Earth's Greatest Magus

Days passed, and Emery's initial optimism waned, replaced by a growing sense of unease.

[Application received - 0]

Despite his best efforts to focus on personal training and apothecary concoctions, the absence of applications weighed heavily on Emery's mind. By the fifth day, with still no applications received, he found it increasingly difficult to concentrate.

Just then, Ashaka arrived, providing updates on the progress of the four young acolytes. After rigorous spirit core training, Ha Ron had managed to ascend to 9000 steps, leaving a mere 2000 steps to conquer before reaching the peak. Kingrig lagged behind slightly at 8500 steps, while the two centurions had just surpassed the 7000-step mark.

Ashaka lamented that there was little more he could impart to the youngsters for the particular test; from this point forward, their success would largely depend on their inherent talent. Hearing this, Emery couldn't help but entertain the disheartening possibility that only two out of the four acolytes might succeed in the challenge and join Hall 120. This meant that Emery still needed to recruit 18 more acolytes to fill the hall's minimum number of acolytes.

"Something needs to be done," Emery muttered, taking a deep sigh, his mind racing with potential solutions to their predicament.

On that pivotal day, Klea and Magus Urix convened to address the escalating concerns.

Urix, his brow furrowed with contemplation, expressed his belief that the recent addition of new halls had triggered disruptions within the academy. He noted that some of the older, established halls had seemingly adjusted their admission criteria, possibly in a bid to maintain their superiority and pose a greater challenge to the newcomers.

"In just these past five days, over 200 acolytes have finalized their decisions," Urix revealed, his tone tinged with an undercurrent of apprehension. "Now, there are fewer than 300 undecided acolytes remaining."

Klea, her expression reflective of the weight of the situation, also contributed to the conversation. She revealed that in the last few days, she had taken the initiative to approach some acolytes to promote Hall 120. However, the responses she received were far from encouraging.

"Hall 120? Sure, I'll think about it... if I get rejected by the other 119 halls first, that is... Ha! As if a genius like me would settle for anything less!"

"I know my limits, and aiming for a lower hall is my strategy. From ranks 71 to 120, they all offer the same benefits... But who exactly is this Emery?"

"I heard he's from the lower realm. Is that true? What could I possibly learn from some primitive barbarian?"

"What's this about being an Earth faction leader? Even if he's the king of bugs, he's still just a bug."

"Hey, let's not be rude! Can't you see? He teaches all 10 elements! He sounds like a grandmaster to me! That's pretty damn impressive, haha."

Klea portrayed these harsh reactions with fervor, skillfully embodying the arrogance and disdain of the talented acolytes toward Hall 120. It was a glimpse into the mindset of those who had conquered the perseverance mountain – prideful and dismissive of anything they deemed beneath them. After all, these were individuals considered the magus universe's best talent, and most of them were too arrogant even to consider joining the lowest-rank hall.

Emery had hoped that at least his reputation as an apothecary master would attract some attention. It was a title with universal recognition, a mark of expertise in a field crucial to the workings of the magus world.

Yet, the reality was stark. Only a handful of young talents saw value in the discipline of apothecary, and even fewer were willing to dedicate their precious time at the academy to mastering it. Those who did consider it would rather join Master Gathel's class as a secondary pursuit, opting instead for combat-oriented instructors as their primary focus.

These circumstances left Hall 120 with a daunting challenge – zero applications and a rapidly approaching deadline.

"We need to devise a new strategy, and fast, we only have two weeks left" Klea emphasized. At this juncture, Emery realized he could ill afford to be selective. Any acolyte willing to join would likely be welcomed with open arms.

As they discussed their predicament, a figure quietly entered the hall, catching their attention. It was an acolyte applying to join Hall 120.

Magus Urix's surprise was palpable as he recognized the newcomer. The young acolyte, in his twenties, was well-known among the senior ranks, and the last Urix had heard, he had even received an offer from the higher halls. To think that he would be interested in joining this hall was like a godsend.

