After two weeks of intense training with Kaelios, Alex had finally reached the goal he had set for himself.
Every session had pushed him to his limits, and though it had been grueling, it was worth it.
Now, it was ti for the next step: the Grand Mage Order eting, an event Arceus had invited him to, one that could change everything.
With a final glance at Kaelios, Alex opened his [World Map], scrolling through the available locations before selecting [Mage Tower], ready to teleport.
But just as he tapped the confirmation panel, his body beginning to fade, Kaelios suddenly spoke.
"When you co back, we'll focus on the other gods," Kaelios said, his expression neutral, "I've gathered so information on their abilities."
"You'll want to know it."
Alex gave a firm nod.
"Understood."
Then, a flash of blue light enveloped him.
...
In an instant, Alex materialized at the top of the Mage Tower, just like always.
But this ti, sothing was different.
Arceus wasn't at his desk.
Instead, the Grand Mage was sitting in a chair, a thick to in his hands.
As Alex arrived, Arceus looked up, a small grin forming.
"Good," he said, shutting the book with a soft thud before setting it on the desk, "Then it's ti."
He stood, his flowing robes shifting slightly with his movent.
"You'll learn the rules once we arrive."
"They'll be displayed as we walk through the [Garden of Order]."
"Until then, just behave."
"Not that it should be a problem, you're already strong enough."
Alex exhaled slowly.
This was uncharted territory for him.
The Grand Mage Order was a secretive gathering, and he'd be eting the most powerful mages in Universal Descent.
So of them had sided with the gods in his past life.
And though the Chosen Gas had put the descent on hold, that wouldn't last forever.
If he could eliminate certain problems now, it would save him trouble later.
Better safe than sorry.
Arceus took a deep breath.
For the first ti, he actually seed slightly tense.
"They said this will be the most important eting in the Order's history," he muttered, "We need to be careful."
Alex nodded.
"I'm ready."
Without another word, Arceus summoned his [Staff of the Moon Jade], the crystal at its tip glowing with ethereal light.
He raised it slightly, and power radiated from it, surrounding both of them.
A system notification appeared.
[Arceus wishes to teleport you. Do you accept?]
"I need your consent," Arceus said simply, "Accept."
"Yes."
[Teleporting...]
A flash of light overtook them, and their bodies vanished.
...
The sensation of teleportation was jarring.
Alex felt himself being hurled through space, his body weightless, the world twisting and stretching in all directions.
It lasted only a few seconds, but when he landed, a wave of nausea hit him.
He steadied himself and looked ahead.
His breath caught.
It was nightti, and before him stood an enormous mansion, larger than any he had ever seen in this world, even surpassing the Stardust Estate from the real world.
Elegant lanterns floated through the air, casting a golden glow, while tiny orbs of light hovered near the ground, illuminating the garden path.
The atmosphere felt… otherworldly.
But as Alex turned, his stomach clenched.
Just behind him was the edge of the island, and beyond that, an endless abyss.
Darkness stretched infinitely below, broken only by flickers of magical energy drifting through the void like falling stars.
A new notification popped up.
[Welco to the Grand Mage Island]
"What the…"
Arceus, standing beside him, glanced at Alex before looking ahead.
"This island floats dozens of kiloters above the ground, don't fall."
Alex frowned.
"I have wings, though."
Arceus shook his head.
"No."
"There are hundreds of layered defense chanisms to prevent anything from entering or leaving improperly."
"If you try to fly…" He paused, "You'll die. Instantly."
"...Damn."
Alex peeked over the edge again.
The swirling magic below was almost hypnotic, but sothing about it felt wrong.
It wasn't just a void, it was a barrier, one that no living thing should ever touch.
"Most of the Grand Mages are already inside," Arceus said, "Be prepared."
Alex nodded and turned toward the mansion.
The entrance lay ahead, past a garden with neatly trimd hedges and a paved stone path leading to an extravagant staircase.
Everything about this place exuded power and secrecy.
Taking a deep breath, Alex stepped forward.
Ding!
Several glowing panels materialized before him.
[Welco to the Grand Mage Order eting!]
[This path exists to remind attending Grand Mages and their guests of the Order's rules.]
[If you are new, read carefully.]
[If you are foolish, read twice.]
Arceus didn't even glance at them, he already knew the rules.
Alex, however, kept his eyes locked on the panels as they continued forward.
[There are three main rules every Grand Mage must follow:]
[Never engage in direct conflict with another Grand Mage, maintaining balance is our highest priority.]
[Do not interfere in major world events unless absolutely necessary, the Order remains in the shadows.]
[Never kill a god.]
Alex's expression didn't change.
Arceus had explained these rules to him before, so it wasn't surprising.
But then, a new ssage appeared.
[All apprentices must prove their worth before entry.]
[Failure to impress the Grand Mage Judges will result in imdiate elimination.]
[Secrecy is our priority.]
[Weakness will not be tolerated.]
Alex's steps slowed.
"...Elimination?" he muttered.
Arceus sighed.
"It's how they maintain secrecy."
"If you can't prove your power, they assu you're a liability."
Alex didn't feel worried exactly, he had already defeated Arceus, an official Grand Mage.
But even so…
'If they try to kill … would I have to kill them all?'
He didn't know exactly how many Grand Mages were present.
If it ca down to a fight, even with Arceus helping, could he win?
It depended.
He checked his [Destiny Points].
[Destiny Points: 150/150]
Good.
Everything had been fully recharged thanks to the [Garden of Destiny].
Another panel appeared.
[Do not attempt to fight.]
[You will not win.]
[Do not argue.]
[Do not cause trouble.]
[This eting is the most important since the Order's founding.]
[Be ready.]
Arceus actually paused at that last ssage.
"Huh, that one's new."
They reached the entrance, climbing the wide stone staircase leading to the mansion's open doors.
"How many Grand Mages are there?" Alex asked quietly.
"Fifty-three," Arceus answered.
"Got it."
As they stepped through the entrance, a figure erged from the left.
"You're late, Arceus."
It was one of the Grand Mage Judges, a man with silver hair and sharp, calculating eyes.
Another voice ca from the right.
"And I see you brought soone."
A different Judge, this one with short black hair and a smug grin.
"Interesting."
Alex t his gaze without hesitation.
"You know we have to test his power," the second Judge said, cracking his knuckles.
Arceus sighed, brushing past them.
"Go ahead, he can handle himself."
He glanced at Alex, "You good?"
Alex grinned, "Of course."
"Then I'll go ahead."
Without hesitation, Arceus walked toward the massive doors at the end of the grand lobby.
"Join us when you're done."
And just like that, Alex was left alone.
The two Judges turned to him.
"Alright," the silver-haired one said.
"Let's see what you're capable of."
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