Earth's Greatest Magus

When the ascension commenced, retreat was not an option; every Magus had to confront the tribulation head-on.

The amalgamation of cosmic and spirit energy coalesced into a form mirroring the deepest fears and desires of the Magus. For Heorgar, being a half-blood, his bloodline legacy intertwined with the manifestation, giving rise to the ominous figure of the Demon Wolf—a central element of the tribulation.

"COME AT ME!"

Heorgar's resolute cry echoed across the tumultuous scene as he boldly advanced, shattering the wolf-like form with decisive force, demonstrating his unyielding determination to overcome the ordeal. He continued to absorb the cosmic energy and the profound insights it offered, his focus unbroken amidst the chaos.

"It's not over yet! More are coming!" the formation master warned, his tone grave.

Despite the destruction of the initial manifestation, a second wolf began to take shape, its menacing silhouette charging once more toward the Magus. Heorgar braced himself against the relentless onslaught while more bolts of lightning struck him repeatedly.

In the midst of the tumultuous battle, it became evident that the challenges Magus Heorgar faced were uniquely his own to overcome. Emery discerned a deliberate strategy in Heorgar's actions: with each consumption of the phantom creatures through his Devouring power, the tribulation's force surged, spawning additional wolf-like manifestations to thwart his progress. It was a perilous cycle, but one Heorgar seemed willing to embrace in pursuit of his ascension.

Within the crucible of danger, opportunities emerged. The greater the risk, the greater the potential rewards—an axiom that defined the journey to Grand Magus Ascension. While Heorgar labored to diminish the threats encircling the formation, he simultaneously harnessed their power to fortify his own ascent.

Emery marveled at the resilience and determination exhibited by his senior amidst the chaos. However, amidst his admiration, he couldn't shake the nagging thought of the tribulation that lay ahead on his own path to Grand Magus ascension.

As Emery gazed upon the tumultuous scene, the urgent cries of the old formation master pierced the air. "What are you doing!!? Do your job properly!"

Despite the significant reduction in phantom creatures, the onslaught of beasts charging towards the formation showed no signs of abating. Within the sprawling 500-mile radius, Emery could discern the presence of at least a thousand more beasts, several of which boasted Desolate-level power.

With a swift resolve, Emery rushed to aid Magus Beatrice in her battle against one of the Lizard Desolate Beasts. Together, their coordinated efforts proved lethal, swiftly dispatching the creature within moments. Emery wasted no time in leaping from one threat to the next, ensuring none of the approaching beasts could breach the protective formation. In assuming Magus Tobin's former role, Emery became the steadfast guardian of the formation, tirelessly fending off the encroaching beasts.

As another hour elapsed, Emery successfully vanquished all the Desolate level beasts, leaving only the colossal Ancient Desolate beast that Magus Tobin was locked in combat with as the final remaining threat.

The turtle half-blood Magus seemed like a mere bee challenging a bear. Each thunderous blow delivered by the turtle half-blood magus reverberated through the air, causing the massive creature to stagger with every impact. Despite Magus Tobin's valiant efforts, the resilience of the Ancient Desolate beast proved formidable, and after an arduous hour of combat, it steadily closed the distance, looming perilously close to the formation, now just a mile away.

Sensing the imminent threat, Emery finally intervened, his resolve unwavering as he joined the fray alongside Magus Tobin.

"Watch out for the killer moves!" Tobin's warning echoed in Emery's ears.

The heightened intelligence of the 10,000-year beast made it a formidable adversary, capable of employing deadly techniques with precision. Among its arsenal were highly toxic spits and lightning-fast tail strikes, each move executed with deadly accuracy.

Emery swiftly tapped into his transformative abilities, attaining a grand magus-level battle prowess to confront the beast head-on. Despite his increased strength, he remained vigilant, ensuring the protection of the formation remained his top priority while providing support to Tobin in the fray.

