Earth's Greatest Magus

An unusual amount of people gathered at the Apothecary Center that day. It marked not only the monthly artisan exam but also the grand occasion of the yearly master apothecary exam. The extra surge in numbers was fueled by the anticipation of witnessing not only the routine assessments but the participation of a particular and illustrious figure.

"That's him!! He's really here!!" shouted one of the people in the crowd excitedly, their eyes widening with admiration as the man made his entrance into the building.

"Yes! That's Lord Eugene; he's really here for the mastery exam!"

"Do you think that he could really succeed?"

"Very hard!! There were just one or two apothecarists able to pass every year, and Lord Eugene is just too young."

"No way... If it's Lord Eugene, I am sure he can!"

The dark-haired man called Eugene, adorned in regal attire befitting his noble lineage, was the heir of the Houten family, one of the five founding families of Golden City. The Houten family had a legacy steeped in both political and economic influence, and Lord Eugene had chosen this day to prove his worth as one of the Golden City's young geniuses by seeking the prestigious title of apothecary master.

Before he stepped into the Apothecary center, the man turned and addressed the crowd, who cheered for his success. "Thank you for your support," he spoke with a voice that resonated with confidence and determination. He went on to articulate the significance of having another master in apothecary for the well-being of the city, waving to the crowds with a charming smile. "I will do my best for you, people of Golden City."

As he crossed the threshold into the building, one of his adjutants whispered to him, "Impressive, my lord. If you pass the exam, I am sure you will secure a seat on the city vice council."

Eugene's expression turned cold as he retorted, "If?!! I will certainly pass this, you fool!"

"My apologies, young master... I misspoke."

"The Crofts have their military... the Qins have the money, but I, Eugene Houten, will show them that the brain will rule the city!"

"Yes, master, you are the brain... No, I mean the smartest," stammered the adjutant.

The air around Lord Eugene was charged with ambition as he entered the sacred halls. He passed through the halls that were filled with dozens of apothecarists applying for the artisan exam, relishing the mixture of awe and envy in their expressions as he made his way to the master exam section.

Upon entering the special hall, he was greeted by the sight of 24 other artisans applying this year, a number that exceeded his expectations. His adjutant, ever vigilant, began to brief him on the competitors. Half of them were familiar faces, fellow senior artisans from the city, while the other half hailed from different planets within the sector.

As he surveyed the room, his eyes were suddenly drawn to one man in his twenties, seemingly younger than himself. This particular sight disturbed him slightly, evoking memories of the prodigious female apothecarist who had passed last year's exam — a talented young woman who had set the record for being the youngest ever to receive the mastery title from him.

"Who is that man?" he asked his adjutant, his gaze lingering on the figure that had captured his attention.

In panic, the adjutant confessed that he had little information about the man named Merlin, aside from the fact that he had only registered a few days ago.

"I am sorry, young master. I really don't have much record of this Merlin..."

The young master, known for his cautious nature, observed the man slowly. It dawned on him that the mysterious figure was wearing a junior artisan badge on his clothes. With a measured approach, he decided to intervene, addressing the man calmly, "I believe you are in the wrong hall. The senior artisan exam is next door; this is the mastery exam."

The man called Merlin merely gave a slight glance but chose to ignore his words. This lack of response was a departure from the deference usually shown to the nobleman. Unaccustomed to being disregarded, Eugene's patience waned, and he replied in a raised tone, "Did you not hear me? Are you deaf?"

"I hear you," Merlin responded, his voice carrying an air of indifference. "My name is on the list... That's all you need to know."

The exchange left Lord Eugene momentarily taken aback. The audacity of this mysterious junior artisan added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the already charged atmosphere.

Irritated, Eugene shot a slight glance at his adjutant, a half-

moon magus, and then grabbed the man called Merlin by the shoulder. "Look, kid, do you not know who you are speaking to? Show some respect!"

To the surprise of both Lord Eugene and his adjutant, Merlin released his power with a subtle force that pushed the adjutant back a few steps. The realization dawned on Merlin as he assessed the situation, "You... you are a half-moon magus!"

The shock rippled through the room as the onlookers absorbed this revelation. In the world of apothecary mastery, it was common knowledge that most applicants needed magus realm power to concoct high-tier pills. However, the majority were typically new moon magus who had achieved breakthroughs through the use of pills. Even the young master himself was already proud of his crescent moon achievement.

The fact that Merlin possessed the power of a half-moon magus but also exuded an aura hinting at his prowess as a combatant at such age set him apart from the typical academic figures present. The tension in the room escalated as the realization settled. The air crackled with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

Being cautious, Eugene quickly changed his tone and said in a more respectful manner, "I apologize for my adjutant's manners."

Although ignored by the man, this time Eugene stayed calm and distanced himself, contemplating, "Such a mysterious figure... Who is he?" Not only was Merlin young and holding a high realm status, but he was also participating in the mastery exam despite being just a junior artisan.

Eugene suddenly remembered the rumor circulating about a scene happening last week in the 1000 question room, one involving a rank 5 artisan who supposedly had a special relationship with Grand Master Hazard. "Could it be this man? A hidden master?"

The air in the room crackled with anticipation, onlookers murmuring in hushed tones about the unexpected turn of events. Moments after, one of the known apothecary masters entered the room, cutting through the speculative tension. "The exam will begin shortly."