Earth's Greatest Magus

1884 Alert

As Emery's thoughts raced, a continuous stream of notifications intruded upon his consciousness, a mechanical voice resonating from the depths of the ruins.

[Alert, Alert, Alert]

[System compromised]

These alarming messages were accompanied by a realization. Emery now understood how the dark elves had managed to bypass his formidable defenses and inflict harm upon the high elves who had been safeguarding the crystal. It had all been orchestrated by a shadowy group known as the Void Stalkers—

eight magus adorned in distinctive grey uniforms, reminiscent of those Emery had faced at the Demons' Pit. These magus specialized in shadow and space magic, which allowed them to strike with deadly precision, exploiting weaknesses in the high elves' defenses.

Among the enigmatic Void Stalkers, one figure stood out—an unexpected human magus. His malevolent smile betrayed his malicious intent as he callously extinguished the life of yet another high elf before him.

"Cole!" Emery exclaimed, his voice a mixture of astonishment and outrage.

The swift and ruthless actions of the Void Stalkers had inflicted devastating casualties upon the high elves, cutting their numbers in half and shattering their once-impervious formations. In doing so, they had effectively thwarted whatever plan the high elves had been attempting to execute to safeguard the crystal.

Emery, who had been in close proximity to the crystal, could sense that the enigmatic being sealed within it had begun to stir. A palpable sense of dread hung heavy in the air as the chain reactionrippled through the chamber. The previously pristine crystal had taken on an ominous, foreboding darkness, while a profound transformation rapidly overcame not only the crystal itself but also the intricate runes that adorned every surface within the chamber.

[Alert, Alert, Alert]

[System compromised]

[Alert, Alert, Alert]

Emery couldn't fully comprehend the meaning behind this cryptic message delivered by the mechanical voice of the ruins. Yet, as he observe the monumental changes unfolding within the chamber, it became painfully evident that protecting the crystal was no longer a viable option and he harbored no desire to remain at the epicenter of the enigma.

With a determined resolve, Emery prepared to take flight away from the crystal, still clutching the dark elf monarch securely in his grasp. However, a formidable obstacle lay in his path, as dozens of dark elves stood ready to impede his departure.

"You're not going anywhere!" shouted D'Mal, who seemed determined to prioritize Emery's demise above the chaotic circumstances.

The dark elf monarch couldn't resist the temptation to mock his captor, his voice dripping with derision. "Hahah, you failed, half-

blood. Let me go, and perhaps I'll ensure your death is swift."

In response, Emery wore a wry smile, "You dark elves really should learn to grasp the situation and negotiate better."

Without further preamble, Emery thrust his [Blade Claw] into the dark elf's chest, using the act to punctuate his declaration. "Now, make way!"

His ruthless threat ready to kill their leader creates an opening for his escape.

Just as he prepared to make his exit, Emery was taken aback by a sudden, unexpected development. Something shot forth from within the crystal behind him, hurtling toward him with alarming speed.

Reacting with swift agility, Emery managed to dodge the oncoming projectile, but the dark elf monarch found himself in its path instead. The unfortunate dark elf leader let out a pained cry as the object struck him.

"Urgghh!! Get it off me!!" the monarch shouted in distress, his voice tinged with panic.

The scene that unfolded before Emery and the others was nothing short of horrifying. It appeared to be some kind of sinister, dark tentacle that had tightly ensnared the struggling monarch. This unexpected turn of events quickly lead to the dark elf leader frantically call for his comrades.

"Hurry!! Hurry up!!" the monarch beseeched, his desperation growing by the second.

Multiple dark elves scrambled frantically to free their monarch from the relentless grip of the sinister tentacle. Their high-

grade weapons, typically formidable in battle, seemed wholly ineffective in this situation. it became evident that their attempts to cut the tentacle were in vain.

As the struggle continued, Emery observed with growing alarm as more energy tentacles burst forth from the crystal's depths. Some of these appendages latched onto the surrounding pillars for support, while others reached out to ensnare any dark elves who came to aid their imperiled monarch.

In a surprising turn of events, it wasn't the dark elves who came to the monarch's aid. A radiant, golden light suddenly illuminated the area as Loriel Starwind made her presence felt.

Holding a spear with a commanding presence, she struck at the tentacle ensnaring the monarch. The tentacle froze under her touch and shattered into crystalline dust. With unwavering determination, she continued to employ her formidable power, striking down any tentacles that emerged from the crystal with all her might.

The escalating chaos and the emergence of the enigmatic tentacles were more than enough to spur Emery into action. Without waiting for any of the dark elves to impede him, Emery swiftly vanished into thin air, employing his [Blink] ability multiple times to make his escape.

"You're not escaping!!" shouted D'Mal as he directed a group of dark elves to pursue the elusive enemy. However, their pursuit was swiftly met with resistance, as the 50 newly arrived high elves, led by Nievan, clashed with the pursuing dark elves. A fierce battle erupted between the two elven factions, creating a temporary diversion that allowed Emery to approach Jinkan and urgently brief her on the dire situation unfolding within the chamber.

Emery's attempt to brief Jinkan on the situation was abruptly interrupted by the Nephilim princess. It appeared that Jinkan had managed to extract some information from one of the captured dark magus, providing her with a partial understanding of the unfolding crisis. However, due to the lockdown of the ruins, communication with the outside world was impossible.

Faced with the dire circumstances, Jinkan and her team of 60 found themselves at a crossroads. Their combined forces could potentially make a significant impact on the ongoing battle within the chamber, but the Nephilim princess hesitated to send them headlong into such a perilous situation.

Jinkan turned her gaze toward Olivier, the representative of the Arkaland faction, seeking his insight and counsel on the matter. Her inquiry was deliberate as she asked, "What do you think?"

Olivier's response was measured and reflective of the dire circumstances. He maintained his composure as he stated, "At this point, we don't even know how to stop it."

In contrast, Nael, the Nephilim Fate Child, held a different perspective. "I can sense great evil emerging, we must quickly help them," he asserted, ready to lead his group of twenty Azazel Magus into the battle.

However, Jinkan swiftly intervened, recognizing the need for caution. "Unless we have a better understanding of the situation, our priority should be to find a way to escape this battle, to find a means to lift the lockdown," she emphasized, her voice carrying a note of urgency.

[Alert, Alert, Alert]

[Alert, Alert, Alert]

At that critical moment, an unexpected figure emerged - the half-machine Magus, Atlas. "I may have a way," he declared confidently.

Utilizing his advanced technological enhancements, Atlas held hope that he could access the complex system governing the ruins. His cybernetic arm, pointed toward a small panel near the enigmatic crystal—a mainframe through which he believed he could find answers to their current predicament and, ideally, a means to lift the lockdown.

In this desperate moment, with their options dwindling, Jinkan wasted no time. She swiftly appointed Neo and Jai to lead the charge. The Nephilim princess's gaze, resolute and unwavering, fell upon the designated team, urging them onward into the heart of the enigma that had entrapped them.

As most of the dark elves were preoccupied battling the high elves, the dark magus remained the primary obstacle for the group heading towards the panel. Although their numbers had dwindled to just thirty after their fierce confrontation with Loriel Starwind in her supreme form, they were still a formidable and capable force.

Amidst the chaotic clash of spells and weaponry, a determined small group made their way towards the designated panel. At the forefront was Atlas, the half-machine Magus, supported by a resolute team of human magus: Olivier, Neo, Uria, and Emery. Their mission was to ensure the safety of Atlas as he attempted to interface with the intricate mainframe.