Earth's Greatest Magus

Chapter 2178  Hall 60

With their great achievements during the mid-exam, Hall 120 had successfully advanced to Hall 60. Although they were still occupying the same hall, the magic-infused construction had elevated most parts of the hall from the mountain slope to a mid-crest, just below the clouds. This new elevation provided a breathtaking view over the academy's forest spring below, a sight that added both beauty and tranquility to their surroundings.

The arrangement was designed to ease the transition for the acolytes and their instructor, allowing them to retain most of their already-established facilities while incorporating additional features befitting their elevated status as a middle hall. The hall now boasted a larger training area, where the acolytes could practice their spells and combat techniques with more space and better equipment.

Additionally, a second multifunction stone building had been constructed,  and even a small, serene lake of their own, where acolytes could relax and meditate.

Most importantly, the higher altitude meant they were closer to the summits, where the spirit energy was richer and more concentrated. This provided an ideal environment for training both body and spirit core, allowing the acolytes to tap into the abundant energy that permeated the higher realms of the academy. The increased spirit energy not only enhanced their training sessions but also contributed to quicker recovery times and more profound meditation experiences.

On this particular day, Klea dressed nicely and called up all the acolytes to gather in the yard. Her radiant happiness was evident, and it quickly sparked curiosity as they started to guess among themselves.

"I guess Hardy's information is real... Master Emery is returning today," one of them whispered eagerly.

"Really?! This is fantastic!" another exclaimed.

"It's been one month. I can't wait to show my improvement," "Please... not you. You'll only embarrass us," another acolyte responded with a playful eye roll, though their grin betrayed their own excitement.

"That's him!!! It's really true... Master is here... wait... who is he with?" As Emery entered the hall with Shinta standing next to him, the group fell silent, their eyes widening in recognition and surprise. "Welcome back, Master!" the acolytes shouted in unison, their voices ringing with genuine excitement and respect.

Emery's heart warmed at the sight of their familiar faces, all eagerly awaiting his return. \

With a smile, Emery said, "I see you all have done great while I was away… well done."

Such a simple compliment made the acolytes beam with pride and joy. Emery's words were a validation of their hard work and dedication during his absence.

Emery then greeted Ashaka and turned to Klea with a sincere smile. "Thank you," he said, his eyes conveying gratitude for her leadership in his absence.

Klea was certainly glad to see Emery's safe return, but at this particular moment, her curiosity was piqued by the girl standing beside him. She turned to Shinta and said, "Welcome back."

Shinta replied with a smile, then turned toward the other acolytes, and with a confident voice, made a surprising announcement.

"Hello everyone, my name is Shinta… Master Emery's daughter."

There was a moment of stunned silence as the acolytes processed this revelation. Their eyes widened in surprise and curiosity, and whispers quickly spread through the crowd.

It was a shocking announcement that took the acolytes seconds to process, followed by a wave of murmurs and speculations.

"What… like a stepdaughter maybe…?" one acolyte whispered.

"No… I think it's more like a long-lost daughter," "Wait… I thought Master Emery is in a relationship with Master Klea," someone said, causing several heads to turn in surprise. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"... you mean she is their long-lost daughter?!"

"No, you idiot… this means Master Emery has another woman," "Wow… this new side of Master impresses me even more,"

Seeing the speculations turning even wilder by the second, Emery scratched his head, unsure of how to explain properly. On the other hand, Shinta turned to chuckle, clearly amused by the reactions.

Klea watched the small exchange between father and daughter with a smile. The truth was, she had mixed feelings after hearing the news about Shinta. But now, seeing them together, she was glad to see Emery finding some closure to his tragic past. With the two finally finding each other, Klea believed things would be much more peaceful moving forward.

Or so she thought.

To everyone's surprise, after all the introductions, Shinta stepped forward and announced, "I am not only the daughter, but I am also the strongest disciple! I hope the rest of you will not drag my Master name down."

