Earth's Greatest Magus

Unable to breach the grand magus's barrage of flames, Emery shifted tactics, opting to probe the opponent's fiery barrier with his most potent long-range spells.

First, he summoned forth his strongest water spell, [Dark Tide]. The combined forces of darkness and water surged forth like an unstoppable tide, crashing against the onslaught of fireballs with determined force. Yet, despite its formidable power, not a single drop managed to touch the grand magus's body. The intense heat evaporated every droplet before it could make contact, leaving Emery's attack futile.

Emery swiftly transitioned to his second option. With a swift incantation, he ruptured the ground beneath him, drawing forth the essence of the earth to fuel his next assault.

Gathering the sand-like particles of the earth, he condensed them into a concentrated charge, unleashing his second combined spell, [Ash Blast]. The earthy waves surged forward with relentless determination, yet like its watery predecessor, it too fell short. The flames of the grand magus's cloak devoured the sands, reducing them to nothingness before they could reach their target.

The two failed attempts only widened the grand magus's smirk as he mocked Emery's efforts. "Hahaha, what are those!? Tier 5 spells! You got me worried for nothing!!" His laughter echoed across the battlefield, a taunting reminder of Emery's struggles against his formidable defenses.

Both [Dark Tide] and [Ash Blast] were logical choices to counter a flame-based spell, their combined elements theoretically ideal for extinguishing fiery defenses. However, despite their innovative composition, they were, in truth, only tier 5 spells. They simply lacked the raw power to match the grand magus's tier 8 spell.

Even with Emery's special dual cores and high soul forces, and despite the potency of using a combined spell categorized as A rank, the disparity in tier levels was too vast to overcome.

Tier 1 to Tier 5 spells were acolyte-level spells, while Tier 6 and 7 were elevated to the status of Magus-level spells. Tier 8, however, represented a significant leap into the realm of Grand Magus.

At this stage, most of Emery's spells that he acquired during his academy days were not much help for him; all were acolytes-level spells. Only a few notable divine spells were somewhat relevant.

[Nature Grasp, Photosynthesis, Metamorph, Spatial Gate, Rebirth, Fusion, 8 elements Transmutation technique]

These spells were not merely acquired through conventional means; they were treasures garnered from fortuitous encounters and inheritance from legendary figures such as Gaia, Linnaeus the Arbor Master, Khaos, and the Light Wisp of Andora Planet. One was even bestowed upon him as the top privilege prize of the academy.

However, despite their illustrious origins, they were primarily utility spells, lacking the raw destructive power needed for combat. Even the potent [Fusion] spell, while aiding Emery in connecting with plant creatures, fell short as a direct combat spell.

Emery's own creations, like the [Sylvian Armor] crafted during his time on the Elves' planet, were also deemed unreliable. Spells such as [Anti-Magic], though formidable, were less effective to the might of peak full moon magus, let alone those in the grand magus realm wielding cosmic power. Similarly, his gravity spells, while effective at a Magus level, proved insufficient against foes of grand Magus caliber. Among his arsenal, only the divine spell [Aegis of Void] held some promise.

Unfortunately, the path to learning high-tier spells was fraught with difficulty and complexity, requiring time, dedication, and a deep understanding of magical principles that Emery had yet to fully grasp.

Two methods existed for attaining the ability to cast high-tier spells.

The first method and most simple involved obtaining high-tier spell scrolls and absorbing their intricate runes, subsequently learning to cast the spell as instructed.

Emery's mastery of [Space Bending] exemplified this approach. He procured the rare tier 6 space path spell through a hefty investment of 12 million spirit stones at the Golden City auction. However, mastering it was no small feat; requiring a minimum comprehension of 20% in the law of space, and despite receiving assistance from Khaos, it still demanded four arduous months of dedicated practice before Emery could successfully cast the spell.

The second method was through the creation or refinement of spells, akin to the craft of a blacksmith forging weapons or armor.

Emery's [Dark Matter], originally a tier 5 spell taught by Master Xion, underwent improvement through his deep insights into the Dao, elevating it to tier 6 [Dao Matter]. Similarly, his [Dao Edge] underwent a similar process of refinement.

However, achieving such improvement demanded ample amounts of energy, time, and profound comprehension. Some spells even required the expenditure of rare materials and spirit stones. Tier 7 spells were particularly more elusive, with only a select few elite magus possessing them. Grand magus boasting tier 8 spells in their arsenal were renowned for their unmatched prowess and formidable might on the battlefield.

Emery found himself pitted against one of these formidable opponents: a grand magus entrenched within the resourceful ranks of the grade 4 Kux faction. Given his esteemed position, it was hardly surprising that Ramos possessed a formidable tier 8 spell in his arsenal.

After a dozen battles of mobility spells between [Tier 6 - Space Bending] and Ramos's [Tier 7 - Soaring Wind], the Blazing Wind grand magus realized that Emery's movement technique was more annoying than his offensive spells. He then purposely let Emery release his [Dao Edge] at a safe distance and allowed it to strike upon his proud tier 8 flaming cloak.

As the energy blade surged forth, its dual energies colliding in a spectacular display of power, Ramos felt a twinge of regret wash over him.

The multiplier effect of the opposing energies created an intensity that forced even the seasoned grand magus to unconsciously raise both arms in defense.

Then, with a deafening roar, the energy blade struck Ramos's proud tier 8 flaming cloak.

KABOOOMM!!!

The air crackled with energy as the impact reverberated across the battlefield, sending shockwaves rippling through the air. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as the full force of Emery's attack collided with Ramos's defenses, unleashing a powerfull explosion that illuminated the battlefield in a dazzling display of power.

Despite the overwhelming power of Emery's strike, the flaming cloak still flickered defiantly, having managed to block a staggering 80% of the sword's strength. Though Ramos bore only a slight scratch wound, his grin widened as he taunted Emery.

"Hahaha, is that it? that's the best you can do?!!"

With this realization, Ramos's confidence soared. In his mind, victory was all but assured.