Earth's Greatest Magus

Refining a spell was an intricate process, similar in many ways to refining pills or artifacts. The magus's body became the cauldron, and the souls acted as its flames. The main material was the spell diagram, one particular rune that could be kept within the magus core. For Emery, it was his tier 5 [Spirit Devour] rune.

Emery had mastered the tier 5 rune diagram over the past decade, continuously modifying and enhancing its use to maximize its effectiveness. He had pushed its capabilities to their limits, but now, with Heorgar's will entering his mind, his understanding of the diagram expanded exponentially. It was as if a fish had been thrown from a lake into the vast ocean, revealing new depths and possibilities.

Swiftly, Emery took out the prepared materials from the scroll. These included half a dozen tier 6 components, each selected to prepare his physical body and soul to become the proper furnace capable of refining the tier 5 rune diagram.

All materials were inhaled and integrated into his body before Emery began to use the combined energies of the materials, refining and reshaping the runes.

The process required immense concentration as Emery continuously channel his spirit energy. The rune began to evolve, its intricate patterns shifting and expanding. Each modification required precise control and unwavering focus.

Emery dedicated himself entirely to this task for three full days, before the new rune diagram solidified, its complex structure ready to be utilized at his command.

[Spirit Devour - Tier 6]

Emery could sense the formidable power within this magus-level spell. It was clearly among the top-tier spells, likely ranked A or B, comparable to the might of his [Spatial Bending].

Mastering such a spell would typically require weeks, even with a complete recipe. However, Emery's prior mastery of the tier 5 version, combined with Heorgar's guiding will, enabled him to achieve this feat in a much shorter time.

Heorgar's will did more than just expedite the process; it provided profound insights, enhancing Emery's overall comprehension. This newfound understanding led to a breakthrough in his grasp of the devour element.

[Law of Devour: 6 (7)%]

[Soul Force: 935 (940)]

Feeling the new power coursing through him, Emery marveled at the progress. The tier 6 [Spirit Devour] spell was now part of his arsenal, significantly bolstering his capabilities.

Emery couldn't resist the urge to test his new skill. Returning to his Magus Domain, he headed towards the prison, but his target this time wasn't Mo Yan's soul. Instead, he focused on the thirteen other souls he had imprisoned: pirates, criminals, rogue magi, and dark elves.

Without hesitation, Emery selected all thirteen, sparing only Lyanna Darkmoon. He transported them into his created spirit realm, an ethereal arena where he stood at the center, his presence commanding and imposing.

"This is your chance for freedom," Emery announced, his voice resonating with authority.

The magus-level prisoners took a few seconds to grasp their predicament. Realizing they were in a life-or-death situation, they quickly united, preparing to fight for their survival. However, the odds were stacked heavily against them.

As the battle commenced, it became evident that none of the prisoners were a match for Emery. In this spirit realm, where he held absolute control, his dominance was unchallenged.

Emery activated his new spell, [Spirit Devour], utilizing his [Blade Claw] as the medium. Despite the spell being in its basic form, the result exceeded his expectations. The devouring strength was so immense that Emery struggled to control its power, leading to the instant death of one of the weaker Magus prisoners.

The spell didn't just enhance the rate of absorption; it significantly increased the amount of energy that could be converted into his own. Emery was astonished. With the upgraded spell, one soul provided him with the same energy equivalent to devouring ten souls.

It's ten times stronger!

Determined to confirm his observations, Emery continued. He shifted the spell from the blade form into the modified string form. The transformation was seamless, and the results were immediate and overwhelming.

Initially defiant and hopeful, the prisoners quickly realized their resistance's futility. The overwhelming power of the spell drained their spirits, erasing their confidence.

Emery's control over the devouring process was now precise and lethal. The spell's efficiency was undeniable, devouring them whole. By the time he reached the eighth target, a notification appeared:

[Soul Force: 940 (941)]

Satisfied with his initial tests, Emery returned the remaining prisoners to their cells and turned his attention to Mo Yan's soul.

"I have said it! I will not change my mind!!" Mo Yan declared, his voice defiant.

Emery remained silent. This time, he wasn't here to negotiate. Without a word, he unleashed the newly upgraded [Spirit Devour] spell against Mo Yan.

"Still the same trick! Don't bother!... wait!!"

The smug confidence on Mo Yan's face quickly faded as he felt the spell's effect on his soul. Unlike before, when the spell merely restrained him, it now began to drain his essence. Mo Yan's complexion turned pale as the realization struck him: Emery's spell had evolved beyond his expectations.

For the first time, fear flickered in Mo Yan's eyes. He understood that each injury inflicted by the spell would be absorbed by Emery, strengthening his captor further. Driven by desperation, Mo Yan fought back with renewed ferocity, battling for his very existence.

As expected, Emery found the effectiveness of the tier 6 spell was greatly limited against a grand magus soul like Mo Yan; it was a hundred times less effective than against a regular magus. But amazingly, even at such a reduced rate, the energy devour was still exceptional. After a grueling day-long soul battle, Emery received his sixth notification:

[Soul Force: 941 (947)]

"URGGHH You thieving bastard!!" Mo Yan roared, his fury palpable.

The prolonged battle had taken a toll on both of them. Emery felt the strain of maintaining the spell and channeling the energy, but for Mo Yan, the effects were far more severe. His soul had been permanently weakened by about 10%.

Despite the damage, Mo Yan's spirit remained unbroken. His mental defenses were formidable, and he was still unwilling to surrender.

He believed that Emery would eventually give in to his demands, considering the aperture had only a week left before it would be completely destroyed.

To entice Emery further, Mo Yan revealed some of the treasures he had hidden within the aperture, boasting their worth in the hundreds of millions of spirit stones. The longer the delay, the more catastrophic the damage inside. Emery could vividly imagine tens of millions worth of treasures being destroyed daily as the aperture deteriorated.

"Release me! And you get to keep all that's left!!"