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C1873

At a separate location surrounding the massive structure of the seventh layer, nine portals sprang to life. Through these portals, hundreds of magus, elves, and humans charged into the fray, determined to unleash their formidable abilities to both dismantle the celestial constructs and defend the area from any threats.

Much like Emery's group, the primary objective was to propel as many magus within the coalition as possible into the coveted top 1000 ranking. To achieve this, they needed to clear celestial constructs at an impressive pace within the allocated time.

To streamline their efforts, Jinkan had initiated soul contracts with 40 mercenaries, rogue magus who recognized their position near the bottom of the 4000 participants, and opted for an additional reward from the Nephilim princess instead of struggling for a higher rank.

As they closed in the celestial garrison, these 40 hired mercenaries fanned out to secure their rear, ensuring that no surprises would assail them from behind. This arrangement allowed the coalition to maintain its focus on the immediate challenge before them, maximizing their efficiency and increasing their chances of securing more spots in the top 1000.

The sky was ablaze with the brilliance of magic as the rest 160 magus descended upon the celestial garrison. Their combined might deflect the deadly arrow volleys launched by the celestial archers, leaving no room for error. As they touched down on the crystalline ground, they unleashed a torrent of spells upon the celestial constructs.

Shatter Cross, eager to showcase his mastery over the [Fusion Bolt] spell, released all ten powerful bolts simultaneously. Each bolt had the capacity to incapacitate a construct entirely, rendering them helpless. His efforts cleared the way for Anzi and the other 30 members of the Cross faction, who swiftly moved in to eliminate the stunned celestial adversaries.

Across the battlefield, Olivier soared atop his enchanted sword, leading a contingent of 50 Arcanum faction magus charging toward one of the celestial fortress entrances. Not one to be outdone, Emery conjured a portal that led him and another group of magus to a separate entrance.

Upon entering, they were met with a daunting sight—a heavily fortified chamber teeming with celestial knights and spearmen. These celestial defenders formed a formidable phalanx around a colossal celestial guardian, a boss-level construct that radiated a palpable aura of power and danger.

[Guardian: Priestess of Avalon]

[Mythical Creature: ???]

[Battle Power: ???]

Jinkan's voice broke through the clamor as she urgently signaled Emery to take action. The key to victory lay in subduing this priestess, and their group had a critical role to play.

Without hesitation, Emery conjured a portal that materialized right beside the priestess, providing a sudden entry point for their Nephilim cohort. The move was daring, given that many of the celestial defenders were not engaged in the battle around them. However, the group's coordination and collaboration were exceptional.

As they emerged from the portal, Neo sprang into action, deploying his [Sword Sanctuary] skill to fend off the spears and arrows hurled by the surrounding celestials. The protective barrier created by Jai Strider, in tandem with Abrafo's assistance, took the form of a colossal wall composed of earth and metal, effectively partitioning the priestess from her loyal soldiers.

The moment had come, and Jinkan's voice resounded with authority. "Now!"

As the Nephilim magus surged into action, their combined assault upon the Priestess of Avalon was a symphony of powerful, specialized skills. Each magus brought forth their unique abilities to the battle, seeking to overwhelm their celestial foe.

Eeshoo led the charge with his high-grade shuttle, its segments converging into a colossal, spinning blade known as [Heaven Drill Blades]. Mahinder, his fists radiating with energy, unleashed the [1000 Blossom Sacred Strike], its devastating force crashing into the priestess's defenses. Atlas contributed to the onslaught with a formidable [Ion Beam], while Zetto, the Berserker, charged forward, wielding his ax and employing the fearsome battle art, [Soul Shaker].

Amidst this onslaught, Emery showcased his newly enhanced sword skills, wielding both swords with precision and striking the target relentlessly.

The combined might of their assault began to take its toll on the priestess, her health dwindling rapidly under their relentless barrage.

[Priestess of Avalon] [3,425/5,000]

As the defense formed by Jai and Abrafo eventually crumbled under the relentless celestial assault, the Proxima knights swiftly adapted, initiating their own defensive formation. [7 Star Sword formation] This formation involved channeling their sword and shield skills, creating multiple protective barriers at seven key points within the area. These barriers effectively blocked the advancing celestial forces, buying precious time for their allies.

Jinkan's sharp observation revealed a critical moment as she shouted, "It's going to cast a healing spell!" In response, Uria and the spirit magus demonstrated their unique skill—a combined spirit attack that successfully disrupted the healing spell, preventing the Priestess of Avalon from regaining lost health.

With the healing threat nullified, the Nephilim group seized the opportunity to coordinate a final, devastating assault. Their attacks left the boss-level guardian with no chance to retaliate. In less than five minutes, the Priestess of Avalon's health plummeted to zero, and the celestial construct crumbled into ashes.

[You have destroyed the Priestess of Avalon]

With the Priestess of Avalon vanquished, the group experienced a surge of confidence and momentum. Clearing the remaining celestial forces became a more straightforward task, thanks to their effective coordination and healing spells that rejuvenated their stamina. In less than half an hour, they had successfully eradicated all the celestial adversaries.

Jinkan's strategic foresight and meticulous planning were paying off brilliantly. Their ability to clear fortresses at such an impressive speed was a testament to the careful calculations she had made before the expedition.

"Next one!" Jinkan exclaimed with determination, leading the group toward another celestial fortress. This time, they faced a [Mage Lord] boss and another [Knight Lord]. These bosses posed a more significant challenge, requiring additional time and concerted effort to defeat.

Over the course of a little over three hours, they had cleared three fortresses, amassing a substantial number of points in the process. The sight of almost half of their group now sporting the coveted top 1000 green marks and two new golden marks designating the top 100 participants filled them with jubilation and a sense of accomplishment.

Neo and a full moon magus from the Arcana faction named Raimu, known for his long-range combat prowess and the high-grade artifact attached to his arm, both earned the prestigious golden marks. Emery, too, experienced a significant rise in his ranking.

[Emery Ambrose: 5,111 points - Rank 9/4,332]

Their remarkable success, however, was bound to attract the attention of the other participants, setting the stage for intense competition in the battles to come.

To be continued