Chapter 1824 Briefing
"Magus of the Alliance! Welcome to the most pivotal expedition of your magus life!" The man addressing the eager assembly was a prominent member of the Magus Council, who called himself Fury Hammar serving as a representative of the illustrious Magus Alliance. His voice resonated throughout the spacious dome where magus of diverse backgrounds had gathered for this momentous occasion.
The council member commenced the briefing by introducing a dozen venerable grand magus elders. Emery saw Delbrand standing among them. These respected individuals would be overseeing and guiding the events to ensure that everything unfolded as smoothly as possible.
Following this introduction, he shifted the spotlight onto a figure who was nothing short of legendary in magus circles – Imperio, a renowned supreme magus. Imperio had earned his reputation as the supreme commander of the Magus Alliance's formidable military, a position of utmost authority and responsibility.
The atmosphere within the dome was electric with anticipation as these revered figures were presented. Their presence underscored the gravity of the expedition and the importance of its success for the Magus Alliance.
Next, the council conducted a remarkable ritual. Holding a gleaming golden staff aloft, they cast a potent seal that marked the palms of Emery and every participant. As they gazed at the fresh tattoo on their skin, they were informed of its purpose: a means for the Magus Alliance to locate and aid them when they were in dire need. It was a reassuring gesture, even though the magus understood that with only 3000 enforcers and no grand magus among them, their protection might have its limitations.
However, the council had a plan in place to establish secure basecamps on the second and fourth layers. These palaces would serve as a refuge for any magu who required assistance, a sanctuary in the midst of the expedition's challenges.
The council's final words resonated with a sense of gravitas. "You are the future of the alliance. We wish for your safety and the triumphant success of the expedition. Good luck to all."
The grand spectacle continued as a colossal screen displayed a countdown timer, indicating just one hour remaining before the ruins would open. Simultaneously, Emery witnessed nine advanced devices detach from the exterior of the space station, gradually making their way toward the immense constructs.
Accompanied by at least one grand magus and a dozen magus donning space suits, each device floated and encircled the towering structures, unfurling into massive rings. These nine teleportation gates were strategically positioned to face each of the constructs' nine sides. n--O(-V--ε-)l.(b--I--n
To add to the spectacle, nine more rings materialized, surrounding the stage at the end of the dome where the assembly of magus stood. The anticipation in the air was palpable.
Jinkan's decision to bring only 10 magus with her had initially put her at a numerical disadvantage when compared to the other Nephilim groups. The odds seemed stacked against her. However, she remained resolute and undeterred, displaying a remarkable resolve that Emery found inspiring.
In response to this numerical challenge, Jinkan revealed a hidden card up her sleeve. She confidently announced, "We have an ally of our own." With those words, Emery witnessed four distinct factions approaching their position, comprising a total of 20 individuals. Among them, Emery recognized two groups - the Proxima faction and Alabaster from the Centauri planet. Accompanying them were the three magus who had previously tested Emery in the Proxima palace and a spirit master named Uria, a young prodigy who had earned a spot among the top 10 Alabaster spirit masters. Notably, Uria had managed to defeat Zephyr in a past confrontation.
The arrival of these young magus was a significant boost to the group's morale. They were, without a doubt, the most talented individuals from the two grade four factions, their presence radiating a sense of strength and potential that infused Jinkan's group with newfound confidence. With these promising magus by their side, Jinkan felt much better equipped to compete on equal footing with the other Nephilim groups in this challenging endeavor.
Jinkan's call for unity resonated with the assembled groups. "Here is our little coalition; let's work together!" she declared, assuming a leadership role in this alliance. The diverse group of magus and spirit masters now stood united in their purpose, prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As the one-hour countdown reached its last few seconds, the mysterious ruins around them began to emit a radiant glow. Simultaneously, the ring portal activated, and it was time to make their move. "Let's go!" Jinkan urged, and with determination, they all stepped through the portal into the unknown, ready to confront the challenges of the [Light Vault].
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In the distance, towards the far reaches of the dome, a small party of magus stood, their attention fixed on the gate portal as it slowly saturated and began to open. Among them, a magus with scaly skin expressed his concerns. He mentioned, "Aunt Hecate, that one called Emery joined the first wave. It's going to be challenging to catch up with him."
Hecate, a female magus imbued with the power of a full moon, responded with a calm assurance, "Don't worry, Triton. We don't need to follow him. It's fortunate that they've separated... We shall follow the other six instead. Do you understand?"
Triton nodded in acknowledgment, his trust in his aunt's judgment evident. "Yes, Aunt, I will follow your command."
Hecate turned her gaze towards the other four magus accompanying them, and her eyes rested on the silent and strong-looking figure among them. She addressed this individual, "Your father Zeus has high expectations for you, Hercules. Don't disappoint me."
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