Earth's Greatest Magus

Emery had somewhat expected that he would be summoned by the Headmaster as soon as he returned. This time, however, he was a little surprised because he was taken to a different place, instead of the usual headmaster's office.

He was led into some kind of meeting chamber and there were a dozen figures already waiting inside.

Emery quickly noticed Headmaster Delbrand amongst the twelve figures. They all stood behind a tall desk in a half circle shape, but with a brief glance, Emery could tell that other than Headmaster Delbrand the other nine were not real people. They were all merely visual projections made  of light.

"Emery, please step closer, to the podium," said Headmaster Delbrand when he saw Emery.

He immediately did as he was asked, and as soon as he stepped onto the podium, the floor lit up and the eleven figures projected by the light turned their attention to him. Immediately after that, all kinds of voices began to sound.

"So this is the boy?"

"He looks much smaller than in the video."

"He has a double core, indeed."

It seemed that not only his image was shown once he stepped onto the podium, but also all the information about him. 

Noticing the confuse look on Emery's face, Headmaster Delbrand explained.

"Emery, these people are members of the Magus Alliance's council. They are the ones elected to oversee the Magus Academy, and at the moment we are discussing the events that occurred during the mid-test."

Hearing that, Emery quickly understood the situation and immediately tried his best to be as compliant and cooperative as possible. After all, these people were people he couldn't afford to offend.

It didn't take long for him to go through a series of questions. Other than questions asking about his interaction with the Primordial Wisp, they also asked him about his own overall opinion regarding the mid-test.

Emery tried his best to be as truthful as possible. He knew that these people wouldn't be easy to lie to, especially with them having visual recordings of what happened in the mid-test from the devices attached on the combat suit.

"So, Emery Ambrose, you may now tell us your thoughts on the mid-test. Don't be too pressured and say whatever you want." One of the councilmen said, a woman's voice.

"Of course, councilman. I understand the importance and rationale of the real life mission on which the mid-test is based upon. I also appreciated the extent of safety provided. Moreover, I believe that the mid-test was a necessary step for us acolytes to go through before entering the outside world."

Emery's answer elicited a few nods, but the next words he spoke attracted the attention of these figures.

"But if I am allowed to be blunt…" 

"Yes? What is it? You can freely share your thoughts with us."

There was a moment of silence as Emery seemed to be in thought. But moments later, he opened his mouth again.

"I understand that we only intervene once the natives are deemed unable to defend themselves against the threat of extermination. However, what I find disturbing is how those people barely have the ability to do such tasks at all. Why don't we come earlier? Or, why aren't they better prepared better to handle the Calamity? That is what I thought."

It appeared that Emery's words stirred a discussion amongst the figures.

"The boy is right. With the war, our forces are already spread thin as it is. It wouldn't be too unreasonable for us to make those natives more self-sufficient."

"Councilman, I think your idea to make the Pillar Project that provides the natives with opportunities to improve themselves will be a good solution for this."

"Your suggestion makes sense. In fact, it is also in line with our main goal of developing talents."

"That's right. With this, over time they will be able to farm the Abyss creatures themselves. Meanwhile, the spirit stones they collect will be used to purchase what they need to survive."

When the councilmen began to talk amongst themselves and were about to sink into their own conversation, Headmaster Delbrand quickly interrupted them.

"If you all have nothing else to ask the kid, then let's end the meeting here. Until next time."

"Agreed."

Immediately after, the eleven projections of figures dissipated one by one, eventually leaving only Headmaster Delbrand standing in front of Emery. Turning around, the man gave a smile and opened his mouth.

"Emery, let's have a walk."

Headmaster Delbrand walked out of the room, and Emery quickly followed suit. The two of them walked through a long bridge and headed towards one of the restricted gardens in the academy.

"You keep surprising me, Emery." He turned his eyes towards Emery and smiled faintly. "What you have done in the midterms is simply extraordinary. "

Although the unexpected compliment surprised Emery a bit, the praise that came from the headmaster himself certainly made him happy. However, the next moment, the headmaster's face turned slightly sour as he spoke.

"Unfortunately, the Iliad has raised a strong complaint about how you helped the Wisp escape. Hence the councilmen believe that the academy shouldn't reward the achievements you accomplished in the mid-test. I tried my best, but I hope for your understanding."

"Yes, of course. I understand, Headmaster."

Emery had somehow expected this and thus understood the other party's plight. In fact, as long as he did not get punished for his actions, he would be satisfied already. 

Meanwhile, seeing the reaction, Headmaster Delbrand nodded his head.

He then proceeded to explain how a Primordial Wisp was considered as one of the greatest treasures to possess for any faction. After all, it had a tremendous level of power that could even aid a grand magus level individual.

The only way Emery could win against the creature was because such a creature wouldn't be able to comprehend the basics of Law.

"Anyway, I have made arrangements. As promised, we will go together to see the Nephilims next week. You may bring your friends along with you, and I have arranged for your master Izta to come and join us as well."

Emery was elated to hear such news. He couldn't wait to tell his friends about this. Afterward, seeing the headmaster had no more things to tell him, Emery delivered his gratitude and excused himself.

As soon as he left, a bird-looking spirit came from the sky landing on his shoulder. It was a message from Klea.

[Emery, we are gathering at Terra Castle. Yuria has something to inform us. Something about a grand magus from Earth]