Earth's Greatest Magus

The looming deadline weighed heavily on Emery as he realized he had just a little over 24 hours to fill the remaining three spots in Hall 120. Failure to do so would result in the disbandment of their hall, scattering all the acolytes to other halls across the academy. Unfortunatly, with most acolytes already committed to their respective halls, the task seemed daunting.

In their desperation, the attention of many acolytes turned to the silver-haired girl who had been a silent observer in their hall. Some began to treat her with extra attention, while others questioned her intentions.

"Don't you see how great our master is?" one acolyte urged, attempting to sway her. "There is no need to think anymore, join us."

Truthfully, Shinta was impressed by what she had witnessed during her time in this hall: Emery's hospitality, his formidable strength, his sharp wits, qualities that drew her interest and admiration.

Watching him handle the situation with the departing acolytes had only deepened her respect for him. Yet, despite her growing admiration for Emery and her desire to join Hall 120, Shinta knew she had to approach the situation with caution.

She had been repeatedly warned to rely on reason rather than emotion in making her decisions. Emery's parting words to the leaving acolytes about the importance of protecting one's home only served as a stark reminder of the responsibilities she had left behind at Ouroboros. The messy situation she had fled from still weighed heavily on her mind.

"Do not force her!! Even if she agreed, we still need more. Let's find more!" Kat's passionate declaration reminded them of the pressing need to recruit additional members to fill the remaining spots in the hall.

It was at this moment that two figures entered the hall. The familiar presence of a female magus, accompanied by a young acolyte, brought a sense of anticipation and curiosity among the gathered acolytes.

With a warm smile, the beautiful female magus greeted everyone "I am back… how is everyone?" she inquired, her gaze sweeping over the faces of the acolytes.

"It's Master Klea!!, she brought someone!!" murmured one of the acolytes, excitement rippling through the hall at the sight of the newcomer.

Klea's return had been eagerly anticipated, especially after her promise to bring back additional acolytes with her. As the young acolyte, adorned in the inner hall's uniform, entered alongside her, the excitement among the acolytes reached a crescendo.

Amidst the commotion, Klea couldn't help but notice the unusual reception. With a hint of confusion, "What is going on?" she asked, her brow furrowing slightly at the unexpected reception.

It didn't take long for Klea to piece together the situation with the little information she had. With a resigned sigh, she shook her head in dismay. "It's the Nephilim again… what a bully,"

Approaching Emery with a heavy heart, Klea said "I only left for a few days… and these things happen," she lamented.

Klea's scolding of Emery was done in her usual playful manner, lightening the mood in the hall. Despite the gravity of the situation, her whimsical approach eased the tension. However, this scene caught Shinta off guard, and she couldn't help but wonder about Klea's relationship with Emery.

"Who… is she?" Shinta kept her curiosity carefully concealed as Klea began to interact with the acolytes. She observed as Klea warmly welcomed the two insectoid siblings, her demeanor friendly and inviting. But when Klea's gaze landed on Shinta, a flicker of surprise crossed her features.

"You… " Klea's voice trailed off.

It was at that moment that Damo interrupted her, "Master, you haven't introduced the new guy?"

Klea appeared a bit flustered, seemingly lost for words. Taking the initiative, the young man introduced himself with a warm smile.

"Hello, everyone... nice to meet you all. My name is Hardy!"

The dark-haired young man with his slender frame and average height appeared more charming than strong. Yet, his self-confidence was enough to convince the acolytes of his strength. It only took a moment before the acolytes realized that Hardy had just arrived at the academy today and was already accepted into the inner hall.

"Did you complete the mountain in one try?!"

"You must be strong!"

"How long did it take you to complete the challenge?"

Multiple questions were quickly thrown at the young man, and he smiled awkwardly, a little uncomfortable as he revealed, "Err Actually… I didn't…"

"... you didn't?"

Seeing the confusion, the young man's smile widened. "Yes, I got exempt from doing any of it and went straight here." He said casually.

It took a moment before the senior acolytes noticed who he was. Hardy was one of those special privilege acolytes, exempt from any test and capable to join the inner hall. It was a coveted benefit, a limited golden ticket reserved for those from high-grade factions.

Although this meant that Hardy came from a privileged background, it implied he might lack strength or capabilities. As this realization sank in, all the acolytes suddenly lost interest in him.

However, the young man seemed unfazed by their opinions. Instead, he appeared excited as he neared Shinta and said,

"What a beauty… I must be dreaming… please grant my wish by knowing your name."

"..."

Witnessing this, Klea couldn't help but heave a deep sigh. This young man had caused her a lot of trouble during their travels. She neared Emery and said, "Can you recognize who he is?... I'll give you a hint… his uncle was our first bully in the academy."

It took Emery a moment to recognize the familiarity. The young man was a prince of the Kaleos faction, and his uncle was none other than Anas Kaleos, the 'friend' Klea had mentioned and promised to take care of. With his joining, Emery received a notification:

[Application received - 18].

Unfortunately, Emery wasn't sure if his joining would be good or bad for Hall 120, especially after witnessing Shinta knock him out with just one kick.

"Just keep on dreaming!"