Earth's Greatest Magus

Three factors stood as determining pillars for a world aspiring to advance its realm: strength, knowledge, and resources.

In response to the inquiry, Magus Nathan conveyed his reply with an apologetic tone, stating, "The truth is we came here just as a courtesy. You must have some awareness that such a request is not possible given your current situation."

Magus Nathan, true to his nature, proceeded to provide a detailed explanation. He observed the hundreds of sky-level participants in the tournaments, the growing number of potential young talents, and the presence of hidden groups of warriors like the Vanir or the Fey. These factors indicated that Earth possessed a substantial quantity of quality warriors.

His evaluation extended beyond the martial prowess displayed in tournaments. Magus Nathan considered the number and quality of Earth magus, the capabilities of the moonbase, and Earth's capacity to employ multiple powerhouses. Collectively, these attributes granted Earth a certain qualification in strength on par with other middle-realm planets.

The second factor, knowledge, revolved predominantly around technological advancement. Earth, in this aspect, found itself lagging significantly, having still in the Iron Age deemed at least a millennium behind the threshold for the next stage of civilization.

"Industrial stage and the ability to properly share information is the key," Magus Nathan emphasized, highlighting the pivotal role communication played in the progression towards a middle-stage realm.

He highlighted Rome's diligent efforts to educate its populace, only to face disdain from the rest of the world, even from the tournament participants, who should be the most enlightened individuals on the planet.

Magus Nathan's astute observation brought to the forefront the crucial link between education and societal advancement. Emery, absorbing the implications, couldn't help but draw parallels with the Nexus planet. The doomed fate of that realm had been sealed by a stark lack of education and knowledge-sharing between the elites and the common people, leading to a catastrophic breakdown in societal harmony.

The third factor, the availability of resources, presented a nuanced challenge for Earth. While the planet's breathtaking beauty might make it stand out in the universe, it lacked unique or valuable resources. Tier 1 resources were sporadic, and Tier 2 resources were almost non-existent on the planet's surface.

One notable exception that piqued interest was the primordial wisp, a rare entity intricately connected to the planet. However, the Magus Alliance was well aware of its condition, having reached a level 5 maturity. Despite its potential, it's only decades away from a challenge that could greatly shape the planet.

Magus Nathan injected a note of optimism, stating, "The good news is many planets become much richer after successfully passing through their calamity stage."

However, Klea swiftly interjected with a dose of reality, "Yes, but at what cost?" Her remark underscored the inherent challenges and uncertainties that accompanied such transformative stages in the evolution of a planet.

The room fell into a contemplative silence after Magus Nathan shared another crucial piece of information, one he had been hesitant to disclose.

"Having one of the three factors is just far from enough. If you have two, and the support of the Magus Alliance, it's a maybe... However, your current situation... with... you know... even if you achieve all three, powerful factions like them could heavily affect your application."

Emery couldn't help but sigh once more, reminded of the harsh reality that power dynamics played a pivotal role in shaping their future. The influence and alliances with formidable forces could significantly impact the trajectory of Earth's aspirations.

Magus Nathan concluded with a more positive note, stating, "The least I could do was to write good reports on the young talents. With the new Magus Academy created you should be able to get approved for one or two spots."

Seizing the opportunity, Klea eagerly interjected, "Any chance we could bump it to five?" Magus Nathan, however, maintained a pragmatic stance, stating, "I really am not in a position to decide that." He then turned to Emery, suggesting, "I believe Magus Emery knows more people in the academy; you should give it a try."

Expressing gratitude for the magus's insightful guidance, the two emissaries gracefully dismissed themselves, acknowledging the warm invitation before departing from the planet. As they left, Emery and the others were left to mull over the weighty matters discussed, the consequences of which lingered in the air.

Amid contemplations, the collective attention was redirected with the heralding call for the celebration of the tournaments. The 16 victors from each category were summoned to the stage, where Ashaka, the figure behind the event, presented rewards one by one, creating a tangible expression of achievement and recognition.

Following the awards ceremony, a lavish feast unfolded, featuring a food-related fusion of Egyptian delicacies and the monks' simple yet nourishing dishes. Laughter and jubilation filled the air as participants reveled in the shared triumphs and experiences of the tournament. The festivities extended into the night, cementing the bonds forged during the intense battles.

As the celebrations concluded, the new day brought a fresh summons for all 32 participants. The purpose was to convene face-to-face with the magus, fostering personal connections and deeper understandings among the diverse warriors.

Emery took the time to extend his congratulations to each of the winners, sharing in their triumphs and recognizing their remarkable achievements. As he moved through the crowd, he found himself facing Gwenneth once again.

"Congratulations, you did well," he offered, acknowledging her prowess in the tournament.

Gwenneth, a bit nervous, replied, "Yes, you did well too... I mean, in protecting our planet."

Emery felt a pang of discomfort, recalling the Roman outpost massacre incident four years ago. He hadn't been able to fully explain the ongoing threat, and the awkwardness lingered between them.

Unfortunately, before he could address the matter, Glita joyfully interrupted, stealing him away from her and expressing her gratitude for training her.

Emery's attention then shifted to Brandt and Octavius, two fighters with exceptional potential. He approached with the full intention of guiding them into breaking the magus realm, a commitment that hinted at mentorship and support.

The next targets on Emery's list were the emerging young talents: Kingrig, Ha Ron, and the two Romans, Armenius and Titus. He engaged with each of them, taking the time to understand their backgrounds and aspirations. As the conversation unfolded, Emery broached the question that had lingered in his mind throughout the day.

"I wonder if you are interested in entering a magus academy?"

The query carried the weight of possibilities and opportunities, signaling a potential path for these promising individuals to explore and cultivate their latent talents.