Earth's Greatest Magus

Emery's demonstration of the [Dao Steps] not only served as a tactical display but also presented an opportunity for the acolytes of Hall 120. While the technique was formidable, Emery knew it was no longer sufficient for him, making it ripe for adaptation and improvement by his students.

As he effortlessly weaved through Aspen's onslaught, Emery's words were directed towards Damo, who had struggled with the speedster earlier. The technique offered a solution, a method to counter faster opponents and regain control of the battlefield.

But it wasn't just Damo who was captivated by Emery's movements. Shinta, with her mastery of the divine technique [Slithering Cloud Steps], found herself drawn to the [Dao Steps].

However, their contemplations were interrupted when Magus Aspen, driven by emotional turmoil and the desire to gain the upper hand, decided to unleash another stage of his formidable power.

"ARRGHHH!!!"

The hall fell into stunned silence as Magus Aspen unleashed a special technique, his voice echoing through the arena before he split into two identical figures.

The sight left everyone in awe, witnessing two towering giants, each adorned with triple body transformations, standing before Emery with menacing grins. It became clear that this was a higher level of transformation technique, granting the magus the ability to duplicate his own body—a skill seemingly inherited by Skyler the multiplier.

"I'll catch you now!!"

"No, I"ll catch him first!"

As the two giants threatened Emery, he realized that his [Dao Steps] technique would lose its effectiveness against two identical opponents surrounding him from two sides.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Emery saw an opportunity to impart another lesson to his acolytes. With calm resolve, he addressed them, "When you find no other means to defeat a stronger opponent, do not hesitate to retreat. There is no shame in running to fight for another day."

His words resonated with the acolytes, reminding them of the importance of strategic retreat when faced with overwhelming odds.

"Run??!!! You are not running anywhere!!"

The tension reached its peak as the enraged Magus charged forward, his two giant forms hurtling toward Emery from both sides like charging comets.

But Emery had not finished his dialogue. "....Unless you have a special technique," he calmly remarked.

Some spectators anticipated that Emery would finally unleash his wolf transformation. However, to their astonishment, Emery raised both hands and in a bewildering display of manipulation of reality, the space between him and the two charging giants seemed to stretch, creating an empty void between them. With this unexpected shift, Emery effortlessly evaded the pincer attacks, causing the two giants to collide with each other in a deafening crash.

The onlookers were left in disbelief. "Is it an illusion?" one whispered incredulously. "No, how could it be?" another countered. "What is it then?" the bewildered murmurs continued, echoing throughout the arena.

Instructor Aspen's mind raced as he attempted to comprehend what had just occurred. His trajectory had been flawless, yet Emery had effortlessly evaded his attack.

As the two giants gathered themselves to launch another assault, the same inexplicable phenomenon unfolded before their eyes. Once again, the space around Emery seemed to warp and stretch, creating an opening through which he smoothly maneuvered, leaving the charging giants to collide with nothing but empty air.

Emery, unfazed by the chaos unfolding around him, turned to his acolytes with an apologetic smile. "This technique, unfortunately, can't be taught," he explained regretfully, "not unless you have a high proficiency in space magic."

Emery's words provided a glimpse into his newly developed spell, one forged from his profound understanding of the laws of space. He called it [Space Bending], a potent enchantment that allowed him to manipulate the fabric of space itself. With this spell, Emery could effortlessly stretch or compress the space around him, bending it to his will.

Utilizing [Space Bending], Emery could craftily create avenues of escape or redirect his opponent's movements with ease.

The acolytes exchanged astonished glances, their minds struggling to comprehend the incredible display of spatial manipulation they had just witnessed. Some whispered in hushed tones, attempting to grasp the intricacies of Emery's mysterious ability, while others simply stared in awe, realizing the vast depths of magic they had yet to explore.

Once again, the two towering giants found themselves trapped in Emery's web, unable to lay a finger on him throughout the entirety of the duel. Sensing the futility of continuing the battle, Emery declared, "Let's wrap this up."

Emery's hands reach the ground, channeling his magic into the earth.

