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C1017

Three weeks have passed by in a flash. Ever since the meeting with the Nephilim, the group received intensive training and mentoring from the two seniors. Today, the combat magus summoned and gathered them all.

"I am sorry, brothers and sister. I wish to spend more time with all of you, but unfortunately, I have been called to the frontline once again." Lord Izta said, his passion was less than usual.

The news did not come as a shock as everyone had expected it. However, Emery and his friends couldn't help but feel a little sentimental since this event did not only mark the separation between them and the combat magus, but also between the group.

Prior to this gathering, Thrax had taken the decision to join the combat magus to go to the frontline, as that would be the fastest way for the brute to comprehend the law he chose – the Law of Slaughter.

The law only came from a constant life and death battle, naturally, the best place to experience such a thing was a raging battlefield where one could lose their life at any moment.

Fuxi would also be leaving, and he would take Chumo with him. He mentioned something about a darkness element Mythical beast spirit that he had found during his previous journey. The beast was part of the solution the sage had devised to increase Chumo's strength quickly.

Thinking about such a solution, Emery remembers about the Devil Nunchaku Diyoo, on how he used the strength of Mythical beast. As it appears to be a dangerous endeavor. Emery can only hope for the best for Chumo.

As for Julian, the Roman would be answering the Nephilims' call. From the looks of it, he would be stationed in the Nephilim homeworld for a few months.

With these arrangements, the group would probably have no chance to see each other until the final academy test that would be held in 5 months.

"Don't worry, we will at least gather here one more time before the graduation comes," the Sage said.

The atmosphere was heavy and gloomy for everyone. What's more, Lord Izta appeared much more sentimental compared to the others.

"Separation… it is always a difficult thing, isn't it, Enkidu? Well, at least, you will always be next to me."

The combat magus spoke with such reverence towards the empty air, a sign that he was once again wrapped into the depths of his delusion. However, by this point everyone had gotten used to it. After a minute, the Lord of the Terra Castle stood up and said.

"Of course, there is no way we will leave without a feast! Bring out the food, the wine, and the music!"

In a contrast with his previous demeanor, Lord Izta spoke in a cheerful manner, quickly turning the entire castle into a rowdy mess once again. After all, it was not just Emery who had to go their separate ways from his friends, but also the Terra elite soldiers and their families, as they would have to once again follow their Lord to the dangerous frontlines.

A huge bonfire was created in the yard, while the people started to sing and dance their worries away. The sweet scents of high-quality food and drinks wafted in the air, creating a festive atmosphere.

In the midst of the celebration, the sage stood up and played music with his jade flute. In an instant, the noise of the place became as still as the surface of a lake.

With the eloquent movements of his hands and the swaying of the flute, a melodic, harmonious sound could be heard reverberating in the air. It was soft and beautiful as if it was gently carried by the wind.

The tune invoked memories and nostalgia, and those who listened even a few seconds would be able to feel a vibration in their hearts. It was a song about family, about friendship, and about love in all its forms.

The party grew quiet where the drop of a pin could be heard. Moments later, sobbing sounds could be faintly heard and tears began to fall for a while, at least, until Lord Izta shouted, and breaking the silence

"You old fart, why are you playing such a sad tune! Bring the drums out!"

Everyone shook their heads in exasperation when they saw how different the two seniors were behaving. However, despite their stark differences, there was a certain warmth that could be felt that night.

Time passed by far too quickly, and everyone retired to their rooms soon after. Right as the sun was peeking from the horizon, All began packing their things to prepare to leave.

The group gathered once more before they left for their respective journeys.

Chumo was seen carrying such a big bag on his back. Apparently, the sage didn't like to put some things in the storage rings for some reason. Previously, Naya had to carry them all, but as Chumo was now a junior compared to the little girl, the duty automatically fell to him,

Thrax approached Julian, smiled, and punched him on the chest.

"I will come back stronger, you will see!"

Julian returned the punch and said, "I know you will, but I'm hoping that you get a little smarter as well."

"Hah! Speak for yourself, I just hope that you are still a Roman when I return."

Thrax's words made everyone fall into silence, but then Klea quickly approached them and said, "Okay, that's enough… All of you, just make sure to return safely, okay?"

Luckily, her intervention was enough to break the tense silence. Everyone nodded, and Klea forced them to stand in a circle. All five youths put their hands on each others' shoulders as they huddled together.

Klea smile at the others and said "Do you all still remember who we are?"

All looked at one another and know the answer "We are the Earth's, Greatest Magus!"

Laughter and cheers were heard, and Lord Izta's army started to move out of the castle soon after, followed by Thrax. The sage was going as well, followed by Chumo and his massive backpack right behind them.

Julian turned to Emery, nodded, and said, "Emery… I will do my best to make sure the Nephilim don't give us any problems… As for the task of becoming the strongest, I will leave that to you."

The Romans' words startled Emery for a moment, but before he could think much, Klea came over to them.

"What are the two of you whispering about?"

Julian smiled and said, "Nothing, I just remembered that I have some important gift that you two would definitely love."

"Ooh?" Klea's eyes immediately lit up in interest. "I love gifts. What is it?"

Julian smiled and said with a conspiratorial wink, "I bet Emery didn't know this, but as a top 20 privileged student, especially a top 10 like him, he actually can bring a person to accompany him to train on the privileged planet. So, if you understand what I mean.."

When he heard this, Emery immediately turned to look at Klea, who was blushing until her ears were red. She beamed a bright smile and hugged the Roman, and said, "Thank you, Julian. This is the best gift ever!"

Without giving Emery any chance to input his opinion, Julian smiled and then said, "Take good care of her."

Afterward, Julian said his goodbyes and left the castle as well.

With just the two of them left, Klea quickly grabbed Emery's arm and said, "So… are we going to practice together in Hyperion?"

Emery smiled and said, "Actually do you mind coming with me to Zodiac City first? There is someone I'd like to meet."

"Of course!"

The two then also headed out of the castle together

To be continued