Earth's Greatest Magus
chapter-2009

There were over 40,000 human worlds within the vast space domain of the Magus Alliance, with 12,000 worlds situated in the 18 sectors of the Alpha Quadrants.

Among these, the lower-realm worlds dominated, comprising a staggering 80% of the total count, which equated to around 10,000 planets. In contrast, the middle-realm worlds numbered over 2,000, while the exclusive higher-realm worlds amounted to a mere 100, making up less than 1% of the overall tally.

To regulate the flow of talent into the Magus Academy, each world was allocated a specific quota, delineated as follows:

[High Realm: 10 acolytes every year]

[Medium Realm: 3 to 5 acolytes every year]

[Lower Realm: 1 acolyte every 10 years]

Consequently, there was an annual influx of 1,000 high-realm acolytes, approximately 8,000 middle-realm acolytes, and a modest 1,000 lower-realm acolytes.

While there remained a significant discrepancy between the numbers from high and lower realms, these figures represented a substantial improvement compared to the old academy system, where only a select few were admitted every few centuries. The four acolytes were fortunate beneficiaries of this shift having to secure four additional spots.

This information was shared as the group soared atop the flying stingray, Grand Magus Aurora led them towards the vibrant spring village.

Enveloped by the rush of wind, the group observed the lively scene unfolding beneath them. A multitude of fresh-faced acolytes streamed through the village's teleportation portals, each entrance bustling with activity.

Emery raised his arm and invoked his skill, [Nature Grasp], harmonizing with the energy currents surrounding him. In doing so, he detected a profound richness saturating the atmosphere, a potent manifestation of nature's essence as strong as the one he felt within Earth's fey sanctuary.

"Just by living around this spirit energy alone could help their development,"

The deputy headmaster, with a serene smile, elaborated on the intricate design of the continent, crafted specifically for the academy's purposes.

Starting from the Northern glacier, a convergence of potent energies of wind, ice, and water flowed seamlessly into the eastern forest spring, where the spirits of water, plants, and earth intertwined. This energy then ebbed into the southern fiery caves, where the elements of earth, metal, and fire surged with intensity. Finally, the cycle completed with the western desert, teeming with the energies of fire, lightning, and wind.

Remarkably, each of the eight elements found its place within this harmonious ecosystem, divided into two distinct atmospheres: light in the northern domain and darkness in the southern expanse.

The potent energy of the ten elements permeated the four regions, creating a vibrant tapestry of spiritual power. Yet, while these resources sufficed for acolytes hailing from lower or medium-realm worlds, they would hardly attract high-realm acolytes who possessed similar or better access to resources within their own realms.

Emery's perceptive senses guided him towards the mountain standing proudly at the center of the continent. As he focused on the energy currents, he noticed a denser concentration of power along the hillsides, culminating in an even richer aura at the peak. The sight of numerous buildings nestled along the ridges affirmed his suspicions: the true essence of the academy lay within the mountain's embrace.

"Indeed" affirmed Grand Magus Aurora.

She proceeded to elaborate on the new Academy classification system, one that bestowed greater privileges upon the more talented acolytes.

The four outer regions, she explained, were earmarked for general acolytes. These areas provided essential facilities and resources, overseen by outer hall teachers tasked with nurturing the students' growth.

In contrast, the mountain served as the inner regions, harboring 100 teaching halls reserved exclusively for the most talented acolytes. Each hall accommodated an average of 50 acolytes, allowing for the cultivation of up to 5000 inner hall students under the guidance of inner hall teachers.

These 100 halls were stratified into four levels: 30 lower halls situated at the base of the mountains, 30 middle halls positioned along the slopes, 30 higher halls located on the mountain ridges, and finally, the prestigious top 10 halls perched atop the peak, reserved for the elite.

For instance, the previous mage Janus, they encountered during the acolyte registration, was assigned to teach class 68. This designation indicated that Janus and his master resided within the middle halls, placing them at a middle rank within the inner region hierarchy. Acolytes enrolled in their class enjoyed middle-level resources and privileges.

Every year, ten thousand fresh-faced acolytes would compete for the chance to secure one of these coveted spots. Those who emerged victorious would earn the privilege of an additional two years within the academy's esteemed confines.

Titus, filled with enthusiasm, couldn't help but express his optimism. "With 5000 spots available out of 10,000, the odds are in our favor. I'm sure all four of us can make it to that mountain!"

However, Emery countered, shaking his head. "It's not 5000 spots out of 10,000. It's much less than that."

Klea stepped in to explain the situation with simple reasoning. Given that inner acolytes could remain for three years, the inner halls were still occupied by senior acolytes who had enrolled when the academy opened two years prior. Additionally, thousands of acolytes who had failed to secure spots the previous year were also granted one last opportunity to claim their place.

The Grand Magus nodded in agreement with Klea's assessment before elaborating further. "That's precisely why we're expanding our classes and hiring more teachers," she affirmed. She revealed that twenty additional halls had been constructed at the base of the mountains, providing space for new teachers and accommodating an additional 1000 acolytes.

Arminius couldn't contain his excitement at the prospect of more opportunities, exclaiming, "That's fantastic news!"

However, Klea remained pragmatic, cautioning that securing one of those 1000 spots from a pool of over 10,000 acolytes, with a thousand portions hailing from higher realms, presented formidable odds.

Grand Magus Aurora, however, reassured them with a gentle smile. "Actually, there are closer to 2500 spots available"

Klea understood she hadn't factored in the number of acolytes departing from the academy—whether by choice or due to the causalities of the intense competition.

The Grand Magus continued, her tone gentle yet firm, "Worry not about the numbers; I assure you, as long as you pass the inner region test, a spot will be available for you."

While the words were meant to be reassuring, they only served to deepen the group's confusion. To provide a clearer understanding, the Deputy Headmaster led them toward one side of the mountain, where the testing grounds for the inner apprentices were located.