Earth's Greatest Magus

The group stood ready, prepared to enter the gate leading to the seventh layer. Accompanying their group of 200 were 400 other participants, primarily composed of elves as well as a few smaller faction groups who had chosen not to join Jinkan's coalition. Among the notable absentees were the Ouroboros faction members.

One striking observation was the absence of magus from the grade 5 factions, including the Oculus, Nephilims, Imperium, and Arcanum. It appeared that these powerful factions had gathered separately, choosing to wait together at different gates.

Emery couldn't help but notice the clear distinction among the participants. The majority were half-moon magus, a testament to their exceptional abilities and potential. They exuded confidence and excitement, their eyes gleaming with determination. These were the best of the best, the rising stars of the magus world, eagerly anticipating the challenge that lay beyond the gate.

As the participants entered the gate, the sense of anticipation was palpable. They found themselves in a familiar guardian chamber, but this time it was devoid of the celestial army that had been their previous challenge. Instead, a single panel stood at the chamber's center, its surface blinking with light. Soon, mechanical voices emanated from the panel, addressing the assembled magus.

[Welcome, participants. Congratulations on reaching this stage of the challenge].

The voice from the panel went on to provide an explanation of what they could expect in the seventh layer, a challenge that differed from the previous layers. This information mirrored what Emery had learned from the Nephilim.

In just a matter of minutes, the gate to the seventh layer would open, and this time, there would be no separate vaults. Instead, all 4,000-plus magus would compete in a massive arena teeming with tens of thousands of celestial constructs. The goal had shifted as well; rather than collecting gold medals, the top 1,000 winners would be determined based on their total points.

The participants listened attentively, absorbing the details of this new challenge. The prospect of competing in such a vast arena against a multitude of opponents added a new layer of excitement and complexity to their expedition.

Emery's mind was updated with the latest information:

[Emery Ambrose: 4,482 points - Rank 13/4332]

Shortly after, a radiant crystal made of light materialized above each participant's head. The crystals varied in color, with the majority being white, some appearing green, and only a few shimmering in gold. The mechanical voices chimed in again to explain the significance of these markings.

Green crystals denoted a place within the top 1,000, while the coveted gold crystals signified a spot in the top 100. The rankings and crystal colors were crucial, as they would ultimately determine the participants' rewards.

Emery scanned the chamber filled with 600 magus and noticed that around a hundred of them sported the green mark, with the majority of those belonging to Jinkan's coalition group. However, the golden markers were much rarer, gracing the heads of only five individuals: Emery, Uria, Olivier, and two elves, Tilues Ganger of the Vanyar wood elves and a female from the Celadon wood elves clan named Festa.

These numbers revealed that the plant vault had yielded the fewest points per person compared to the other vaults, emphasizing the challenging nature of their previous trials. Despite this, all were determined to secure a place among the top performers in this final stage of the expedition.

As the final minute ticked away, Jinkan gathered the group for a final briefing, emphasizing the importance of following the tactic and sticking together. The tension in the air was palpable as everyone braced themselves for what lay beyond the door.

"Let's go!!"

With Jinkan's command, they wasted no time and jumped through the portal. 

[Celestial challenge started]

[23:59:59]

Flying through the tunnel for several miles, they found themselves in a vast, otherworldly space that stretched as far as the eye could see. It resembled a moon-sized planet composed of combined golden metals and translucent crystal adorned with intricate, glowing runic symbols that pulsed with an otherworldly energy.

Multiple massive pillars, like towering skyscrapers, rose up from the surface of this celestial realm, connecting to the ceilings. The massive structure and pillars move and shift as if the entire planet were one gigantic machine.

As the magus flew down the massive structure, more runic symbols emerged from their surfaces, coming to life in a mesmerizing dance. From these symbols, a variety of celestial entities began to materialize. Hundreds of drones, constructs, and humanoid celestials emerged from inside the structure patterns, created a surreal and challenging battlefield. 

Magus and celestial forces clashed in the open air. High-level spells were cast, and weapons swung with deadly precision as the magus fought against the relentless waves of celestial drones pouring forth from the structure below.

Every drone and construct destroyed contributed to their points tally, but Jinkan had no intention of dwelling on accumulating minor points. She swiftly identified a high-priority target, and all 200 magus in their coalition followed her lead, soaring through the air in a coordinated assault. After several minutes of rapid flight, they reached a colossal construct reminiscent of the temples they had cleared in the lower vaults. This construct, however, was larger and heavily guarded by formidable humanoid celestials.

As they closed in on their target, dozens of Avalonian archers positioned on the construct's surface unleashed powerful arrows, creating a formidable barrage of projectiles aimed at the approaching magus. 

"We're clearing this one," Jinkan declared with determination.

The celestial garrison before them was heavily fortified, brimming with hundreds of guards and a boss that promised a substantial point reward. As per their strategy, the group plunged into the garrison, focused on dismantling its defenses and conquering the challenge within.

Meanwhile, the hired mercenaries remained vigilant, forming a protective rear guard to fend off any potential threats from other groups. This well-thought-out setup was part of Jinkan's plan to ensure as many of their coalition members as possible would secure a place in the coveted top 1000 ranking.