Earth's Greatest Magus

Another week passed, and Emery once again led his weekly training session. Despite his efforts to remain focused on the task at hand, his thoughts frequently drifted to the Hall entrance, a silent anticipation lingering in his mind, it was the third week of her absence.

The training session itself was intense, with acolytes pitted against the formidable Chizpurs in simulated combat scenarios. Emery permitted the use of weapons and full use of their spells, emphasizing the practical application of their skills. Meanwhile, the Chizpurs, with their robust physiques and earth spells, posed a formidable challenge, tasked with capturing the acolytes.

Each acolyte faced their own one-on-one duel with a Chizpur, testing their combat prowess and strategic thinking. However, Emery reserved a special challenge for a select few, including Dillion, who found himself confronting three Chizpurs simultaneously. It was a training designed to impart crucial battle experience and foster resilience to the acolytes.

Emery circled the training grounds, offering guidance and pointers to each participant based on their individual skills and tactics. It was evident that the combat training session was well-received, with the majority of the participants displaying much enthusiasm in comparison to the previous sword training sessions. However, there were two notable exceptions to this fervor.

Hardy, still maintaining his facade of disability, claimed that he lacked the strength to face even a single Chizpur in combat. His assertion was supported by his newfound best friend Ulong, who echoed Hardy's sentiments, deeming the combat training too dangerous for them. Hence, Ulong stood watching in the corner, lazing around and eating his snack.

Emery couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. He understood Hardy's predicament and empathized with his situation. The situation reminded him of Shinta, who similarly sought refuge within the academy to evade a looming threat.

This comparison sparked a thought in Emery's mind about the nature of concealing one's identity. He speculated that Shinta must also have some secrets that she kept from him.

Emery's concern for Shinta lingered, prompting him to contemplate the possibility of something troubling happening to her.

"Did something bad happen to her?" he pondered aloud, his thoughts drifting to the idea of paying a visit to Hall 7.

"For what reason?... Come challenge their acolytes?" The notion seemed to dishearten Emery as he witnessed Dillion badly defeated by the three Chizpurs, prompting another deep sigh.

"No... not them... maybe me... yes I can come and challenge Lucius instead."

Just as he entertained the idea, Emery was startled to see someone climbing the hill towards his Hall. "She finally comes!?" he thought eagerly, only to be disappointed when it turned out to be Magus Urix, accompanied by two unfamiliar individuals—a male and a female Magus, both were chubby and seemingly around his age.

Emery approached to welcome them, noting the two Magus's overly respectful demeanor. The male Magus, in particular, seemed to hold a certain admiration for him. Before Urix could introduce them, Emery heard a surprised voice among his students exclaim, "Father! Mother! Why are you here?"

It turned out that the two Magus were Ulong's parents, who had rushed to the academy upon receiving Klea's letter. Urix granted them entry to the academy and permission to visit Emery's hall.

"Thank you, Senior, I will handle this," Emery said as Urix left, leaving behind a curious expression.

With their arrival, Ashaka quickly took over the session, while Emery and Klea attended to the guests in the private hall.

The two parents maintained their excessive smiles, while Ulong seemed to have shed all traces of his previous rebellious nature. He sat with impeccable posture, speaking in a highly polite tone and, shockingly, not holding any food in his arms.

The father's enthusiasm toward Emery was palpable. Finally, he spoke up, "You don't remember me, do you? ...Ah, this is so embarrassing."

It turned out that not only Emery, but the father also recognized Klea. He spoke highly of both of them and just when Emery thought it was mere flattery, the father revealed a surprising connection. Fifteen years ago, he had been their classmate in the old Magus academy.

"I wasn't as famous as the savage acolyte... I understand. But I was so excited to see both of you in that tournament," he reminisced. Then, turning to Emery with an admiring gaze, he added, "Especially you... for being one of us... Halfblood and reaching such heights... I'm such a fan."

Emery suddenly recalled a certain mythical boar bloodline during his bloodline gene exam in his second year. Hearing this the dad was excited once again, and shouted "Yes, that's me!!... Oo.. I am so happy you remember me."

It struck Emery that Ulong had indeed mentioned his parents were fans, though he had always taken Ulong's words with a grain of salt given his tendency to exaggerate and embellish the truth. But here they were, their admiration was sincere.

The tension that had lingered in the room seemed to evaporate like morning dew under the sun's rays, Laughter bubbled up between Emery and Ulong's parents. However, Ulong remained seated as silent as a rock waiting for his predicament.

Finally, breaking the pleasant silence, Ulong's mother addressed Emery directly. "I really hope our Ulong is not giving you too much trouble,"

Emery was unsure of what to say in this situation, and Klea stepped in, beginning to speak positively about the acolyte. However, the dad suddenly interrupted her.

"Thank you for saying such words... but... we know... what our Ulong is," he interjected, his voice heavy with a mix of disappointment and frustration.

The father's demeanor shifted abruptly to anger. He ordered Ulong to leave the hall, insisting on a private conversation with Emery. Ulong, with a solemn bow, complied, exiting the room silently.

Emery attempted to diffuse the tension, but before he could speak, Ulong's dad produced several large packages, filling the hall with their presence.

"What... what is this?" Emery asked.

With a respectful bow, the mother's expression reflects both apology and hope. "This is a token of our apology and our sincere wish that you'll give our Ulong another chance,"

Emery had never considered punishing the boy, but it seemed the guardians were planning to offer some sort of bribe to ensure better treatment for their son. Unsure if such actions were allowed within the academy, Emery politely refused, only to witness the dad whispering to him in a serious tone.

"Actually... this is the secret truth of our bloodline. ...I only share this because I know I can trust you."

These words made Emery highly curious; he couldn't help but wonder what was inside these packages.