Earth's Greatest Magus

With only six days left until the registration deadline for the hall, the situation became increasingly dire. Despite providing 40 more accesses to the 'magic pool', only two more acolytes applied to join the hall.

[Application received - 34]

New rumors began to circulate, casting doubt on Emery's personal history and connections. Whispers about his supposed conflict with the powerful Nephilim faction held more sway than his background from the lower realm. These rumors made potential candidates hesitant to align themselves with Hall 120.

Furthermore, reports surfaced of numerous halls actively targeting lower-realm acolytes, employing both enticing offers and outright harassment to dissuade them from joining Hall 120. This concerted effort to thwart recruitment efforts hinted at a larger, more organized scheme at play.

Through investigation and cross-referencing of the halls behind these activities, it became apparent that the Nephilim faction was the mastermind of these clandestine maneuvers, further complicating matters for Hall 120.

However, on this particular day, Emery found himself preoccupied not with the usual troubles plaguing Hall 120, but with an entirely different sense of unease. A sudden, inexplicable sensation gripped him, a tingling awareness that seemed to pulse through his being, causing his heart to race. It felt as though someone of significant importance to him was drawing near.

"Who could it be?" Emery pondered; he couldn't shake the feeling that it stemmed from his wolf gene, resonating with someone whose bond ran deep with him, akin to the profound connection he shared with Morgana.

Recollections of the oracle's cryptic words concerning a momentous encounter at the academy flooded Emery's mind, intensifying his restlessness and curiosity. Determined to unravel the mystery behind this inexplicable feeling, Emery made a steadfast resolve to trace its origin.

Using his heightened spiritual senses, Emery detected a distant commotion among the acolytes several miles below the hill. Though he typically avoided entanglement in the affairs of acolytes, he couldn't shake the feeling that this particular disturbance might be linked to the mysterious presence he sensed.

However, as he prepared to depart the hall, Emery's senses suddenly shifted, signaling that the individual he sought was approaching closer.

Emery stood at the threshold, a mixture of anticipation as the figure approached. The emotions swirling within him reached a crescendo as the figure entered the hall.

"It's You!"

Before him stood a middle-aged man, a Grand Magus with wavy blonde hair and a neatly trimmed beard. Clad in his customary long coat, adorned with a furry collar,.

This grand magus was certainly someone significant in his life, probably someone he hated the most in this whole universe.

The man casually remarked, "Emery, my little brother, its been a while."

Emery's expression hardened at the mention of the term "brother."

In the past, he had foolishly regarded him as a brother, a bond that crumbled under the weight of betrayal and sorrow. The recollections of how this individual had deceived him into joining his pack, leading to the death of his beloved master, Xion, still haunt Emery to this day.

"Lucius Corvin," he whispered the name with contempt.

Emery felt a surge of emotions threatening to overwhelm him, his anger and resentment towards Lucius simmering just beneath the surface. However, the presence of the watching acolytes reminded him to maintain control, to keep his emotions in check.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Emery addressed Lucius with forced civility.

"Why are you here? What can I do for you?"

Lucius merely chuckled in response, his demeanor unperturbed by Emery's evident disdain. "I see, You haven't heard, have you?" he remarked casually. "I am the new half-

blood representative for this academy... I am also the head instructor of Hall 7."

Emery's eyes widened in disbelief, his expression flushing with a mixture of shock and indignation. He was aware that the former half-blood representative and instructor of Hall 7 had been Grand Magus Sinure, a revered elder of the bird bloodline renowned for his pivotal role in safeguarding the Zodiac city during the 'bloody incursion.' The notion that Sinure had been supplanted by Lucius, whom Emery regarded as nothing short of a lunatic, left him deeply perturbed.

"It's been a really busy week for us half-bloods, but finally I get to see you," Lucius remarked, his tone almost jovial despite Emery's evident discomfort.

He came to express his hope for mutual assistance between them and the other three half-blood instructors of the academy.

However, it became clear that Lucius had a specific reason for seeking out Emery. "I'm here to personally invite you to an important half-blood event tomorrow," he announced. "It's the bloodline examination, and your presence is required."

Emery's interest was piqued. He had received information about this event and had been eagerly anticipating it for days. The bloodline examination was a significant event where all the new half-blood acolytes would undergo testing to assess their genetic lineage and potential. It was also an opportunity for instructors to select promising half blood acolytes to join their respective halls.

Afterward, Lucius cast a penetrating gaze at him and around Emery's hall, a probe that instilled a sense of pressure among the gathered acolytes.

"I am genuinely happy to see you have improved so much," he remarked, his tone carrying a hint of condescension. "However, these acolytes that you've chosen are just... sad. I hope you can find good talent tomorrow."

With those cutting words, Lucius turned on his heel and swiftly departed, leaving behind a lingering atmosphere of unease among the acolytes. His departure marked the end of his unexpected visit, but the impression he left behind weighs heavily on Emery and those under his tutelage.

As Emery contemplated the situation, Dillion and a group of acolytes hurried into the hall, bearing several unconscious figures on their backs. "Master, these acolytes have been poisoned," Dillion announced urgently.

Emery wasted no time in examining the afflicted acolytes, immediately detecting traces of a highly potent poison, likely originating from a particular purple fruit known for its toxicity. This poison posed a severe threat to any individuals below the magus realm.

Thankfully, Emery possessed the knowledge and skill to neutralize the poison, employing a cleansing spell along with specific ingredients.

As the acolytes began to stir back to consciousness, they recounted their encounter with a mysterious figure they dubbed "the little devil."

Believing that the girl might be half-blood, Emery anticipated the opportunity to meet her at the bloodline examination tomorrow.