“He’s out!” echoed the triumphant call as Emery successfully traversed the swirling gateway. Yet, the relief was short-lived as multiple tentacles followed him, extending through the portal, attempting to ensnare him and shatter the fragile boundary between dimensions. One tentacle nearly succeeded, nearly closing its grasp around Emery’s limb, but before it could, it met its demise in a burst of powerful flames.

The source of this fiery intervention was none other than Delbrand, the ghost of Lymhurst. The seasoned grand magus cast a potent spell, a fiery barrier that not only incinerated the encroaching tentacle but also served as a barrier to keep the malevolent appendages within the confines of the portal. In tandem with Delbrand’s fiery defense, Nael Nephilim, the fate child, weaved a new restraining spell, collaborating with the high elves to reinforce the mystical barricade.

The combined efforts of Delbrand and Nael proved effective, forcefully pushing the tentacles back into the portal. The group, now standing at the threshold of the flickering space, bore witness to the ongoing collaboration between the grand magus and the fate child. Nael, with unwavering focus, continuously maintained the formation spell, while the all-powerful Delbrand remained poised and vigilant, ready to confront any emerging threat.

As the tense atmosphere lingered, a sudden declaration broke the silence. “Someone’s coming!” The words reverberated through the group, adding a new layer of uncertainty to the already complex situation. “Someone’s coming!” The ominous announcement hung in the air, and a powerful energy emanated from the upper layer of the ruins. As anticipation gripped the group, the grand entrance revealed the arrival of the supreme magus, Imperio. His mere gaze held immense power, freezing all celestial constructs in the chamber, rendering them immobile.

Swiftly making his way to the center, Imperio confronted the flickering portals. With a masterful display of arcane prowess, he cast a spell that not only sealed the tears in the fabric of reality but also initiated the gradual formation of a crystalline barrier once again. The restoration of the crystal’s integrity was a testament to Imperio’s unrivaled command over the arcane arts.

Yet, in the last moments of the spell, a sudden burst of energy accompanied by echoing words resonated from the other side of the portal.

“Your puny magus!! our resurgences are inevitable”

The last curses hung in the air like an ominous echo, a dark promise that this was not the end. The lingering words added a layer of foreboding, casting a shadow over the newfound sense of relief within the group. Imperio, standing amidst the stabilized portals, wore a stern expression. The supreme magus, known sensed the gravity of the lingering threat.

At that poignant moment, Emery felt a warm touch, and turning, he found Klea holding his arm tightly. With a deep sigh of relief, she asked, “Is it over?” The weight of the perilous ordeal lifted, replaced by a glimmer of hope.

ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ Novᴇ(l)ꜰɪre .ɴᴇt

Delbrand turned toward Emery and the others, his spectral gaze reflecting a mixture of admiration and gratitude. “It’s done…you all did great,” he affirmed, acknowledging the collective effort that had successfully thwarted a formidable threat.

However, the tranquility was short-lived. Within seconds, the entire ruins quivered once again, and the intricate runes on the walls started to change color. A cascade of notifications resonated in their minds, emanating from the familiar mechanical voices within the ruins.

[System recovered]

[Shutting down all celestial activities]

Emery observed as all celestial constructs were rapidly absorbed into the metallic walls. The chamber, once teeming with celestial entities, now emptied itself. As the celestial presence waned, ethereal emotes of light emerged, gradually mending the destruction that had befallen the chamber.

The mechanical voices continued to echo through their minds, delivering a final proclamation.

[Celestial ruins challenge ended]

The announcement marked the conclusion of the harrowing celestial ruins challenge. The once chaotic battlefield transformed into a serene chamber, bathed in the gentle glow of ethereal light. Following the conclusive message, the entire construct shifted once again, unveiling a colossal portal that loomed before them, urging all magus to step through its shimmering threshold. While some magus remained in a state of bewilderment, Delbrand, the ghost of Lymhurst, broke the silence. “It’s your rewards,” he declared with a knowing smile, encouraging the magus to partake in the fruits of their labor.

As the magus began to step through the portal, the supreme magus Imperio said to Delbrand “We cannot linger much longer, they need us out there” With a sense of urgency, Delbrand and Imperio hurriedly flew up, disappearing into the upper layer. A lingering unease settled among those who remained, a subtle indication that unfinished problems awaited on the surface. Emery, however, chose not to dwell on these concerns, content with the thought that he had his share of contribution.

Emery surveyed the area, taking in the aftermath of the celestial ruins challenge. Most of the magus had managed to recover from the intense battle. Jinkan’s units, however, bore the brunt of the conflict, with half of them having fallen in battle. Some spirit souls were recovered, but others were lost to the chaos. Among the survivors, Emery was relieved to find most of his known acquaintances unharmed, including the seemingly half dead Dyoo, who was being carried by Zetto the Titan.

The two major loss were– Neo, their team leader, and Mahinder, the divine monk. A heavy sigh escaped him as he reflected on Mahinder’s sacrifices. Without the monk’s intervention, Emery doubted he could have safely escaped the portal. The silence that hung over the group mirrored the somber reflection on the price paid for victory.

Thrax’s excited shouts broke the contemplative atmosphere. “What are we waiting for! Rewards!! Let’s go!” His enthusiasm injected a burst of energy into the group, prompting them to follow just behind Jinkan’s contingent as they all entered the portal together.

As they traversed the portal, a series of notifications greeted them.

[Congratulations on surviving the celestial ruins expedition]

[Emery Ambrose: 9,921 points]

[Your rank – first place]