Chapter 1834 The Gate Keeper
The Crystal Basilisk, the formidable gatekeeper to the second layer of the celestial ruins, was a unique being crafted by the celestial themselves. It was an entity that existed nowhere else in the magus universe, and its power surpassed the ability of any scanners to analyze. Even the Nephilim, with all their knowledge, couldn't replicate its form for training purposes. The only resources available to them were the records and notes passed down by predecessors who had faced this guardian in previous expeditions.
As soon as they approached the creature; Emery and the group received a notification:
[You have joined the fight against the first-floor guardian].
Jinkan, aware of the impending challenge, issued a stern warning. "Be cautious. It took a thousand magus to battle this creature previously, and two hundred of them died"
All the magus who had arrived in this chamber at such speed were well aware of the dangers that lay ahead. Everyone approached the situation with extreme caution, letting the group of two hundred elves take the lead in engaging the monstrous guardian.
Loriel Starwind, the resplendent high elf, flew nearer to the Crystal Basilisk. She was surrounded by a dozen other elves, half of them positioned to protect her from the front, while the other half channeled their spirit energy into her. The high priestess began chanting in her ancient elvish tongue, and as her melodious voice filled the chamber, eight rune formations slowly started to manifest on the ground around the basilisk.
The elven high priestess's actions drew the ire of the Crystal Basilisk, prompting the colossal creature to charge toward her and the group of magus closest to her. In response, the other elves wasted no time and plunged into the fray.
Small units of ten magus each moved in with precision and teamwork, each group with a distinct focus. Two units consisted primarily of wood elves and specialized in restraining spells, while four units comprised high elves who excelled in long-range spellcasting. The final four units were composed of mostly dark elves, proficient in close combat.
Additionally, the rest of the magus were designated to provide support, offering healing and assistance when necessary, with three units standing ready to step in and replace fallen allies or maintain a defensive perimeter to ensure the humans wouldn't suddenly attack the elves.
It was a coordinated display of teamwork involving two hundred magus from various elven races and factions. The unity among such diverse groups left a profound impression on most of the human magus, Emery included.
As the battle raged on and the magus dealt blows to the Crystal Basilisk, mechanical voices originating from the ruins provided a numerical display in Emery's sight. It was a system of tracking and monitoring, showing the guardian's health and the progress of the battle.
[Crystal Basilisk]
[99,978/100,000]
It was just as they had learned in their training. The ruins showed the guardian's health status, much like when Emery had battled the Bone Dragon in the Magus Academy games.
Beneath the health points, a list of names began to appear:
[Maelarion Nightwhisper - 4 points]
[Thalorien Larethian - 3 points]
[Ilyndrith Embershade - 3 points]
[Elyndor Silverbrook - 2 points]
[Anarae Frostgale - 2 points]
These names were associated with the points they had earned based on their contributions to the creature. It was understood that these points would not only be added to their overall scores but would also determine who received a celestial shard reward from the ruins. The higher a participant's rank, the more substantial the size of the celestial shard they would receive as a reward.
The prospect of earning celestial shards was tantalizing to the human magus, their competitive spirit fueling their desire to join the battle. However, they couldn't ignore the sheer might of the Crystal Basilisk.
It swung its tail like a massive battering ram, striking with destructive force. The tail's impact could shatter bones and armor, leaving wounded magus strewn across the chamber.
It's [corrosive breath], a toxic cloud of golden mist, was equally treacherous. It swiftly disintegrated any weapons and armor it touched, leaving Magus defenseless
The Basilisk's magical abilities were most feared. In moments of rage, it unleashed a [Divine Pulse], a powerful spirit attack. The pulse radiated in all directions, leaving the closest magus incapacitated, their spiritual energy disrupted and their bodies weakened. The shockwave forced others to retreat, their psychic fortitude challenged.
The elves, especially the high elves, had a distinct advantage when it came to spirit attacks. Witnessing this, the human magus hesitated to join the fray, aware of the dangers they would face in direct combat.
Emery remained cautious, not willing to take unnecessary risks by charging into the battle prematurely. He observed the situation carefully, aware that coordinated teamwork was essential for facing the formidable Crystal Basilisk.
Jinkan, however, couldn't resist taunting her stepbrother.
"You're not fighting, brother? You need to start now if you want to make the top list."
Her words roused Linhao, and he quickly assembled his group of 30 magus to surround him, preparing to attack from one side. Jinkan, on the other hand, remained stationary, watching the situation unfold.
When Neo inquired about the plan, Jinkan responded, "Just give it another minute..."
In the course of that minute, the Basilisk demonstrated its deadly power, taking the lives of a few of Linhao's men and grievously wounding others.
What Jinkan had been waiting for finally came to fruition. After minutes of focused effort, the high elf priestess successfully completed her spell. An eight-rune formation materialized, forming a circle of radiant light pillars.
[Ethereal Octalumina]
This was no ordinary formation. It was a formidable Tier 8 spell, a grand magus-level spell that had the power to weaken the Basilisk, reducing the potency of its physical and spiritual attacks.
With the spell's completion and the creature's defenses momentarily compromised, Jinkan seized the opportunity.
"Now! Let's join the fight!" she commanded with authority, her voice unwavering.
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