Even after Emery's potent healing spells took effect, Morgana, weak and disoriented, struggled to come to terms with her situation. Emery watched, a deep concern etching his face, as she tried piecing together her memories.
Taking a labored breath, Morgana recounted her journey back to Earth, fueled by the hope that the Khaos Gate on Earth, might guide her to find him.
However, her journey was fraught with misfortune. Upon her return, she was quickly identified and apprehended for her status as an illegal magus, a rogue practitioner of magic operating outside the bounds of the sanctioned Magus Alliance. Morgana had expected to be handed over for a just trial, a chance to explain herself. But instead, she found herself in the cruel clutches of the Kronos. Their methods were far from gentle; they tortured her, trying to extract every ounce of information they believed she held.
Emery's fists clenched, the fury evident in his eyes. He could barely contain his anger, upon hearing of Morgana's suffering. Resolute, he gathers all the Kronos Magus and bring them to the outpost's central yard.
Hephaestus, Artemis, Hermes, Dionysus, Demeter, and Zeus. Noticeably absent were Apollo and Athena, both left behind on Earth and Hades, who had already been reduced to a mere soul form.
Though their immortal bodies had an innate ability to heal, the shackles they now bore were designed to suppress their strengths. These were the same chains they had used on Morgana, symbolizing their own twisted sense of justice. To further ensure their subjugation, Emery made them ingest a concoction of his own creation, a potion that would inhibit their abilities to channel their spirit energy or heal themselves.
As the liquid flowed down their throats, Hephaestus, his face contorted in a mix of fear and anger, spat out, "What vile concoction have you made us drink?!"
Emery, without uttering a word, turned his gaze towards Hephaestus. His eyes, cold and unyielding, held a message of their own: "I haven't even started yet."
The sight of Emery bringing out an ornate cauldron was both unexpected and alarming. Setting it up in the middle of the yard, he began to gather various ingredients, some recognizable, others arcane and foreign. The chained magus watched a mix of fear and curiosity evident in their eyes.
With a sly smirk, Emery confessed, "You know, I've always been intrigued by certain brews and their effects. Sadly, I've never had volunteers brave enough to test them. Until now."
The cauldron bubbled and hissed, releasing aromatic fumes as Emery, with the precision of a seasoned alchemist, crafted a series of poisons. Each had its unique horrifying attribute. One, when ingested, would give the sensation of internal organs being meticulously dissected, while another felt like a fiery inferno scorching from within. Yet, Emery's personal favorite was a concoction that attacked the very essence of its victim, sending waves of desolation and overwhelming sorrow into their soul.
As the magus watched, Emery meticulously bottled each poison, labeling them with a scribe. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation. When the first drops were administered, the reactions were immediate and harrowing.
Hermes, with sweat beading on his forehead and his face contorted in agony, begged, "Kill me!! Just kill me please!"
But Emery's hands were tied in this regard. Earlier, with the aid of Atlas, he had communicated the entire scenario to the Magus Alliance. They were explicit in their directive: no killing until their emissary arrived to pass judgment.
Hence, while everyone was waiting for judgment from the Magus Alliance, Emery settled to spend the time exacting his revenge with the same "kindness" they showed Morgana.
Time passed excruciatingly slowly. The screams of the magus were a grim soundtrack, echoing through the outpost's walls. All but Zeus had succumbed to the torment. The mighty leader, despite the visible agony, clung to his pride, resisting the full effects of the toxins.
Drawing upon whatever strength remained, Zeus spat, "You're making a big mistake!! The alliance will punish you for this!!"
Emery, seemingly unfazed, continued to flip through an ancient grimoire, seeking another malevolent recipe. He appeared determined to find a brew that would crack even Zeus's indomitable spirit.
As the agonizing cries of the chained magus reverberated through the outpost, a subtle shift in the atmosphere caught Emery's attention. Gazing up into the sky, he detected the distinct energy signatures of two magus figures rapidly approaching the moon. Their trajectory indicated one had journeyed directly from Earth.
With impeccable timing, Fjolnir and Akasha the Abbot, materialized in the outpost. Their arrival was made possible by a device left behind by the Kronos.
Their reactions to the scene before them were as contrasting as their personalities. Fjolnir, taking in the demolished outpost and the defeated Kronos magus, erupted in laughter, his voice echoing amidst the ruins.
"Emery, this is madness! What a spectacle!"
Akasha the Abbot, folded his hands, chanting softly. His serene eyes conveyed deep concern. He prayed that Emery's drastic actions wouldn't invite calamity upon Earth. Perhaps the heavens were listening, for no sooner had he begun his prayer, a medium-sized ship emerged in the horizon, its silhouette growing larger as it approached the moon.
Anticipation bubbled within Emery. He had been awaiting the Magus Alliance emissary, expecting them to pass judgment. But a strange twist was about to unfold. As the ship neared, an unmistakable change washed over the captive Kronos magus. Their pain-wracked expressions slowly morphed into sly, victorious grins.
Zeus, even in his weakened state, managed a mocking laughter, "It appears I was mistaken, You won't witness the Magus Alliance's wrath because you won't live long enough!"
From the descending ship, figures began to emerge. Multiple Magus of considerable power, trailed by a figure who commanded respect and fear in equal measure - Kronos. His presence was formidable, his aura overpowering.
Kronos surveyed the aftermath of Emery's vengeance. Witnessing his base in ruins and his magus in chains, his fury intensified, reaching a crescendo. Fixing his wrathful gaze on Emery, he thundered, "You'll pay for this!!"
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