Earth's Greatest Magus

Chapter 2480  Limitation

For the past few days, Emery had been completely engrossed in his apothecary pursuits. The trove of rare ingredients he had acquired during his recent travels filled him with excitement, each one offering new possibilities and challenges for experimentation. His residence brimmed with bubbling concoctions, shimmering powders, and exotic herbs—each contributing to the alchemical atmosphere.

Among his many projects, one in particular demanded his utmost focus: healing the elderly Grand Magus Soltz.

Soltz, now one of Emery's trusted protectors, had endured a grievous injury in a brutal battle over a decade ago. The silence surrounding his past was a telling sign. Whether it was due to the tragedy of the events or his reluctance to relive the shame, Soltz kept the details to himself. He simply entrusted Emery with the task, allowing the young alchemist to work his craft.

Emery approached the task methodically,

First came the diagnosis—a process that took a few days on its own. Using a combination of VIA advanced diagnostic, the silver needle technique, and his natural affinity for the power of nature, Emery delved deep into Soltz's condition.

What he found was sobering. The Grand Magus's cosmic meridians were riddled with blockages, scarred from years of improper healing and the strain of suppressing his injuries. These blockages disrupted the flow of cosmic energy, leaving Soltz unable to access the full extent of his strength. The challenge was immense, but Emery was determined.

He carefully crafted a series of potent pills using the rare ingredients at his disposal. Each pill was tailored to address a specific aspect of Soltz's condition—some to detoxify his body, others to nourish and repair his damaged meridians.

The silver needle technique played a crucial role as well. Emery used the needles to stimulate specific points along Soltz's energy pathways, gradually clearing the blockages and restoring the natural flow of cosmic energy.

It was a grueling process for both Emery and Soltz. At times, the elderly Grand Magus groaned in pain as the healing process triggered long-dormant wounds. But he endured it without complaint, placing his trust entirely in Emery's hands.

Finally, after days of relentless effort, the treatment reached its conclusion.

Soltz sat up slowly, his body radiating a newfound vitality. His once-pale complexion now carried a healthy glow, and his movements, which had been stiff and labored before, were smooth and controlled.

Emery watched with satisfaction as the Grand Magus tested his strength, summoning a surge of cosmic energy. The air around them shimmered as the power of the fourth cosmic realm—manifested in full force.

"Hahaha!" The old man's laughter echoed through the room, filled with genuine joy. "Young friend..., you've done it! I feel… renewed!"

Soltz shook his head, his eyes brimming with gratitude. Despite the evident improvement in Grand Magus Soltz's condition, Emery did not share the same satisfaction. Instead, he lowered his head, his tone somber as he spoke.

"My apologies, Senior. These are the limits of my abilities—I wasn't able to restore you fully"

The elderly man was startled before saying to Emery "Ah… so you've realized it. You truly are more skilled than I thought," he said, his voice carrying a tone of respect.

During his treatment, Emery had discovered a deeper problem hidden beneath the physical ailments. While the damage to Soltz's body and cosmic meridians had been severe, Emery had managed to repair them. However, the root of the Grand Magus's condition went beyond the physical—it was tied to his very soul.

When Emery delved into the Grand Magus's energy, he encountered something formidable: a soul-bound affliction entwined with a law that felt immovable, like an unshakable mountain. Its complexity and strength were far beyond Emery's current capabilities.

He had tried to probe deeper but quickly realized that piercing the powerful soul-binding law was impossible, let alone attempting to repair it.

The Grand Magus placed a reassuring hand on Emery's shoulder, his expression kind. "You've done more than enough, my young friend," he said, his gratitude clear. "This is more than I could have hoped for. I owe you my thanks."

Still, Emery wasn't entirely satisfied. He bowed again and said, "Since I couldn't fully restore your strength, there's no need for you to uphold our agreement."

The elderly man chuckled at Emery's earnestness, shaking his head. "Do you plan to accept the prince's offer and go to the capital?"

Emery straightened and gave a firm nod. "Yes, I am."

Soltz smiled knowingly. "Good. I was planning to leave this city anyway. I might as well stick with you for a while."