As his energy flowed, the ground beneath Magus Aspen's duplicated bodies began to submerge, holding their feet tight. Simultaneously, Emery exerted his control over gravity, enhancing the pull of the earth to further ensnare his opponent.

Struggling against the powerful magic, Magus Aspen exerted all his strength, attempting to break free from the tightening grip of the earth. His muscles bulged with effort as he strained against the magical bindings, but the combined might of Emery's spells held firm, imprisoning him in place.

Refusing to accept defeat, Magus Aspen made a calculated decision. He dispelled one of his duplicated bodies, consolidating his strength into his primary form. The sudden surge of power rippled through his massive frame as he exerted every ounce of his magical prowess to break free.

Sensing his opponent's resolve, Emery remained composed. With a subtle gesture, he called forth another spell, tapping into the essence of his [Jade Root] spell. From the earth erupted thick, verdant vines, their emerald tendrils snaking their way toward Magus Aspen's towering form. With precision born of years of practice, Emery directed the vines to entwine around the magus, further restricting his movements and solidifying his defeat.

"Ready to admit defeat?" Emery casually asked.

The acolytes of Hall 120 erupted into cheers, their admiration for Emery's skill evident in their jubilant cries. Meanwhile, the acolytes from Hall 68 watched with a sense of resignation, realizing the futility of their instructor's efforts against Emery's mastery of spells.

The disappointment etched on the faces of his students only fueled Magus Aspen's despair, driving him to the brink of madness. Unable to bear the humiliation of defeat, he resolved to unleash his most potent, hidden techniques. Emery's keen senses immediately detected a surge of raw power emanating from Magus Aspen's body, granting him the strength to break free from Emery's bindings.

But the surge of power did not subside; instead, it intensified, enveloping Magus Aspen in a maelstrom of unchecked fury.

"Magus Aspen, stop this!" Emery's voice rang out with urgency.

But his admonitions fell on deaf ears as Magus Aspen seemed to descend further into madness with each passing moment, his eyes ablaze with an unholy fervor.

The spectacle unfolding before them struck fear into the hearts of the watching acolytes, their expressions contorted with terror. Some instinctively began to back away, seeking refuge from the chaos threatening to consume them all.

As the madness consumed Magus Aspen, he focused all his newfound power into his massive palm, his eyes ablaze with an otherworldly intensity. With a primal scream, he brought his hand crashing down upon the earth, unleashing a devastating shockwave that rippled through the ground with bone-shattering force.

The resulting blast was nothing short of catastrophic, tearing through the very fabric of the hillside and sending debris flying in all directions. Acolytes scattered in panic as the shockwave surged outward, threatening to engulf them in its destructive wake.

Reacting with lightning speed, Emery spread his arms wide, channeling the full extent of his [Space Bending] technique to contain the explosion. With a focused effort, he stretched the boundaries of space itself, creating a protective barrier that enveloped the area and shielded the acolytes from harm.

But Emery's efforts did not end there. Sensing the danger still lurking within the contained blast, he swiftly reversed the effects of his spell. With a forced clap of his two palms, the accumulated force converged back into the center, upon Magus Aspen in a titanic wave of pure destruction.

KAAABOOOMMM!!!!!!

As the smoke cleared, showing the aftermath of the cataclysmic blast, Emery observed the scene with a calm demeanor. What remained was a mound of jagged rocks, ensnaring Magus Aspen within its stony embrace. Sensing that the magus was now unconscious, Emery approached the pile of rubble with measured steps.

With a calm and steady hand, Emery began to manipulate the earth itself, coaxing the rocks to divide and release their captive. Gradually, the mound receded, and the yard returned to its former state, as if untouched by the chaos that had unfolded mere moments ago.

Taking a moment to gather himself, Emery addressed the stunned acolytes. "The match is over," he declared, his voice carrying an air of finality. Turning to the bewildered hall 68 students, he added, "You can bring your master back."

In a daze, the five acolytes hurriedly departed from the scene, their minds reeling from the display of Emery's overwhelming power.

Turning back to his own acolytes, Emery adopted a casual demeanor. "Any questions?"