Mathias stood tall, his eyes fixed intently on the massive worm-like mana beast that thrashed about in the cage before him. The cage, a marvel of magical engineering, pulsed with a soft, blue light that seemed to shrink and expand in a rhythmic pattern. With each contraction, the cage's walls seemed to close in on the beast, crushing it bit by bit.
The beast, a towering monstrosity with scales as black as coal and eyes that glowed like embers, let out a deafening roar as it realized its predicament. It thrashed about, its massive body crashing against the cage's walls with incredible force. But with each contraction, the cage's walls seemed to grow stronger, its magic infusing the metal with an unyielding resilience.
As the beast struggled, the cage continued to shrink, its walls closing in on the beast with an inexorable slowness. The beast's roars grew weaker, its thrashing more feeble, as the cage's magic slowly drained the life from its body. Finally, with a last, defeated whimper, the beast collapsed, its body crushed beyond recognition.
The civilians who had gathered to watch the spectacle through the crystals' display let out a collective gasp of amazement. They had never seen anything like this before - the sheer power of Mathias' magic was awe-inspiring. The crystals, scattered throughout the mana regions, displayed the scene in vivid detail, allowing the civilians to witness the full extent of Mathias' abilities.
Meanwhile, in a distant throne room, the Sorcerer Supreme sat on his throne, a look of satisfaction on his face. His personal assistant, John_von_Dean, approached him, a bowing gesture on his lips.
"My lord," John_von_Dean said, his voice low and respectful. "The royals across the 21 empires that comprise the DERNGIAN empire are slowly aligning with your plan."
The Sorcerer Supreme nodded, his eyes gleaming with interest. "And the Emperor of Suran?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity.
John_von_Dean hesitated, his expression cautious. "The Emperor of Suran remains... uncooperative, my lord," he said, his voice measured. "He refuses to commit to your plan, citing concerns about the potential consequences."
The Sorcerer Supreme's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes narrowing as he considered the implications. "I see," he said, his voice low and contemplative. "In that case, we will need to... persuade him to see things our way."
John_von_Dean nodded, his expression understanding. "I will see to it, my lord," he said, his voice firm. "The Emperor of Suran will soon learn the value of cooperation."
As John_von_Dean departed, the Sorcerer Supreme leaned back in his throne, a look of satisfaction on his face. The wheels were in motion, and soon, the entire DERNGIAN empire would be under his control. The thought was almost... intoxicating.
But for now, he would bask in the glory of Mathias' triumph. The young mage's power was growing by the day, and soon, he would be an unstoppable force. The Sorcerer Supreme smiled, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. The future was looking brighter by the minute.
.....
Lord Inferno D. Lugard stands within the opulent inner walls of his mansion, surrounded by his most trusted captains: Colt, Keshawn, and three others who lead the Derngian knight divisions. Their discussion centers on the unfolding events and the impending promotion that awaits them - a transition from their current positions as captains to the esteemed 6 Lance of the empire.
As the conversation flows, Colt inquires about Ace, prompting a knowing smile from Lord Lugard. He shares that since Ace awakened his core, he has been engaged in relentless training within the mansion's battlefield, tirelessly facing off against every minor knight who crosses his path.
The room erupts in laughter as they reminisce about Ace's unwavering dedication, his stubbornness a trait that endears him to his comrades.