Earth's Greatest Magus

There was a week of anticipation before the academy revealed the details of the upcoming group exam. The atmosphere in Hall 33 was buzzing with excitement, as the acolytes eagerly awaited the announcement. With a full roster and more than enough insignia badges—bronze, silver, and even gold—the hall felt confident that they had a strong shot at placing in the top five among the high halls, securing a chance for advancement.

But while the acolytes brimmed with optimism, Emery remained pragmatic. Memories of the previous year's exam still lingered in his mind, where the academy had tried to sabotage Hall 33 by changing the rules at the last minute. This maneuver had allowed more acolytes from other halls to participate, tipping the scales against his team.

As the day of the briefing approached, Emery steeled his mind, coming ready for whatever twist might come this year.

The headmaster summoned all 30 high hall instructors to the briefing chamber. The atmosphere was tense but focused, as instructors gathered to learn the details of the exam. As expected, the exam would involve a real mission, one that posed genuine threats.

This year, the challenge would be a survival test. 30 halls would be separated into three designated savage planets, where the acolytes were expected to survive for an entire month. The instructors explained that each group would also receive specific missions that would impact their scores, adding another layer of complexity to the already daunting task. Many of the instructors murmured in agreement after hearing the details of the exam. It was a fair challenge, they thought—a chance for the acolytes to push their limits. Not only would surviving on savage planets foster personal growth, but it would also strengthen the bonds within each hall, encouraging greater teamwork under pressure.

But the mood quickly shifted once the list of three chosen planets was revealed. Each of them was classified as a savage level 5 planet, environments notorious for being filled with mythical-level creatures—beasts so powerful that even Magus-level acolytes would struggle to contend with them. The room grew tense as opinions started to divide. Was it wise to throw young acolytes into such perilous circumstances? The headmaster's intentions, however, remained resolute.

"These missions are designed to mold tougher, more resilient acolytes... This is why only high hall acolytes were chosen! Send 20 of your best candidates"

Emery, who had been silently observing, couldn't help but feel a chill of unease. His mind wandered to his own past, recalling the disastrous mission to Andora—a mission that had claimed the lives of many acolytes. The stakes in these types of trials were always dangerously high, but deep down, he recognized the value. Such extreme challenges would undeniably forge stronger acolytes, pushing them beyond their current limits.

Yet his agreement was shaken the moment his eyes caught sight of one crucial condition written on the briefing document.

[Due to the extreme danger, only rank 9 acolytes of second and third years will be allowed to participate]

Emery clenched his fists, the frustration bubbling up inside him. "Bastards!" he muttered under his breath, trying to contain his anger.

The realization hit him hard—80% of his acolytes were first-year students, which meant, unlike the other halls that could send 20 participants, he could only send 10. The numbers put them at a massive disadvantage, not only in competition but also in terms of survival. Fewer numbers meant fewer allies on dangerous terrain, which only increased the risk.

His frustration pushed him to voice his protest,

The headmaster, however, remained unmoved, his tone firm and uncompromising. "Yes, I understand your situation, but we cannot offer preferential treatment. It is for the sake of fairness. If it is too dangerous for your students, then I suggest not participating."

Emery left the briefing, his emotions burning, every fiber of his being resisting the urge to curse out loud. He returned to the hall with the bad news, and as expected, the once-high spirits of the acolytes quickly dimmed. The excitement that had filled the air was now replaced by uncertainty and frustration. Even Klea supported the idea of not participating in the upcoming exam.

"It's not like they'll be punished for skipping it," she reasoned. The only downside would be missing out on potential rewards, and even if they ranked last among the high halls again, she was confident they could fend off any challengers seeking to take their place.

However, Ashaka held a different opinion. He urged the group not to give up so easily. His long years of experience had taught him that facing adversity was an integral part of growth. "Winning doesn't have to be the goal," he reminded them. "The challenge itself is where growth happens." His words carried the weight of experience, and many acolytes seemed to take them to heart.

Emery stood before the second-year acolytes eligible for the mission, silently assessing their readiness. All were ranked 9, except for one—Hardy, who had continued to conceal his true power.

He reiterated the gravity of the upcoming exam, ensuring they understood the risks involved. Ultimately, Emery left the decision in their hands, vowing to respect whatever choice each acolyte made.

"How many of you are willing to participate in the exam?"

The acolytes hesitated, taking a few moments to contemplate their decision. Then, one by one, hands rose into the air. Emery watched as all eleven acolytes committed themselves to the challenge. His heart swelled with mixed emotions—pride in their courage, but also a gnawing concern for their safety.

Emery's apprehension eased when he saw Hardy raise his hand.

"You'll all need me to keep you from getting eaten out there!" Hardy said casually, a playful grin on his face.

The group erupted in laughter at the comment, knowing Hardy as the weakest member of the Hall who couldn't even participate with his rank 7 realm. In response, Hardy released his seal and his true rank 9 realm surged forth, the sheer force of it leaving everyone shocked.

"What the hell, Hardy!!!! You've been keeping your real strength a secret!"

With an even wider grin, Hardy replied, "No... no... it's our Master; our amazing Master has cured me! Ha... ha" He turned his awkward smile toward Emery, silently asking for help to cover his lies.

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