earths-greatest-magus-16091348
chapter-1938

?Saturn 5,

Bathed in the cosmic glow of distant stars, the planet, predominantly marked by sprawling desert mountains covering 72% of its surface, offered a stark contrast to its meager 14% water coverage. Despite its seemingly inhospitable conditions, Saturn 5 stood resilient as the home planet for the Kronos faction, boasting a population exceeding 30 million.

With a rich history spanning two millennia, the Kronos faction played a pivotal role as a loyal outer member of the Nephilim faction. Over the years, they actively contributed to trade alliances and maintained a formidable military presence. With a magus count exceeding 50 and the recent addition of their second grand magus, the faction harbored ambitions of ascending to coveted grade 2 status. Losing their influence over Earth, a planet that had become intricately entwined with their affairs, represented a substantial setback, disrupting their carefully laid plans.

On this particular day, the formidable faction leader, Kronos, had convened in his grand castle along with the second grand magus, Perses, and a dozen of their most trusted magus. The atmosphere in the hall was charged with anticipation, as they awaited the arrival of a guest from Earth.

However, Perses, the second grand magus, couldn't contain his frustration. He vehemently expressed his displeasure, "Huh! That bastard! Why does it take him a week to get here? He is toying with us!" His impatience stemmed from the prolonged absence of his daughter, Hecate, and the uncertainty surrounding her return.

Zeus, another significant figure in the Kronos faction, was present in the grand hall. He commented disdainfully, "What can we expect from those wannabe factions? Do they even have the means to come here?"

Moments later, a staff member rushed in with a report—a ship was approaching the planet. However, to their surprise, the vessel only entered the atmosphere briefly before soaring back into space and departing from the planet altogether.

In the midst of his irritation, Kronos received an explanation—the ship had only dropped off a single magus, who was currently airborne and heading toward their location.

"One magus! He is definitely playing with us!" exclaimed Perses, frustration evident in his voice.

Minutes later, the lone magus confidently entered the hall—an unmistakable figure, Emery Ambrose. Unfazed by the intense scrutiny from over a dozen magus and two grand magus, he walked with calm determination toward the end of the hall.

Perses, fixating him with an intimidating gaze, exclaimed, "You dare to come here alone! Where is she? Where is my daughter?"

Emery responded calmly, "She is with me." He then turned to Kronos and continued, "Give me what I want first."

Seeing their hesitation, Emery added, "I came here alone. Surely you don't think that I could leave without fulfilling my part of the bargain, don't you?"

With a nod from Kronos, Zeus handed over the requested [blood contract], a document carrying a signed oath from Kronos to refrain from allowing himself and his Kronos magus to set foot on or be involved with Earth until after the agreed-upon duel. The contract also specified a substantial monetary penalty, a minimum of 50 million, along with additional damages, should they breach the agreement by even entering the planet.

"You got what you want; now give me my daughter!" Perses shouted once again, his impatience evident.

Emery calmly ignored the grand magus and scrutinized the blood contract. Satisfied with its authenticity, he responded, "This is fine. However, you are missing one thing..."

Kronos, still intrigued, asked, "What else do you want?"

"I want you to hand over all the data you've acquired on Earth— all of it..."

Grand Magus Perses was on the verge of exploding in anger, but Kronos intervened, chuckling, "And why would we want to do that?"

Emery remained calm as he responded, "Because it's my right as the new caretaker."

Kronos laughed, dismissing Emery's authority, "You're just a temporary caretaker, with only you and your small gang. I bet within a year, you'll be begging to hand that job back to me." His laughter shifted to anger as he stared intently at Emery, "No.. you don't have the right... Now quit playing and release my magus!"

Emery sighed, seemingly weary of the back-and-forth, and opened a spatial gate. From within, he pulled out the female magus, Hecate. The tension in the room escalated as the other magus prepared for any potential tricks, but Emery calmly placed the unconscious female magus on the floor.

Grand Magus Perses approached and carried Magus Hecate. It was during this distraction that Emery secretly retrieved a small bottle of potion from his sleeve. Holding it up, he declared, "I have returned my captive. Now, I want my data... or else."

Upon seeing the potion in Emery's hand, Kronos chuckled dismissively. "Haha, no potion could help you escape this place."

Emery smiled cryptically and retorted, "Oh no, this is not just a potion. It's a wonderful item that I used before I left a certain dark elves' prison... if you catch what I mean." The room fell silent for a moment as the implication of his words settled in.

It was widely known that Emery had unleashed a deadly and potent disease, the Virulent, on a dark elves' spaceship in the past. The revelation that he might be carrying such a devastating weapon sent a chill through the room. The disease had the potential to wipe out not only the magus present but possibly the entire planet.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, the color drained from the faces of many in the room.

"No, you're lying! There's no way you're carrying it around!" said Kronos in disbelief

Emery's confident smile only deepened. "Ohh really? Now... why do you think I dare to come here by myself?" letting the weight of his words sink in, he added, "Now, kindly give me my data."

The room was filled with tension, and uncertainty lingered in the air.