Earth's Greatest Magus

2306  Duel

Julian took a few deliberate steps forward and the movement instantly drew the attention of Athena and Marius, both on edge, but Julian's sharp command rang out "No one is to interrupt this fight," he declared with finality, his eyes never leaving Emery's.

With a deliberate motion, Julian retrieved a thick, heavy-looking golden shield, its weight evident as it hit the floor with a resounding thud. He drew a gleaming sword from behind it, the two weapons forming a formidable pair—the [Heaven's Edge], a high-grade tier 7 weapon.

Julian then cast two spells; the first was [Immortal Gate] Stage 8, and the second was [Aegis Body], a tier 7 spell tailored for a dual fire and metal user like Julian, significantly boosting his defensive and offensive capabilities. His body glowed with a metallic sheen, and flames licking at his skin elevated his power to the peak of the full moon magus realm.

However, Emery remained calm, knowing that Julian still lacked the strength to challenge him directly. But then, Julian revealed something unexpected—as he cast another spell, one only granted to the most elite of the Nephilim, one Emery knew all too well.

[Angelic Descent].

From behind Julian, radiant wings of light unfurled—one, two, three, and then four. Each glowing feather added to his already immense power, pushing him beyond the limits of what a full moon magus could achieve. Seeing the transformation, Emery couldn't suppress a wry smile, his voice laced with sarcasm and irritation. "Congratulations… You've certainly managed to look the part!"

This display made Emery want to end the confrontation before it even began, he locked eyes with Julian and without hesitation invoked [Spectral Gaze], a potent spirit attack spell.

A bolt of spirit energy surged forth, charged with the strength of a level three Pagoda, aimed directly at Julian's mind. Such a spell was powerful enough to incapacitate most magus with its intense mental assault. But to Emery's surprise, Julian exhibited only a flicker of discomfort.

There was a brilliant golden line that appeared on Julian's forehead, and With a forceful exertion of willpower, Julian brushed off the spectral attack completely. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"URGHH!!! That cheap attack will not work against someone with a devoted heart!!!" Julian declared, "Now!! Fight me properly!!"

The unexpected resilience seemed to boost Julian's abilities even further. Emery watched as the Roman's light aura brightened and expanded, an impressive display of power likely tied to his unique abilities.

With swift precision, Emery activated his [Twilight Transformation], summoned his [Savage Blade], and infused it with [Void Blade], enhancing its already devastating power.

Both warriors lunged forward, their swords poised for the first strike.

Julian's blade whistled through the air in a brutal arc, but Emery's reflexes were sharper, allowing him to sidestep the blow effortlessly. However, when Emery retaliated with a vicious slash of his own, Julian's towering shield met the attack with a resounding clash. The golden shield, remarkably resilient, absorbed the brunt of the strike, deflecting the savage force of Emery's Void Blade.

CLANK!!

Julian's defenses were far more formidable than Emery had anticipated.

The echo of steel against steel reverberated through the hall as the two continued their deadly exchange. Each strike sent gusts of wind howling through the room, the sheer force of their blows creating shockwaves that rippled outward.

Five years ago, Julian was only at the half-moon stage. Now, seeing him reach such a level so quickly was impressive. Via calculations indicated a combined battle power above 1000, nearing that of a lower-level Grand Magus.

"You've certainly improved," Emery remarked, his voice steady despite the chaos, "but it's still far from enough to challenge me!!"

In the next instant, Emery shifted gears, his focus narrowing as he unleashed his signature [Sword Axis Mountain] combo. The series of strikes came in a rapid, unforgiving sequence.

With each swift motion, the sound of their clashing weapons filled the room.

CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!

The relentless barrage of strikes was both precise and brutal. Julian, though skilled, struggled to keep pace. His shield raised high, but Emery's speed and precision were overwhelming.

Within 10 strikes, Emery found his opening. His blade cut deep into Julian's waist, the searing pain evident in the Roman's groan. The wound was severe, not just physically but also emotionally—a blow to both Julian's body and his pride.

Without hesitation, he closed his eyes and began muttering an incantation—a mixture of spellcasting and prayer, his words flowing in a strange, sacred rhythm. As he opened his eyes, both pupils gleamed with a golden glow, and the brilliant line on his forehead shone even brighter, radiating with power.

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"URGHH! Not yet! you have seen nothing yet!!"

Emery's eyes widened as he watched the wound on Julian's waist close in mere seconds. The Roman's rapid regeneration was almost instantaneous—astonishingly fast, rivaling even his own primal healing abilities. Julian straightened up, he took a deep, steadying breath before speaking. "I'm glad that you'll be the first to witness test my new ability," Without hesitation, he closed his eyes and began muttering an incantation—a mixture of spellcasting and prayer, his words flowing in a strange, sacred rhythm. As he opened his eyes, both pupils gleamed with a golden glow, and the brilliant line on his forehead shone even brighter, radiating with power.

Emery's senses immediately flared, picking up the unmistakable signature of a Domain—a powerful, cosmic force. He could feel it expanding from Julian, enveloping the space around him. Within moments, a radiant golden halo formed on his back, its brilliance almost blinding. "I call upon the grace of the Supreme Seraph, Lord Michael lend me your power!" Julian roared, his voice echoing through the hall like a divine decree.

Suddenly, a massive, radiant figure materialized from the halo behind him. The being was composed entirely of light, its form majestic and awe-inspiring. Towering over Julian, the figure resembled a celestial angel, its wings vast and shimmering with golden brilliance. The air itself seemed to tremble in the presence of this divine manifestation.

"Now you shall see, the real power of one mandate by the heavens!"

Julian's aura, now infused with divine energy, surged, reaching new heights. His entire being exuded an overwhelming force and for the first time in their encounter, Emery felt a genuine sense of alarm. Thank you for reading. There was an unexpected family gathering yesterday, so I will need an extra day for the additional chapter.

Avan

Creator's Thought