Chapter 2197 Invite

Chapter 2197 Invite

The morning after the grand reception, Emery gathered his friends to discuss his conversation with Tessa and the invitation from the Karat elders. Reactions were mixed. Those who knew Tessa and had been working closely with the Karat family viewed it positively, while others were more suspicious, particularly due to Tessa's ambiguous responses and the fact that Emery was instructed to come alone.

Magus Rosia voiced her concern first. "I hear their faction conflict has escalated even worse. I think you need to reconsider."

Despite their concerns, Emery felt confident in his decision. With space magic and his Khaos Gate, he believes that he can escape any kind of danger. What they needed was to get the Karat family on their side. If they can't secure the Karat support, they might have to consider migrating the whole Terra faction away.

Grand Magus Shena, always the voice of reason, added her thoughts with a worried frown. "You should at least bring Senior Lilith with you."

Emery rejected the idea, feeling troubled by Ishtar's threat and her two Grand Magus guards. He needed the powerful Dark Salamander to guard the city. The threat was significant enough that Emery sent a message back to the Earth-Moon base, ensuring that his senior, Fuxi, remained on high alert for the next few weeks.

Despite his resolve, one voice of dissent broke through. "I will come with you," Morgana said firmly.

Emery considered her offer carefully. He nodded, recognizing the value of her presence. Not only could Morgana wait inside his domain, but he also needed the Khaos guardian, Killgragah, to be with him during this trip.

Before the appointed time, Emery spent his days delving deeper into the intricacies of the Karat family. He studied their strength, their interests, and their internal conflicts. This knowledge was crucial for understanding their position and how best to approach them.

At noon on the day of the meeting, Emery used the teleportation gate to Golden City. He let Morgana enter his domain and then headed to the Karat family estate, located hundreds of miles outside the bustling city. The once-leisurely estate, previously a serene sanctuary for Supreme figure Rosin Karat, had transformed into a fortress teeming with dozens of magus. Emery couldn't help but recall the time when this place hosted King Alduin during the Academy Bloody Incursion.

When Emery arrived at the estate, he faced a thorough identity check by a group of magus, overseen by a stern grand magus elder. Despite not using spirit reading, Emery sensed the tension among them due to the family's ongoing crisis.

As expected, the meeting wasn't held there. Within the fortified estate lay another teleportation gate. "You may enter," the grand magus elder finally said, leading Emery towards the concealed chamber where the gate awaited.

Among them was Khalid, the elder and one of the four guardians of the Karat faction, a formidable three cosmos grand magus. His gaze was intense, his presence imposing as he observed Emery with a keen eye. Sara, a magus and one of the Karat's chosen council members, stepped forward. Her voice carried a tone of respect as she addressed Lord Hassa, detailing Emery's identity and his role as the leader of the Terra faction. She emphasized the numerous collaborations between Emery and the Karat family, highlighting in particular the pivotal moment when Emery had saved Hassa Karat's daughter from pirates a decade ago.

Lord Hassa listened attentively, his expression softening with gratitude and admiration. "What a spectacular young man," he remarked, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Not only have you been actively helping our sector combat pirate threats, but you also saved my daughter. For that, I am forever grateful."

Emery nodded respectfully, acknowledging the praise but also sensing the underlying currents of tension in the room. Despite the warm reception from Lord Hassa, he remained keenly aware that this meeting held deeper implications.

As Khalid, the grand magus who had invited Emery, began explaining the Terra faction's intentions to join the council candidacy with support from Zodiac City, Lord Hassa Karat's expression shifted from initial warmth to a mix of concern and seriousness. The mention of the Nephilim and their recent announcements to support the Qin and Croft during the reception seemed to weigh heavily on his mind, a sentiment echoed by other magus present in the room who confirmed the incident.

Emery observed Lord Hassa's face grow somber, lines of worry creasing his brow as he processed the implications. "This indeed complicates things..." Lord Hassa murmured, his tone reflecting deep contemplation.

Turning his attention directly to Emery, Lord Hassa Karat posed a direct question "So... my young friend, tell me your intention..."

Emery took a moment to gather his thoughts, choosing his words carefully. "Lord Hassa, I came hoping that we can help each other solve our problems..." His voice trailed off as he began to outline his plan, but before he could finish, Lord Hassa interrupted with a solemn apology.

"My apologies, my young friend," Lord Hassa said gravely, his gaze unwavering. "It appears my people have invited you here for a different reason..."

"What reason?" To Emery's surprise, with Lord Hassa's slight nod, the three cosmos grand magus, Khalid suddenly displayed his overwhelming domain power to restrain him. Emery gasped in shock, his confusion evident as he demanded an explanation. "Why?!"

Lord Hassa Karat took a deep sigh, his expression troubled. "We are on the brink of war... and the last thing we need is another faction like the Nephilim meddling in our affairs," he explained regretfully. "I apologize, but we need to keep you here to ensure that no such interference occurs."

What followed was Emery being escorted to a special chamber, meticulously designed to nullify his ability to cast spells and prevent any attempt at teleportation.

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