Earth's Greatest Magus

When he realized that the bottle containing black liquid was Master Dulin's secret body tempering potion, Emery was stunned speechless. For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

The girl was so excited by her feat and said, "I know you have that fragmentation spell, and with your talent, I'm sure that soon enough you will be able to recreate the recipe.." 

Seeing the girl's apparent enthusiasm, Emery was reluctant to say what he really felt. But in the end, he decided to just honestly say what was in his mind.

"Klea..this is great. It truly is... But…I can't do it." Seeing the girl's enthusiasm subside as fast as a winter fire, he heaved a sigh. "I am sorry...but this is wrong. I can't do this…"

The girl was stunned for a second. It seemed that in her excitement she momentarily forgot what kind of person Emery was, and it was only now hearing his words that she finally came to her senses. Realizing her mistake, she quickly opened her mouth.

"Emery… listen... I understand if you think this is wrong… but think about what this would mean… not just for you... I mean.. imagine how strong Thrax would be if he got a privilege like this.. you remember how Julian can beat him in the last sparring, right?.. and Chumo!"

Emery didn't say anything. He just heaved another deep sigh and seeing that Klea continued her explanation slowly.

"Emery, I hate to say this but we need this.. Think how Earth will be if you mass produce this… think about the duel… the calamity!."

What Klea said was true. In the past, Master Dulin had personally told him that most, if not all humans on Earth possessed very low genetics. Hence the same reason as to why the body tempering art was so beneficial for Emery the first time around. But deep within, Emery vehemently rejected the idea. It was wrong.

He could easily reject the idea, but looking at the face of the girl standing in front of him, words of rejection seemed to be stuck in his throat. In the end, Emery heaved another deep sigh, rubbed his temple, and said, "..Give me some time to think about it."

The answer was unsatisfactory for Klea, but she restrained her emotion as she said "If I can do what you can do, Emery… I will definitely do it without hesitation. You are talented, Emery, and we need you.. Please reconsider."

Seeing Emery was silent, Klea stared at him for a few seconds before going back to her training. As she left him alone, Emery turned his eyes to the bottle on the table as his mind fell into deep contemplation.

He tried to justify it with how he tried to recreate the wolf booster last time, but it seems the fact that the potion was stolen and it was indeed a secret potion, bothered him. 

It wasn't wrong to say that he wanted what Klea wanted. Indeed, he desired it. However, he knew that if he couldn't put his entire heart into the matter, he wouldn't be able to recreate the potion. 

When the next morning arrived, Klea came over to him once more, her expression looked troubled as she said, "I'm sorry, Emery. I truly do. But it's been bothering my mind all night... I… I don't know.. Have you thought–"

Emery interrupted her words. Taking and holding her hands in his, a complicated expression on his face as he said, "I'm sorry Klea. I know that we need this, very much so… but I don't think this is the way.."

Klea's face changed and she seemed to want to say something. But before she could do so, Emery held her hand tighter because he wasn't done yet. 

"So I decided that I would make my own tempering potion."

Klea was shook, surprised by the unexpected declaration. But then, a troubled look appeared on her face as she expressed what she thought with mixed feelings.

"Emery, even if I don't know much about apothecary, I know that this is not something simple.. Otherwise, it won't be restricted and given access only to a select few."

Emery heaved a sigh as he also knew what she said was true. Still, he gathered his will and said, "Like you said before, I am a talented person, am I not? Don't worry, I can do it. No, I will definitely make it."

Looking at her clear concern over his confidence, Emery took out two pieces of notes and handed them to her. When she received and looked at them, Klea didn't know what to say.

"This.. this…"

The two notes were those of their harvesting task. One was they had finished while the other was the one they would have to gather for next month. 

"I contemplated your advice and decided to be smart about it. Stealing recipes outright is wrong, but these notes are the main ingredients used to make one. Most importantly, they were given to me willingly." Pausing for a moment, Emery said with conviction. "I believe that given time I can use them as reference for my own body tempering potion recipe."

Such words spoken by Emery with great determination instantly stunned Klea.

She picked up the bottle of black liquid on the table and cast a spell to burn it into thin air before saying, "You are a fool – a massive one, but… this is why I love you." 

Before Emery could say anything, the girl leaned forward and kissed him. Their lips remained connected for a while until she broke away and said,

"Remember this.. I don't want the cheap kind. I only accept the same or better quality one, you hear me?"

Emery smiled wryly in response to such words. Even if he disassembled the original recipe, it would be very hard to recreate the same quality one. Now, he needed to make a better one to satisfy the person standing before him.

However, he knew better than to say no now. Hence, Emery simply nodded and said,

"I'll do my very best."

The girl was visibly happy, "That's my man," and gave a kiss once more.

Unfortunately for the lovebirds, their passion for each other was suddenly interrupted by a message that entered Emery's privileged class bracelet. Seeing the untimely timing, Klea couldn't help but squint her eyes at Emery.

"Let's hope the message isn't from another girl. Otherwise…"

Klea tugged at Emery's arm, and when she saw the name that popped on the bracelet, an annoyed expression appeared on her face.

"Hah.. it seems that one of your lovers misses you."

Emery chuckled nervously hearing such words. "What lover..? It can't be.." He quickly checked the message.

[Emery are you dead?! It's been 2 months since the mid-test and we are wondering if you will ever try to fight your way into the top 5?. Tomorrow is the monthly arena. Drop by and come see us fight. -  Annara and Mister Cyborg]