Earth's Greatest Magus

Emery felt the piercing pain in his chest as the high-level artifact arrow found its mark, leaving him shocked and bewildered. A realization set in that it wasn't just any arrow that had struck him. It was a precision attack, executed by an expert using a high-level artifact.

"Emery!" Jinkan's voice rang out, and she swiftly ordered her guards to provide cover while Eeshoo utilized his [Soaring Shuttle] to form a defensive formation.

The perpetrator of the attack was none other than the dark elf with crimson hair whom Emery had encountered before. 

Amid the cacophony of battle, Emery's injury went unnoticed by most, overshadowed by the ongoing skirmishes and friendly fire.

For the dark elves, it was a moment of grim satisfaction. Some silently admired the precision of their comrade's attack, while a few harbored envy for not having seized the opportunity themselves.

Emery, filled with a mix of pain and rage, slowly withdrew from the battle. He invoked [Nature Blessing] to heal the wound and seal the hole in his chest. Despite the pain, his determination remained unshaken.

Jinkan approached to assess his condition, her expression filled with concern. "You should consider sitting this one out," she suggested, her voice reflecting her worry.

But Emery was adamant. "No, I didn't come here to sit around." His eyes blazed with determination, unwilling to let this incident sideline him.

Emery's recovery was swift, a testament to his advanced Magus abilities. His [Immortal Body] and [Undying Flesh] soon completed the healing process, allowing him to rejoin the battle without any lingering effects of the arrow wound. This time, he was exceptionally vigilant against any potential sneak attacks by the dark elves.

Emery unleashed more [Shadow Edge] attacks on the guardian, which sometimes he purposely threw toward the dark elves. His aim was to disrupt their battle formation and gain further points for his contribution, all the while ensuring he didn't fall victim to their treacherous strikes again.

Meanwhile, on the broader battlefield, numerous magus and gifted individuals fought with fervor, striving to make their mark on the contribution ranks. Although the majority of the top positions were still held by the elves, the growing number of human magus continued to press forward, determined to rise through the ranks. The tension and competition only intensified as the battle with the Crystal Manticore raged on.

[Rank 1 - D'Mal - 422 points]

[Rank 4 - Loriel Starwind - 402 points]

[Rank 9 - Nael Nephilim - 377 points]

[Rank 15 - Roland XII - 355 points] 

[Rank 26 - Emery Ambrose - 301 points]

[Rank 42 - Uria Alabaster - 263 points]

[Rank 44 - Zephyr Nephilim -259 points]

[Rank 66 - Olivier Arkaland - 232 points]

[Rank 77 - Eeshoo Nephilim - 212 points]

[Rank 79 - Neo - 208 points]

[Rank 99 - Shatter Cross - 198 points]

Despite the onslaught of over 5,000 magus attacking the Crystal Manticore, the points gained were relatively modest, as its health was reduced to about 70%.

The majority of the top positions in the contribution ranks were dominated by the dark elves, with long-range experts securing the most points. Their number one fighter was D'Mal, the same dark elf who had shot Emery with a precise arrow. his arrow, infused with dark energy, gave them a substantial advantage, outmatching even the high elf priestess in terms of contribution. 

Among the humans, two individuals had made a significant mark on the contribution ranks.

The first was Roland XII, an Arcane paladin of the Arcanum faction. The magus eployed an offensive formation that mirrored the power and precision of the elven formations. This unique formation continuously unleashed devastating beams directed at the guardian. The sheer intensity of these attacks played a pivotal role in wearing down the guardian's health, earning Roland a distinguished position in the contribution ranks. 

The second remarkable figure was Nael Nephilim, a youthful magus not yet 17 years old.

Nael had captured Emery's attention earlier due to his unique status as a Nephilim faith child from the Azazel family. The young magus exhibited his formidable abilities by launching radiant energy balls that seemed to effortlessly pierce and crack the guardian's crystalline body.

As the battle raged on, both the elven and human sides continued to strive for dominance in the contribution ranks, each with their own exceptional talents and strategies.

As the Crystal Manticore's health dwindled to a mere 10%, it unleashed a sudden and fearsome surge of rage. Magus who were aware of the guardian's unique abilities swiftly retreated from the area, fully aware of the impending danger.

The Manticore released a deafening roar that reverberated with a powerful spirit attack, leaving dozens of magus suspended helplessly in the air, their movements stunted by the devastating impact. Following this, the enraged guardian began to spew forth a searing torrent of golden fire from its gaping maw, turning unfortunate magus into helpless victims, their bodies melting under the scorching assault.

Nevertheless, the Manticore's enraged state also marked its most vulnerable moment. In response, hundreds of magus, spurred by a collective surge of determination and urgency, unleashed their most potent spells upon the weakened guardian.

Emery, too, contributed to the onslaught, channeling his own formidable abilities to bombard the creature relentlessly. As the guardian's health diminished further, a critical notification illuminated the minds of all those engaged in the harrowing battle.

[You have destroyed the Celestial Guardian]

[Rank 14 - Emery Ambrose - 420 points]

[Your current points are: 1422 (1,842)]

Despite his unwavering efforts in the battle, Emery couldn't secure a position within the coveted top 10 ranks. Nevertheless, his substantial contributions were recognized, and he was rewarded with three medium celestial shards.

The tumultuous battle against the Crystal Manticore had ended, and the gate to the third layer stood open, waiting for the eager magus to pass through. Thousands of magus, both human and elf alike, had survived the ordeal and sought to advance further into the celestial vaults. The stakes were high, and the opportunity to obtain one of the coveted 5,000 golden medals was a race against time.

Amidst the frenzy of Magus surging toward the gate, Emery made his way back to his group, rejoining Linhao and his Magus as planned.

The chaotic surge of magus rushing toward the gate gradually revealed an unsettling scene as Emery and his group observed with growing unease. It became apparent that a significant contingent of dark elves, numbering more than 300 individuals, had deliberately chosen to remain behind. Their collective gaze, like an unyielding spotlight, was directed squarely at Emery. The dark elves' decision to stay behind carried weighty implications.

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