/n/earths-greatest-magus-1172/c-2034
chapter-2033

Emery's connection to the Zodiac City provided him with insights into the creation of the new Zodiac outpost. This initiative was a pivotal component of King Alduin's ongoing efforts to bolster support for the half-blood community across the Alpha Quadrant. With tensions on the rise and the establishment of a new academy looming, the construction of this fort-like outpost was expedited to meet the community's growing needs.

Standing before the impressive structure, Nyx, by Emery's side, offered her perspective. "Since the inception of this outpost five years ago, we've witnessed a remarkable surge in the half-blood and hybrid population of Utopia City. It's evident that the influence of the Dragon King has contributed positively to the city's growth."

Aware of Supreme Magus Altus Dresden's relationship with King Alduin and numerous prominent half-blood figures, Emery couldn't help but smile, suspecting the former Magus Academy headmaster's involvement in this development.

"Let's enter," Emery declared, eager to see what awaited them inside the Zodiac outpost.

As they approached the outpost, Emery encountered the Zodiac guards stationed at the entrance. While his status as a Magus Academy instructor was recognized, the presence of multiple non-half-blood guests prompted the guards to enact additional security measures.

"Master, we don't mind waiting outside," Dillion offered, understanding the situation. Nyx, too, appeared somewhat anxious, her unique background likely contributing to her apprehension.

Emery's quick thinking led him to retrieve a metal emblem adorned with 12 meticulously engraved symbols representing all bloodlines [Emblem of the Zodiac]. It was an item bestowed upon him by King Alduin himself 15 years ago, this emblem symbolized the highest status, akin to that of an elder. As Emery presented the emblem to the guards, their demeanor swiftly shifted, bowing their heads in deference and granting all four of them immediate entry without further question.

The sight left Nyx and the two acolytes visibly astonished, their expressions reflecting a mix of awe and admiration at their master's status.

As they stepped into the colossal hall, Emery's eyes widened at the sight before him. A multitude of half-blood figures, numbering in the hundreds, their presence dominating the atmosphere. Among them, dozens possessed the formidable status of magus-level, with several even attaining the esteemed rank of grand magus. The contrast between the predominantly half-blood assembly and the scarcity of humans was striking, emphasizing the unique character of the gathering.

Accompanied by the striking presence of Nyx, whose allure drew lingering gazes from many, Emery and his companions attracted considerable attention. This spectacle left the two acolytes Emery had brought feeling slightly uneasy, though their resolve remained firm as they stood closely by Emery's side. Despite their initial apprehension, the sight of other acolytes in uniform reassured them, prompting them to straighten their posture and adopt a more confident demeanor.

As Emery surveyed the crowd, he couldn't help but sense the distinct presence of multiple wolf gene bloodlines, their energy resonating with his own. Amidst the bustling crowd, a familiar figure approached him, prompting a warm smile to spread across Emery's face.

"Senior Heorgar, I am glad to see you here," Emery greeted warmly.

Magus Heorgar, a formidable figure bearing the mythical Demon wolf bloodline, stood before Emery, his presence commanding respect and admiration. It had been far too long since Emery had last seen him, as Heorgar had been deployed to the frontline alongside other White Fang magus.

Despite their infrequent encounters, Emery held a deep bond with this rugged, seasoned warrior. The man had served as a mentor and guide, imparting invaluable lessons on mastering his devouring ability and forging a bond that transcended mere friendship. Memories of their time together, including their time trapped on a secluded island, flooded Emery's mind. Heorgar had been more than just a fellow wolf bloodline; he had been a mentor, a companion, and a true big brother figure to Emery.

As they exchanged pleasantries and Emery introduced his companions, Heorgar expressed his profound respect for Emery's actions on the Silvermane planet. He also commended Emery for his compassionate care of their ailing former Chief Beowulf, a gesture that had earned Emery even greater respect from him and the old White Fang members.

Heorgar then elaborated on his recent role assignment at the outpost, mentioning that he had been summoned a few months ago to serve as the chief of security. His duties involved directly assisting the newly appointed overseer, Grand Magus Sinure, who had been tasked with handling all matters of Zodiac City in the Alpha Quadrant. This revelation shed light on the circumstances surrounding Lucius Corvin's appointment to replace Elder Sinure as the Half-blood representative in the academy.

"Senior... I think he is not fit for the job," Emery casually remarked, expressing his skepticism about Lucius Corvin's suitability for the position.

Heorgar offered a slight nod of understanding, acknowledging Emery's sentiment. However, despite any misgivings, there remained a certain loyalty from Heorgar to Lucius Corvin, the wolf patriarch who had led the White Fang for so long, even if Heorgar had been treated poorly in recent times.

As they conversed, a female staff member approached them with a respectful gesture, indicating that it was time to take their designated seats as the event was about to commence. They followed her lead, making their way to the front area where nine special seats awaited, three seats in the center and three on each side, all facing toward the stage.

Emery and Heorgar were directed to the same left side, with one empty seat next to them. Meanwhile, Nyx and the two acolytes stood a few steps behind Emery.

On the opposite side of the hall, three figures were already seated, each emanating their distinctive presence. Heorgar took a moment to provide a brief introduction to each of them.

