Earth's Greatest Magus

Emery had heard that one of his Senior Heorgar's reasons for returning from the frontline was to prepare for his Grand Magus breakthrough; he didn't realize it would be so soon.

Having received much help from Magus Heorgar in the past and being generally interested in learning more about the Grand Magus breakthrough, Emery readily accepted the request. He left both Ashaka and Klea to train the students in his absence.

Being a master of formations, Klea was more than capable of providing assistance, yet Emery understood that a Magus breakthrough was a deeply personal journey. Senior Heorgar had divulged little about the process, leading Emery to conclude that it was best to proceed alone.

Knowing the risks involved, Klea cautioned, "Be careful,"

Emery set out from the Academy, traversing through the teleportation portal to arrive a few hours before the scheduled time. He dropped by an isolated hut situated outside the city, rumored to be where Annara resided. His motivation was to satisfy his curiosity about Shinta's prolonged absence. Perhaps he could uncover more about the mysterious girl's past.

However, upon reaching the hut, Emery was met with disappointment. The once-occupied dwelling stood vacant, its emptiness suggesting that Annara had been absent for weeks. Undeterred by this setback, Emery wasted no more time and set off for the Zodiac Outpost in Utopia City.

"Thank you for agreeing on such short notice," Magus Heorgar expressed his gratitude to Emery as they assembled for their task.

He proceeded to introduce Emery to the two other Magus who would be accompanying them. The first was an elderly man with flowing white hair named Magus Yord, renowned as a Formation master of Utopia City. The second was Magus Tobin, a turtle half-blood and one of the famous flag bearers of the Zodiac.

Emery recognized them both as veteran full moon Magus, and he offered them the respect they deserved. However, his introduction was met with skepticism from the renown formation master. "Is this the best help you could find? A young half-moon Magus?" he questioned, his tone laced with doubt.

In contrast, Magus Tobin, the turtle half-blood, adopted a more congenial demeanor. "Magus Emery may be a junior, but even a senior like me might not be his match,"" he remarked, offering Emery a respectful nod.

Emery's reputation had evidently preceded him, particularly among other half-bloods, including flag bearers like Tobin, whose role involved keeping tabs on notable Magus within their circles.

Magus Heorgar quickly intervened, reassuring the group as they awaited one more member. However, when the final participant arrived, disappointment flickered across his face.

The newcomer was another half-moon, a female half-blood named Magus Beatrice. Emery recognized her as one of the former leaders of the Whitefang pack. As she spoke, Emery swiftly understood the source of Heorgar's disappointment.

"The Patriarch sends his regards, he is currently still occupied," Magus Beatrice relayed.

Emery quickly realized that the Patriarch mentioned by Magus Beatrice was none other than Lucius Corvin. As for Magus Beatrice, she was currently tasked as the Zodiac Outpost liaison with the academy, assisting Lucius Corvin as one of Hall 7's instructor assistants.

"So no grand Magus coming along?" the old Magus expressed his disappointment. "Are we still going then?"

The previous plan involved Grand Magus Sinure accompanying them. With a three Cosmos Grand Magus joining, the task would have been as easy as a walk in the park. Now, with no Grand Magus joining them, the old formation master couldn't help but feel anxious.

"You know that your cosmic tribulation won't be the only threat out there, don't you? Let's postpone this for a few more days… or at least bring more Magus. There should be more in this outpost, aren't there?"

There were indeed four captains and over three dozen Magus in the outpost, but with the Overseer absent, Heorgar, as head of security, couldn't risk bringing any of them. He took the suggestion into consideration but ultimately said,

"No, I can't postpone this anymore."

Emery observed Magus Heorgar and noticed his expression had turned serious as he elucidated the truth. Apparently the Demon Wolf was badly injured during his mission the previous year, and currently, his spirit soul shows some cracks, making his breakthrough much harder to resist.

"I really have to go, but I know that I can't force anyone to join me," Heorgar concluded.

Magus Beatrice and Tobin showed resolve as they nodded in agreement to join the task. Despite the risks and uncertainties ahead, Emery felt a sense of duty stirring within him, he wouldn't let any harm happen to his senior.

As Emery made his decision to join the expedition, he noticed a palpable sense of relief wash over Heorgar. The seasoned Magus seemed reassured by Emery's commitment, knowing that his appearance would bolster their chances of success.

"You all are being foolish!" exclaimed the formation master, his tone laced with frustration.

Apparently, the magus was assisting purely due to Utopia City's relationship with the new Zodiac outpost. Now that the conditions had changed, hemade a request for additional remuneration, and emphasized that his role would be strictly limited to handling formations and that he would not engage in combat under any circumstances.

Heorgar, considering the importance of formations in their endeavor, turned to Emery and the other two Magus for confirmation before accepting the terms.

With the terms agreed upon, Heorgar said; "Don't worry, we'll be in and out quickly," he declared, "Let's go!"

The group of five Magus made their way to the transportation portal. Passing through two more teleportation gates, they journeyed towards one of the most hazardous planets in the quadrant. Emery felt a surge of expectation mingled with apprehension. They emerged on the other side, transported to a bustling Magus Alliance outpost teeming with activity.

Emery's keen eyes surveyed the surroundings, noting the absence of non-magus individuals among the throng. The appearance of a few grand magus wandering about the outpost with an air of authority, added to the tense atmosphere.