Earth's Greatest Magus

Two days before Karat’s scheduled battle to eradicate the pirate base, the atmosphere around Golden City became increasingly tense and electric.

Multiple warships began to gather in the orbits surrounding Golden City, creating an impressive and intimidating display of military power. On the outskirts of the city, thousands of forces from various factions assembled, organized meticulously by the Karat faction in preparation for the upcoming battle. The air was thick with anticipation and the battle spirit among the magus and grand magus figures was palpable.

Despite the fervor and determination shown by the battle-ready forces, a different kind of tension was brewing at the Golden City capitol building. Here, the mood was somber and charged with a sense of urgency as two dozen renowned figures stood in front of the majestic edifice. These leaders spoke passionately to the tens of thousands of gathered Golden City residents, their voices filled with resolute condemnation of Karat’s seemingly reckless decision to launch such a drastic call to action.

Among the speakers was Barry Croft, a senior member of the Golden City Council. Croft’s opposition to the planned assault was clear and unwavering. He spoke with conviction, articulating the potential dangers and unforeseen consequences of such an aggressive move. “The pirate attack on Karat’s planet was overly exaggerated,” Barry Croft declared, his voice echoing across the gathered crowd. “These moves by the Karat leaders are nothing but political. We, the Golden City Council, are here to reveal the truth.” He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. “We all know of Karat’s long relationship with the pirates, and we won’t send our brave men into an operation that would endanger our city. The people of Golden City will not be fooled!”

The crowd murmured in response, a mix of shock and curiosity spreading among them. Croft continued to speak with fervor, criticizing the Karat faction and casting doubt on their motives. He portrayed their actions as reckless and self-serving, suggesting that their ultimate goal was not the safety of the city but their own political gain.

Croft didn’t stop there. He invoked the memory of the missing founder, Supreme Leader Rosin Karat, speaking highly of his legacy. He contrasted Rosin’s leadership with that of his sons, Hassa and Xavier, who were currently in charge. Croft painted a dire picture of their governance, implying that their decisions were leading Golden City toward ruin. He suggested that Hassa and Xavier were destroying the legacy their father had built and jeopardizing the city’s future.

To rally support, Croft ended his speech by praising multiple factions for their commitment to ensuring the city’s safety. Among those he acknowledged were the Qin and the Hauten, emphasizing their efforts to maintain stability in these turbulent times. The speech by Barry Croft and the Golden City Council was an open challenge, backed by a coalition of over 20 factions, all opposing the Karat faction. The message was broadcast across the sector, significantly impacting the planned participation in the battle. The rhetoric and accusations led to an immediate effect: several ships and groups departed from the gathering, unwilling to risk involvement in what they now perceived as a politically motivated conflict.

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Upon his return from the academy, Emery made his way to Karat’s temporary base on the outskirts of Golden City. The atmosphere was charged with frustration and urgency. As he approached, he saw Xavier Karat, visibly enraged, cursing vehemently in front of a dozen other leaders. “Barry fucking Croft!! What a hypocrite bastard!!!” Xavier’s voice was filled with fury, reflecting the betrayal he felt.

In contrast, Lord Hassa Karat maintained a composed demeanor. Noticing Emery’s arrival, Hassa signaled for a more private discussion, leading Emery away from the heated exchange.

Once in a quieter setting, Hassa reviewed the report brought by Emery. “One warship from Terra… and… wow, one cruiser and five warships from Zodiac. Good… that’s a significant help.”

Given the treacherous pirate zone they would be navigating, filled with void space and traps, medium and small ships were deemed unsuitable for the battle. On the other hand, the war campaign was expected to last several weeks, necessitating that most factions leave part of their forces behind to guard their own territories.

Lord Hassa shared the data on the current participants with Emery, providing a clear picture of their assembled forces. So far, only 30 warships have confirmed their participation in the campaign, with a significant 10 of those belonging to the Karat faction. The addition of seven ships from Terra and Zodiac was indeed a substantial boost to their numbers, enhancing their overall strength.

Despite this, they were still hoping for an additional 10 to 20 warships to join by tomorrow. However, what they most anticipated was the support from the Magus Alliance military forces, particularly the involvement of a supreme magus, whose presence could decisively influence the outcome of the battle.

Sensing the limited number of forces, Emery inquired about the political situation at the Golden City capitol. Lord Hassa’s expression shifted slightly as he responded. “It’s unfortunate indeed,” he said calmly with a smile.

This response hinted at the intricate layers of their strategy. The demanding call to action by the Karat faction was designed not only to mobilize forces but also to expose the opposing factions. What they hadn’t anticipated was the sheer number of factions willing to openly challenge them. Xavier, visibly the most enraged, had watched more than half of his supporters reveal their true allegiances, a betrayal that stung deeply.

Emery’s next question was direct and crucial: “Are these numbers enough to win the war?”

Lord Hassa paused, considering the gravity of the situation. “Probably not,” he admitted with a sigh. “But we still have to do it….” he then asks “Is this going to affect your decision to support us?”

Emery confidently responded, “No,” indicating that the current numbers would not deter his support for the Karat faction. Lord Hassa’s smile widened in response. “Don’t worry. We will win and show the people of Golden City who truly protect the city,” he said with conviction.

Despite his unwavering commitment to join the battle, Emery couldn’t shake a sense of anxiety. His concern wasn’t the perilous pirate base lurking in the sector’s corner; but matters closer to home. Before he could fully commit to the upcoming battle, there was something else he needed to do first.

That evening, Emery traveled through the city portal to a designated outpost within the sector. Accompanying him was Liith, the dark salamander, as they headed to a scheduled meeting with Lady Ishtar of the Nephilim.