Earth's Greatest Magus

Chapter 2414: Loss

The Magus Allianceʼs arrival was as swift as it was brutal. General Wayne, an experienced and resolute leader, wasted no time in organizing the assault. With a commanding gesture, he ordered a full-frontal attack, breaking through the scattered dark elf forces, leaving them little opportunity to regroup.

Emery watched in awe as the General led the charge with unparalleled ferocity, orchestrating the movements of hundreds of magus across the sprawling desert battlefield. Among the reinforcements were two additional Grand Magus, male and female; both were the Generalʼs trusted officers, each emanating the powerful presence of a one-cosmos realm.

The male, Leith, was a tall figure with fiery red hair. He unleashed wide-reaching spells of destruction, incinerating clusters of dark elves with waves of flame. The female, Cassidy, clad in silvery robes, casting light-based protection spells.

After the initial assault, General Wayne wasted no time splitting his forces. The male Grand Magus took command of the main contingent, tasked with establishing a defensive position to prevent any counterattacks. Meanwhile, the General formed a smaller team of 20 elite magus, including the female Grand Magus, and turned to Emery to lead the way.

Without hesitation, Emery swiftly cast [Spatial Gate], and the group stepped through into the target area. Immediately, a wave of cold air hit them, sharp and biting, as the once-scorching desert sands had turned into an icy tundra. It was unmistakable—a high-grade spell had been unleashed just a few miles away. The air resonated with the lingering power of a tier-9 spell. ”That has to be Major Kouga,” Emery said, his voice tense.

General Wayneʼs face darkened with concern. Without a word, he dashed forward, his elite team following close behind. The path ahead was littered with the frozen corpses of dozens of dark elves, their forms twisted in agonizing detail, now immortalized in ice. At the center of the battlefield stood a massive crystalline mountain, its jagged surface glinting in the eerie light.

As they approached, a deafening crack echoed through the air. The ice mountain shattered violently, its fragments scattering like shards of glass. From its core erupted a colossal pillar of flame, scorching the sky and turning the frosty air into a searing inferno.

Hovering from the chaos, was Agis the Red Demon, his fiery aura distorting the air around him. His blazing eyes locked onto the approaching group, and a wicked grin spread across his face. ”You are the one called Wayne... Youʼve come too late.”

The weight of his words was underscored by the grim reality that Emeryʼs divine sense revealed. His heart sank as he detected Grand Magus Dopaʼs lifeless body, headless and frozen in an icy shroud. Nearby, Major Kouga lay crumpled on the ground, his life force flickering weakly like a candle on the verge of extinguishing.

General Wayne stepped forward, his gaze unwavering as he confronted the towering figure of Agis. ”Do you want to fight?” he asked, his tone cold and measured.

Agis let out a booming laugh, his fiery aura flaring momentarily. ”Hahaha! Even in my current state, I could still fight you.” His voice dropped, dripping with malice. ”But no. Iʼll come to your Citadel soon enough. Itʼs more fun that way!”

Emeryʼs eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the Red Demon. Despite the dark elfʼs confidence, subtle signs betrayed his injuries. Cracks in the aura, flickers in the flames—it was clear that Agis wasnʼt as invincible as he appeared. This was an opportunity to strike. Yet the situation was far from simple.

Scanning the area with his divine sense, Emery felt his pulse quicken. The desert was rapidly filling with dark elf forces, their numbers swelling into the thousands. Among them, a few auras of Grand Magus level radiated ominously, drawing closer to the battlefield. Engaging Agis here, deep in elven territory, would risk a catastrophic confrontation. To make matters worse, Major Kougaʼs fragile condition demanded immediate attention. Every second wasted in indecision pushed the wounded magus closer to death.

General Wayne made his decision without words. He gently lifted the dying Major Kouga into his arms, and his magus carefully retrieved Grand Magus Dopaʼs headless body, handling it with reverence. As for Grand Magus Helga and the other Ghostblade, no trace of them could be found—a chilling reminder of the Red Demonʼs devastating power.

”Letʼs go back,” Wayne commanded.

Emery nodded, his hand glowing with spatial energy as he conjured the gate. Just before stepping through, Emeryʼs gaze locked with that of the hovering Red Demon. Though no words were exchanged, a silent vow burned in Emeryʼs heart: one day, he would defeat this legendary foe.

Once through the portal, the group swiftly regrouped and began their journey back to the Citadel. Along the way, the female Grand Magus worked tirelessly to stabilize Major Kouga. Her hands glowed with restorative energy as she battled to keep the dying magus clinging to life. Despite her skill, the majorʼs condition remained precarious, his life hanging by a thread.

The Citadel was in chaos upon their arrival. The sight of a lifeless Grand Magus and a critically injured Major shook the stronghold to its core. Whispers of disbelief spread like wildfire through the ranks, and the reality of the situation began to sink in. The death of multiple Grand Magus was a catastrophic blow. These were the pillars of the Citadelʼs defense, the guardians whose power ensured its survival. Their loss left a gaping void that no amount of strategy could immediately fill. To make matters worse, the assassination mission had been considered a failure as there was no confirmation that the elf commander Azrazel had been eliminated. Emery sought out Klea and the acolytes to share the grim details of what had transpired, and all were just glad that Emery was able to return safely.

The following day brought more grim news. Emery was shocked to learn that Major Kouga had not survived his wounds. The announcement came like a blow to the gut. Along with the Majorʼs death, it was confirmed that all four members of the Ghostblade had perished during the mission, their lives sacrificed in the hope of securing a victory.

In a small, bittersweet reprieve, it was revealed that Major Kouga had managed to preserve Grand Magus Dopaʼs soul before his death. However, there was little hope for immediate revival. A combat Grand Magus like Dopa could take decades to train a new vessel into his previous self. Later that day, a funeral was held for the five Grand Magus who had sacrificed their lives during the mission. The loss deepened the despair among the people within the Citadel. 𝐑Ἀ𝐍ȱʙƐＳ