After extensive research and comparison through the celestial database, VIA successfully identified the realm they were currently in: the Tartarus Realm.
The Tartarus Realm was a relatively small yet isolated cosmic system consisting of seven planets orbiting a massive crimson sun. Despite its apparent age and the presence of powerful beings, it was technologically underdeveloped compared to the Magus Universe. Here, there were no advanced spaceships streaking through the void, no bustling space stations linking the planets.
Even with access to the celestial star map and the fastest warp drives in the Magus Universe, VIA calculated that traveling from the Magus Universe to Tartarus would take over 200 years. Supre beings—those who had mastered the cosmic realms—were capable of traveling between planets using their own abilities, while so cosmic realm experts wielded rare magical artifacts that could aid in short-distance space travel, but these items were treasures, inaccessible to most of the population.
For the average person in Tartarus, interplanetary travel was far less convenient. Only the most prominent factions operated teleportation gates, and even then, their use was restricted. Each activation required vast quantities of resources—rare minerals, mana stones, or specific sacrifices—making such travel an exclusive privilege reserved for the elite.
Instead, the common people of Tartarus relied on an extraordinary natural phenonon: the Rainbow River. This cosmic current, which appeared once a year, flowed through the void, connecting the seven planets in a radiant rainbow stream of energy. Its passage created a temporary pathway that allowed individuals and goods to traverse the realm without the need for advanced technology.
However, the Rainbow River's use was not without limitations. Its flow was erratic and lasted only a short ti, requiring precise timing and preparation. For Ery, the Rainbow River represented his best chance to return ho. According to the information, the next cycle of the river would occur in three months, giving him a tight window to act.
His imdiate goal was to reach the capital city, where he hoped to find access to this unique anomaly.
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Ery and his small group—Shinta, Ha Ron, Kingrig, and the elderly Grand Magus Soltz—traveled inside a magical carriage. On the outside, the carriage appeared ordinary, crafted from polished wood and adorned with simple magical runes. However, its interior was much more sophisticated.
The space expanded magically, revealing a comfortable 10-by-10-ter living area complete with plush beds, a dining area, and even a small training corner. The carriage moved with impressive speed, covering 1,000 miles in just a few hours. By this estimate, the group would reach the capital city in ten days.
The space expanded magically, revealing a comfortable 10-by-10-ter living area complete with plush beds, a dining area, and even a small training corner. The carriage moved with impressive speed, covering 1,000 miles in just a few hours. By this estimate, the group would reach the capital city in ten days.
Inside, the three young acolytes were diligently training. They focused on absorbing the realm's dense spiritual energy to strengthen their final pillars. Ery, ever the watchful ntor, offered constant guidance, ensuring they made the most of this opportunity. If all goes well, the three of them could break through to the Magus Realm before they return ho.
Grand Magus Soltz observed the dynamic between Ery and the acolytes with interest. "You seem more like their teacher than their relative," the elder comnted.
Ery nodded, unwilling to fabricate an unnecessary lie. "They are my students," he admitted, "though the girl—Shinta—is indeed my daughter. She and I t only a few years ago under... unusual circumstances."
While Ery kept the full truth hidden, he shared a carefully crafted version of his past. To his surprise, the story seed to strike an emotional chord with the elderly Grand Magus, who let out a heavy sigh but remained silent, lost in his own thoughts.
Curious about the elder's past, Ery decided to probe further. He recalled the request made by the Azure Cloud patriarch—a letter to be delivered to the patriarch's brothers, who served in the capital city's defense forces.
"I've never been to the capital," Ery began. "Do you know why they haven't responded to his ssages? Is sothing unusual happening there?"
The elder's expression grew somber as he shared what he knew. He spoke of political intrigues involving the royal family and the five major factions that wielded significant power in the realm. His knowledge was surprisingly detailed, hinting that he had once been deeply involved in such matters.
Ery couldn't help but wonder about the elder's true identity and strength. From their interactions, he speculated that Soltz's real power level was at the three cosmos level—a formidable Grand Magus. The mystery deepened as Ery pondered what kind of opponent could have defeated soone so powerful.
Ery's thoughts were abruptly interrupted when his divine sense picked up an ominous presence ahead. He detected a group of individuals blocking their path.
"There are people ahead," he said, his tone sharp.
Monts later, multiple energy signatures surged toward them at alarming speed.
"AMBUSH!!" he shouted.
The carriage was suddenly struck by a barrage of powerful attacks, exploding into a shower of splintered wood and magical energy.
Fortunately, Ery was quick to act. Using his spatial abilities, he imdiately pulled Shinta, Ha Ron, and Kingrig into his domain, ensuring their safety. anwhile, Grand Magus Soltz stood his ground, completely unhard by the assault.
As the smoke and flas from the explosions cleared, Ery's gaze swept the battlefield. Two dozen figures erged from the shadows, their silhouettes forming a semicircle around the ruined carriage.
The attackers were clad in black, their robes obscuring their faces. Six of them emanated the distinct energy of cosmic realm experts, while the others, though weaker, moved with deadly precision, their stances ready for battle.
At the center of the group stood a man in a delicate silver robe embroidered with golden patterns. His appearance exuded wealth and refinent, but the disdain etched on his face betrayed his intentions.
The man stepped forward, his expression twisted with disdain. "You survived my explosive pills?" he sneered. "You're not just a simple alchemist, are you... beastman?"
Ery had never seen this man before, but he quickly deduced his identity. This was Master Baldoni, a disgraced alchemist whose reputation had recently plumted.
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