Earth's Greatest Magus

In the wake of a joyous night of celebration, Emery's resolve led him to the Nephilim Training Ground the following morning. Emery began his self-assessment, meticulously gauging the evolution of his strength and capabilities. The numerical reflections of his progress illuminated the holographic displays:

[Emery Ambrose]

[Battle power 428 (475)]

[Soul force 429 (545)]

[Law of Nature - 19 (22)%]

[Law of Light - 7 (16)%]

[Law of Space - 8%]

[Law of Gravity - 4%]

[Law of Devour - 4 (5)%]

[Law of Sword - (1)%]

[Law Comprehension - 42 (55)%]

These enhancements painted a vivid picture of his growth—50 battle power augmented, 13% law comprehension refined, and a breakthrough achieved in the intricate realm of the Law of Sword.

Eager to put his enhanced abilities to the test, Emery entered one of the training rooms, selecting celestial beings as his target practice to further refine the skills and experiences gained during the expeditions.

With focused determination, Emery unleashed a barrage of light and nature spells. His boosted proficiency in the two laws emanated from him, forming dazzling beams that cut through the celestial projections with newfound strength.

Next, he arm himself with the [Savage] blade in one hand and the [Gentle] sword in the other, he engaged the holographic celestial projections with a fluid and precise dance of blades. The clash of steel against ethereal forms echoed through the simulated space.

With precision and fluidity, he unleashed a relentless assault. The [Shadow Edge], [Nature Edge] manipulated the elements to his advantage, and [Dao Edge] demonstrated the seamless integration of various laws. However, despite his efforts, the elusive [Void Blade] remained beyond his immediate grasp.

The celestial projections, representing the foes he faced during the expeditions, were systematically disassembled by Emery's onslaught. Each strike, a testament to his refined combat skills, demonstrated the synergy of the laws he had mastered.

As the holographic celestials disintegrated, Emery stepped out of the training room to find Lambert and his four surviving Proxima knights, along with the renowned Alabaster spirit magus, Uria.

Lambert commented with a gaze at the duo, "It's amazing to see the two strongest magus of our generation diligently trained."

Uria turned his attention to Emery and issued a challenge, "Train with me." He expressed a desire to enhance his spirit-related skills, emphasizing the limitations of practicing against virtual puppets. Emery sensed the underlying challenge in his request and readily accepted.

The genius spirit magus, recognized as one of the strongest of their generation, presented an enticing opportunity for Emery to test his abilities. The two magus proceeded to one of the vacant training rooms, readying themselves for a rigorous exchange of skills.

Emery readied his dual blades while Uria pulled out his special long jade flutes, signaling the commencement of their session. "Let's start," Uria declared.

The training room became an arena of swirling energies as Uria employed his flutes for parrying and countering. He occasionally weaved tunes into his movements, enhancing the impact of his spirit attacks. Despite Emery's formidable [Emperor Focus], Uria's artistry with spirit attack left him momentarily disoriented. At the same time Uria would conjured multiple menacing spirit swords.

In response, Emery activated his [Twilight] transformation, and unleashed [Battle Roar], a powerful move designed to disrupt spirit magus attacks. The clash intensified as Emery exploited his strongest advantage, resistance against spirit-based assaults. It took only minutes for Emery to emerge victorious in the intense training bout.

Observing the captivating duel between Emery and Uria, Lambert was eager to test his own skills against the accomplished magus. The decision was made for a 5-on-1 battle, with the Proxima five knight facing Emery. While there were gaps in the knight formations, as only five members filled seven positions, the fight proved to be an excellent opportunity for Emery to refine his techniques.

Fighting against five well-organized half-moon magus, proficient in the law of the sword, provided Emery with valuable insights. The clash allowed him to further understand the nuances of sword aura and the intricacies of the law. Despite the guidance from these skilled sword experts, Emery found himself still unable to unleash the elusive [Void Blade].

As the battle concluded, it became evident that the unique conditions within the Netherrealm space had played a crucial role in enabling the use of [Void Blade]. This revelation fueled Emery's curiosity about the enigmatic realm, prompting him to contemplate further exploration and discovery.

As Emery and his training companions concluded their intense practice, they noticed a growing audience of magus who had gathered to witness the spectacle. Among them were Klea and Thrax, visibly annoyed for not being invited to participate. Soon, more magus joined in, including the Eeshoo and Atlas duo, Jai and Zeeto.

The sparring match escalated into a mesmerizing performance, showcasing the diverse talents of these gifted magus. Klea's precision in spellcasting and formations were a sight to behold, while Thrax's brute strength and proficiency with the spear added a dynamic element to the skirmish. Eeshoo and Atlas, working in tandem, unleashed a combination of elemental attacks that painted the training ground with vibrant hues.

The energy in the air was palpable, and the onlookers cheered as each magus exhibited their unique techniques and strategies. The impromptu practice session had transformed into a captivating spectacle, a testament to the prowess of these magus and their ability to turn even training into a thrilling performance.

For this group, the thrill of battle surpassed even the excitement of the previous night's feast. The vigorous exercise served as a means for Emery to process the questions raised during last night celebration, to solidify his plans for the future.

Emery was commuted to take on temporary Earth caretaker responsibilities, beginning with the reconstruction of the Moon base and the fortification of Earth's defenses. Simultaneously, he aimed to resume his training in preparation for the duel in 12 years. To efficiently manage both tasks, Emery devised a plan to establish the first Khaos Gate connecting Earth to Golden City. This strategic move not only addressed immediate needs but also presented numerous opportunities for Emery and his allies.

Later that day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and purple across the Nephilim space station, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The two esteemed faction guests, representatives of Proxima and Alabaster, stood ready to depart for their home planets. Accompanying them on this journey of cosmic travel was none other than Julian, the Roman with a penchant for forging his destiny.

"Are you sure you don't want to join the meeting with the Nephilim first? There might be more rewards, though." Emery asked

Julian, standing amidst the cosmic backdrop of the space station, took a moment to gaze at the spaceship that would soon carry them across the stars. His response carried a tone of determination. "Actually... they have given me an offer, but I refuse."

The Nephilim, astute in understanding Julian's desires, had extended an enticing offer—a pathway to govern one of the Nephilim planet. However, the Roman harbored a deep yearning for a new beginning, unburdened by the confinements of factional affiliations, especially the Nephilim.

Simultaneously, two other members of the group were preparing for their own journeys; Thrax planned to join a military ship heading towards frontline bases, and Fjolnier opted for a ship bound for a distant planet that might offer clues about his origin.

Three members of the group were embarking on separate journeys, while Klea, Chumo, and Abbot had chosen to stay with Emery.

"Is this goodbye, then?" Thrax inquired, his voice carrying a mixture of anticipation and a touch of nostalgia.

"See you in 12 years?" Chumo asked.

"No. I have a feeling we will meet sooner than that," Emery responded with a confident smile.

"Hope you all have a safe journey," Klea wished, echoing the sentiments of the departing trio.

As the group lingered before the spaceship, exchanging final words and well-wishes, the air was filled with a palpable sense of departure and the promise of new beginnings. The spacecraft, adorned with gleaming advanced technology, stood as a symbol of the gateway to the vast cosmos, each traveler poised to embark on a unique and divergent path.

The next day, Emery was scheduled to meet Jinkan at the Nephilim palace.

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