Emery considered the offer carefully. Having a Grand Magus of Soltz's caliber by his side would undoubtedly be an invaluable advantage. Not only would the Grand Magus's power serve as a shield against threats, but his wisdom and experience could also guide Emery through the complexities of his journey ahead.

"If that's your wish, I would be honored," Emery said, inclining his head in acceptance.

The tranquility of the residence was suddenly disrupted by the sound of raised voices coming from outside. Two females appeared to be in the middle of a heated argument. Recognizing the voices, Emery let out a long sigh.

A few days earlier, Emery had decided to let his daughter Shinta, Ha Ron, and Kingrig, leave his domain. Although the safety of his domain was unparalleled, it wasn't an ideal environment for them to remain indefinitely.

At the same time, the spiritual energy in this realm was rich and abundant, providing a perfect opportunity for the trio to grow and train. Wanting them to take advantage of this, Emery allowed them to practice in the medicinal gardens and occasionally help with apothecary tasks.

However, their presence had stirred an unexpected commotion.

When Emery stepped outside to investigate, he found Ella standing stiffly, her expression torn between shock and confusion, as she confronted a strikingly beautiful young woman with silvery hair. The girl, her sharp eyes brimming with defiance, stood protectively in front of the doorway.

Before Emery could intervene, Ella's voice wavered with astonishment. "Who… who is this?"

Stepping between the two, Emery explains "Lady Ella, my apologies for not informing you sooner. This is my daughter, Shinta."

Ella's eyes widened in disbelief. "Y-You have a daughter?"

Before Emery could reply, Shinta crossed her arms and smirked. "Yes, that's right. Now you understand, don't you? My father is taken—don't try anything funny."

Her blunt statement left Ella flustered, her cheeks turning a bright crimson.

Emery let out another sigh and turned to his daughter. "Shinta, Behave yourself," he said sternly before bowing apologetically to Ella. "She only arrived yesterday with her friends, and I haven't had the chance to properly explain things to her yet."

Ella, still visibly shaken by the encounter, managed a small, nervous nod. "I-I understand. Excuse me…" she stammered before hastily retreating from the residence. In her hurry, she forgot the tray of food she had brought with her.

As soon as Ella was out of sight, Shinta burst into laughter. "You see, Father? This is what happens when you keep me locked up for so long. I was bored!"

####

Emery decided to extend his stay at the Azure Cloud estate for a few more days. During this time, he focused on gathering additional information about the kingdom and preparing for the next step in his journey. To ensure a smooth transition to the capital, Emery approached the Azure Cloud patriarch with a particular request.

He explained his need for an official identity document that would associate him and his group with the Azure Cloud faction. Emery had prepared a series of justifications for this request, but to his surprise, the patriarch didn't hesitate. With a nod and a reassuring smile, the elderly man assured Emery that it would be taken care of immediately.

By the time Emery was ready to leave, the requested document had been prepared, bearing the Azure Cloud insignia and official seals. It was a valuable asset, ensuring his group would be granted safe passage and recognition within the kingdom.

The Patriarch of the Azure Cloud faction offered to send guides and a contingent of guards to escort them, a gesture of gratitude and respect. However, Emery declined politely, preferring to keep his group small and discreet.

All preparations were complete. Emery's small group—comprising himself, Shinta, Ha Ron, Kingrig, and the elderly Grand Magus Soltz—stood ready to depart.

Ella stood among the group seeing them off, but she remained unusually quiet. Since their last awkward encounter, she had been keeping her thoughts hidden, avoiding direct conversation with Emery. Despite her silence, Emery couldn't help but notice the unspoken tension in her demeanor. Unfortunately for Ella, Emery felt indifferent toward her, his mind preoccupied with the responsibilities and challenges ahead.

"We're leaving now," Emery announced firmly, signaling the start of their journey.

The group boarded a unique transportation vessel—a magical wood carriage that hummed softly with energy. With the Azure Cloud estate fading into the distance, the carriage began its journey. It rolled smoothly through the city gates and out onto the northern road, heading toward the capital.