Chapter 2297 Flying City

Chapter 2297 Flying City

The Nephilim were one of the most powerful factions within the Magus Alliance, with their influence spanning across all three quadrants.

In the Alpha Quadrant's Sector 2, their presence was especially dominant, controlling most of the 700 habitable planets across more than 50 galaxies. Seraph City, the center of their sector bustled with over 500 million people, its streets teeming with life as countless beings arrived and departed every day.

However, towering above the city's highest peak lay a place set apart from the rest—a domain reserved for the elite, where the true power of the Nephilim faction gathered. This was the heart of Seraph City, its most exclusive and heavily fortified zone.

Emery approached the entrance to this hidden world: a massive, heavily guarded gate that led to a majestic staircase suspended in midair. Its grandeur was breathtaking, and the security surrounding it was unmatched.

"Are we really going here? Are you sure?" Annara asked, her voice tinged with unease. Her concern was valid—the identity check to enter this part of the city was notoriously strict, and any misstep could mean disaster.

Emery, however, remained calm. Though the security measures gave him pause, he had prepared meticulously for this moment.

He presented a legitimate, highly exclusive merchant placate—one that was almost impossible to forge. The magus guard took it, scanning it thoroughly before nodding in approval, satisfied with its authenticity.

However, both Emery's and Annara's identities as traders were subtly masked, thanks to VIA's assistance. This small manipulation of the system was delicate enough that, even if discovered, it wouldn't be seen as a severe offense. After all, many high-ranking figures preferred to conceal their identities for privacy, and Emery simply wished to keep his presence hidden from any of the Nephilim's families, especially the Astiel.

As the guard waved them through, Annara's initial relief quickly shifted to amusement when they were informed of the entrance fee. "Ten million spirit stones per person—for a one-month visitor permit, one hundred for a year," said the guard.

The staggering cost underscored the exclusivity of this elite domain, a price far beyond the reach of most magus. Fortunately, Emery's substantial savings were more than enough to cover the exorbitant fee. Glancing at Annara, he noticed her playful grin, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

<Hey... Do you know how much the Zodiac City paid me for my work? I don't have that kind of money... and besides, I'm here to help you, so...> Annara's voice rang in Emery's mind, laced with mischief and expectation.

The female Seraph stood beside him, equally poised, her eyes softly glowing with a hint of curiosity. Their presence exuded a natural, almost divine authority.

To maintain their cover, Emery responded calmly, asking for a tour around the city.

The Seraph guides led them through the gleaming streets of the Flying City, offering a detailed tour of its most exclusive sites.

They passed high-grade shops, where artifacts of immense power—Tier 7 and even rare Tier 8—were sold to those who could afford them. Spells of extraordinary potency lined the shelves, their inscriptions glowing faintly with magic. Every corner seemed to offer something more prestigious than the last.

Next, the guides pointed out several elite facilities, managed by famed Grand Master, offering services to refine and enhance their body and equipment. There was even a facility dedicated to the refinement of cosmic energy, a service in high demand by any Grand Magus.

However, it wasn't just the grand facilities that drew people to the Flying City.

Many came to indulge in the luxurious amenities it had to offer—extravagant dining halls, where the finest ingredients from across galaxies were served, and lavish entertainment centers, where the rich and powerful gathered to relax and flaunt their wealth. The Seraphs highlighted each location with pride, showcasing the exclusive nature of these services.

While walking past a famous bathhouse, Annara nudged Emery with a playful look.

"Err... I've heard so much about this place..." she began, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Then her tone shifted slightly. "But... it's probably better if we go our separate ways here... I don't want to end up in an awkward situation with your girlfriend and daughter."

To her surprise, Emery gave a casual response. "It's a perfectly great place to visit... let's check it out."

Annara blinked, momentarily stunned. Her usual sharp wit failed her for a moment as she processed his response. "Wait, what?!"

With a wry smile, she followed as Emery confidently strode toward the entrance of the famed bathhouse, leaving the guides behind.