Earth's Greatest Magus

Emery watches the battle quietly from a distance, his divine sense observing every movement with keen interest. Before him, a group of magus, humans, and dark elves work together in a coordinated effort against a colossal armadillo-like creature. The beast towers nearly 15 meters tall and stretches over 30 meters from snout to tail. Its body is covered in massive, overlapping plates of metallic chitin that resemble polished iron, each etched with intricate, natural runic patterns that faintly glow with an eerie luminescence.

[Draythok – Ancient Desolate Beast]

Emery studies the information provided by VIA, his curiosity piqued by the creature’s formidable attributes. Its armor, nearly impenetrable, could withstand even the devastating attacks of a Grand Magus, while its raw strength had the power to make an entire mountain tremble with a single movement.

Among the group of twelve magus confronting the beast, six radiate the powerful aura of the full-moon realm, their presence commanding and imposing. However, Emery’s sharp gaze quickly identifies the true leader of the party: a human female magus in the crescent moon realm. Despite her lower realm status, her calm yet commanding demeanor sets her apart, and every decision she makes sends the others into action.

ROOARRR!!!

The Draythok lets out a thunderous roar, its deep bellow reverberating across the landscape. With a surge of power, the beast charges forward, its titanic legs shaking the earth with every step. The ground cracks beneath its weight, and dust clouds billow into the air. Weapons and spells clash against its metallic armor, but the beast’s thick chitin plates remain unyielding, reflecting attacks like a fortress wall under siege.

“Lady Ella, please stay back!” shouted one of the full-moon dark elves as he stepped in front of the charging beast, his muscles straining as he braced against its massive bulk.

His efforts slowed the creature, but it was clear he was moments away from being overwhelmed. The rest of the group sprang into action—one magus chanted a restraining spell while others hurled enchanted chains that wrapped around the beast’s limbs.

Their teamwork was seamless, each movement and spell complementing the other. Emery noted their precision and synergy, concluding that this was not a hastily assembled group but an experienced faction accustomed to working together. Yet, despite their efforts, the Draythok proved too formidable. Its sheer size and power gradually wore down their coordination, and several magus suffered injuries from glancing blows or failed evasions.

The dark elf captain’s voice cut through the chaos, his tone sharp with realization. “The information is wrong! This isn’t a mature Draythok—it’s far more powerful! We’re not strong enough to defeat this creature. We should wait for reinforcements!”

“No!” cried Lady Ella, her voice carrying both desperation and determination. “Captain, we don’t have time to wait! My father is dying—we need to capture this beast now!”

Her plea hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, the dark elf hesitated. Then, with a resigned nod, he rallied the group to continue the assault.

After an arduous, drawn-out battle filled with relentless strikes, desperate spells, and near-fatal missteps, the group managed to corner the beast. Chains glowed with restraining magic, binding the creature’s limbs and neck. Victory seemed within reach.

But the Draythok’s eyes glowed with a sinister light, and a low rumble emanated from its chest. Emery’s eyes widened as the beast unleashed its trump its killer move, and a thick, purplish smoke erupted from its mouth, blanketing the battlefield in poisonous miasma.

At first, Emery was surprised that the group seemed unafraid of the smoke, but the illusion was short-lived. One by one, the magus began to falter, clutching their throats and coughing up blood.

“No! The anti-toxin isn’t working!” one of the magus shouted in panic. “We need to leave—now!”

The battlefield descended into chaos. The weakened magus staggered and fell as the Draythok broke free from its bindings, roaring in fury. Its rampage was unrestrained, and the dark elf captain, seeing the situation deteriorate, prepared to carry Lady Ella away.

“No!” Ella protested, her voice trembling but resolute. “We can’t leave the other behind!”

From his vantage point, Emery observed the unfolding disaster. His mind raced with possibilities, and after a moment of contemplation, he made his decision. This group could be helpful for him. With a flicker of energy, he leaped into action. His presence was a blur as he closed the distance in seconds.

“Who’s there?!” the dark elf captain barked, his weapon raised defensively.

But Emery didn’t answer. His hands moved in fluid gestures, and thick Elysian roots burst from the ground, surging toward the Draythok. They coiled around the creature’s legs, body, and neck, locking it in place.

The beast roared in protest, but the roots held firm. Emery focused his energy, reinforcing the restraints as sweat beaded on his forehead. He deliberately avoided using spatial magic or transforming into his wolf form, keeping his full strength hidden.

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Seeing an opening, the dark elf captain rallied his remaining men. “Attack with everything you have!”

The magus, despite their weakened state, rallied once more. Bolts of energy and enchanted weapons rained down on the immobilized beast. Its roars grew weaker, its movements sluggish, until finally, with one last earth-shaking groan, the Draythok collapsed lifelessly.

The dark elf captain turned sharply to Emery, his sharp gaze filled with suspicion. “Who are you? State your identity!”

Emery had no real answer and decided to stick to his plan. With a look of mild dissatisfaction, he retorted, “Is this how you greet someone who just saved your lives?”

The captain’s stern expression didn’t waver, but the female magus stepped forward, her demeanor far more composed and friendly. “I am Ella of the Azure Cloud faction. We are grateful for your assistance.”

Emery turned to her, offering a warm, reassuring smile. With a deliberate motion, he pulled out a small bottle filled with gleaming, tier-5 anti-toxin pills and extended it towards them. “These should be effective enough to neutralize the poison.”

The captain quickly intercepted the bottle and handed it to Lady Ella, his posture still tense and guarded. Lady Ella uncorked the bottle, bringing it close to her nose for a brief inspection. The moment the faint scent reached her, her eyes widened in shock.

Her voice softened, her tone now carrying a deeper reverence.

“Sir… Are you perhaps an alchemist?”