For two arduous hours, Emery and Tobin relentlessly battled the ancient behemoth, their efforts focused on halting its relentless advance. As the beast finally staggered and collapsed, Tobin, visibly exhausted, deactivated his transformation. It was a hard-fought victory, but one that had been achieved against overwhelming odds.

"We did it!" exclaimed the formation master, his jubilation evident as they emerged victorious from the harrowing ordeal.

Minutes after, the sky rumbled ominously, and a colossal lightning bolt descended upon Magus Heorgar with thunderous force.

"ARGHHH!!!"

Amidst the dissipating smoke, he glimpsed his senior, battered and bruised, encased within a shimmering energy orb. With eyes closed in deep concentration, Hearogar assumed a lotus position, his entire being immersed in a profound state of meditation.

"He's at the last step! He needs to balance all three factors. Make sure he remains undisturbed, or he could die!" warned the formation master, his tone grave and urgent.

As the reminder echoed in his mind, Emery delved once more into his spirit reading, extending his senses across the vast expanse of the 1000-mile radius. Despite the planet's expansive size, Emery harbored no doubt that the grand tribulation and the battle with the Ancient Desolate Beast would inevitably draw attention. In the preceding hours alone, he had detected the presence of at least two Magus traversing the skies within the designated range, their intentions shrouded in mystery.

Coincidentally or not, as soon as the lightning bolt halted its relentless assault, a group of Magus commenced a deliberate approach toward their location. Emery's senses tingled with foreboding, prompting him to alert the others. As the figures drew nearer, their distinctive white uniforms confirmed their identity.

"Kux Faction!" Emery exclaimed.

Five figures emerged, their arrival punctuating the tension-

laden atmosphere. Among them were three youthful Magus, accompanied by an older counterpart—individuals familiar from their encounter at the Outpost. However, this time, they were joined by an imposing figure: an arrogant-looking Grand Magus, his countenance marked by a pair of brows resembling wings.

"Ah, it appears a cosmic tribulation is underway...." remarked the Grand Magus with thick brows, his gaze fixated on Magus Hearogar, who persisted suspended within the protective orb.

Magus Tobin, stepping forward despite his injuries, attempted to maintain composure as he addressed the Grand Magus. "I am Tobin of the Zodiac faction. May I inquire about the Elder's name and the purpose of your visit?"

The Grand Magus scarcely spared Tobin a glance as he responded, "Do I require a reason to come here?"

Magus Tobin and Emery managed to maintain their composure, but Magus Beatrice was visibly agitated. Sensing the tension escalating, the formation master interposed in an attempt to defuse the situation.

"Ah, you are Master Yord, aren't you?" remarked one of the senior-looking Magus, recognizing the formation master. Evidently, this senior Magus also held expertise in formations. He politely explained their presence, stating that they were here to train new Magus in hunting techniques. It became apparent how differently the Kux faction regarded human Magus compared to half-bloods.

However, Magus Beatrice, unable to contain her temper, interjected sharply, "What do you want?! I warn you, we are not just from Zodiac City; we are instructors at the Magus Academy! Don't cause trouble here!"

The words seemed to catch the Kux faction Magus off guard, but the grand Magus replied with a sneer. "Oh, you are, are you? And from which hall?" he inquired, his tone dripping with disdain.

In response, Emery persisted composed as he introduced himself, saying, "I am Emery Ambrose, Instructor of Hall 120."

Upon hearing Emery's hall designation, all five Kux faction Magus burst into raucous laughter. To them, it was a hall they did not know of. The last lowest hall they knew of was Hall 100, making Emery's affiliation a source of mockery for them.

Magus Beatrice, feeling her irritation mount, decided to assert herself by revealing her position as the Assistant Instructor of Hall 7. However, rather than garnering respect, her revelation only seemed to stoke the arrogance of the Grand Magus.

"Hall seven... The fact that such privileges are extended to you ....animals only goes to show how broken this academy truly is," the Grand Magus retorted,

Magus Beatrice, now thoroughly exasperated, shot back, "You!! You dare to say such a thing!! Are you here for a fight?!"

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