At the same time, another meeting was held in the shadows.
Several figures—Academy instructors and some others, gathered in a dim, secluded chamber. One of them stood with a respectful bow toward the others. This was the same Grand Magus who had caused trouble within Emery's twin halls earlier. He looked anxious as questions were thrown his way.
"Is it really him? Are you certain?" one voice demanded.
"Yes… it's him," the man replied hesitantly. "That's Emery Ambrose, the missing Academy instructor. He's back—and he... He has reached the Grand Magus realm. He's… strong." His words faded into a whisper.
The news drew a wave of uneasy murmurs.
"Did he return to compete again for the top halls?"
"If he's truly broken through to the Grand Magus realm, he won't be easy to deal with," another said grimly. "I still remember how he defeated Adam the Apostle back when he was only a Magus."