This bold declaration took everyone by surprise. The acolytes exchanged glances, their initial shock quickly giving way to excitement.

Big Sis Kat couldn't contain herself and shouted to a reply, "Master, please let me show you my progress! By sparring with this… lovely daughter of yours… I hope she's not too delicate for a challenge!"

Following Kat, Ha Ron stood up with a much calmer tone, saying, "Master, let me, a first-year, challenge her."

Not wanting to be left out, KingRig jumped in, "Me!! I'm the strongest first year! I will fight!"

The response quickly hyped up the whole yard, especially with Shinta's bold reply, "The fact that all three of you can't measure your strength proves that you are not strong enough." She then swiftly directed her gaze at Dillon, pointing her finger at him. "You! Mister Gold Insignia, I challenge you!"

Emery didn't stop Shinta. Instead, he called upon Klea and Ashaka to watch together. Klea and Ashaka, both intrigued and slightly concerned, moved to stand beside him.

It was decided that the first year would give Shinta a try first, and Ha Ron stepped forward. The young swordsman had shown great improvement over the past month. The new hall and the lump sum of contribution points received from the game and tournament had allowed him to explore the Origin Stone Room and purchase a skill of his own personal interest, a darkness-imbued sword technique that harnessed Ha Ron's years of experience as an assassin.

Ha Ron managed to trouble Shinta for a minute, his strikes swift and unpredictable, but as soon as she used her transformation, Ha Ron was unable to keep up with her battle power and was swiftly defeated.

Next, it was Kat's turn. The Big Sis had been practicing diligently, her improvement in wind spells allowing her to keep up with Shinta's [Slithering Cloud Steps]. The two young women moved with incredible speed, their forms almost blurring as they clashed. However, Shinta's mastery of plant elements soon turned the tide. Vines erupted from the ground, weaving and wrapping around Kat with incredible precision. Despite her efforts, Kat found herself tightly restrained, unable to break free.

"Now, Senior, it's your turn!" Shinta challenged Dillon once again, her voice ringing clear across the yard.

The whole group of acolytes started to cheer for Dillon. The support was palpable, but they were careful not to speak ill of Shinta, aware of her status. Dillon stepped forward, his eyes focused and determined. He had seen how Shinta handled He Ron and Kat, and he knew he needed to give it his all.

Finally, Shinta was given the chance to fight Dillon once again. The rank 48 gold insignia acolyte would be a good test to replace her regret for not completing the tournaments.

Dillon stood tall and imposing as he unsheathed his massive ruler sword. The crowd of acolytes watched in anticipation, the air buzzing with excitement. Shinta, undeterred by Dillon's size and reputation, drew her own sword, her eyes burning with determination.

The duel began, and the clash of their weapons echoed through the yard. Dillon's monstrous gravity-based attacks bore down on Shinta with immense force. Despite her wolf transformation, Dillon's relentless onslaught pushed her to her limits.

Their swords clashed hundreds of times, sparks flying with each impact. The acolytes watched in awe as the two gave everything they had. Sweat poured down Shinta's face as she fought to keep up with Dillon. Finally, with a resounding crash, Shinta's sword shattered under the pressure of Dillon's assault. She staggered back, disarmed and defeated.

"Dillon!! Dillon!!" The acolytes' cheers filled the air, celebrating Dillon's victory.

Shinta, despite frowning over her loss, still showed proper respect and acknowledged her opponent's skill.

As the excitement settled, a feast was prepared to celebrate Emery's return. The tables were laden with a variety of dishes, and the atmosphere was festive with laughter and camaraderie. Emery, standing among his students, raised his cup to toast their achievements.

When the feast drew to a close, Emery approached Shinta.

"Are you returning to your hall now?" Shinta hesitated, her reluctance evident. "I guess…" She paused "Why, Father? Do you need me for something else?"

Emery smiled warmly. "Yes"

Now that Emery was back in a safe place, no longer under the watchful eye of the serpent elder, it was time for him to reveal his domain and show his secret: the Khaos Gate.