Earth's Greatest Magus

Emery was never one to greed for wealth, but rare ingredients? Those had the power to move him. Just imagining the possibilities—the elixirs, the concoctions, the breakthroughs he could achieve—was enough to stir something deep within him. His gaze locked onto the precious mushroom in question, and a thought crossed his mind: Should he intervene frontally, contesting the mushroom, or slip in unnoticed and claim it for himself?

Before he could decide, Livi spoke up, her mischievous grin evident. “You know what I can do, Master… Say the word, and I’ll steal it for you.”

Emery took a deep breath, resisting the temptation. His fingers twitched slightly, but he forced himself to stay calm. “No… we observe.”

He was here to compete, not start unnecessary conflicts—especially not with multiple cosmic experts in the mix. From their hidden vantage point, Emery and his companions watched as the heated argument unfolded.

On one side stood a rugged-looking alchemist—Kukujin, one of the five outsiders who had survived the selection process. His rough features and unkempt robes spoke of someone who spent more time in the wilderness than in the halls of noble academies. Behind him stood two fierce-looking protectors, both cosmic experts at level three, their postures tense and ready for battle.

Opposing them was a group from the elite alchemists, led by a fat man clad in extravagant robes embroidered with golden vines—clearly a man accustomed to privilege. His expression was condescending as he regarded Kukujin with mild amusement. “Friend, unfortunately for you, this section of the map has been given to me. That mushroom belongs to me.”

Kukujin’s face twisted in fury. “Given?! What nonsense is this? I found it first! It took me an hour to clear away the Bloodvine creepers choking it! I won’t just hand it over!”

The fat alchemist chuckled, his voice dripping with arrogance. “Heh. You’re an outsider, so it’s no surprise you don’t know this… The entire map has already been divided among the twenty-four of us. You newcomers were never part of the arrangement. Now, I don’t want any trouble, so why don’t you leave quietly?”

Kukujin’s hands clenched into fists, his entire body trembling with rage.

Emery, too, felt a flicker of irritation. So that was the game the elite alchemists were playing. Right from the start, they had no intention of sharing the resources fairly with the five outsiders. The outback alchemist refused to back down. With a sharp motion, he gestured to his two cosmic expert protectors. “If you want it, come and take it!”

A dangerous glint flashed in the noble alchemist’s eyes. “Tsk. So be it.”

At his signal, his own protectors stepped forward—two level four cosmic experts. Their mere presence sent a ripple through the surrounding energy, distorting the air with their sheer power. The balance of the battle had instantly shifted.

Emery’s brow furrowed. It was still jarring to see how common Grand Magus-level combatants were in this realm. Even within the ranks of alchemists, there were warriors of terrifying strength.

Livi grinned excitedly, barely able to contain herself. “Are we helping them? I want to join the fun.”

Soltz, ever the pragmatist, shrugged. “Which side do you want to help?”

“The outback alchemist, of course. He’s one of us, isn’t he?” Livi shot back.

Emery shook his head, keeping his focus on the unfolding battle. The truth was, he had been considering aiding Kukujin. If the elite alchemists were conspiring against the newcomers, it would be wise to build alliances with the other outsiders. However, stepping in now was risky.

His patience was rewarded when a new presence entered the fray. A towering blue-skinned figure stomped into the clearing; his arrival shook the ground.

Graknar Blueflame, the giant race had been another of the five outsiders who passed the selection. As soon as he saw the conflict, he let out a thunderous laugh and stomped forward to aid Kukujin. His presence alone caused the ground to quake, and the dense foliage around him swayed violently under his sheer force.

Graknar wasn’t alone; his two assistants, both level 3 cosmic experts, flanked him. Though their energy signatures weren’t as high as the opposing level 4 experts, the raw power of the giant race made them formidable in battle.

Emery leaned forward slightly, intrigued. The elite alchemist’s group had the advantage in cultivation levels, but Graknar and his men were giants. Strength, endurance, and raw physical might were on their side.

The battle erupted into chaos.

The noble alchemist’s level four protectors launched forward, their cosmic energy crackling through the air like whips of lightning. But Graknar met them head-on, his massive fists glowing with flames as he intercepted their blows. His assistants flanked him, using their superior physical strength to counter the higher-ranked experts.

Meanwhile, Kukujin’s side fought desperately to hold their own. One of his protectors was forced onto the defensive, while the other barely managed to fend off his opponent’s relentless assaults. Emery watched closely, studying each participant. This was more than just a battle—it was a rare opportunity to analyze how different cosmic experts wielded their power. He could see how they blended cosmic energy with their understanding of the laws.

The elite alchemist, the fat man who started the conflict, finally grew impatient. His eyes gleamed with a menacing light, and suddenly, he lifted his hand.

A pulse of spiritual energy burst forth, sweeping across the battlefield.

Kukujin, who had been fending off attacks from the armored warrior, suddenly staggered, clutching his head. His face twisted in pain as his spiritual defenses were assaulted by an unseen force.

The fat alchemist sneered, his soul energy pressing down with overwhelming force. But before Kukujin could collapse, Graknar reacted.

With a furious bellow, the giant slammed both palms together, sending a concussive blast outward. His Flaming Shockwave ripped through the battlefield, scattering flames in all directions. The sheer force disrupted the fat alchemist’s spiritual attack, allowing Kukujin to regain his footing.

Graknar grinned. “I don’t like bullies.”

The fat alchemist clicked his tongue, realizing that the fight was turning against him. His two level 4 guards were struggling to hold back the relentless attacks from Graknar’s group. If this continued, he would lose not only the battle—but his reputation.

Just as the situation was about to escalate further, another presence approached.

The moment he stepped into view, all combat ceased. A hushed silence fell over the battlefield as every alchemist present recognized the newcomer.

A lean, elderly man in simple robes, with long white hair flowing down his back. His eyes burned like embers, his very presence exuding authority.

Galael the Ember Sage.

A grade 8 alchemist.

“What is happening here?” the elderly man asked casually, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable weight.