Aside from the three main Nephilim families—Azazel, Amarhikss, and Aztebas—there were 32 other noble families and 182 subsidiary factions within the Nephilim hierarchy. Among these subsidiaries was the Earth faction, a small presence within the vast Nephilim faction.
As Ery and Annara walked down the main streets of the Sky City, the influence of the Nephilim beca increasingly apparent.
The streets were lined with magus and Grand Magus, many of whom were affiliated with different branches of the Nephilim. So wore their family emblems proudly, displayed prominently on their robes or armor. Others were less obvious, identified only through subtle signs and the assistance of VIA.
Soon enough, the grand temple ca into view—a structure more magnificent than anything they had seen so far. The temple complex stretched across a massive courtyard, its expanse filled with multiple grand buildings that radiated authority and reverence. The centerpiece was a spectacular do, gleaming under the sunlight, surrounded by towering statues that stood over 100 ters tall, their wings outstretched, gazing down upon the city with watchful eyes.
The air grew more solemn as they approached the temple gate. Ery could feel the weight of the place, the quiet power that seed to hum in the air around them. This was the spiritual and political heart of the Nephilim faction, where their highest authorities convened and their sacred rites were perford.
Before they could step through the gates, a group of Seraph guards clad in radiant silver armor blocked their path, their expressions neutral but vigilant. One of them, a tall figure with golden eyes, stepped forward and addressed them politely, asking their reason for the visit.
Ery responded with a prepared reason. "We've co to pay our respects to the three Principalities."
The words Ery spoke garnered a respectful reaction from the Seraph guards. Their deanor shifted subtly, acknowledging the weight of his request.
"You may follow ," the lead Seraph said, gesturing for Ery and Annara to accompany him.
They were led through the vast temple courtyard, passing beneath towering arches and intricate stonework, until they reached one of the smaller buildings on the edge of the grounds.
As they entered, Ery took note of the scene around him. The space resembled a shop, but instead of typical wares, the room was lined with glowing crystals of various sizes. People moved in and out, each carrying a glowing object. The atmosphere was quiet yet charged, the crystals casting a soft, ethereal light that reflected off the marble floors and walls.
The smallest crystals, no larger than a fingertip, were priced at 5 million spirit stones. The larger ones, each pulsating with a steady internal glow like miniature lanterns, cost as much as 100 million spirit stones.
These were the fad [faith crystals], special objects highly sought within the temple. They served as both currency and offerings, used to earn favor with the Nephilim's higher powers.
Ery scanned the shelves, his eyes settling on a palm-sized crystal that emitted a soft golden light. The tag beneath it read 15 million spirit stones. Ery could feel the subtle pull of power from the crystal. Satisfied with his choice, he purchased it and followed the Seraph deeper into the building.
Each step took them closer to a larger structure near the temple's entrance, its walls adorned with carvings of celestial beings.
Ery noticed dozens of others lining up to enter, each moving with a sense of reverence, their gestures respectful and careful, as though they were approaching sothing truly sacred. The air was thick with a divine aura, and Ery could feel the presence of light magic radiating from within the towering building. Faint chanting and the distant tolling of bells reverberated through the air, adding to the sense of ritual.
Upon stepping through the gate, Ery was t with a stunning sight: hundreds of priestesses dressed in flowing robes of white and gold, their heads bowed in prayer. They sat in neat rows, all facing three colossal statues that dominated the grand hall. Each statue depicted a winged human figure, their wings spread wide in majestic arcs.
These were the statues of the three Principalities—the supre Seraph beings revered as guardians of the Nephilim faction.
The first statue stood tall and imposing, its sheer size and radiant aura demanding respect from all who laid eyes on it. This was Archseraph Michael, the supre guardian of the Azazel family. His right hand was lifted high, clutching a glowing sword that seed to pulse with divine energy. His full-body armor reflects the soft light of the temple and was adorned with intricate symbols of protection and righteousness. His expression was fierce, his gaze unwavering, as if he were eternally poised to strike down any force of evil that dared to approach.
Beside Michael stood the second statue, Archseraph Gabriel, the supre guardian of the Amarhiks family. Gabriel's features were softer, more tranquil, exuding a sense of peace and clarity. His right hand held a long, trumpet-like spear. His robes were sculpted to appear as though they were caught in a gentle breeze, cascading elegantly down his form. His wings, though slightly outstretched, gave him an almost ethereal quality, as though he could ascend into the heavens at any mont. The third statue, in contrast to the others, was a vision of compassion and serenity. Archseraph Raphael, the supre guardian of the Aztebas family, was depicted with a tender smile, his eyes conveying warmth and empathy. He held a staff wrapped in vines, symbolizing healing, growth, and renewal. His wings, instead of being wide and formidable, were curved inward, forming a protective cocoon around his form. These statues weren't just artistic representations—they were embodints of the imnse power and influence wielded by the Nephilim faction. Representing three of the nine supre beings of the Nephilim factions, they form the backbone of the Nephilim's dominance. Their presence extends far beyond the temple, casting a formidable shadow across the magus universe and commanding both fear and respect.
Ery walked forward, placing the Faith crystal at the feet of the towering Archseraph Raphael.
Despite having little direct connection to the Azteban family, Ery felt a deeper resonance with the statue of Archseraph Raphael compared to the other two. At the sa ti, the Azteban family was known to be the most influential in the Alpha Quadrant and Seraph City,
The mont the crystal made contact, its light began to flicker—gentle at first, like a candle caught in a breeze, then faster, until the light completely faded, replaced by a small rune mark on his palm. The sight of this ritual was both awe-inspiring and unnerving, a clear sign that his offering had been acknowledged.
This simple declaration allowed Ery and Annara access to the inner temple grounds. The tension that had built up in the atmosphere dissipated, but it lingered enough to remind them they were still in the heart of the Nephilim's most sacred space.
Annara let out a quiet sigh of relief. "" she whispered, walking beside Ery. Her usual nonchalance was replaced with a hint of awe as they crossed the threshold into the temple's main courtyard.
The courtyard was expansive, with lush greenery ticulously arranged to accentuate the temple's sacred beauty. Hundreds of priestesses moved gracefully about the grounds. Though mortal, each priestess radiated a soft glow of light, a testant to the spiritual connection they maintained within this holy space. They carried bowls of incense or held delicate staffs, symbols of their dedication to the Nephilim faith.
Noticing his lingering gaze, Annara gave him a sideways glance, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Ery's expression was thoughtful as he clarified his motives. ""
It was no secret that the Nephilim's power ca from their connection to divine power. Ery had already witnessed how the Amarhiks family harnessed the energy of suns, this ti, he observed how they cultivated another type of power—the power of faith.
The massive statues and ornate architecture were not just symbols of worship; they were conduits. The faith of billions, spread across dozens of planets, flowed through these sacred spaces, their devotion channeled by the priestesses who perford their duties ticulously.
The temple itself was a machine—an intricate, ethereal system designed to convert raw belief into tangible, usable power. The priestesses, were integral to this process, guiding the energy of faith, so into crystal vessels—faith crystals. Annara, walking beside him, couldn't hide her concern. Her usual playful tone had turned serious. ""
Ery nodded absently, already shifting his focus. "Let's just check out this Trial of Faith events," he said, steering them toward one of the more secured buildings.
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