Earth's Greatest Magus

A dozen miles away from the cell, more than fifty acolytes were running through a man-made tunnel created by the expert earth formation specialist Abrafo. These acolytes were none other than the group who had decided to escape.

The process for them to arrive at this particular junction was naturally not easy. The cell's underground area was like a maze with many formations in place to ensure that no one was able to get in or out. Even with his unique skills, It took Abrafo several days to map them all out, all were fine until eventually one of them tripped the alarm.

After minutes of going through the path carved by spells, they eventually made it to what appeared to be the city's underground tunnels. The moment they reached their destination, all of the acolytes subconsciously turned towards the person who had led them here, a fierce young woman from the prominent Grade 5 faction, Jinkan Nephilim.

Looking at the intersection of tunnels before them, Jinkan turned to the others and said, "As previously planned, we will now split into three groups, so that our chances of escape increase. Now go!"

The first group was led by the notable spearman acolyte Python Forge, while the second group of acolytes followed the sole acolyte who had reached the magus realm Bradley Raven. One would continue their escape through the underground tunnel, while the other would sneak out to the surface.

As the two groups left the area of the underground tunnel they had broken through, Jinkan held her group from moving, which caused confusion amidst the acolytes.

"We will give them some time, so they can draw the attention of whatever is waiting for us out there."

It was only when Jinkan sensed a battle had started that she finally led her group to step foot on the surface once again. The sight that greeted them upon surfacing were the dilapidated ruins of what appeared to be a mega city under the pitch-black sky.

The place looked terrifying with its surroundings currently being shaken up by the sounds of battle. At the moment, Bradley's group that had gone first were surrounded by the same grotesque creatures they had been fighting for days.

The decaying wreckage of a destroyed city and the thousands of humanoid blood-sucking creatures that they had been fighting with the last few days quickly made Jinkan realize what their current situation really was.

"This is an abandoned planet and we are most likely the lab rats for their experimentation! We have to get out of here!"

Unfortunately, without her storage ring which stored all of the extraordinary items her faction had given her, there was not much Jinkan could do; this realization couldn't help but make her heart ache.

In a matter of minutes, the group of acolytes led by Bradley that headed out before hers were annihilated, with the only survivor the magus flying high into the sky in his last ditch effort of escaping. Alas, Bradley was immediately chased by the same creatures, who apparently possessed a pair of wings bearing resemblance to that of bats.

An eye-catching spark of flames lit up in the night sky, before Jinkan and the others in her group saw Bradley's figure being pulled down by a horde of those creatures, his body torn down to pieces by their insatiable fangs.

"Spread out!" Jinkan quickly ordered, because not only did she know her group would be the next target of those bloodthirsty creatures, but she also sensed another battle breaking out not far in front of them.

Hundreds of meter from where Jinkan's group was, Python Forge was fighting bravely, killing any creature that came near. The young man showed his prowess that befitted his exceptional talent, unfortunately, in the absence of a proper weapon the master spearman was unable to get out from his fate.

Python Forge made his last stand near one of the ruins of a high-rise building and with his last breath and remaining strength, he destroyed the building's foundation and collapsed the entire construct, taking dozens of the creatures with him.

Needless to say, Jinkan's group quickly suffered the same fate under the hands of these creatures. All the acolytes who had come with her were routed, either captured or died, until eventually she was the last one standing.

Just as she prepared herself for her impending doom, the creatures suddenly stopped in their tracks at the last moment. While she was still wondering what happened, a figure dressed in a dark cloak came out from the sea of creatures.

"You really should not be running around like this, you know." The figure said as their features were revealed. "Shouldn't princesses be afraid of the dark?"

Unbridled rage erupted in Jinkan's eyes as she recognized the other party. "Annara! You traitor!"

The red-haired girl looked unfazed by those words. She looked at the Nephilim Princess and said, "Traitor, huh... maybe I am, but right now I'm your savior. Return back with me or die with the others. The choice is yours."

Jinkan gritted her teeth and clenched her fists tightly as she glared hatefully at the red-haired girl. But in the end, she decided to lower her hands and chose the option that would allow her to keep her life.

Just as they were about to leave, Jinkan turned her head to the surroundings and was shocked to see that some of the acolytes that should have been dead rose to their feet again. She watched in horror as those acolytes walked and stood together among the grotesque creatures.

*****

In the distance, the events that happened to Jinkan and the others were clearly seen playing out from a balcony above a palace-like building. Five grand magus were gathering within that place: three half-bloods and two dark elves.

"Enhanced speed and senses, plus the ability to devour which gives them innate healing and transforms victims into one of them. These Nightwalkers are indeed an extraordinary species," one of the dark elves said, as he was impressed with what he had seen.

But then, his words of praise ended with a deep sigh.

"Well, even if the invasion didn't end as expected, at least your experiment on this species can continue. Those acolytes should prove to be of use to you."

One of the half-blood grand magus, Shan of the Tiger bloodline turned excited as he said, "That's true. We had a lot of fun with them and there's still more than two thousand to play around with."

The other dark elf was not too happy hearing those words as he said, "Just don't get too carried out with it. We don't really care about those insignificant acolytes, but that special prisoner, return him to us when you are done with your project!"

Meanwhile, unlike the excited Tiger half-blood, the only female grand magus in the room, Zenonia of the Bat bloodline, had a disappointed look on her face.

Seeing her expression, the dark elf continued, "It's unfortunate, really. But more importantly, you have indeed managed to help to deal a powerful blow to the alliance, which proves your loyalty."

Hearing those words, the last half-blood, Esbern opened his mouth. "Give us more time and we will show that we are an ally worthy of the elves."

While Esbern continued the discussion with the dark elf, Zenonia decided to excuse herself and return to her room. Irritated, she came to check on the acolyte she detained in her room. The latter was held by rune-inscribed chains, her entire body covered in sweat as painful sensations coursed through her body.

Casually, she walked towards the female acolyte as she said, "Stop resisting. Tell me already how your little group managed to discover our plan!"

The girl let out a deafening shriek as Zenonia used a mental attack to enter her mind. She had been doing this for days, trying to find out the answer to that question. This particular instance, however, the grand magus forced her way through, not caring whether it would leave the girl's mind with permanent damage.

Thanks to that, she finally found her answer and was surprised by it.

"Time dilation... to think that our years of planning were turned upside down because of that one acolyte..."

Zenonia approached the girl and touched her forehead, once again saying, "When I'm done with you, you will help me get what I want on your planet!"

Now that the invasion plan was ruined, Zenonia was able to put her mind on her own desires once again. The Primordial Wisp of Darkness, Khaos; she couldn't fail this objective and she was going to do whatever it took to obtain it.

Once again, she carried out a mental attack to hurt the girl and shatter her psyche. "Give up! There is no hope to resist! No one will save you!"

However, despite her painful screams, Klea remained stubborn. What made her strong was the belief that Emery would eventually come for her.