Earth's Greatest Magus

The king’s request had been spoken, and for a moment, the throne room was steeped in silence. A weight hung in the air as those gathered processed his words. It was Ada Velace, the esteemed alchemist, who first broke the hush, her voice measured but firm.

“We will certainly assist the Pardera throne,” she began, “but we are merely alchemists. We can supply potions and pills, yet we have no place on the battlefield.”

Her statement, spoken with unwavering conviction, resonated with many in the room. Alchemists were healers, and craftsmen—not warriors. It was then that Galeli, the Ember Sage, stepped forward, his voice sharp and edged with challenge.

“I am not afraid of battle,” he declared, crossing his arms over his chest, “but I have to agree. Why are we needed on the frontlines? What benefit is there for us?”

The Ember Sage’s words carried an arrogance that verged on disrespect, his tone dismissive of the king’s intent. However, to Emery’s surprise, the king was not offended in the slightest. Instead, a small glint of amusement flickered in his eyes, and he offered a knowing smile.

“Of course,” the king said, his voice calm yet brimming with certainty. “There is a reason why we have summoned you all.”

With a flick of his hand, he signaled the Pardera minister, who immediately activated the same crystal device. The glowing relic pulsed with energy, and the previous battle scene displayed within its projection dissolved, shifting into something entirely new.

What now stood before them was a massive construct—an imposing, intricate structure humming with power.

A gate.

The minister, his voice filled with pride, stepped forward. “This,” he announced, “is our latest invention… a realm gate. With this gate, we can travel farther than ever before. Beyond the limits of our known realms—into uncharted worlds.”

A collective hush fell over the room. Wide eyes and sharp intakes of breath were visible as the magnitude of the revelation settled upon the gathered alchemists. Both Galeli and Ada stared at the projection. The possibilities, the implications of such a feat, began swirling in their minds.

The king, seeing their reactions, seized the moment, standing from his throne with renewed fervor. His voice echoed with grandeur.

“Yes! With this realm gate, we will take the battle to their world!”

The words struck like a hammer, sending shockwaves through the chamber. Even those who had been reluctant to engage in the king’s request now found themselves caught in the weight of his vision. This was more than a war; this was an invasion, a conquest of the unknown.

The minister did not allow the momentum to wane. He continued, revealing the finer details of the plan.

“An expeditionary force will be formed. Five Supreme figure will lead the charge. But we must be prepared for the unexpected, and for that reason, we will require the aid of select alchemists—to ensure our forces can endure whatever unknown dangers we may face in this uncharted land.”

A murmur of discussion erupted among the alchemists.

Horus Kreed leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “A new realm… new materials, undiscovered resources…” he muttered, his mind already brimming with alchemical possibilities.

In contrast, Graknar let out a scoff, folding his massive arms across his chest. “The risk outweighs the reward. I will not throw my life away in an unknown realm.”

But few paid attention to the giant’s dismissive remark. The rest were enthralled. And among them, Emery’s mind was racing faster than any of the others. This realm gate—this was exactly what he had been searching for.

A way home.

A possible path back to Earth. If this device truly allowed for inter-realm travel, he needed to learn everything about it. He needed to be part of this expedition.

But then the king spoke once more, and Emery’s hopes took a sudden hit.

“The expedition will depart in six months. Make your preparations, for the journey will last for years.”

Six months.

That was too long.

The duel with Kronos—the very battle he and his allies had been preparing for—would happen around the same time. If Emery was to face Kronos, if he was to uphold his responsibility in that battle, there was no way he could afford to wait for this expedition.

He clenched his fist subtly, his mind rapidly formulating an alternative. He didn’t just need to join this mission—he needed access to the realm gate before the official departure. He did not even know if the gate could truly lead him home.

When the assembly ended, Grand Master Caliborne gathered the five alchemists for a private discussion regarding the mission. As expected, Graknar refused outright.

Horus, despite his initial excitement, hesitated. It was clear that, despite his curiosity, Horus lacked the courage for such a venture. The noble alchemist had fled at the mere sight of a spider beast—becoming part of the first expedition to an unknown world certainly shook him.

Ada and Galeli, however, did not share such reluctance. Both formally accepted the mission. That left only Emery.

With a decisive tone, he made his stance clear. “I will go.”

His words surprised the Grand Master, who regarded him carefully before responding. “Are you certain? Will the Fey Clan even allow you to undertake such a journey?”

Emery met his gaze with unwavering resolve. “Yes. I have made my decision.”

The Grand Master considered him for a moment, then smiled in approval. “If that is the case, I wish for you to spend more time at the Skyroot Estate. I would like to help you prepare for the expedition.”

The offer took Emery by surprise. What did the Grand Master have in mind?

However, for now, he needed to find access to attach himself to this newly formed expedition force, and his eyes fell on one of the Supreme Beings, Iliir Batara.

Emery quickly returned back to the Azure Cloud Estate to finish up the Warmaster’s request when an unexpected person came to find him—Kaeylin Silverleaf.

“You are coming with me to the Fey Clan, right now.”