With just two days left until the prestigious Heaven and Earth Alchemy Event, Emery immersed himself in preparations. This competition was unlike any other, not just because of its scale but also because of its reputation for danger—even death.
Through diligent research, Emery uncovered unsettling details about the first stage. Participants would be granted access to the Skyroot faction’s hidden realm, a mystical expanse filled with rare alchemical ingredients. These treasures were the main draw for the universe’s top alchemists.
The realm wasn’t just home to precious materials—it teemed with dangerous beasts, creatures that would stop at nothing to protect their habitats. And even worse, Emery knew the real threat: other participants. Alchemists vying for supremacy would not hesitate to kill for the rarest resources, eliminating rivals in the process.
Understanding the perilous nature of the upcoming Alchemy Event, Emery made a firm decision: his daughter, Shinta, would not be accompanying him. The dangers of the Skyroot faction’s hidden realm were too great, and he couldn’t risk her safety. Despite her protests and eagerness to help, Emery’s stern refusal left no room for negotiation.
Instead, he sought the assistance of Grand Magus Soltz. Initially, Soltz was hesitant. But Emery reminded the elderly Magus of their shared goal—the potential cure that winning this competition could provide.
With Soltz’s agreement secured, Emery turned his attention to another ally: Livi.
He went to the Azure Cloud training chamber to check Livi’s condition. The female Baphomet hovered in mid-air, her eyes closed in deep meditation. Cosmic energy flared around her like a fiery aura, pulsing rhythmically as she absorbed power from a glowing sphere artifact that floated nearby.
The artifact, known as the [Cosmic Conductor], was the same device the Pardera experts had used to mitigate her tribulation. Acquiring it had come at an exorbitant cost—part of the hefty fine Emery had been forced to pay—but it was now proving invaluable. The conductor not only provided Livi with a steady influx of cosmic energy but also facilitated her understanding of her newfound godly-level powers.
The remarkable functionality of this artifact was comparable to the high-end formations owned by the top factions in the Magus world. Emery made a mental note to seek out a few more of these artifacts and bring them back home, where they would undoubtedly prove to be of immense value.
As Emery stepped into the chamber, the atmosphere shifted. Livi opened her eyes, the glow in her pupils flickering like dark flames. “Do you need me, Master?” she asked.
Emery nodded, taking a moment to assess her aura. Her strength had grown immensely since her breakthrough, and her demeanor radiated confidence. “I wanted to check on your progress,” he said, “and to inform you about the Alchemy competition. I’ll need your assistance during the event.”
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A mischievous grin spread across her face. “With me around, Master, you won’t have to lift a finger. I’ll take care of everything.”
#####
The next morning, Emery returned to the Skyroot Palace, accompanied by Livi and Grand Magus Soltz. The grand structure of the palace loomed before them, its spires glistening in the sunlight, surrounded by the bustling energy of alchemists preparing for the grand event. With one day remaining before the competition officially began, Emery and his companions were invited to stay in a luxurious estate provided by the Skyroot faction.
While most participants immersed themselves in the bustling alchemy workshops or browsed the Skyroot Palace’s illustrious shops, Emery decided on a quieter approach. He chose to explore the faction’s famed alchemical gardens—a sprawling expanse rumored to house some of the rarest and most magical ingredients in the realm. Livi and Grand Magus Soltz, both uninterested in the trek, remained behind in the luxurious mansion provided to them.
As Emery stepped through the ornate gates of the garden, the sights and scents overwhelmed his senses. Rows of glowing flora stretched endlessly, their petals pulsing with faint light as if alive. Luminescent vines crept up towering crystalline trees, whose fruits sparkled like they held entire galaxies within. The air was heavy with the mingling aromas of herbs—earthy, sweet, and tangy—each seemingly carrying a hint of enchantment.
Emery’s hand brushed against a cluster of silver-leafed plants exuding a cool mist, and he marveled at the ingenuity required to cultivate such a paradise. The Skyroot faction had truly outdone itself.
As he wandered deeper, a soft hum broke the stillness. The melody was faint, almost ethereal, and it tugged at his curiosity. Following the sound, Emery found its source: a young woman kneeling beside a bed of radiant blue flowers.
She was striking, with cascading silver hair that seemed to catch the light of the garden. Her slender fingers hovered over the blooms, delicate yet purposeful.
Emery recognized her instantly: Kaelyn Silverleaf, an alchemist he had noticed during the participant introductions. There was something oddly familiar about her, though he couldn’t place why. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to pause.
A spark of recognition flickered in her gaze as well, but before either could speak, the spell was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps.
“There You are!”
Emery turned, his momentary intrigue giving way to caution. A group of alchemists had appeared, their leader a middle-aged man with sharp features and an unmistakable air of hostility. His eyes locked onto Emery like a predator sighting its prey.
“You’re from the Azure Clan, aren’t you?” the man said, his tone sharp and accusing.
“Yes… I am,” Emery replied evenly, though his senses heightened. He could feel the tension rolling off the man.
The alchemist’s expression darkened further, his voice rising. “So you’re the one who tarnished my brother’s reputation! Tell me, when was the last time you saw him?”
Emery’s mind raced, piecing together the accusation. It took him a second to realize that the man was referring to Baldoni, the disgraced alchemist whom Emery had encountered—and detained.
“Answer me!” the man barked, his fists clenched as though he might lash out at any moment
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