Earth's Greatest Magus
chapter-2297

The Nephilim were one of the most powerful factions within the Magus Alliance, with their influence spanning across all three quadrants.

In the Alpha Quadrant's Sector 2, their presence was especially dominant, controlling most of the 700 habitable planets across more than 50 galaxies. Seraph City, the center of their sector bustled with over 500 million people, its streets teeming with life as countless beings arrived and departed every day.

However, towering above the city's highest peak lay a place set apart from the rest—a domain reserved for the elite, where the true power of the Nephilim faction gathered. This was the heart of Seraph City, its most exclusive and heavily fortified zone.

Emery approached the entrance to this hidden world: a massive, heavily guarded gate that led to a majestic staircase suspended in midair. Its grandeur was breathtaking, and the security surrounding it was unmatched.

"Are we really going here? Are you sure?" Annara asked, her voice tinged with unease. Her concern was valid—the identity check to enter this part of the city was notoriously strict, and any misstep could mean disaster.

Emery, however, remained calm. Though the security measures gave him pause, he had prepared meticulously for this moment.

He presented a legitimate, highly exclusive merchant placate—one that was almost impossible to forge. The magus guard took it, scanning it thoroughly before nodding in approval, satisfied with its authenticity.

However, both Emery's and Annara's identities as traders were subtly masked, thanks to VIA's assistance. This small manipulation of the system was delicate enough that, even if discovered, it wouldn't be seen as a severe offense. After all, many high-ranking figures preferred to conceal their identities for privacy, and Emery simply wished to keep his presence hidden from any of the Nephilim's families, especially the Astiel.

As the guard waved them through, Annara's initial relief quickly shifted to amusement when they were informed of the entrance fee. "Ten million spirit stones per person—for a one-month visitor permit, one hundred for a year," said the guard.

The staggering cost underscored the exclusivity of this elite domain, a price far beyond the reach of most magus. Fortunately, Emery's substantial savings were more than enough to cover the exorbitant fee. Glancing at Annara, he noticed her playful grin, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

<Hey… Do you know how much the Zodiac City paid me for my work? I don't have that kind of money… and besides, I'm here to help you, so...> Annara's voice rang in Emery's mind, laced with mischief and expectation.

Before she could finish, Emery cut her off. <Alright then... You can stay outside until I'm done.>

<Wait, wait!... I've always wanted to see inside this place! Let's call it payment for teaching your hall… yes?>

Emery sighed, glancing at her. With a resigned exhale, he paid for both of their monthly entry fees. <Fine... Consider it settling my tab.>

Annara grinned <Huh… what kind of man are you?! So stingy!> She teased, flashing a smile as they passed through the gate.

Once inside, the atmosphere changed dramatically. Both of them felt the gravity shift, becoming lighter, allowing them to float effortlessly with each step as they ascended toward the famed flying city. Emery noticed the formidable barrier surrounding the place—it wasn't just a defense; it actively interfered with his abilities. Spatial magic became unusable, and even his connection to the Khaos Gate was disrupted.

This was no surprise to Emery; he had anticipated the restrictions. It was the reason he informed everyone that he would be unreachable for a time. Despite the barrier's power, it only reaffirmed the significance of the place and the importance of what lay ahead.

They finally set foot in the Flying City. What lay before them was nothing short of breathtaking—a massive floating island, stretching a hundred miles across, suspended in the skies.

The entire city seemed to glow with an ethereal light, as its streets and structures were crafted from the finest materials. The floors beneath them were polished marble, gleaming so smoothly that they reflected the surroundings like a mirror. The walls, shimmering with embedded precious stones, created a soft, mesmerizing glow, while towering statues of angelic figures, meticulously crafted, lined the walkways, welcoming visitors with their graceful presence.

Even with his divine sense dampened by the city's powerful barrier, Emery could still feel the presence of tens of thousands of residents. Most were Magus-level individuals, their power signatures clear, but what truly amazed him was the sheer number of Grand Magus present—thousands, scattered throughout the city.

In most places, those in the Grand Magus realm were revered, rare figures of immense power, but here, they walked as common residents. It was a humbling realization, opening Emery's mind to the scale of power the Nephilim held within their ranks.

As they marveled at the beauty and grandeur of the city, two striking figures approached them—one male, the other female, both radiating an air of elegance and grace. Their pure white, feathery wings marked them as Seraphs, an ancient and near-extinct race of humans that had become legendary for their celestial appearances and immense magical prowess.

"Welcome to the Flying City," the male Seraph greeted them with a serene smile, his voice calm yet powerful. "How may we assist you?"

The female Seraph stood beside him, equally poised, her eyes softly glowing with a hint of curiosity. Their presence exuded a natural, almost divine authority.

To maintain their cover, Emery responded calmly, asking for a tour around the city.

The Seraph guides led them through the gleaming streets of the Flying City, offering a detailed tour of its most exclusive sites.

They passed high-grade shops, where artifacts of immense power—Tier 7 and even rare Tier 8—were sold to those who could afford them. Spells of extraordinary potency lined the shelves, their inscriptions glowing faintly with magic. Every corner seemed to offer something more prestigious than the last.

Next, the guides pointed out several elite facilities, managed by famed Grand Master, offering services to refine and enhance their body and equipment. There was even a facility dedicated to the refinement of cosmic energy, a service in high demand by any Grand Magus.

However, it wasn't just the grand facilities that drew people to the Flying City.

Many came to indulge in the luxurious amenities it had to offer—extravagant dining halls, where the finest ingredients from across galaxies were served, and lavish entertainment centers, where the rich and powerful gathered to relax and flaunt their wealth. The Seraphs highlighted each location with pride, showcasing the exclusive nature of these services.

While walking past a famous bathhouse, Annara nudged Emery with a playful look.

"Err… I've heard so much about this place…" she began, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Then her tone shifted slightly. "But… it's probably better if we go our separate ways here... I don't want to end up in an awkward situation with your girlfriend and daughter."

To her surprise, Emery gave a casual response. "It's a perfectly great place to visit… let's check it out."

Annara blinked, momentarily stunned. Her usual sharp wit failed her for a moment as she processed his response. "Wait, what?!"

With a wry smile, she followed as Emery confidently strode toward the entrance of the famed bathhouse, leaving the guides behind.