earths-greatest-magus-16091348
chapter-2239

The next day, millions of Golden City residents welcomed the return of the fleets with immense relief. The Golden City alliance forces had successfully eradicated the pirates, and the victory brought a renewed sense of hope and stability to the city. The fleet's return was met with a grand celebration, with citizens lining the streets, cheering, and waving banners emblazoned with the emblem of the alliance.

Xavier Karat stood at the forefront of the procession, his presence commanding respect and admiration from the crowd. As the thousands of alliance members marched down the busy streets, they were hailed as heroes of the city. The air was filled with the sounds of jubilant music and the scent of flowers thrown by the ecstatic onlookers.

Along the lines of the procession were cages filled with dozens of captives, each one a pirate who had terrorized the sector. Among them was the notorious pirate king himself, the tiger hybrid Gaira D. Reis. His imposing figure was now reduced to a captive, and his once fierce eyes were filled with a mix of defiance and defeat. The sight of Gaira in chains drew gasps and murmurs from the crowd, a tangible symbol of the alliance's triumph.

As the procession reached the Capitol building, the grand architecture stood as a backdrop to the momentous occasion. Hassa Karat, along with the city councils and other faction leaders, stood on the steps to welcome the victorious forces. They offered their congratulations and thanks. Their speeches were met with thunderous applause and cheers from the citizens gathered.

It was a memorable day for the whole city, one that would be written in Golden City's history. The sense of unity and triumph was palpable, and for the first time since the Bloody Incursion incident 15 years ago, the citizens finally felt a deep sense of security and pride in their city. On the other side of the city, a different kind of welcoming party was prepared. The atmosphere here was somber and urgent as dozens of medical experts rushed to help the wounded. Meanwhile, dozens of other staff were tasked with a grimmer duty: taking care of the corpses that could be salvaged from the battle. The fallen were carefully laid out, their bodies covered with cloths bearing the alliance's insignia.

The battle had taken its toll. Seven warships were destroyed and did not return, their remains now floating in the void. Another twelve were heavily damaged, their once-sleek hulls now scarred and battered. Among the 5000 brave souls who had ventured into the battle, one-third had fallen. The loss included 152 magus and 7 grand magus figures, whose absence would be keenly felt.

The Terra forces also suffered significant losses during the battle. The Gilgamesh warship was heavily damaged to the point where it had to be towed back home. The ship's breached hull was a testament to the ferocity of the fight. Tragically, six magus and fifty-two saint warriors perished, most of them during the breach. Despite these heavy casualties, the survivors returned with their heads held high and their spirits unbroken. They knew their sacrifice was not in vain; their efforts had secured a crucial victory for Golden City, reinforcing their resolve and dedication to their cause.

What followed was a grand celebration hosted by the Karat factions. Tens of thousands of people filled the expansive grounds of the Karat estates, their hearts brimming with gratitude and joy as they gathered to honor all the heroes—both those who had survived and those who had fallen. The estates, lavishly decorated with shimmering lights and vibrant banners, seemed to pulse with the energy of the crowd.

Long tables were laden with an abundance of food and drink, offering delicacies from across the alliance's territories. Music filled the air, a harmonious blend of traditional tunes and upbeat melodies that kept the atmosphere lively. The joyous laughter and animated conversations created a vibrant tapestry of sound that echoed throughout the estate.

During the festivities, the Terra factions were recognized for their significant contributions to the victory. They were praised as one of the top three factions whose efforts had been pivotal in the pirates battle. The crowd's cheers grew even louder when Thrax's name was called out. As he stepped forward, the people erupted into applause and chants.

"For Thrax, the gladiator commander!!"

"Hooray!!! Hooray!!"

Thrax, with his imposing presence, acknowledged the adulation with a wave. His reputation as a formidable warrior and commander had clearly left a lasting impression on everyone.

Amidst the celebration, Emery noticed the absence of the Qin and the Croft factions. Curious and slightly concerned, he decided to inquire Lord Hassa about the situation.

"Lord Hassa, what will happen next with the Croft and the captured pirates?"

With a drink still in hand, Karat's patriarch took a sip before saying "Ahh yes… With how extraordinary you are, I almost forgot that you came from a lower realm," he said, his tone both teasing and admiring. Seeing Emery's confusion, Tessa decided to provide further clarification. "Most crimes are normally dealt with by the local authorities—in our case, the Golden City Council. However, when multiple high-grade factions are involved, especially with one of the senior council members being on trial, a special envoy will be sent from the Magus Alliance HQ"

Lord Hassa, although appearing slightly unsettled by the mention of the division, continued to explain. "The Law Enforcement Division is the reason the dozens of disputing Magus alliance factions don't go to war with each other. It can be said that the division is what keeps the Magus alliance from tearing apart from the inside."

The crowd around them continued to celebrate, but Emery's focus was now entirely on the conversation at hand. He could see the gravity of the situation reflected in Lord Hassa's eyes. "But I must warn you," Hassa added, his tone growing more serious, "their justice is not blind. In fact, it is often subjective and aimed at maintaining the overall good of the alliance."