Earth's Greatest Magus

Six acolytes abruptly departed from Hall 120, leaving the remaining members bewildered by their sudden decision. Hearing that their departure was prompted by dissatisfaction with Asahaka's way of teaching, Kat swiftly intervened in an attempt to persuade them to reconsider. Damo, who was most familiar with Asahaka, accompanied her.

Meanwhile, Emery maintained his composure, silently observing the remaining 30 acolytes, noting the restlessness that seemed to permeate the group.

After a brief absence, Kat and Damo returned. Though they did not bring back any of the departing acolytes, they did bring information, about their reasons for quitting the hall.

Emery let them explain the reason openly in front of the other acolytes.

Damo hesitated to disclose details out of respect for his old master, but Kat was more forthcoming. She revealed that the departing acolytes were dissatisfied with the predominant focus on meditation in Asahaka's teachings. They found it boring and felt it was a waste of their time, leading to their decision to leave the hall.

The news didn't faze Asahaka in the slightest; he remained composed in his customary posture, offering his profound wisdom: "In all teachings, the heart comes first. With a prepared heart comes wisdom, and with wisdom comes better understanding."

Emery resonated deeply with these words. For the acolytes, meditation served as the cornerstone of their journey, prioritizing the cultivation of their spirits before delving into spells or combat techniques. He harbored no doubts about the Abbot's proficiency in teaching this essential subject. Reflecting on his own time spent at the Abbott temple, immersed in the teachings of Dao, Emery recognized the immense impact it had on his personal growth.

In addressing the issue before the gathered acolytes, Emery emphasized the necessity of patience in mastering this aspect of their training and urged them to maintain trust in their instructors. Despite his heartfelt words, he sensed that some of the acolytes remained unconvinced or resistant to his message.

Emery quickly realized there were other issues hidden from him, causing him to heave a deep sigh. In his heart, he knew that the task of instructing these acolytes would not be easy. If only he could use spirit reading to understand their thoughts. Unfortunately, strict rules from the academy prohibited probing the students' minds, placing restrictions to guard their privacy. After all, unlike the old academy, most of these instructors could be considered external to the academy.

As expected, the next day saw more acolytes decide to quit the hall, leaving their ranks further depleted.

[Application received - 26]

With only three days remaining until hall finalization, they lost another four acolytes. This time, Dillion and Damo brought reliable information that confirmed Emery's suspicions.

The reason behind the sudden departure of these ten acolytes over the last two days became apparent: they had received an unbelievable offer from another medium hall.

It was common knowledge that the main facility all acolytes sought was the origin stones rooms. While lower hall acolytes received only four hours per week, those in the middle halls enjoyed eight hours. This benefit alone was reason enough for many to consider the offer. However, what truly enticed these acolytes were the promises of medium-grade weapons, advanced techniques, and even a substantial amount of spirit stones. For those from lower realms, such offers were too tempting to refuse.

What made the situation even more despicable was the timing of their departure. They were ordered to quit Hall 120 within the final days before the hall finalization. This maneuver was clearly an effort to ensure Emery would lose his inner hall placement.

Emery absorbed the information with a measured calmness. Inquiring about the halls that made these enticing offers, he learned they were Hall 68 led by Instructor Alpes and Hall 63 under Instructor Eline. These names immediately rang a bell for Emery—both were instructors affiliated with the Nephilim factions. It became apparent to him that this was not just a random occurrence but a targeted scheme aimed directly at him.

Delving deeper into the matter, Dillion offered reassurance, mentioning that Emery need not worry about the loyalty of the twelve second-year and third-year seniors who had accompanied him. Unlike the new first-year acolytes, these individuals were well aware of the consequences of their choices and were not easily swayed by materialistic temptations.

Dillion himself served as a prime example, having previously come from higher halls that offered 16 hours of access per week to the origin stone rooms. He even received an offer from a top hall that provided a staggering 32 hours per week—a benefit eight times greater than what Emery's hall could offer. Yet, Dillion had steadfastly rejected these offers within favor of remaining in Emery's hall.

He assured Emery that all twelve of his friends remained committed to their cause. In fact, it was one of them who brought forth the information about the tempting offers, promptly declining without a moment's hesitation.

Hearing this, Damo's suggests offering additional benefits. It seemed that the allure of the [Sky Body Tempering] he had promised wasn't enough to convince the acolytes to stay. Damo also expressed his disappointment at how these ten acolytes, who had already undergone the [Earth Body Cleansing], and just departed without even a word to their master.

However, Emery ultimately shook his head, recognizing that while he needed a minimum of twenty acolytes to secure his hall, he understood that it was better to have committed individuals who shared his vision rather than those who could not fully commit. He couldn't force anyone to stay, but he also recognized that he should celebrate the opportunities that awaited those who chose different paths. Just as alongside the young wolves half-bloods', his anonymity with these factions could prove to be a boon for these lower realm acolytes.

In fact, Emery couldn't help but consider that this might have been one of the Deputy Headmaster's intentions within hiring him as the sole lower realm instructor. His presence had undoubtedly brought numerous benefits to dozens of lower realm acolytes.

Even if the rest of the first-year acolytes leave, counting the twelve seniors, Dillon, Kat, Damo, Ha Ron, Kingrig, and the two half-blood siblings, Emery would still have nineteen acolytes. Klea had mentioned bringing one more, and there were also the two Roman centurions who were still attempting to conquer Perseverance Mountain. That would make a total of twenty-

two acolytes, covering their baseline.

As Emery mulled over these numbers, he couldn't shake thoughts of the serpent girl.

Surprisingly, just as he was contemplating her, the stated girl casually entered the hall.

"Hi, I am Shura, i come for a tour of this place"