Earth's Greatest Magus

?Half a dozen magus swiftly surrounded Emery and Klea, orchestrating a strategic formation that turned the bustling pedestrian area into a makeshift arena. The focal point of this tense confrontation were the two young master Croft brothers.

"This is my brother, Vinser Croft. Unfortunately for you, he just returned from the frontline, a renowned captain of the military," declared the younger brother, emphasizing Vinser's military achievements.

The intimidating full moon magus fixed his gaze upon Emery and inquired, "This is the one that hurt you?" The nobleman, eager to garner sympathy, responded with a resentful tone, "Yes, brother. This spirit magus attacked me when I was not ready... and from behind. Avenge me, brother."

Amidst the brewing tension, Aeon approached Emery and discreetly informed him, "Emery, you don't need to fight him. I have called the guards." The presence of the guards on the way hinted at a potential resolution through authority rather than physical confrontation.

Hearing his name, the full moon magus squinted with a trace of recognition. "Emery... Spirit magus? Your name is familiar..." he murmured, attempting to recall where he had heard it before. However, the younger brother abruptly interrupted, demanding action. "Brother, he's trying to run... you must give him a lesson for me."

Fueled by the younger brother's insistence, the older Croft sibling finally unleashed his formidable power. A fiery python emerged, matching the vivid crimson of his spear. This manifestation was ten times stronger and more terrifying than the one exhibited by the younger brother. Faced with the escalating threat, Emery drew his [Savage Blade], signaling his readiness for the impending clash.

Witnessing the impending fight, the onlookers instinctively distanced themselves. While some were overtaken by fear, most were drawn in by the excitement, eagerly anticipating the magical spectacle about to unfold.

In an intimidating roar, the full moon magus, Vinser, issued a challenge. "I give you one chance, bend your knee and apologize!"

Emery, unimpressed by the ultimatum, responded with casual nonchalance. "You're wasting my time; just start already."

"Huh! An arrogant frog who never sees outside the well!"

The Full Moon magus, Vinser, gathered his entire spirit power, concentrating it to the tip of his crimson spear. The anticipation in the air heightened as he initiated a swift spin, unleashing a powerful and fiery twister. Within the twister, a fierce, gigantic crimson snake took form and surged directly at Emery. Reacting with precision, Emery tapped into the chaotic energy swirling within him, channeling it into his dark blade before unleashing the formidable [Shadow Edge].

BOOMM!!!

The clash reverberated through the impromptu arena, sending shockwaves that tossed several onlookers into the air and left visible cracks in the surrounding walls. As the dust settled, it became apparent that Emery had been forced a step back, while Vinser stood three steps away.

The outcome signaled Emery's victory in the intense clash, a result that only added to the embarrassment considering Vinser's higher realm stage as a Full Moon magus.

"Huh! You do have some strength!! But I am not finished yet!" Vinser declared defiantly, refusing to accept defeat.

The intense clash between Emery and Vinser drew the attention of multiple city guards to the scene. However, to Emery's surprise, none dared to intervene in the escalating duel.

Thrown into the mix were a few clashes of sword and spear, revealing Vinser's formidable spear techniques—a skill set not to be underestimated. However, despite the Full Moon magus's prowess, none of his attacks managed to land a hit on the elusive Emery. The dance of magical combat continued, each movement calculated and precise.

Just as Emery prepared to counterattack, a new group arrived on the scene—enforcers from the Magus Alliance, unbound by the familial politics that governed the city. The captain of the enforcers, a familiar face to Emery, stepped forward and issued a stern command.

"Stop this fight at once!"

The atmosphere shifted as the enforcers asserted their authority, bringing a temporary halt to the confrontation between Emery and Vinser.

"Emery, why are you fighting here, bro?!"

Coincidentally, the enforcer team that arrived was led by Gerri the Violet Flame, and his squad's name was famous enough to quell the chaos. Unfortunately, Gerri's friendly behaviors to Emery only served to aggravate the younger Croft noble.

"What is this?! An enforcer takes sides with a rogue magus!" the Croft noble complained, his frustration evident. However, the older brother intervened, forcing his brother to stop. his gaze fixed on Emery.

"I remember who he is... Emery Ambrose, the Savage Magus."

The mention of this infamous moniker startled the younger brother, leaving him momentarily speechless. Before he could respond, the older brother swiftly stored his spear and addressed Emery with a surprising change of tone.

"My apology, we are mistaken."

Without waiting for a reply, he summoned his men and forcefully dragged his disgruntled brother away, disappearing from sight.

"Show's over!" Gerri announced loudly, attempting to disband the lingering crowds that had gathered to witness the magical confrontation.

Afterward, Gerri, with an excited grin, put his arm around Emery and remarked, "Huh!! You...came to this city, not looking for me, and already make trouble with the Croft."

In response to Emery's raised eyebrow, Gerri went on to explain that over the last ten years, the influence of the Karat faction in the city had been declining. Multiple powerful families had been vying for control of the city council, with the Croft family standing out as one of the most influential. The decline in their influence had seemingly led to an increase in their arrogance.

"Let's just stay away from trouble, okay?" Gerri advised, his tone suggesting a desire to avoid unnecessary conflicts in the city.

Without waiting for an invitation, Gerri decided to tag along with Emery and Klea, positioning himself as their impromptu guide to ensure their safety in the tumultuous city. However, this brought a frown to Klea's face.

####

On the other end of the street, the two Croft brothers engaged in a heated argument.

"No matter how talented he is, he's just a magus from a lower realm. Why are you scared of him, brother?!!" the younger brother exclaimed, challenging the rationale behind their confrontation.

"Scared! Yes I am scared!! That lower realm magus has close relations with the Karat faction, Zodiac City, and even the Nephilim! Are you not scared!?" The elder brother countered, the words hung in the air, enough to render the younger noble completely silent.

"Besides, Father told us to keep a low profile. I don't want to see your childish behavior ruin Father's plan!"

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