Earth's Greatest Magus

Emery analyzed the three options before him. Each opponent presented a unique set of challenges.

The first option, Hall 30, was led by Vince Kastro, an elder from the Kastro family, a sect leader renowned for their spirit-reading abilities. According to VIA’s data, Vince was a peak-stage One Cosmos Grand Magus with three Pagoda Spirit Master levels.

Next was General Knox of Hall 33, a battle-hardened veteran from a grade four faction comparable to the Proxima factions. General Knox was a peak-stage One Cosmos Grand Magus, but his true strength lay in his combat prowess, with a battle power reported to rival that of a Two Cosmos fighter. The third option was Grand Magus Toleno of Hall 37, a half-blood summoner and a master of stealth. Toleno’s expertise lay in summoning creatures from the shadows and using cloak-and-dagger tactics to outmaneuver his opponents.

Emery knew that with his divine sense and mastery of Khaos spells, he could potentially neutralize Toleno’s shadow-based attacks, rendering his tricks ineffective. Despite this, Emery decided that he couldn’t bring himself to advance at the expense of another half-blood hall.

Each choice came with its own set of challenges, but Emery’s primary concern was not the Grand Magus themselves but how well his acolytes would fare against theirs.

The Castro family was known for their special spirit-reading techniques, and their acolytes were likely trained extensively in mental attacks. Emery knew that while his acolytes were skilled, they lacked the specific experience needed to counter such specialized discipline. On the other hand, despite the formidable appearance of Hall 33’s acolytes, Emery believed that combat experience couldn’t be easily taught. Hence his decision.

Grand Magus Knox, seemed eager for the challenge, and his five acolytes responded with a unified shout of readiness.

Based on their personal rankings, Kingrig was the first to step forward for the initial match. The Mayan warrior, Kingrig, faced off against a burly acolyte wielding a heavy metal gauntlet. The opponent ripped off his shirt, revealing rippling muscles that glistened under the arena lights. He then unleashed a battle technique that caused his muscles to swell, enhancing his physical power. The intensity of this close-combat challenge ignited a spark in Kingrig.

With a fierce grin, Kingrig pulled out his massive axe, its blade gleaming ominously. He let out a roar as he activated his Immortal Gate at stage 5, channeling raw Khaos energy through his veins. The two warriors clashed with a thunderous impact, each strike echoing like a drumbeat across the battlefield. The battle raged on, both combatants refusing to yield. Blood splattered across the arena as their bodies accumulated wounds, but neither backed down. Kingrig’s relentless attacks finally broke through his opponent’s defense, and with one final, earth-shattering swing of his axe, he sent the acolyte crashing to the ground.

“I AM KINGRIG!!!”

The cry of triumph made some of the hall 60 acolytes cheer excitedly, while some turned their heads embarrassed.

Kingrig’s next opponent stepped forward—a lean but equally muscular fighter armed with a spear. The new challenger wasted no time, lunging at Kingrig with swift, precise thrusts. Despite his exhaustion, Kingrig met the spearman blow for blow, but the toll of the previous fight was evident.

After thirty fierce exchanges, Kingrig’s strength began to wane. Blood loss and fatigue slowed his movements, and before his opponent could land a decisive blow, Emery intervened, calling Kingrig to rest.

Stepping into the fray next was Kat, her eyes blazing with determination. Having closely observed the spear warrior’s style during Kingrig’s match, she was ready. As the fight commenced, Kat used her superior speed and agility to her advantage. She danced around the spear thrusts effortlessly, her movements fluid and precise. Her quick, accurate strikes kept the spearman off balance. With a well-timed feint, she slipped inside his guard and delivered a crushing blow that sent him sprawling to the ground.

“Next one!!” she yelled, her eyes daring the next opponent to step forward.

The third fighter was a female acolyte, quick and agile, just like Kat. The two speedsters clashed in a flurry of motion, their blades and fists moving so fast they were almost invisible. The arena echoed with the sharp sounds of metal clashing against metal, and the crowd watched in awe as they exchanged over a hundred blows in rapid succession. Each strike was met with a counter, neither giving an inch.

Despite their incredible endurance, the battle eventually took its toll on both fighters. Bloodied and bruised, they continued to push each other to the limit until their bodies could take no more. The match ended in a draw, both fighters collapsing to the ground, too exhausted to continue.

Ha Ron was up next. His calm demeanor hides the intensity within. His opponent was a first-year acolyte with a reputation as one of the top rookies during the mid-exam. He had a smaller frame, but his physique was like steel, honed and unyielding.

The match began with a series of swift sword strikes, Ha Ron sword’s flashing in precise arcs as he managed to land several clean cuts on his opponent. But the rookie was relentless, absorbing the blows with little more than a grunt. Then, Ha Ron made a critical mistake— he was caught in a vice-like grapple. The technique was flawless; within moments, Ha Ron was immobilized, his limbs trapped in a hold he couldn’t break.

With a final, desperate struggle, he was forced to concede as his body gave out. Damo stepped into the arena. His martial arts techniques combined with a series of buff spells enhanced his physical prowess to deflect and counter every grappling technique that came at him. After a grueling exchange of blows, Damo managed to outmaneuver and overpower his adversary, emerging victorious.

The fifth and final opponent was a gold insignia acolyte ranked 78, a formidable warrior who had mastered the transformation path. His unique ability allowed him to manifest four powerful arms, extending his reach and multiplying his combat capabilities.

Despite being knocked down multiple times, the young monk displayed remarkable tenacity. Each strike from the additional arms was like a storm of steel, driving Damo back and forcing him to use every ounce of his training to stay on his feet.

Damo’s resolve was further ignited when he saw Dillion ready to step in, which only fueled his determination to finish the fight himself. With sheer grit, Damo pushed through his exhaustion, tapping into the power of Immortal Gate Stage 6.

The monk, though visibly battered, countered each of the four arms with unwavering focus. He dodged and deflected blows, striking back with precision. With a fierce roar, he channeled all his strength into a decisive blow, clinching the victory.

In that match, Damo proved to the audience that he was not just a support-type acolyte.

With the acolytes’ victories secured, it was time for the instructor battles. Dillion didnt get to fight…