Earth's Greatest Magus

Emery had little to no experience operating the flying capsule, but thankfully VIA, his dependable AI companion, could override the controls and take control of the vessel for him. The capsule zipped through the air, executing sharp maneuvers to evade the relentless pursuit of the crimson elder dragon.

The capsule was designed for a singular purpose: escape. Its build prioritized speed and agility over durability, making it ideal for desperate situations like this. However, this meant that even minor damage could compromise its performance.

As if on cue, the screen in front of Emery flickered with alarming messages.

[Warning]

[Multiple malfunctions detected]

[Vessels operating at 65% efficiency]

Sixty-five percent efficiency wasn’t ideal, but Emery figured it was better than nothing. After all, he had been the one to damage the pod when Major Zoller attempted to use it to escape. At that moment, Emery had been pleased with his action. Now, with his life hanging in the balance, he wished he’d been gentler.

While Emery silently berated himself, the dragon suddenly reappeared in front of the capsule, cutting through the sandstorm like a crimson blade.

ROARRR!!!!

VIA reacted instantly, executing a sharp evasive turn. Despite the effort, one of the dragon’s fireballs exploded near the capsule, sending a violent tremor through its fragile frame.

“Is it going to CRASH?!!”

Emery gripped the controls tightly as the pod wobbled, the interior shaking so violently he feared it might disintegrate at any moment. His heart raced, but, against all odds, the capsule stabilized, continuing its flight.

The dragon seems to lose its momentum from the failed strike and fell behind, its presence now a growing speck in the sandstorm’s chaos.

Just as Emery allowed himself a brief moment of relief, thinking he’d successfully escaped, multiple warning symbols flashed across the screen in front of him.

[Warning]

[Energy core heavily damaged]

[Activating secondary energy supply]

[Calculating…]

[Warning]

[Reaching the selected destination is impossible. Please choose an alternative target.]

“DAMMIT!!!” Emery growled, slamming his fist against the console.

His original plan was simple, to reach the teleportation gate and leave the planet, find help, or use his Khaos Gate to escape to safety.

However, returning to the Homebase was not an option. Bringing both the relentless dragon and the pursuing Grand Magus with him would spell disaster—not only for himself but for the civilians, Klea, and the acolytes waiting there.

His secondary plan was to reach the other teleportation gate. The one lay deep within enemy territory on the northern side of the continent, typically used by the dark elves. This was why, despite the peril, he had been heading north instead of south to presumed safety.

But the situation grew increasingly dire. The flying capsule had sustained heavy damage, rendering it unlikely to cover the distance needed to reach the northern gate. Worse, he knew Talaro would pinpoint his location the moment he landed. Forced into a corner, Emery’s mind raced, weighing risks and possibilities. Finally, he made a desperate decision—one that, while perilous, offered a higher chance of survival.

After ten tense minutes of soaring through the storm, the capsule sputtered and finally broke down. The engine emitted a high-pitched whine before shutting off completely. With no time to waste, Emery activated his teleportation spell, disappearing from the failing pod and reappearing in the heart of chaos:

Citadel City.

The battlefield was a maelstrom of chaos and destruction. Whirling sandstorm tornadoes ripped through the ranks, indiscriminately tearing apart orcs and elves. The ground itself seemed alive, splitting open with violent convulsions to swallow those unfortunate enough to stand upon it. Those who managed to surface found themselves either clutching desperately to a defensive formation or fleeing from the terrifying swarms of flesh-eating insects that blanketed the battlefield like a living plague.

Above, the sky was a theater of war, where dozens of magus and grand magus clashed in an awe-inspiring yet deadly spectacle. Their spells lit the heavens with blinding bursts of energy—firestorms, arcs of lightning, and shadowy voids—each a testament to their power and a harbinger of death to those below.

Amid the carnage, the most fearsome sight was the battle between Agis the Red Demon and two formidable opponents: General Wyane and Major Kouga, who, against all odds, was still alive. The three combatants unleashed catastrophic spells and weapons that could level entire cities. Their clash dominated the battlefield, each exchange shaking the very ground.

Emery’s arrival went completely unnoticed.

The safest choice would have been to retreat into the heart of the city, seeking refuge behind the Magus Alliance’s protective formations. But Emery knew that would be the first place Talaro would search. Such an action would not only jeopardize the warriors already hiding there but also risk exposing the remaining defenses.

Instead, Emery made a far more daring choice. With quick resolve, he used his shapeshifting abilities to transform into one of the elves, seamlessly blending into the dark elves’ ranks. His goal was clear: to locate Azula Raines.

When Emery approached, Azula was taken aback. His sudden presence among her troops threatened to expose her own secret identity.

“What are you doing here?!!” she hissed, her voice low but sharp. “You’ll expose us both!”

Azula was unhappy, but she had no way to reject Emery’s orders.

Unbeknownst to her, Emery came with a piece of important news that shocked her—the fact that she was a Khaos Seed would reveal her identity.

“WHAT!! Can you remove it?!” Azula asked, desperation creeping into her voice.

Emery shook his head firmly. “I can’t, and I won’t. We’re in this together.”

His tone left no room for argument. “Just act normal,” Emery instructed calmly. “Keep fighting. Don’t draw attention.”

As he expected, not even five minutes after his arrival, both Grand Magus Talaro and the elder dragon made their dramatic entrance into Citadel City. Emery’s senses heightened as his spirit reading activated, his eyes glazing over with focus.

“Where are you hiding now?! Playing hide and seek?” he muttered to himself, scanning the area with piercing determination.