus began, his face twisting with hesitation. Words seemed to fail him as he grappled with the reality of having lost their wager.

Emery chuckled softly, his voice steady and confident. “Do you wish to go back on your word?”

The elderly man huffed, straightening his robe and crossing his arms. “No. I am a man of my word. But… only if you prove that you can truly heal my wound….” He turned agitated as he added, “I am telling you… not even Master Baldoni could heal me!”

Emery’s eyes narrowed slightly as he considered the challenge before him. In truth, he had been hasty in making his promise. He didn’t know the specifics of the old magus’s ailment.

“Alright,” Emery said firmly. “Give me ten days. If I can’t provide you with a satisfactory solution by then, our deal will be void.”

The old magus’s lips curled into a sly smile. “That’s fair! You have my word, Master Emery. From this moment on, I, Stoltz, will serve you for the next ten days.”

The formal introduction came with a slight bow, and Emery returned the gesture.

Emery’s initial goal had been to secure a formidable ally for the troubles he anticipated between the Azure Cloud and the Amber Fall clan, having someone like Grand Magus Stoltz on his side for ten days was more than sufficient.

Their exchange was interrupted as Master Zain approached, accompanied by a group of nobles. At the forefront stood a young man draped in fine royal garments. His posture radiated authority, and his sharp eyes assessed Emery with interest.

“Master Emery,” Zain began respectfully, “allow me to introduce the Third Prince of Pradera, Prince Floyd Pradera.”

The young prince stepped forward, his eyes still studying Emery.

“I must say that I read so much about Alchemy,” he said, his voice smooth and confident. “But even I could see that what you did here was extraordinary.”

Emery offered a polite nod. He was well aware that Pradera was one of the eight human kingdoms in this realm. Establishing a good rapport with one of its princes could prove invaluable in solving his current predicament—especially when it came to finding a way back home.

“Thank you for your kind words” Emery replied with humility. “I was fortunate to have experience with this particular ingredient. The credit for its completion belongs equally to Master Zain’s remarkable expertise.”

The prince’s eyes glimmered with intrigue at Emery’s diplomatic response, and Master Zain gave an approving nod. The interaction had painted both of them in a positive light.

Master Zain then explained that the prince was the one who commissioned the pill. Several of the key ingredients were provided directly by him, which was unknown to him and lead to his critical mistake.

The prince’s expression grew more serious.

“This pill was part of a test, Master Emery. Our kingdom is searching for a truly talented alchemist… and you are talented… but I must admit… I have never heard of an alchemist master named Emery before.”

The prince’s sharp gaze bore into Emery, probing for answers.

Emery maintained his calm facade. “I hail from one of the beastman tribes,” he said smoothly, invoking his carefully prepared cover story.

The prince raised an eyebrow. “A beastman? Yes, I thought as much. Fascinating… there are not many beastman alchemists in these lands. Tell me, where did you learn alchemy?”

The question was more probing, but Emery was prepared.

He explained that an alchemy master had once visited his tribe and stayed for a few years. The man was eccentric and preferred to remain anonymous, but during his stay, he had shared his knowledge with Emery before eventually departing.

The explanation was plausible. Alchemy masters were often travelers, wandering in search of rare ingredients, and their eccentricities were well-known. The prince does not seem to be fully satisfied with the answer but still accepts them.

“Master Emery,” the prince said after a moment of consideration, “I wish to formally invite you to the capital city of Pradera. If your skills are as extraordinary as they seem, you could represent our kingdom in the grand alchemy competition. There is great prestige—and great reward—in such an honor.”

Emery’s heart skipped a beat. The chance to see the renowned Alchemists and learn from them was immensely appealing. Unfortunately, he had pressing commitments—the looming Kronos duel back home. He couldn’t afford to be entangled in such events. However, a visit to the royal capital was an incredible opportunity. It could open doors, reveal answers about the traveler’s matter, and potentially provide him with the resources or knowledge he needed to return home.

After a brief pause, Emery spoke carefully. “Your Highness, I am deeply honored by your invitation. However, I am currently assisting a clan here in this city with a pressing matter. I cannot abandon them at this critical time. But once I have fulfilled my duty, I will make my way to the capital.”

With this answer, Emery could stay away from the competition yet still gain access to what the capital city has to offer.

The prince studied Emery’s face for a moment before nodding approvingly. “You are indeed a man of principle…. I respect your dedication to your cause. Very well—when you arrive in the capital, seek me out.”

With those final words, Prince Floyd turned and departed with his entourage. The chamber’s atmosphere relaxed once again, and Emery let out a silent sigh of relief.

Master Zain stepped closer, his expression tinged with disappointment. He remarked on how Emery should have accepted the prince’s offer immediately, emphasizing how rare such opportunities were and how many would give anything for such a chance.

The alchemist master shook his head. “If Master Baldoni were to hear about this, he would be furious.”

Emery frowned slightly. “Why is that?” he asked.