Earth's Greatest Magus

Upon passing through the massive gate, Emery’s group found themselves in a vast tunnel. It was truly an otherworldly sight. The tunnel was colossal, stretching out in front of them seemingly without end. It was about a mile wide, and its walls were adorned with intricate, glowing rune patterns that pulsed softly with an ethereal light. These patterns seemed to have a life of their own, moving and shifting as if responding to some mystical rhythm.

As they flew further into the tunnel, Emery and his companions could see half a dozen golden arches adorning the walls. These arches marked the Avalonian gates, the entry points to the complex labyrinth that connected to thousands of smaller vaults.

The sheer scale of the tunnel was overwhelming. It felt like entering an ancient, mystical realm where endless possibilities and unknown challenges lay ahead. The atmosphere inside the tunnel was chilly, and the air seemed to vibrate with a strange energy, adding to the sense of anticipation and mystery.

A moment later, the tunnel’s defensive system sprang into action in the form of a massive mirror that emitted a powerful beam capable of annihilating any magus in its path. The Arcanum magus proved to be resourceful in creating a formation that could withstand such an attack.

Simultaneously, hundreds of drones began pouring out of the walls, initiating a battle between the Arcanum magus at the front and the incoming drones. It took only a moment before these drones turned their attention to Emery’s group as well.

Amidst the chaos, a massive explosion erupted from the Arcanum’s ranks.

As this unfolded, the hundred Arcanum magus made their move, breaking into three distinct groups and selecting different Avalonians gates. They appeared to have a specific strategy in mind, dividing their forces to explore multiple paths within the tunnel.

Behind Emery’s group, more magus entered the gates, and additional drones streamed fort to stop them.Emery wasted no time, prompted with their initial plan to created another portal for the group.

In most planetary environments, he could form gate spanning over 500 miles with ease, but within this mysterious realm, his Khaos energy’s influence was somewhat limited. Nevertheless, he managed to create a portal spanning 100 miles, which was sufficient to ensure their progress and put some distance between themselves and the other groups of magus.

He generated one portal after another, their shimmering forms beckoning the group as they raced through, allowing them to bypass the relentless drones. They went through ten spatial gates, each propelled them deeper into the maze, passing trough more than five dozen of Avalonian gates, they reached what appeared to be the end of the tunnel.

Now that they have reach their intended location, Jinkan decisively chose one of the Avalonian gates to enter, and a mechanical voice echoed in their minds, announcing their destination.

[You are entering Light Vault 167]

The group successfully reached a vast chamber that presented a unique blend of natural cave-like features and intricate golden metallic structures. The environment was adorned with silvery grass and glistening crystal on the walls, and most importantly, it offered a breathable atmosphere and gravity that allowed them to move freely.

Elowen, a magus hailing from the Alabaster faction, couldn’t contain her excitement. “We made it first!” she exclaimed.

Emery’s exceptional skill with spatial manipulation hadn’t gone unnoticed, and Ignatius, the courteous magus representing the Proxima faction, approached him with admiration. “I see you are not just a great spirit magus; you are also a master of space. You have my highest respect.”

The rest of the group sprang into action, each magus contributing their expertise. Some cast spells to scout the area, seeking any potential threats. Meanwhile, others worked to erect a formidable barrier—a powerful seal designed to obstruct any competing groups from accessing this newfound chamber.

Jinkan took charge of the situation, deploying a squadron of 10 small drones to scout the caverns while also releasing 20 of the colossal three-meter-tall metal golems—a cutting-edge creation of the Nephilim. Each of these formidable golems possessed the strength of a dozen saint warriors and the capacity to obstruct any magus who dared to challenge them. Their primary role was to serve as a warning, signaling to any intruders that they were facing the Nephilim, and providing Jinkan’s group with valuable time to react.

Approaching the composed Uria Alabaster, Jinkan inquired, “Any insights?”

Uria, the most adept spirit reader within their group, calmly pointed in two different directions. “One is situated to the west, approximately 150 miles away. The other is positioned to the north, approximately 300 miles from here.”

As the most powerful spirit reader among them, Uria could sense phenomena from much greater distances. Emery also attempted to sense the presence 150 miles to the west and detected a faintly elevated energy amidst the countless readings saturating the caves. However, his attempt to reach the entity positioned 300 miles to the north was met with no success.

With a newfound sense of direction, Jinkan turned her attention to Emery and inquired, “What’s your range in this place?”

Emery knew that he couldn’t claim an impressive range here due to the abnormal gravity, limiting his portal creation to a mere 50 miles. It paled in comparison to the abilities of a spirit master, and he couldn’t help but feel its inadequacy.

“50 for now, but give me time to become more familiar with the place, and I can jump further,” Emery explained.

Jinkan nodded and pointed to their nearest target. “Alright, I’ll take that 50.”

It took Emery a few moments to prepare, but eventually, he located the spot and opened a portal. This portal allowed them to enter the vault without being easily tracked by others, affording them more time to achieve their objectives. However, their entrance placed them right in the midst of Avalonia drones and constructs, forcing them into an immediate confrontation.

“Let’s warm up!” Jinkan declared, and Emery along with the group of 30 magus began to battle.