The name Emery Ambrose had not been widely associated with the Demons Pit incident, at least not beyond certain circles like the Nephilim faction or the dark elves themselves. However, when the senior officer entered the name into the Magus Alliance's exclusive intelligence database, a series of information pop-ups flooded the screen. It was as if a hidden dossier had been unlocked, revealing Emery's remarkable accomplishments:
The officer's eyes widened as he read through the entries: "Top 10 Privilege Magus Academy Acolyte," "Medal of Distinguished Honor," "Highest Commendation on a Mission," and "Exemplary Honor on a Secret Mission." It was an extensive list that spoke volumes about Emery's capabilities and his dedication to the magus cause.
The list of achievements was extensive, especially for someone of such a young age. While these achievements alone didn't provide concrete evidence linking Emery to the Demon's Pit incident, they certainly lent an air of credibility to his words. The senior officer's attitude shifted dramatically, becoming exceedingly friendly and respectful.
"Absolutely, we'll assist you in processing these spirit souls," the senior officer affirmed, acknowledging the rarity and value of the dark elves' souls. "That would amount to 17,600 merits."
With that additional amount, Emery could have a total of 22,800 points, enabling him to purchase a permit for another person or two within the Magus Alliance, or perhaps obtain some other much-needed items or access.
However, before the officer could take the box containing the dark elves' souls, Emery tightened his grip, clearly hesitant. The truth was he was still deliberating whether 17,600 merits were more valuable than the spirit energy he could extract from these dark elf souls. Holding onto this decision, Emery produced yet another box, this one filled with human spirit souls. The officer's shock deepened as Emery presented the additional souls.
"These are all the human magus souls I managed to rescue from the Demon's Pit," Emery explained. "Do I earn any merits for these as well?"
As the question hung in the air, the atmosphere in the room grew increasingly tense. There were 142 human souls within the box, each representing a life that Emery had saved from the clutches of the Demon's Pit. The magus officers present began to count the souls meticulously, confirming their authenticity.
Meanwhile, word of the unfolding situation had spread throughout the Centauri Magus Alliance headquarters, prompting the arrival of numerous officers. The commotion attracted the attention of a grand magus minister, a figure of significant authority within the organization, and the person in charge of the headquarters itself.
The senior officer, still somewhat flustered, attempted to explain the situation to the minister but struggled to find the right words. The weight of the moment was palpable, and the minister's presence only intensified the gravity of the situation.
With a calm and composed demeanor, the minister addressed Emery directly, his voice carrying an air of authority. "Please come, follow me."
Emery, Julian, and Nyx were led to the minister's private chamber, accompanied by the two officers who had been handling Emery's request. Minister Pius, as he introduced himself, carefully reviewed the matter at hand. After a thoughtful moment, he turned his attention to Emery.
His words were measured and carried the weight of a significant decision. "There are actually no merit exchange points for human magus. It's just not humane to trade the lives of our friends and family for mere points. The Magus Alliance will ensure that each of these souls is returned to their respective factions and families, with the recognition that it was you who rescued them and brought them back to the alliance."
Emery's initial reaction to the minister's statement was one of mild disappointment. But then, a realization came to him that some of the rescued individuals were not mere items to trade but people he had fought alongside hit him. Among the faces that flashed before him were those of Commander Seraphina the Ironheart, whose bravery had been unwavering; Master Fleming, the skilled apothecary who trusted him; and even his own mentor, Urix Wellenstein.
After a deep sigh accepting the situation, he spoke with sincerity, "I understand. I just need assurance that you will properly take care of them."
The audacity of Emery's request was not lost on the junior officer present, who couldn't help but protest, "You! This is our minister you're talking to!"
However, before the junior officer could continue his rebuke, an unseen force abruptly silenced him. His face turned several shades paler, and he fell silent as the minister addressed Emery with a more composed demeanor.
The minister acknowledged the need for improvement in the behavior of his staff and offered a brief apology. "My apologies. I will certainly take steps to ensure better behavior from my personnel."
In an effort to address Emery's concerns, the minister went a step further. He personally vowed to oversee the care of each human spirit soul, pledging to handle them individually and with the utmost respect. Given the notorious reputation of the Demon's Pit, he believed that every soul Emery had saved likely hailed from an important background or held a significant status. With confidence, the minister suggested that Emery's reward for his contribution would extend far beyond mere merit points.
Upon hearing the promising prospects and assurances from the minister, Emery made a final decision. He carefully withdrew the box containing the souls of the dark elves not to trade for merits points, not until he heard news about the said reward. Morgana and the others just need to wait a little bit more for their permits.
Emery also decided to keep the spirit soul of Atlas. He intended to personally deliver Atla's soul to the Nephilim, ensuring that his friend got the much-deserved reward he was promised.
Once all the souls had been meticulously counted and documented, the minister inquired about the best means of contacting Emery. Upon learning that Emery was residing with Emissary Duncan, the grand magus's smile grew even more pronounced.
"Emery Ambrose," the minister remarked with a hint of intrigue. "It seems I will be hearing more of your interesting news in the future."
As Emery, Julian, and Nyx leave the building, Julian halts Emery for a moment, with a serious expression he says "The things that just happened there, the things you did... they further strengthen my resolve"
Simultaneously, Nyx clung to Emery's arm, her grasp even tighter this time, as she inquired with anticipation, "Master, where are we going now?" The Succubus's curiosity and attachment to Emery were undeniable, and it was clear that she looked up to him with newfound admiration.
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