Earth's Greatest Magus
chapter-2332

The dense atmosphere of the planet pressed down on Hardy the moment he stepped out of his pod. Thick, humid air filled his lungs, wrapping around them like a suffocating shroud. Each breath felt heavy, laden with moisture that clung to his skin. The unfamiliar surroundings buzzed with distant sounds of creatures lurking in the shadows. Hardy glanced around, taking in the disarray of the drop zone.

A dense, reddish fog blanketed the horizon, and jagged black rocks jutted from the ground like twisted thorns, beneath his feet, the earth was a strange blend of gravel and ash, with cracks that hinted at something molten lurking below.

According to the plan, the first objective was crucial: to regroup.

The twelve members of Hall 33 had been scattered across an area spanning around 20 to 30 miles, with no knowledge of where the others had landed. The sheer size of the planet was daunting, the shadows stretching long and deep in the reddish light. As the assigned leader, Hardy held the provided storage ring tightly. He swiftly navigated the rugged terrain, dashing toward one of the higher grounds—a jagged mountain range that loomed above the landscape like ancient sentinels.

Reaching a vantage point atop a steep ledge, Hardy pulled out a bow and arrow from the ring and cast a light spell into its arrowhead. His fingers deftly nocked it to his bowstring, and with a sharp exhale, he released the arrow, watching as it flew from the bow with a fierce whistle until it erupted into a dazzling bright light.

This brilliant display served as a beacon—not only for his fellow acolytes but it also brought attention to potential threats lurking in the shadows. Hardy understood the inherent risk in revealing his position, but he knew there was no other option. They needed to regroup, and this was the best way to ensure everyone could find their way back to him.

Moments later, the tranquility of the scene was shattered. Several flying magic beasts, [Stormfeather Ravens], swooped in from beyond the clouds. These arm-length blackbirds charged toward him like living bolts of lightning.

Reacting instinctively, Hardy darted for cover among the jagged rocks. He swiftly pulled out one of the energy guns from the storage ring and started shooting at the incoming beasts.

"BAM!! BAM!! BAM!!"

The shots rang out, echoing against the mountains as he fired at the approaching ravens.

Hardy purposely held his ground to call out to all the surrounding beasts, effectively announcing his location. Within minutes, dozens of magical creatures converged on his position, and as anxiety began to creep in, a figure came to join the fight.

"I am so glad to see you here!! come and help!!"

Bellana was the first to join him, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air as she cast defensive ice spells. Shards of crystalline frost erupted around them, forming a shimmering barrier that glinted in the faint light of the planet's sun. Titus followed closely behind, riding atop his powerful Lightning Tiger, swinging his spear, and taking down the surrounding birds with lethal precision.

With a fierce roar, King Rig entered the fray, his massive frame charging at the oncoming Stormfeather Ravens. The air crackled with energy as he unleashed a powerful attack, sending a shockwave through the ranks of the attacking beasts. The last group of ravens fell from the sky, their bodies crashing to the ground in a flurry of feathers.

"Looks like we'll have roast birds for dinner!" Ullong chimed in cheerfully, collecting the fallen ravens with a broad grin on his face. His enthusiasm was infectious, lightening the mood amidst the tension of their surroundings.

One by one, the other members of Hall 33 emerged from the wilderness, following the beacon Hardy had set. Each arrival was met with relief, but also a sense of urgency. With so many dangers on this planet, the faster they regrouped, the better their chances of survival. Two hours after their arrival, nine out of the twelve members of Hall 33 had gathered. The absence of the other three weighed heavily on Hardy's mind, signaling that they might be in precarious situations that prevented them from making it to the designated gathering point. As planned, the group would start to move and seek missing comrades.

Hardy began distributing the weapons stored in the rings, ensuring that everyone was equipped for the challenges ahead. He divided the group into three teams, two were tasked to find their missing comrades and gather as much information as possible about their current location and the threats that surrounded them.

The third group would set up a temporary base at the foot of a nearby cliff. Using a natural rock overhang as a foundation, they constructed a simple barricade combining spells and materials scavenged from the surrounding environment.

As they worked on fortifying their makeshift base, the planet's fauna began to make its presence felt. Strange, insect-like creatures scuttled along the edges of their camp, their bodies glimmering in the dim light.

[Terror Beetle], a magical creature with a distinctive iridescent shell and rapid movements, began to swarm around them. Although these creatures posed no immediate threat, their sheer numbers were concerning.

Titus summoned his ice golems to help with defense, while Hardy effectively thinned the incoming threats with his energy guns. Just as they were about to be overwhelmed, the still missing Ha Ron appeared from the shadows, unleashing his spells. His timely arrival at the base was crucial. It took considerable teamwork to deal with the small onslaught, but their coordinated efforts soon paid off.

By nightfall, all twelve members had safely gathered. As they settled into their base, they began to check the information provided on their bracelets. The screens lit up with data, revealing their current standings and objectives.

[High Hall Ranking - Day 1/30]

[17th Place: Hall 33 - 780 Points]

The information was met with relief. Ending their first day in 17th place out of 30 halls, especially with only twelve members, felt like a solid start.