"This is great!!"

Urix's excitement was evident, but it quickly waned as he realized that Emery and the others already knew the acolyte.

The newcomer approached with a respectful nod to Ashaka before turning his attention to the rest of the group with a warm smile.

"Master, Brother Emery, Sister Klea," he greeted them. "I apologize for taking so long to come, but I'm here to register for this hall."

The acolyte was none other than Damo, the young monk who had been a student at the academy for the past two years. His delay in joining was due to waiting for confirmation and permission to change halls.

Damo's request did not sit too well with Emery. After all, it was Damo's final year at the academy, and knowing that he had received an invitation to join a higher hall, which would offer him direct benefits, could be considered unwise.

However, Damo was firm in his request. "Please, Brother Emery," he implored, his eyes earnest. "There is nothing I want more than to join this hall, this is my last year here, please let me be a part of this"

Exchanging a glance with Ashaka for permission, Emery sought guidance. Ashaka's expression remained neutral, leaving the decision ultimately in Emery's hands. Klea, sensing Emery's hesitation, was prepared to scold him if he did not accept Damo.

With both Ashaka and Klea in agreement, Emery finally relented. "Alright, Welcome Damo. You are Hall 120's first acolyte"

"Thank you, Master"

Damo's initial joy at being accepted quickly turned to apprehension when he realized he was the only acolyte. "Er... am I the first? No one else joins?" he questioned, his expression faltering.

Emery, sensing Damo's unease, reassured him with a forced smile. "Don't worry! Now that you are here, it will be much easier to attract more acolytes."

Damo's astonishment was evident. "Me?" he exclaimed incredulously, feeling the weight of the responsibility placed upon him.

"Yes, you can ...help us convince some of your friends"

Damo's demeanor shifted, his expression clouded with uncertainty as he hesitated before explaining his predicament. Just like many acolytes from the lower realms, he had faced discrimination and isolation, a burden he carried throughout his two years in the academy. Forced to rely solely on himself and his determination, Damo immersed himself in his studies, forging ahead despite the challenges he faced. Though he had managed to form several acquaintances, he couldn't count any as true friends.

"I am sorry, Master," Damo apologized sincerely, his voice tinged with regret, "I could not help much."

This story, however, brought a smile to Klea's face. The Egyptian Queen emerged with an idea and turned to Magus Urix.

"Senior, How many of those 300 undecided acolytes are from lower realm planets?" Klea inquired, her eyes alight with determination. "Better yet, what is the total number of lower realm acolytes currently enrolled in the inner halls?"

This question, with its underlying purpose, hinted at Klea's intention. She planned to leverage the discrimination faced by lower realm acolytes as a reason not to join the other halls and bolster Hall 120's number.

Her suggestion resonates well with Emery. He understood that rather than viewing their lower-world background as a weakness, they could turn it into an advantage to a specific group of acolytes. As the only lower realm instructor in the academy, Emery realized that this was indeed their unique characteristic.

Magus Urix's enthusiasm was evident as he divulged the data. "Many lower realm acolytes struggle to endure the rigors of the academy. Currently, only 35 seniors remain from the lower realms. However, among the newcomers, there are 95, with 40 still undecided about their halls."

Unfortunately, concerned about potential backlash, they opted against incorporating this strategy into their information page, opting for a more personalized approach instead.

With a sly grin, Klea seized the moment. "Alright, Senior Urix, you and I can tackle 60 acolytes each. Let's get this all done by tomorrow!"

Magus Urix was taken aback. "You know I'm a senior staff, right? I'm not allowed to do this!"

Klea countered with determination. "Senior, you're the perfect person for the job! Your position and your youthful appearance combine with my beauty and persuasion! Together, we make a formidable team." She added, "Surely, you'll lend us a hand, won't you?" Her words were compelling, appealing to Urix's gratitude towards Emery, who had saved his life.