Earth's Greatest Magus

Klea, accompanied by a group of magus from Terra City and Zodiac City, made a grand entrance. Among the familiar faces were Magus Silica and Magus Shena, adding a touch of reassurance to the scene. However, the spotlight was on a towering grand magus figure with the head of a jackal. Klea took a moment to introduce the formidable warrior to the group.

"This is Anpu," Klea said.

This grand magus was a costly investment, acquired in Golden City due to the urgent need for a powerful warrior to increase their strength. Despite their well-prepared arrival, Klea couldn't hide her disappointment, muttering,

"All these efforts, and we don't get to join the action!"

However, the mood shifted when Magus Terrador arrived with a report. He somberly presented three corpses of his men to Magus Shena, the superior in charge. Klea's disappointment turned into concern as she acknowledged the loss.

"I am sorry for your loss,"

Despite their victory over the pirate threats, the toll was evident in the unavoidable casualties. Among the fallen were not only dozens of Roman soldiers but also three members of the dragon squad magus. Emery paid his respects to the sacrifices, recognizing the bravery and determination of those who stood against overwhelming odds.

Inside the new base, the group gathered for a somber review of the current situation. The victories achieved against the pirates were undeniable, but the cost was evident. The unexpected arrival of the second grand magus, Dongbai, one of the four iron guardians, had added a layer of complexity to the conflict. The fact that Emery stood his ground for hours against such formidable forces left the group in awe and disbelief.

Master Borin, who meticulously observed every detail of the battle through his lenses, couldn't contain his excitement. He animatedly described Emery's maneuvers, emphasizing the sheer skill and determination displayed against the iron guardians.

Emery, however, did not share the same enthusiasm. His gaze was focused on the potential dangers they narrowly avoided. "We are still lucky," he remarked with a sense of gravity. "If they had a few more men, or if you guys arrived even slightly later, we would have been doomed for sure."

Master Borin, puzzled, posed a question, "I don't get it, though. It was obvious that Kronos is working together with the pirates. Why don't you use the chance to nail their asses?"

Emery, with a deep sigh, began to explain the intricacies of the situation. The absence of support from the Magus Alliance forces during the battle was a crucial factor. Emery believed that even with solid evidence, proving Kronos's involvement would be an uphill battle.

"Our main problem is rooted in one fact—the Nephilim play a part in this matter."

The mention of the Nephilim cast a somber shadow over the room. Their involvement added an additional layer of complexity and danger to an already challenging situation. The group exchanged glances, recognizing the gravity of the predicament they found themselves in.

Magus Silica couldn't help but worry and suggest, "Maybe you all should consider moving to Terra for the time being."

The suggestion resonated in the room. The idea had its merits, given Terra's proximity to Golden City and Zodiac City, offering a potentially safer haven for Emery and his friends. Emery, torn between the safety of his loved ones and the responsibility to protect the planet.

He weighed the options, considering the implications of abandoning Earth, which would most likely lead to losing his caretaker status. However, a deeper concern tugged at him. Leaving the planet unprotected would endanger Gaia, the primordial wisp that had guarded Earth for countless years. The delicate balance of responsibilities demanded a more nuanced solution.

"No, we can't leave this place. We need another solution," Emery stated firmly.

Magus Sheena offered extra support from Zodiac City, indicating a willingness to strengthen their alliance. Morgana seized the opportunity to remind Emery of another potent force that stood ready to assist.

"You should ask the Silvermane. Warwick and King Tidus will definitely come to help," Morgana suggested.

Emery's solemn demeanor reflected the weight of losing the three dragon warriors. Faced with the reality of impending danger and the need for a pragmatic solution, he reluctantly agreed to seek assistance from both Zodiac City and the Silvermane. The prospect of outside assistance offered a temporary reprieve for Earth, but a more enduring resolution was still elusive.

In the quest for a permanent solution, Master Borin proposed an intriguing idea. "You could build a long-range teleportation gate here! A Stargate," he suggested with a lighthearted chuckle. Emery, familiar with the concept of Stargates, recognized the potential of such a construct. It had the capability to significantly reduce the time required to bring reinforcements to Earth, offering a strategic advantage in safeguarding the planet. However, he also acknowledged the challenges involved.

While the idea had merit, Emery understood the funny undertones in Master Borin's suggestion. The construction of a Stargate demanded substantial funds and intricate connections to secure the necessary permits. The hurdles ahead were formidable, and Emery pondered the feasibility of turning this ambitious concept into a reality.

Magus Silica's pragmatic proposal resonated with the group. "Although it won't be half as effective as the Stargate, a normal teleportation gate should do the job," she remarked, offering a more feasible alternative.

In dire circumstances, Emery couldn't dismiss the idea of seeking assistance from Otto, the Nexus principal they had aided a decade ago. The challenge remained: all potential solutions demanded a considerable investment of either money or power.

The profits from his shop, which he had diligently accumulated, were significantly depleted due to the necessities of the conflict. In a strategic move, they managed to acquire one of the pirate ships, leaving it discreetly stationed outside the Fey Forest, ready for use. Additionally, they salvaged equipment and resources from the defeated pirates, amounting to an estimated value of 15 million.

Among the gains were the 50 million Emery had received from Kronos. In a strategic move, he opted to allocate half of the funds to repair and fortify the moon base. The investment was geared towards ensuring that their stronghold would be more resilient in the face of future threats.

The remaining half of the funds held a different purpose. Emery handed them over to Magus Sheena, the representative of Zodiac City. This act carried symbolic weight. Emery insisted that she accept the contribution as both a tangible expression of gratitude for Zodiac City's support and a means to aid the families of the fallen magus who had bravely fought in defense of Earth.