Earth's Greatest Magus

Emery arrived back and observed two distinct formations that had been set up in his absence. With the assistance of VIA, he gained some understanding of their functions.

The first formation, comprised of 36 stones arranged in three tiers, spanned an impressive diameter of one mile. Each stone was strategically positioned to form a tier 5 defensive formation, engineered to withstand the relentless assaults of formidable mythical beasts. Emery marveled at the precision of its construction, recognizing its capacity to halt the advance of even the most fearsome desolate beasts.

The second formation was far more intricate, crafted with 8 golden formation flags. This formation, known as the [8 Heavenly Ascension], was a tier 7 formation crucial for a Grand Magus Ascension. Its primary function was to draw cosmic energy from the sky, significantly increasing the success rate and amplifying the amount of cosmic energy by 20 to 30%.

The prospect of harnessing such potent cosmic energies came at a considerable cost—a few million spirit stones expended into the formation every hour. Considering the extensive duration required to complete the ascension, each Magus would bear a substantial burden in contributing to this endeavor.

Across the Magus alliance, most factions boasted their own designated formation masters for such monumental tasks. Some of the highest-grade factions even possessed specialized facilities tailored to amplify the effects of their formations. Regrettably, given its size and resources, the Zodiac faction found itself lacking in this regard.

"Alright, it's ready," declared the formation master, his voice tinged with a note of caution as he reminded the others "Please try your best not to let them break my precious formation."

With the preparations now complete, Magus Heorgar turned towards Emery and the others, expressing his gratitude. "I thank you all for being here... whatever the result... I thank you." His words carried a weight of sincerity.

Magus Heorgar initiated the process, decisively shattering his soul.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

"AARGGHHH!!!!"

The agonizing cry that followed echoed across the desolate landscape as his accumulated spirit energy erupted forth like a torrential explosion, beckoning the onset of the cosmic tribulation. Above, the clouds coalesced, blanketing the sky in a thickening veil that transitioned from a somber gray to a deep, ominous black. Simultaneously, the winds intensified, stirring the earth below into a frenzy of tremors and crackling energy that surged forth like a geyser from the depths.

The Cosmic above, the Spirit below, and Man at the center

Amidst this tumultuous display, Magus Heorgar remained suspended in mid-air, his form enveloped by an ethereal glow as a void manifested within his soul, drawing in the cosmic energies from above with an inexorable pull.

Meanwhile, the eight golden flags embedded within the formation began to shimmer with iridescent brilliance, fulfilling their crucial role in channeling and amplifying the cosmic energies required for the ascension.

"All right! The first step is done. Now, get ready!!" declared the formation master.

The process of gathering cosmic energy acted as a beacon to all manner of beasts in the vicinity, drawing them towards the site as if the most delectable feast had just been unveiled before them.

Emery's senses heightened, detecting the telltale signs of approaching danger: billowing clouds of dust on the horizon, aerial silhouettes darting through the sky, and ominous movements rousing beneath the earth.

"Hold!" bellowed Magus Tobin, his voice cutting through the chaos as he allowed the horde of beasts to draw nearer. With a thunderous roar, dozens of these creatures surged forward, their frenzied advance culminating in a violent collision with the first layer of the defensive formation, reducing them to little more than a pulpy mass of flesh and bone.

Though these beasts were formidable in their own right, they were only legendary beasts, they posed no threat to the tier 5 defensive formations, serving merely as a distraction. Magus Tobin's intent was clear: to focus their attentionon the approaching mythical and Desolate beasts.

"One from above, it's coming fast! Another 300 miles from the west!"

Guided by Magus Beatrice's directives, Emery and Magus Tobin seamlessly executed their strategy. As they emerged from the protective formation, their movements were synchronized, each engaging the oncoming beasts with accuracy and determination. While they battled, Beatrice and Twik remained vigilant, ensuring the integrity of the formation remained intact. True to his word, the old formation master remained focused on maintaining the intricate structure.

As the onslaught of desolate beasts intensified, Emery and Tobin found themselves forced to fight separately. Emery unleashed his true power, impressing even the seasoned Magus Tobin with his combat prowess.

The battle raged on, and both tallys of kills continued to climb. Thirteen Desolate beasts and over a hundred mythical creatures fell before their combined might. Yet, amidst the cacophony of battle, the agonized screams of Magus Heorgar pierced the air, a constant reminder of the perilous nature of their endeavor. Emery couldn't help but feel a nagging sense of concern for his senior,

Emery's alertness remained unwavering, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of trouble, acutely aware of the possible threats lurking in the shadows.

Another hour passed, and the heavens above grew darker, thick clouds swirling ominously as cosmic energy crackled and surged within them. Bolts of lightning began to descend from the heavens, striking the Magus with relentless force. But amidst this celestial turmoil, a new menace arose from the earth itself.

Dark, hollow creatures began to emerge from the ground, their spectral forms twisting and writhing as they clawed their way into the world above.

"It's phantom tribulation!" the old formation master exclaimed, his voice tinged with panic.

Phantom tribulation was notorious among practitioners of the darkness path and for a good reason. These spectral entities were not easily dispatched; conventional weapons were all but useless against their incorporeal forms, and their ability to phase through barriers only added to the challenge.

Magus Tobin started to enhance his arms with spells, while Beatrice to her sword as she swung it toward the phantom with precision, each strike aimed at banishing the phantom back to the shadows from whence they came.

Emery relied on a different approach. With a deft incantation, he summoned forth the power of light, casting [Tier 4 - Ray of Light]. A brilliant beam erupted from his outstretched hand, slicing through the ranks of phantoms and disintegrating them to dust.

As the rest of the group focused on repelling the onslaught of phantom creatures, Emery was surprised when he saw a formidable sight on the horizon: a charging horde of desolate beasts, their primal fury propelling them forward like an unstoppable tide.

"More are coming!!"