Earth's Greatest Magus

After revealing his true power, Emery managed to significantly alter the grand magus's perception of him. This seasoned figure, who had survived hundreds of battles, was well-acquainted with a fundamental principle of the Magus universe:

Strength dictates morality. In this world, it was not one's age, origin, or personality that held sway, but sheer power and how it influenced one's gains and losses.

Ramos the Blazing Wind, understood this principle deeply. Even with a slim chance of victory, he calculated that the potential losses far outweighed the benefits of defeating Emery. When Emery proposed a truce, Ramos did not dismiss it out of hand. Instead, he seriously considered the offer.

Emery, observing the grand magus's hesitation, felt a surge of optimism. He realized that there was a real possibility of negotiating his way out of this meaningless confrontation.

Unfortunately, at that precise moment, Emery detected the presence of numerous powerful beasts approaching from the east—hundreds of them. It seemed to be another beast tide, and they were closing in rapidly. With a quick assessment, Emery identified at least ten desolate beasts among them, along with one formidable ancient desolate beast. This unexpected development added a new layer of complexity to their situation.

Given that the grand magus likely possessed a similar range of spirit-reading abilities, Emery quickly considered the worst-case scenario. He feared that the Kux magus might exploit this chaotic moment to strike against him and his companions. The sudden influx of beasts could serve as a perfect distraction, creating an opportunity for a treacherous move.

"So, what is your answer?!" Emery demanded, his voice steady but insistent.

Once again, he raised his blade, preparing for another potential confrontation. Despite the mounting tension, Emery was determined not to show any fear. His posture remained resolute, signaling his readiness to defend himself and his allies against any threat, whether it came from the grand magus or the incoming beast tide.

While awaiting the grand magus's answer, Emery detected a change in the magus's demeanor. There was a hint of excitement in his eyes. Sensing something significant, Emery enhanced his perception to scrutinize the approaching beasts once more. He discerned that the beasts were not just any group of flying creatures; they were a flock of Golden Feather Roc birds.

These birds were renowned for their exceptional proficiency in wind elements, making them creatures that were filled with wind-based materials. Emery quickly connected the dots and understood why the grand magus was reacting with such interest. The Golden Feather Roc birds were immensely valuable to Kux factions, who sought wind-element materials.

Realizing the opportunity at hand, Emery decided to act swiftly. Before the grand magus could make a move or respond to the changing situation, Emery proposed an offer.

"Senior, help us defeat these beast tides; and you shall claim all the materials from these birds," he said, his tone urgent yet diplomatic.

Emery's offer was strategic. By appealing to the grand magus's obvious interest in the Golden Feather Roc birds, he aimed to secure an ally against the impending beast tide.

The grand magus seemed to find Emery's offer acceptable, though there must be a moment where he considered letting Emery fight the beast tide alone and claiming the materials afterward. However, that would mean rejecting the truce and continuing their fight.

After a contemplative pause, the grand magus gave Emery a final look and declared,

"We will fight the Roc, do not approach us!"

Emery understood that this decision was driven by the grand magus's confidence in his group's ability to handle the animal onslaught and their absolute distrust of having a half-blood fighting alongside them.

Acknowledging the decision, Emery signaled to his companions to release Edgar, the Kux noble. He watched as the grand magus signaled his own group of five to take flight, heading directly toward the approaching beast tide.

Emery returned to the formation, greeted by cheerful smiles and acknowledgments from Magus Beatrice and Tobin. The fact that he had managed to hold his own against a grand magus was nothing short of impressive. Magus Beatrice, who had known him since their academy days, couldn't help but feel proud of his accomplishments.

"Well done, Emery," she said, her eyes shining with admiration.

Magus Yord, the formation expert, was rendered speechless by Emery's feat. His expression was one of obvious disbelief as if he couldn't fully comprehend what he had just witnessed.

Emery then glanced at Senior Heorogar, who was still hovering inside the dark orb, and asked, "How much longer will this take?"

"Who knows," replied the formation master. "Could be a few minutes, could be a few hours."

Accepting the uncertainty, Emery turned his attention back to the surroundings. Aside from the Roc bird beast tide, there were still dozens of smaller groups of beasts approaching the formation. However, none of them posed a significant threat. Confident in the formation's defenses, Emery kept his focus on the Kux faction's battle while simultaneously working to recover his strength.

Ramos the Blazing Wind was fiercely battling multiple desolate best; Golden Feather Roc and the massive ancient desolate beast, the King Golden Feather Roc. The grand magus seemed to channel his annoyance from the previous confrontation into his attacks, sending out devastating waves of fire that massacred dozens of the smaller birds with each strike.

The other four Kux magus, with the formation expert at their center, fought in a tight and efficient formation. Their teamwork and coordination enabled them to display a strength comparable to the Grand Magus. They moved with precision, their synchronized assaults creating a formidable defense against the onslaught of the beasts.

However, despite their impressive abilities, Emery noticed something unsettling. The desolate beasts exhibited a higher level of cognition and coordination than he had anticipated. Their movements were calculated and strategic.

This realization filled him with a bad premonition. He glanced anxiously at Magus Heorgar, who was still hovering inside the dark orb, hoping for his senior to finish his ascension quickly.

About fifteen minutes later, with only less than half of the Roc fowls defeated, Emery sensed the arrival of another formidable group of creatures numbering around twenty. Their steps sent tremors through the ground and clouds of smoke billowing into the horizon. All of them were desolate beasts, a combination of ferocious crimson tigers and rhino-type beasts.

It was highly unusual for such diverse creatures to move together in such large numbers, suggesting the influence of a commanding presence.

Emery quickly scanned and spotted an old man sitting calmly atop a gigantic tiger. This figure exuded an aura of immense power, unmistakably that of a two-cosmos grand magus.