Earth's Greatest Magus

Chapter 2367  Influence

Hall 6 was hosting a special guest today, and the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Emery and Klea sat in the main hall, waiting as an elderly Grand Magus entered, accompanied by two of his equally formidable elders. The guest was the patriarch of the Augusta faction, one of the top Grade 2 factions in the Alpha Quadrant. Though Emery had become accustomed to meeting influential leaders from powerful factions, this particular patriarch held unique significance. The Augusta faction was not only one of the most respected lower realm factions, but it was also the very group that Dillion had originally been tied to. Three years ago, the Augusta faction had vehemently opposed Dillion's decision to reject an offer from the prestigious high halls and instead align himself with Emery's newly established lower realm halls. Their disdain was clear at the time; they had considered it a waste of Dillion's talent and potential. But now, three years later, the narrative had dramatically shifted. Emery's Lower Realm Hall had risen rapidly through the ranks, earning a reputation as one of the academy's top halls. Even more impressive was the fact that Dillion, once a controversial figure in Augusta's eyes, had recently achieved a remarkable breakthrough into the Magus realm. This not only validated his decision but also brought immense pride and honor to his home faction. The meeting began cordially, with the patriarch presenting a series of lavish gifts—rare artifacts and materials of value. It was a gesture of gratitude for Emery's guidance in nurturing Dillion. However, Klea, who had gleaned insider information, had already informed Emery about the true reason for their visit. "We are hoping you would consider letting Dillion return to aid his faction, his home," the patriarch said, his voice measured yet firm.

The request, though politely worded, carried significant weight. Dillion, the new rising star of the Augusta faction, had announced his intention to devote his future to supporting Hall 6 and the lower realm alliance. His decision had caused ripples back in his home world, where the Augusta faction saw him as one of their most valuable assets. That the patriarch himself had come to make this request showed just how crucial Dillion was to them.

Emery listened carefully but remained resolute. He had no intention of letting go of someone as important as Dillion, not unless the young Magus chose to leave of his own accord. "I believe we must respect Dillion's decision on this matter," Emery said calmly, his tone firm yet diplomatic.

One of the grand magus elders, standing at the patriarch's side, bristled at Emery's response. His voice rose, betraying his frustration. "The boy is too young to understand matters of such great importance... He needs to see the big picture and think about his home first!"

The room fell into a brief, tense silence, but Emery remained composed. His eyes met the elder, unflinching, as he responded with quiet authority. "A boy? I disagree. Dillion is no longer a boy—he is a Magus now, I believe he is old enough to understand"

Despite understanding the importance of loyalty to one's homeland, Emery couldn't ignore the reality of the situation. The Augusta faction, for all its prestige, had offered almost no support to Dillion or his clan during his early days. Only now, after Dillion's breakthrough and newfound fame, did they come to claim him as one of their own. The truth, however, was that Dillion had already expressed his intention to distance himself from the Augusta faction. He had voiced a desire to bring his family out of the faction and align with another, with the Earth faction being at the top of his list. It was a bold move, one that would strengthen his ties with Emery but complicated his relationship with his home faction.

Unlike the elder brash demands, the patriarch seemed more measured.

He realized the delicate situation they were now in. Emery's words carried weight, not only because of his position but also due to his recent accomplishments and rising influence. Moreover, Dillion's growing popularity within the Augusta faction had already made his potential departure a painful blow to their pride.

On the other hand, as much as Emery valued a talent like Dillion, he knew that the Earth faction, with its current resources, could not fully support Dillion and his clan, especially given the mounting tensions with the Nephilim. There was a looming conflict that threatened everything Emery and his allies had built, and he couldn't promise Dillion the stability his family needed—at least not yet.

Emery encouraged Dillion to reflect carefully on his decision, emphasizing the importance of considering his home and family before making his decision.

That's when Klea stepped in with a compromise, skillfully navigating the delicate situation.

 She presented a deal to the Augusta faction, one that would not only keep Dillion tied to the lower realm alliance but also bring Augusta into the fold as an honorary member. This meant that Augusta, a powerful grade 2 faction, would become the first of its kind to officially join the alliance, raising the prestige of the entire lower realm network.

By agreeing to the deal, Dillion would still be able to support the lower realm alliance and the academy, acting as Augusta's representative. It was a perfect middle ground—Dillion wouldn't be torn away from his home, yet he could still honor his commitment to Emery and the alliance.

This wasn't the first time such a compromise had been reached. Over the years, many smaller factions had begun to gravitate toward Emery's alliance, especially after the hall's elevation to the top ranks. Factions eager to gain popularity and resources found it far easier to join the lower realm network, benefiting from its growing influence.

After the deal was finalized and the patriarch of Augusta left, Dillion threw himself fully into helping the younger acolytes prepare for their upcoming final exam. Watching his juniors train, Dillion said with a smile "Master you really did it... You brought us all to the top."