The wind howled across the snowy mountain peaks, carving thin white lines over the ridges like claws raking through stone. Dozens of miles away, Centauri City shimred faintly beneath the pale horizon-tiny, distant, almost unreal from this elevation. Yet atop one of those frozen summits stood an estate that seed to defy the very harshness of its surroundings. From its balcony, one could survey the entire expanse of the Centauri northern range.
It was from this balcony that Ery watched the clash occurring in the courtyard below.
A white-gold humanoid golem, rune-veined, and radiating ancient chanical might-lunged forward with thunderous montum. Its fist, dense as a collapsing star, collided with a granite-skinned forearm belonging to an elderly man clad in living stone armor. The impact shook the entire mountain ridge. Wind rippled outward in violent rings and snow avalanched off the nearby cliffs.
This was no ordinary spar. This was power at the peak of the realms-where a single strike could split valleys, and a misstep could topple mountaintops.
"That's impressive," Ery murmured, eyes narrowing as the elderly grand magus pivoted with surprising fluidity.
"He has much improved... I see you taking good care of him"
Beside him, Tessa Karat folded her arms, her raven hair swaying in the fierce wind. "He's an honorable guest, after all. The man who brought our Leader back deserves nothing less"
The elderly warrior in the courtyard was Grand Magus Soltz of the Tartarus realm. He had spent the last decade with the Karat faction, and it was clear that arriving in this realm had been a blessing for him. There were many healing thods here that simply did not exist in the Tartarus realm.
Although he was not yet fully recovered, his Three-Cosmos foundation had stabilized, and he now stood only a breath away from stepping into the
mid-stage-an advancent that would place him among the upper echelon of the grand magus realm.
And yet Ery's smile ca not from Soltz's recovery-but from the golem holding its ground against him.
The Guardian Golem of Randhall's legacy-his greatest fortune from the ancient tomb-was proving capable of matching a veteran grand magus in raw physical might. VIA, piloting it through the interface, still had much to adapt to. But even so, the construct's potential was staggering.
Of course, all this changed if Soltz began casting high-tier spells. Physical combat alone favored the golem; cosmic spellcraft would be a different story. But that was the point of this spar-to push VIA, refine its control, and awaken more of the automaton's dormant protocols.
Ery couldn't help but smile again. Having two powerhouse figures to assist him would carry him a long way toward his goal
While the two continued to spar outside, Ery stepped back into the estate, moving through the quiet corridors until he reached the lounge. Six won were already gathered around the round table-Tessa Karat, Rosia of Terra, Nyx the Succubus, Kayelin of Tartarus, Gwen of Earth, and Annara. Each of them was formidable in her own way, won of sharp minds and deep experience, all capable of contributing greatly toward Ery's goal.
One noteworthy change among them was Rosia. The matured woman had successfully broken into the grand magus realm-reaching a height her late husband, Izta the Gilgash, had never managed to attain.
"All thanks to the resources your faction provided," she said with a grateful nod.
Before Ery gone missing years ago, Terra had already begun the process of being integrated into the Earth faction, and just a decade ago, the unification was complete. But Terra was still a small planet, situated in a different quadrant from Earth. Its growth was limited-and Ery knew it.
That was precisely why Ery intended to expand the influence of the Earth faction here, in the Alpha Quadrant.
Before influence, before reaching the heights he sought-wealth needed to be secured.
Kayelin had already spent the last few weeks examining the rlin Apothecary -its internal structure, its workers, the markets, and the demand across nearby cities. She had so idea on new recipes projected to sell exceptionally well.
However, each idea ca with challenges:
Large initial investnt, a long production cycle, and at least a year before a aningful profit could be expected.
Fortunately, Ery had the ans.
"That's fine," Ery replied. "I have the funds."
Money was not an issue, at least for while-not after the Randhall inheritance. But wealth alone would not bring power. He needed sothing far more elusive: influence, intelligence, and a network strong enough to anchor their rise.
He turned his eyes to Nyx. The succubus, lounging with graceful grace, understood his intention before he spoke.
"I agree we should open more establishnts in other cities," Nyx said, tapping her fingers lightly on the table, "but there are limits to what my girls can handle. And every new branch needs proper security"
Annara leaned forward, arms crossed. "We have many half-bloods in Utopia willing to take the work," she added, "but employing them may cause
complications. It could spark unnecessary conflict."
Nyx offered a slight nod at that. Their concerns were valid.
For matters of manpower, Ery turned to Rosia. Terra City had spent the last decade advancing its forces significantly.
"We can send as many fighters as needed," Rosia said. "But most of our elites have families and roots in the Beta Quadrant. They can serve as a temporary solution... but not a long-term one!"
She paused, considering. "If you seek true strength here, I suggest forming ties with rcenary groups. Many major factions do this. Either partner with established companies... or nurture a new one under our influence."
Ery absorbed every word.
It was at that mont that Tessa finally spoke, her sharp gaze cutting through the discussion. "Answer this," she said. "What is your end goal? How far do you intend to go... and how long do you plan to take to get there?"
The room quieted. It was a fair question.
Ery inhaled slowly. "Very well," he said, eting each of their eyes in turn before answering.
"I aim to secure a seat on the Magus Alliance Council within thirty years."
Silence fell instantly. Even the air felt heavier.
Rosia froze mid-breath. Tessa's expression tightened, her normally calm features cracking in visible shock.
Because they understood what that goal ant.
And how insane it truly was.
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