"Headmaster Delbrand!" The exclamation of surprise escaped both Emery and Julian simultaneously as they recognized the familiar figure before them. Delbrand, who was no longer holding the position of headmaster, welcomed them with a friendly smile and a casual reminder of his change in title.
Their astonishment deepened when Jinkan introduced them to the other grand magus in the room—a middle-aged woman who served as her master and advisor to the royal family, Grand Magus Sarafina. Her presence exuded power and authority, rivaling even Delbrand, who had already reached the third cosmos. It was evident that Sarafina occupied a position of immense significance within the faction.
Upon being introduced to Emery, Sarafina fixed her penetrating gaze upon him and spoke with an air of anticipation. "So, this is him… our ace for the expedition."
Delbrand, in his characteristic manner, added his own words of approval. "You've improved considerably since I last saw you. Excellent progress."
Sarafina, however, expressed a particular interest in Emery's account of his escape from the Demon pit. Her curiosity piqued, Emery couldn't help but wonder about her intentions. But before he could respond, Sarafina extended a more intriguing proposition.
"I hope you don't plan on leaving just yet," she remarked. Her gaze then shifted toward Jinkan, who swiftly arranged a meeting for them.
"I have matters to discuss with my master, Let talk some more on dinner" Jinkan informed Emery, before leaving the room in the company of both Sarafina and the male grand magus who had been her guardian.
Emery and Julian remained in the presence of Delbrand, their sense of awe and curiosity growing. Delbrand, with a brief nod toward Julian, commended his progress. Julian, somewhat taken aback that the grand magus remembered him, offered his gratitude with a chuckle.
"Not as much as him, but thank you, Elder," Julian replied gazing at Emery, acknowledging Delbrand's words.
Delbrand's response was a simple acknowledgment of Emery's exceptional abilities. "No doubt, he is indeed an anomaly."
With that, Delbrand turned his attention back to Emery, extending a clear invitation. "Come, follow me." Emery's curiosity continued to mount as he followed the former headmaster out of the grand palace.
Delbrand guided Emery and Julian out of the Amarhik palace, and during their journey, he shared the reason for his presence on the Nephilim homeworld. Much like Emery, Delbrand had come here due to the 30-year requirement for joining the Ancient Celestial Ruins expedition. Graduates from the Magus Academy had been participating in these expeditions for decades, and this time was no different. Many new graduates were being assembled by the Amarhikhs to prepare for their upcoming journey.
Emery's curiosity was piqued, and he inquired, "So, there are even more participants?"
He had anticipated meeting familiar faces such as Eeesho, some later. But for now, there's someone else I'd like you to meet." Emery couldn't help but wonder who this person might be, but Delbrand Nephilim members, and his Earth friends, but the revelation that there were additional participants added to his excitement.
Delbrand replied cryptically, "You'll have the chance to meet them later. But for now, there's someone else I'd like you to meet." Emery couldn't help but wonder who this person might be, but Delbrand only offered a slight, enigmatic smile as he led them to a complex located outside the palace. This complex was situated near a vibrant forest, teeming with natural energy.
Julian, too, felt a sense of intrigue as he observed the lush forest surrounding the complex. The richness of natural energy in the environment was palpable, and he couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the Nephilim homeworld's landscape.
As they neared the area, Emery's senses began to tingle with the presence of several familiar energies. His heart quickened with anticipation. It was evident that he was closing in on someone or something significant.
His eyes widened with recognition. "It's them!"
Familiar energies surged around Emery, causing the ground to tremble. Multiple figures emerged from the very earth itself. Five formidable rocky creatures, towering at an impressive three meters in height, sprang forth, their rugged forms exuding an aura of strength and resilience. All with multiple faces and familiar voices.
"Ku!! Ku!! Kuang!! Kuang!!"
"Chika, Chiku, Chike, Chiko, and Chiki," the five Chizpur brothers had made their dramatic entrance.
Emery couldn't help but break into a joyful smile at the sight of these playful and mischievous creatures. They swarmed around him, exuding pure happiness. They playfully tossed him about, clearly excited to see their old friend once more.
"KU! KU! KU!"
"Yes, yes... I missed you all too," Emery laughed, attempting to calm them down. "Please, settle down... You're going to crush me."
Among the joyful Chizpur brothers, there was one more presence, a familiar plant creature that approached from behind them.
"Twik!!"
Emery's heart swelled with relief. The last time he had seen Twik was before he had been kidnapped and thrown into the Demon's Pit. Discovering them all together in this place was a heartwarming surprise.
Turning to Delbrand, Emery couldn't contain his curiosity any longer and asked, "Elder, why are they here?"
Ex-Master Delbrand proceeded to explain the exodus of all residents from Hyperion, the privileged planet. Upon hearing about Emery's safe return from Jinkan, Grand Magus Yvere had taken the Chizpur creatures to his homeworld. However, Delbrand had been visiting the planet and learned of Emery's return. Aware of the challenges that Emery was likely to face, both with the Ancient Celestial Ruins and the Chizpur brothers' unresolved issue, they insisted on accompanying him.
Emery was genuinely pleased to reunite with his plant friend Twik. With his newfound control over space magic, he had no qualms about bringing them along. Additionally, the matter of finding a solution to the Chizpur brothers' ailment, which might require the involvement of Celestial Essence, weighed on his mind.
"I think they could come with me on the expedition," Emery suggested.
Delbrand, however, shook his head, his expression serious. He responded, "Before we decide on that, let me ask you: how much do you know about the Ancient Celestial Ruins?" Delbrand's voice carried a weight of importance as he prepared to enlighten Emery about this mysterious and perilous adventure that lay ahead.
#####
As Emery spent time reconnecting with his Chizpur brothers, inside the Amarhiks palace, Jinkan was deeply engrossed in a serious meeting with her master and advisor.
"How is the preparation coming along? Have you gathered all the magus you need?" her master inquired.
Jinkan replied with an air of confidence, "I have secured all the essential ones, Master."
Her advisor, a middle-aged female grand magus with immense authority, directed her attention toward Emery, the half-blood magus. "And what of the half-blood magus, Emery? How much do you know about him? His secrets?"
Rather than answering immediately, Jinkan exchanged a meaningful glance with the grand magus at her side and said, "Uncle, please share with my master what you have discovered."
The grand magus, who possessed expertise in space law and had previously fought Emery, began to explain, "The mythical half-blood is only a fraction of his true strength. It is as the princess anticipated; within him resides a primordial being of darkness, his true secret power" He turns silent for a second before adding that he would research it first to know for sure what it was.
The revelation left the female grand magus visibly surprised. Jinkan continued to provide additional insights, "Master, you should also be aware that he possesses a remarkable comprehension of both the laws of nature and light."
Upon hearing this, her master nodded in understanding. "I see. He is indeed an exceptional candidate for the expedition, an ace."
Despite her confidence in her preparations, Jinkan's smile wavered, revealing a deep concern. "However, I have one pressing question, Master. How much control do you have over him?"
Jinkan's voice conveyed a sense of assurance as she replied, "Master, rest assured, I have everything under control." Her confidence in her influence over Emery was unwavering, and she believed she held the key to ensuring his cooperation.
"Alright then, Jinkan, I hope this expedition finally gives you what you deserve." Said the grand magus.
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