Chapter 146

While Zack was refining the fragments he could feel the overwhelming power radiating from the tree behind him. It was resonating with the energy within him, and the weapon fragments began blinking.

Looking over he could see a mighty tree with roots delving deep into the earth. Its size resembled the one in the garden, but it was golden like his grace. Zack was manifesting his astral form with his wings in their full glory as he approached the tree slowly. He was drawn to the tree, and as Zack drew closer his body began losing its form. Zack was becoming a pillar of light matching the tree and continued to walk forward.

Those cultivating around Zack had their concentration broke as a powerful light was piercing through their eyelids. Opening them seeing Zack they understood why as everyone was forced to look away.

Kaya was trying to get Zack's attention, but looking at him was worse than staring into the sun. They all were concerned he would burst into flames as the light rapidly faded. When Zack opened his eyes they were beacons of golden light and slowly returned to their natural blue. He looked around to see everyone with a concerned look on their face.

"Are you waiting on me to continue?" Zack investigated.

"Did you not hear us?" Ashleigh asked.

"Are you okay?" Tanya asked walking up to feel his head.

"Sorry I just started drifting away for a minute. Can I see how far everyone's gotten?" Zack smiled.

All the students nodded quickly getting back into place. Kaya was shocked to see most of the students could already form the sphere he requested. The others unable to complete the task could direct the mana properly they were simply refining the shape.

Ashleigh and Crowley were already capable of forming orbs the size of a grapefruit. Tanya however was on another level completely already morphing her orb into a dagger.

"There are some adults who can't even use creation magic, and they been training for far longer. So those of you unable to complete the first step yet don't worry. Let's take a little break, and be sure to hydrate properly. I'm expecting some visitors soon so I'll be back in an hour." Zack announced.

"They have all come a long way in such little time." Karin praised as she approached the garden.

Tanya got up quickly when hearing the voice, and immediately ran into Karin's arms. She had gotten so used to seeing Karin, and became a little sad when the visits stopped. Zack smiled seeing the two embrace as he walked up to greet Karin.

"I was starting to get worried something happened." Zack smiled.

"Me too," Tanya told Karin as her tails swayed in excitement.

"Everyone was worried about another war breaking out, and for a minute there I kinda was too. Once word spread about everything returning to normal they wanted me to return." Tanya replied.

"Does that mean they finally wanna meet us?" Zack asked.

"No they just wanted information, but with the slavers returning things are different. Given all your new residents I don't think it would be too difficult to convince them to join. It would be on a temporary basis to have strength in numbers, but I think they will stay when the time comes." Karin replied.

"How many people would it be?" Zack asked.

"There are only twelve of us at the moment, but don't stop your training cause of me. We can discuss it later." Karin replied.

"We are taking a break right now, but will start again in an hour," Kaya stated.

"Let me show you all the new things." Tanya smiled leading Karin by the hand.

"What guests are you expecting today?" Kaya asked.

"A representative from the mages guild. They will be letting me know how they ruled on our deal." Zack replied.

Zack was walking towards the front gate, and as soon as the gate was within view two powerful auras appeared. One of them was Vannessa's, but the other was new. It was the first time Zack sensed someone with this much mana before. As Zack walked out the gate he saw Vannesa standing next to an old man wearing a black and white hanfu.

The man before them had long white hair and was emitting a calming aura. His name is Shen and he is the grandmaster of the mages guild. Shen founded the guild over three centuries ago and is the first human to conquer mortality.

Shen's understanding of the mystical arts is unparalleled even among those in the elven communities. After the reports from two trusted members, he had to witness such a miraculous place himself. Shen closed his eyes as the mana in the area began to rapidly swirl around him.

'For a human to possess this much magic it has to be master Shen. I was expecting him to be a little taller.'

"This is the man I told you about." Vannesa smiled gesturing at Zack.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, master Shen." Zack smiled extending his hand.

Shen smiled reaching out as if to shake his hand but quickly used to fingers to strike two pressure points on Zack's chest. With the mysterious place, and rumors circulating about Zack he had to make sure.

Zack saw them coming, but to block from that distance was difficult with Shen's burst in speed. The pressure points caused no pain but it made Zack's true form revealed. The others present weren't able to see the strikes, and the sentries felt no hostility so stayed idle. Shen cupped his hands together bowing his head slightly.

"I apologize for the deceit but I needed to verify the rumors." Shen declared.

"It's no problem at all, and it seems the rumors about you are true as well. That speed was impressive, and no one ever been able to expose me like that." Zack replied.

'What are they talking about?' Kaya observed them carefully from the side.

Vannessa immediately retrieved her notepad as she walked around Zack examining him closely while taking some notes. She walked back around in front of him staring at the golden light flickering in his eyes.

"I thought this was a meeting," Kaya interjected glaring at the two.

"She gets a little obsessive with her studies. Not a bad trait for a youngster, but it causes her to space out." Shen replied.

Vannesa realized how closely she was staring, and her face went red. She pulled her hood down attempting to hide from those around her. Vanessa was captivated by the thought of a Nephilim from an angel and it piqued her curiosity.

When looking at Zack's eyes the golden iris illuminating with his pupils was like staring into an eclipse. It was only when Kaya spoke up did she realize how close she was to a man. Vanessa wanted to apologize but was too nervous to peek out.