Earth's Greatest Magus

Emery extended his senses and recognized the presence just before a knock echoed through the chamber. There was something unmistakable about the aura—a blend of immense wisdom and restrained power. As the door creaked open, Shinta blinked in surprise at the unexpected guest. Even Grand Magus Soltz, who had been nearby, showed a rare expression of astonishment.

Standing before them was Grandmaster Caliborne, patriarch of the Skyroot faction and one of the most revered alchemists in the realm.

“Master Emery, I apologize for the intrusion,” the elder alchemist said, his voice smooth yet firm. “I hope you have a little time for this curious old man… Would you accompany me for a walk?”

Despite being anxious, Emery certainly could not refuse such a request. This was not just any supreme figure; this was a grandmaster who held a position of unparalleled respect. He bowed slightly in acknowledgment and followed the elder outside.

It was dusk, and the sun was beginning to dip beyond the horizon, casting warm hues over the Skyroot Garden. As they strolled through the carefully cultivated greenery, the Supreme Being spoke casually at first, discussing the day’s competition, Emery’s displayed alchemical techniques, and the intricacies of his recipes.

“A few of your methods were ingenious,” the elder mused. “Some of them, I daresay, I have never seen used before. Very interesting.”

Hearing this, Emery’s mind raced for an excuse. He could not openly reveal that he had learned many of these techniques from the Magus Alliance Apothecary Center, nor did he want to expose any ties that might bring unnecessary scrutiny. He quickly controlled his emotions, reinforcing his mental defenses, hoping the Supreme Being would not pry further.

Fortunately, the Grandmaster did not press for an answer. Instead, he continued analyzing the effectiveness of Emery’s processes, to which Emery found himself instinctively responding, explaining the rationale behind his methods. It was a conversation of great depth, one that Emery could not help but engage in, despite his initial reservations.

“Interesting… very interesting,” the elder said again, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Then, his next words made Emery tense.

“With such techniques, I would have convinced that you are a traveler… Fortunately, Lady Kaelyn has confirmed your identity as a Fey.”

Emery kept his expression calm, but inside, questions swirled in his mind. Why would the Fey girl say such a thing about him? Why would she cover for him and misleading the Supreme Being? He pushed these concerns aside as they continued walking.

To his surprise, they arrived at a sacred place—the site where the Heaven and Earth Scales resided. The massive stone structure stood before them, radiating an ancient presence that resonated deeply with Emery.

The Grandmaster stopped in front of the sacred stone and turned to face him. “I am particularly intrigued by the last technique you used,” he said, his tone shifting to one of deeper curiosity. “The reason being that it was remarkably similar to our Heaven and Earth Reversal Technique.”

As soon as he spoke, the Grandmaster raised his palm, and Emery’s eyes widened in astonishment. A tiny spark emerged from the elder’s hand, immersed in the power of metal. Then, his other hand revealed another spark, this one carrying the essence of water. One was solid, unyielding, while the other was fluid, ever-changing. They were opposites by nature, yet as Emery watched, the Supreme Being effortlessly merged them.

The sparks intertwined, and the result was an ethereal liquid metal, its properties seamlessly synchronized.

The demonstration was simple, yet profound. Emery felt a surge of insight washing over him, an instinctual understanding forming within his mind. He had spent so long balancing darkness and light, nature and chaos, but here, in front of him, was proof that true harmony could be achieved.

“This is the Heaven and Earth Reversal Technique,” the Grandmaster explained. He met Emery’s gaze and asked, “Don’t you think it bears a striking resemblance to your own method?”

Emery could not lie in front of such a powerful figure. He nodded. He knew the elder was seeking answers, and after a moment of deliberation, he decided to reveal part of the truth.

“Yes, elder. The truth is, it was something I just learned today… I can’t really explain how,” he admitted. “But I know my time with this stone—” he pointed at the Heaven and Earth Scales, “—was a crucial factor in unlocking it.”

There were no lies in his words, and the Supreme Being knew it. The elder was silent for a moment before he smiled.

“Master Emery,” he said at last, “would you like to be my student?”

The question stunned Emery. The Skyroot faction was known for its secret techniques, passed down for hundreds of years. The elder revealed the known rumors about the fact that none had fully mastered the Heaven and Earth Reversal Technique. The Grandmaster continued, his voice filled with conviction.

“You are young and have immense potential. With my guidance, you could reach the level of a Grade 9 Alchemist, just like me… and perhaps fulfill our ancestor’s wishes.”

The offer was beyond tempting. The opportunity to learn high-level alchemy under the greatest masters in the realm was already enticing. But beyond that, the Heaven and Earth Reversal Technique could very well be the missing key he needed to balance his own powers—the final piece to his puzzle.

Emery’s lips parted, ready to accept, but then reality came crashing down on him. His duty. His friends back home. His upcoming duel with Kronos. He had only a little over six months left before the promised battle. There was no way he could dedicate himself fully to the Grandmaster’s teachings within such a short time.

With deep regret, he lowered his head and said, “I am truly honored by the offer, Grandmaster. But I still have duties that I must fulfill… I cannot accept.”

The Grandmaster took a deep breath before sighing. “I see… I suppose your identity as a Fey truly does restrict you.”

The Grandmaster had misunderstood, but Emery did not correct him. It was best to let the assumption stand.

After a moment of silence, Caliborne continued, his tone turning graver. “I would have wished for you to stay with us rather than return to the fey planet… With what is happening to our world, with the coming threat… your talent will be greatly needed.”

These words piqued Emery’s interest. Something was definitely happening, and he wanted to know more.

“What do you mean, elder?” he asked cautiously.

The Grandmaster shook his head. “You will know soon enough… Hopefully, it will change your decision then.”

Emery narrowed his eyes, but before he could press further, the elder spoke again, “Let us return… The feast is about to start—we can’t have the winner arriving late, now can we?”