Earth's Greatest Magus

The group exited the Alabaster residence together with Jinkan and Grand Magus Duncan, strolling through the elaborate white snowy gardens that surrounded the luxurious mansion. Along the way, Jinkan appeared very friendly with the Grand Magus Emissary.

Other than occasional small talk, Duncan was briefing Jinkan about what was happening on Earth and his mediating solution between Earth and Kronos.

"Ahh, you are so amazing, Uncle Duncan," Jinkan exclaimed with admiration while casting a smile toward Emery, signifying his role in the Kronos situation. This conversation continued until they reached Duncan's residence and during the entire family dinner.

After the satisfying meal, with the stars twinkling overhead and the soft breeze of winter wind rustling through the residence, Jinkan called upon Emery and Julian for a more private conversation. They retreated to a secluded balcony, with Nyx comfortably settled nearby, her feline eyes observing the scene.

Jinkan addressed Emery with a warm, sincere smile as they stood under the moonlit sky. "My apologies for any inconvenience earlier. Now, we can speak freely."

She added "I still can't believe you succeeded when others failed, Emery. For successfully saving my dear Eeshoo, I sincerely express my gratitude," said the Nephilim princess while giving him a slight bow.

Her words carried a sense of sincerity, yet they were not enough to quell the lingering anger within Emery for being thrust into such a perilous situation.

Jinkan's words carried a hint of playfulness as she tried to mend any lingering tension. "Ooo, please don't be mad. I was really desperate… and like I said, I will pay you back for it," she chimed in, accompanied by another warm smile. "I know your planet is really important to you. Don't you think the outcome was not enough of a favor?"

Emery couldn't deny that the resolution of the Kronos situation had indeed favored him. Forcing the Kronos away while securing the temporary caretaker status was undeniably valuable. However, he harbored doubts about whether it was entirely due to her favor. Nonetheless, Emery saw an opportunity to leverage the situation to his advantage rather than dwelling on past inconveniences.

He contemplated for a moment before responding, "There is the matter of the Earth Faction leader."

Before Emery could elaborate, Jinkan cut in confidently, "Consider it done." She turned her gaze back to Emery, a knowing look in her eyes. "With your status now, I don't think it will be hard to make you the faction leader. You are a rare rank 9 half-blood, aren't you?" She then shifted her attention to Julian and continued, "And if you're truly creating a new faction, the Nephilim will be more than happy to support you." Emery and Julian exchanged surprised glances at this unexpected offer from the Nephilim.

Emery's request wasn't limited to just faction leadership; he had another pressing matter to demand from Jinkan. He retrieved a small device from his pocket and held it up as he inquired, "Can I trust you to grant Atlas's wishes?"

Jinkan's eyes sparkled with a genuine smile as she responded, "Of course! Atlas is a loyal follower and a friend. I will gladly help him." She reached out, expecting Emery to hand over the device. However, Emery hesitated and firmly stated, "No, I want to see it for myself."

Jinkan's excitement was palpable as she exclaimed, "That's excellent! In fact, I'm here to pick both of you up. You two will come with me back to my planet."

Julian was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events. He asked, puzzled, "Ebiru? What for?"

Jinkan seemed a bit surprised by Julian's question and replied, "Hasn't Supreme King Dunadan explained it to you yet?"

The mention of the name Supreme King only added to Emery's confusion. Jinkan clarified, "We are preparing for the Ancient Celestial Ruins. You two are joining, aren't you?"

"Yes we are, But why are we going to the Nephilim home planet?"

Jinkan's response was straightforward, "Well if you don't want to die and succeed in that place, we need to help each other. Yes, we are preparing a team"

Emery, still cautious from their previous encounters, immediately suspected Jinkan of playing another trick on him. He firmly declined, stating, "Unfortunately, I plan to visit Golden City. And no, we already have a team ready." There was another pressing agenda that needed to be addressed back in Golden City before they could embark on any adventure.

However, Jinkan exuded an air of confidence as she insisted, "The people you are looking for in Golden City are currently on my planet, including your plant friends and your girlfriend. Everything has been taken care of."

Jinkan's revelation stirred a mixture of emotions within him. Concern for the well-being of his plant companions was undeniable, and also the prospect of reuniting with Klea, someone he had yearned to see since his memory had returned.

Jinkan's uncanny ability to stay ahead of him left Emery with little room for negotiation.

With a reluctant sigh, he finally relented, and Jinkan said "Alright, it's settled then. We can see the king tomorrow and leave after."

The following morning, as Jinkan led them into the Centauri palace, Emery couldn't help but notice her assurance that the king had returned from his journey. However, as they entered the palace lobby, an alarming sensation washed over Emery. A figure was rapidly approaching him, brandishing swords and clearly intent on confrontation.

"Assassins?!" Emery exclaimed, his instincts kicking into high gear.