The first figure immediately caught their attention—a stunning middle-aged woman, her attire a striking blend of elegance and vibrancy. Adorned in a colorful dress, she exuded an air of enchantment, accentuated by intricate rune markings encircling her captivating eyes. She was Sirin, renowned as the Peafowl Empress, a grand magus of considerable power and the esteemed instructor of Higher Hall 24.

Next to her sat a figure shrouded in darkness—a middle-aged man with a pale complexion, his attire a stark contrast to Sirin's colorful ensemble. Clad in a pitch-black blazer that mirrored his neatly styled black hair, his presence was both commanding and foreboding. His crimson lips and bloodshot pupils added an eerie allure to his ominous grand magus aura. Known as Toleno, he was hailed as the Spectral Swarm, a master of the bat bloodline, and the instructor of Higher Hall 37.

The third figure commanded attention—an older man's towering stature dwarfing those around him. Strands of grey hair cascaded over his massive arms, a testament to his age and experience. Despite his advanced years, he emanated a formidable aura, exuding strength that rivaled even the two grand magus next to him. This imposing presence belonged to Harambe, revered as the Mighty Kong—a legendary figure in the magus world and master of the mythical ape bloodline. As the instructor of Middle Hall 62, he instilled discipline and prowess in his students, earning their utmost respect.

Sirin the Peafowl Empress was renowned for her mastery of enchantment, while Toleno the Spectral Swarm has his mastery in summoning. Alongside them, Harambe the Mighty Kong embodied the essence of a warrior. Together, alongside him and Lucius Corvin, they formed the five half-blood instructors at the Magus Academy.

Just like Emery, each figure was accompanied by their entourage of acolytes, who stood dutifully behind them, all were renowned acolytes of the academy.

Soon after, the venerable Grand Magus Sinure made his entrance, accompanied by another elderly figure with a stooped posture, whom Herorgar identified as one of the founders of Utopia City and a prominent figure in its history. They settled into the central seats, their presence commanding respect and attention. Lucius Corvin trailed just behind them, taking his place alongside them.

Following closely behind Lucius was a young acolyte with long, dark hair, his aura pulsating with power and strength. Emery's curiosity was piqued by an aura resemblance to Zach Talon. His interest prompted Dillion to step forward and reveal the young acolyte's identity. Known as Shiryu, he was the strongest half-

blood acolyte in the academy, holding the prestigious rank of 13 on the charts, and bearing the legendary bronze dragon bloodline.

As the room fell into anticipation, Grand Magus Sinure, acting as overseer, stepped onto the stage and echoed words reminiscent of those spoken by Esbern two decades prior. A reminder of the half-blood existence among the magus universe, their part within the human society, and finally their cause to live in harmony without prejudices.

After explaining all of that Grand Magus officially started the event.

"Let the bloodline examination begin."

There were a total of 65 new half-blood acolytes who managed to secure entry into the inner halls. Each one was called upon to the stage, one by one, to undergo their bloodline gene testing in front of the assembled audience.

As the procession continued, a seemingly ordinary girl took her turn on stage. However, as soon as her legendary rank 6 bloodline, the Goat bloodline, was revealed, the audience erupted into a ruckus of whispers and murmurs.

The entrance to the academy was highly competitive, with only those possessing high-ranking bloodlines being admitted. Most of the entrants boasted legendary bloodlines, and occasionally, there would be individuals with rare mystical bloodlines. The presence of all five instructors at the event indicated their role in analyzing and selecting potential acolytes for their halls. This process was closely regulated by the overseer to ensure fairness to both instructors and acolytes.

Then, amidst the crowd's commotion, a voice exclaimed, "Mythical Tiger!"

The emergence of a mythical bloodline, especially from the top tier of genetic lineage, was an exceedingly rare occurrence. As the fierce-looking youth bearing this esteemed bloodline made his appearance, he garnered attention from all present. Emery was taken aback by the youth's seemingly hateful gaze. Herogar, quick to assess the situation, predicted that this particular youth would be the most sought-after by all the instructors. However, it was likely that he would end up in Lucius's top hall, which proposed the most benefits.

Amidst the excitement, there were a few other mythical bloodlines within the batch that brought delight to the elders and instructors. Despite originating from lower tiers, there was a mythical deer bloodline, a descendant of the horse bloodline lineage, and even a mythical monkey bloodline that caught the attention of the Mighty Kong instructor. However, what truly stunned everyone was the revelation of a pair of acolytes, one male, and one female, bearing the newly accepted and controversial thirteenth bloodline—the insectoid genes.

Emery's thoughts drifted to the wolf bloodline acolytes he had been eyeing. However, he couldn't help but feel uncertain about recruiting them, knowing he would be competing with Lucius, whose status as wolf grand magus and instructor of a top-tier hall rank gave him a significant advantage.

"I think that's all, 65 acolytes," Heorgar declared, signaling the end of the presentations.

Just as Emery prepared to rise and join the other instructors for their private meeting, another acolyte entered—a girl who appeared to have just recently passed the perseverance mountain test.

Turning his attention to the stage, Emery's heart skipped a beat as his eyes fell upon the young girl with silvery hair. A sudden rush of emotion coursed through him, catching him off guard. There was something about her presence that stirred him deeply, igniting a sense of connection that he couldn't quite explain. To his surprise, the girl's gaze met his, and in that fleeting moment, Emery sensed a bond forming between them.

"Who ... who is she?"