SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

9 Realms association…

The Castle of the Nine Realms Association was a fortress of imposing black stone, stood on the jagged peak in the Fifth Realm.

Within its grand hall, lit by the cold light of floating crystals, Jason Mama, the head of the Nine Realms Association, sat upon a throne of obsidian.

Jason's piercing gaze was fixed on the towering figure bowing before him—the Supreme Wand Magus Alaric, head of the Blue Planet Wizard Association.

Jason leaned forward, his voice a low growl. "Alaric, you know why you're here."

Alaric raised his head, his silver beard trembling as he spoke. "Lord Jason, I have come at your command. What task do you wish me to undertake?"

Jason's eyes narrowed, and his tone turned deadly serious. "Madam Clark. You might know about her due to the past war which took the life of Supreme fist magus. She's been hiding for far too long on your planet. It's time I need to end her life by dragging her out of the shadows."

Alaric's brow furrowed. He took a long time to remember the face of the elegant lady. His eyes widened in shock as he remembered her. "Madam Clark? But why now, my lord? Her existence poses no threat to the Nine Realms. She never came out to show her face in the last two decades."

"Enough!" Jason's voice boomed, echoing through the hall. He stood, his dark aura filling the space. "Do not question me, Alaric. Your task is not to understand my motives. It is to obey my orders!"

Alaric lowered his head, sweat forming on his brow. "Of course, my lord. Forgive me."

Jason paced, his hands clasped behind his back. "You will take a select group of my spies—those who know how to move unnoticed. Use every resource at your disposal. Scout the Blue Planet, the outer islands, and beyond if necessary. Find her, Alaric. Bring me her location."

Alaric hesitated. "My lord, the Blue Planet has become... difficult to command. The supreme sword magus—"

"Do I look like I care about other supreme's?" Jason interrupted, his voice like ice. "You're the Supreme Wand Magus and head of the blue planet wizard association, are you not? If you cannot handle others, perhaps your title is undeserved."

Alaric swallowed hard. "I will do as you command, my lord. I am still the leader."

Jason's lips curled into a cold smile. "Good. Succeed, and I will reward you with a wand of unparalleled power—crafted by the ancient forgers of the tantric sages."

Alaric's eyes widened, his greed momentarily overcoming his fear. "A wand from the tantric sages? Truly, my lord?"

Jason nodded, his tone sharp. "But fail me, Alaric, and you'll wish you had never heard my name."

Alaric bowed deeply, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and excitement. "I will not fail you, my lord. I swear it."

Jason waved him off. "Go. Do not return until you have what I need."

As Alaric departed, the hall seemed to grow colder. Jason returned to his throne, his mind already plotting the next phase of his grand plan.

-

Desolate desert…

The endless Desert was a barren expanse of golden sands stretching as far as the eye could see. Under the blazing sun, two figures moved forward—Kent and Grizzac.

The days they'd spent together had forged a bond of mutual respect, though the desert's harsh conditions tested their endurance.

Grizzac adjusted the cloth around his neck, glancing at Kent. "You're holding up better than I expected, kid. Most people would've given up by now."

"I've faced worse. Besides, you're not exactly taking it easy yourself, old man." Kent replied jokingly.

Grizzac chuckled, his rough voice like gravel. "Old man? Watch your tongue, boy. I could still outlast you any day."

The two shared a brief laugh before Kent's gaze turned serious. "Tell me more about the Shrine of Eternal Sands. Except for its name, I don't know anything. What exactly are we chasing?"

Grizzac stopped, scooping up a handful of sand. "The shrine… it's more than just a place. It's a test. A trial. Only those with the strength and resolve to face its challenges can claim the treasures within."

Kent tilted his head. "Are you sure that we will find many treasures?"

Grizzac let the sand fall through his fingers, watching it scatter in the wind. "Artifacts imbued with ancient power. Spirits of the sands that grant strength and wisdom. But don't get too excited. The shrine doesn't give freely. You'll have to earn it."

Kent nodded, determination gleaming in his eyes. "Don't worry, old man. I won't disappoint you."

Grizzac raised an eyebrow. "Hope your words are true."

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But just as Grizzac said that, he came to an abrupt stop.

Suddenly, Grizzac's eyes narrowed as he tossed a small amount of sand into the air.

Kent frowned. "What are you doing?"

Grizzac's voice was tense. "Testing the wind."

The sand drifted unnaturally, swirling in erratic patterns. Grizzac's expression darkened. "Strange. Very strange."

"What's wrong?" Kent stepped closer.

Grizzac's grip tightened. "The shrine's movement… it's changed. It never does that. Not in decades."

Kent's eyes widened. "Changed? What does that mean?"

Grizzac turned to him, his voice low. "It means something's not right. It's moving closer. Almost within reach."

Kent's face lit up with excitement. "That's great news! We can catch it sooner!"

Grizzac shook his head, his expression grim. "Don't be so quick to celebrate. If it's breaking its usual pattern, there's a reason. And it might not be a good one."

The desert air grew heavier, charged with an unnatural energy. Grizzac's gaze remained fixed on the horizon. "We don't have a choice. We need to move faster. The shrine won't wait for us."

Kent nodded. "Agreed. But how? The desert's too dangerous to travel in the sky at this speed."

Grizzac considered their options, his mind racing. "We must fly now. It's risky, but it's our best shot."

Kent summoned his Golden Throne, the artifact gleaming as it appeared before them. "Let's not waste time, then. Get on."

Grizzac hesitated. "Is this throne capable? If we lose control…"

Kent interrupted, his tone firm. "We won't. Trust me."

Grizzac gave a reluctant nod, stepping onto the throne. "Alright, kid. Let's see if your fancy chair can handle this."

The throne lifted into the air, its golden aura cutting through the swirling sands. As they gained speed, the light around them began to shift. The world became brighter with a sunny glow.

Grizzac's eyes widened. "The light… it's changing."

Kent looked around, confused. "What's happening?"

Grizzac's voice was tense. "The shrine. It's moving toward us. Faster than I've ever seen."

The light grew brighter, almost blinding, before the world around them began to darken unnaturally.

Kent's voice was filled with unease. "Why is it getting dark all of a sudden? What's going on?"

Grizzac clenched his fists, his voice low. "Something's coming. Stay sharp. This isn't over."

As the darkness deepened, the once-familiar desert seemed to vanish, replaced by an oppressive void. A wicked laugh sounded around them.