Reincarnation of the Last Magus Emperor

As dawn's golden light crept across the horizon, Merlin approached the towering gates of the Inner Court. His stride was steady, his mind calm, though his heart held a quiet anticipation. He had no official instruction on when to report for his first day, but punctuality was a habit ingrained deeply in him, and he believed in seizing every opportunity that came his way. Better to arrive early and wait than to be late and lose the respect of those within.

At the gates, two Deacons sat cross-legged in meditation, their auras radiating calm yet undeniable strength. These were not novices but seasoned cultivators, each at the 4th Circle Arcanist Realm. Despite their advanced age, their mana cores were steady and their presence imposing. They were an example of what it meant to have reached the peak of one's cultivation talent—stable, powerful, yet unable to ascend further.

The sect relied on individuals like them to maintain order, guide the younger disciples, and enforce the sect's rules. Deacons in the 3rd Circle Adept or 4th Circle Arcanist Realms and Elders in the 5th Circle Master Realm represented the backbone of the sect's structure. Their roles were pivotal, their experience invaluable, even if they could no longer ascend the ranks of cultivation.

The two men bore the marks of their age—grey streaks in their hair and deeply lined faces—but their mana was vibrant, coiled tightly within them like a dormant storm. They didn't acknowledge Merlin's presence immediately, but their senses were sharp, and he knew they were aware of him long before he stopped in front of the gates.

One of them opened an eye, his gaze piercing yet calm. His voice carried the weight of authority as he addressed Merlin. "Disciple, state your name and purpose."

Merlin clasped his hands in a respectful salute, his posture impeccable. "Merlin, Outer Court disciple, recently selected for the Inner Court six-month trial. Reporting for my first day, Deacon."

The second Deacon opened his eyes now, studying Merlin carefully. "You're early," he remarked, his tone neutral. "Elder Korra's new pick, I take it?"

"Yes, Deacon," Merlin replied simply, keeping his tone respectful but steady.

The first Deacon nodded, seemingly satisfied. "The Inner Court isn't like the Outer Court, boy. Strength alone won't earn you a place here. Discipline, effort, and respect will carry you further than raw power ever could. Remember that."

"I understand, Deacon," Merlin said, bowing slightly.

With a wave of his hand, the second Deacon gestured toward the gates. "You may enter. Elder Korra informed us of your arrival. Follow the main path until you reach the Assembly Hall. You'll receive further instructions there."

Merlin nodded his thanks and stepped forward as the massive gates creaked open, revealing the Inner Court beyond. It was a world apart from the Outer Court—clean, orderly, and brimming with a serene energy that spoke of deeper cultivation and stronger foundations.

As the gates closed behind him, Merlin couldn't help but feel a quiet determination rising within him. This was a new chapter, a chance to prove himself and continue his journey. He wouldn't waste it.

Merlin followed the winding path through the Inner Court, taking in his surroundings as he walked. The air here felt charged, as if the environment itself was imbued with the mana of generations of cultivators. The buildings were grander, with intricate carvings and inscriptions that glowed faintly with elemental energy. This was a place where true mages were forged, and Merlin could feel the weight of its history pressing down on him.

Soon, he arrived at the Assembly Hall, a towering structure that exuded both authority and elegance. The doors were open, and as he stepped inside, his eyes immediately fell upon an Elder standing at the front of the hall. The man's presence was commanding, and it wasn't just his height or the striking red hair of the western highlanders that set him apart—it was the aura of power that surrounded him.

This Elder stood tall, easily over six and a half feet, his broad shoulders and muscular build a testament to his warrior lineage. His crimson hair was tied back in a simple braid, allowing his piercing green eyes to survey the hall with a sharp, calculating gaze. He wore the standard sleeveless robes of a combat mage, revealing arms lined with faint scars that spoke of countless battles. On his left arm, a tattoo of a direwolf—the symbol of the western highlanders—was prominently displayed.

As Merlin approached, the Elder turned his gaze toward him, and for a moment, Merlin felt as though he were being weighed and measured. The Elder's voice, deep and resonant, broke the silence.

"You must be the new recruit," he said, his tone carrying a mix of curiosity and authority. "Merlin, is it?"

Merlin stopped a few paces away and offered a respectful salute, bowing slightly. "Yes, Elder. I am Merlin, here for the six-month trial period."

The Elder nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "I am Elder Fergus, one of the instructors here in the Inner Court. I specialize in physical augmentation and elemental combat techniques, particularly Fire and Earth. While those aren't your affinities, you'll find that many of my teachings apply universally. But first…"

He stepped closer, his piercing gaze locking onto Merlin. "I've heard some interesting things about you. A Lightning mage, they say. Rare among Southerners, rarer still in the Outer Court. Tell me, Merlin, why are you here? What is it you seek to accomplish in these six months?"

Merlin met Elder Fergus's gaze without hesitation. Though the Elder's presence was imposing, he felt no need to falter. He straightened his posture and answered, his voice steady.

"I seek to refine myself, Elder. To strengthen both my body and mana in harmony, to find the path forward that best suits me. I don't see this trial as an opportunity for status or recognition—it's a step in a much larger journey."

Elder Fergus raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "A larger journey, is it? Bold words for someone just stepping into the Inner Court." He paused, his gaze narrowing slightly. "But boldness is not a flaw, so long as it's backed by action. We'll see if you can live up to your words, Merlin. For now, take a seat. The others will arrive shortly."

Merlin nodded and moved to one of the benches near the middle of the hall, keeping his composure as Elder Fergus turned his attention back to the entrance. As he waited, Merlin couldn't help but feel a spark of anticipation. The Inner Court was already proving to be a place of challenges, and he welcomed them all.