Published at 23rd of September 2024 7:02 pm

Chapter 2198 Karat

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Emery was placed in an all-white chamber, its walls adorned with intricate runes that not only blocked him from casting any spells but also restrained his battle power by half. There were also magus guards stationed outside, constantly watching his every move through a transparent barrier.

Despite the restrictions, Emery remained calm. He knew he couldn't cast spatial spells to teleport out of the place, but he could still access his domain and his Khaos gate. He could leave if he wanted to, but he chose to stay. Sitting in a lotus position, he waited.

As he anticipated, Tessa eventually came to see him. Her expression was a mix of irritation and concern. "I warned you, but you didn't listen!"

Emery remained calm, his gaze steady. "And I told you that I would not stay silent," he replied. "Now that I am here, can you explain what is happening?"

Tessa took a deep sigh and began to reveal the truth behind the Karat faction's predicament.

"Ever since the Academy Bloody Incursion 15 years ago, our relationship with the Magus Alliance has been deteriorating. When the academy closed, many of our mutual interests and connections were severed."

She explained how the economic downturn in Golden City and the rising pirate activity affected not just the Karat faction but also other Golden City-based factions like the Qin and Croft. "Our city's growth has stagnated, and the increasing pirate threats have made things worse for everyone."

Emery listened intently as Tessa continued to explain the situation. She detailed how their faction had come under scrutiny following the disclosure of their supreme leader's past associations with pirate leaders. This revelation had significantly damaged their reputation, complicating their standing within Golden City and beyond.

Tessa explained how many within their faction and others had pushed for her grandfather to dispel rumors by launching an offensive against the pirates. However, no decisive action was taken, leaving the rumors to fester and causing increasing unrest among their allies and adversaries alike.

Five years ago, following the Celestial expeditions and the betrayal of the Oculus faction, the Magus Alliance faced a critical crisis. To address the threat, Rosin Karat accepted a covert mission to stop the scourge in the Nether realm. Accompanied by a group of elite forces, he ventured into the perilous realm on what was initially intended to be a week-long mission. However, weeks turned into months, and to this day, there has been no word on the Supreme Magus's fate. Many have assumed him dead, but to protect the faction's interests, this has been kept a closely guarded secret.

The absence of a Supreme Magus in Sector Seven created a power vacuum, exacerbating tensions and discord among its factions. The Karat faction, once a cornerstone of stability, found itself increasingly isolated and under scrutiny.

This void created an environment ripe for internal strife and external pressure. Factions that once allied with the Karat family began to waver, questioning their ability to lead effectively in such turbulent times.

Amidst the approaching 50-year elections, political maneuvers grew more intricate as factions, including those within the Karat family, maneuvered to safeguard their interests. Loyalties were shifting, alliances forming unexpectedly, and the power dynamics within Sector Seven becoming increasingly convoluted.

"You have seen my father... although many loved him… he is not dominating enough to keep the family in line," Tessa said with a deep sigh.

The Karat faction was split into two primary camps. On one side was Hassan Karat, a one-cosmos grand magus responsible for the faction's finances and administration. Hassan's approach was more conservative, focusing on maintaining stability and preserving the family's traditional ties within Golden City's political landscape.

Opposing him was Xavier Karat, Rosin Karat's adopted son, a peak three-cosmos grand magus who managed the faction's military forces. Xavier, lacking deep connections in Golden City's political arena, had allied himself with factions like the Qin and the Croft. This move was perceived as a bid to gain more influence and power, but it also resulted in further fragmentation of the Karat faction's authority within the council.

Emery absorbed the news, contemplating the complexities of the situation. He then asked, "Why don't you seek help from other factions? I'm sure many would support your father."

Tessa responded with a sigh, "You're right, but not only my father did not want to harm other factions, but he also wanted to resolve this issue internally. He has been trying to find a peaceful solution with my uncle Xavier, even after blood has been spilled."

She detailed the recent failed diplomacy attempts. The last effort ended in a battle, resulting in the deaths of several grand magus and dozens of magus. Despite this, her father remained committed to finding a diplomatic solution. He believed that a prolonged conflict would only weaken the Karat faction, regardless of who emerged victorious.

"I am fear for my father... despite our current crisis, he is still unwilling to let go of his ideals"

Tessa explained how her father's approach was driven by the understanding that if the faction's internal strife continued, it would lead to significant losses on both sides. This internal conflict was already causing enough damage without external interference.

The announcement by the Nephilim to support the Qin and Croft factions while challenging the Karat had alarmed the elders. They feared that the involvement of such a powerful faction would exacerbate their conflict. The presence of an influential and adversarial force like the Nephilim threatened to destabilize their already fragile situation further.

To prevent this, the Karat elders decided to detain Emery.

Hearing this, Emery took a deep sigh and asked, "If the Nephilim is indeed involved, are you going to hand me over to them?"

Tessa was silent for a moment before nodding. "....That's what the elders thought... However, I am sure it will not come to that. Even so, I don't think the Nephilim would dare to personally harm you"

After explaining the situation, Tessa shows deep remorse "I am sorry that you are mixed into this... don't worry, I will try to persuade my father to release you as soon as possible." After saying these words, she turns a little emotional and leaves the room.

Emery gave the situation another thought, believing he wouldn't be in much harm's way. Despite the tense circumstances, he trusted Tessa's sincerity and her efforts to help him. In fact, even if the Karat faction was forced to hand him over to the Nephilim, he would gladly comply, after all, he could easily escape afterward.

Now armed with the information from Tessa, Emery's next urgent task was to communicate with his friends and allies, informing them of his captivity. He returned to his lotus position within the Karat dungeon, careful not to alert the guards. With focused intent, Emery allowed only his consciousness to enter his Magus domain. Instantly, he appeared in the Khaos hub in a spectral form.

Emery stood within a dark chamber, the swirling energies coalescing around Killgragah, the massive black dragon who now served as the central point of their domain. Across from him, separated by the shifting currents of Khaos, Chutulu, maintained a vigilant presence. Morgana, standing beside Killgragah, wore an expression that mingled concern with steadfast trust in Emery's decisions.

Killgragh on the other hand shows an amused gesture, <You always find yourself leaping from one challenge to the next... It is fortunate indeed that you are still alive>

.

Soon enough, Yuria appeared inside the chamber. She was the Khaos seed assigned to become his messenger. Emery quickly explained the situation, detailing his captivity and the precarious state of the Karat family. Simultaneously, Emery left several messages for key individuals. One message went to Magus Rosia, urging Terra City to heighten its alert status. Another message was dispatched to keep a close watch on the movements of the Qin, Croft, and Nephilim factions, given their potential impact on the unfolding situation within the Karat faction.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Emery spared no effort in reaching out to trusted allies, and sent information to a few key people, asking for advice.

Emery found himself quietly spending two days in the dungeon of the Karat mansion, his mind racing with thoughts and plans. On the third day, Tessa visited him once again, this time accompanied by her father, Lord Hassa Karat. Emery was surprised by their visit, expecting perhaps another turn of events involving the Nephilim. However, to his relief, their purpose was entirely different.

"Emery, my father has reached a deal with my uncle," Tessa began, her voice carrying a mix of tension and hope. "To prevent unnecessary blood spills, there will be five versus five duels where the winner will become Karat's new patriarch... We are here asking if you are willing to take one spot, and represent us"

Without much hesitation, Emery turned to the Karat's Lord and accepted, "It will be my honor, I am willing to participate"

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