Lennon Uranus moved silently through the dark corridors of the underground ruins, the cold stone walls reflecting faint echoes of his footsteps. The dim, bluish glow from his magical lantern illuminated his path, casting long, eerie shadows. Behind him, Elder Aleron trailed cautiously, his staff clutched tightly in both hands.
The tension was palpable, but Lennon's golden eyes betrayed no fear—only cold calculation.
In the Magus World, survival was paramount, and weakness was a death sentence. There were no naive Magi, no foolish idealists left. The kindhearted and the stupid had long been culled, their bones scattered across the Endless Void. Only the cunning, ruthless, and powerful could endure in a reality where every plane harbored creatures that could devour entire realms.
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### **The Void's Hierarchy of Power**
Lennon had spent countless hours studying the power structure of the Endless Void:
- **First Circle Magi = Level 1 Creatures:** Weak, their strength barely registering in the grand hierarchy.
- **Second Circle Magi = Level 2 Creatures:** Considered the first step towards true power but still easily disposable.
- **Third Circle Magi = Level 3 Creatures:** Beings of significant might, capable of altering small regions of reality.
- **Fourth Circle Magi = Level 4 Creatures:** Titans in their own right, whose battles could devastate entire planes.
- **Fifth to Ninth Circle Magi = Levels 5-9 Creatures:** Godlike entities, with Ninth Circle Magi rivaling the most powerful beings in the Endless Void.
Above them all loomed the **Will of the Magus Plane**, an ancient sentient force that safeguarded their world from external threats, including incursions from the Abyss. Even the Abyssal Lords—monstrous Level 9 beings—feared direct conflict with the Magus World, knowing the wrath of a Ninth Circle Magus was tantamount to annihilation.
But for now, Lennon was still in the early stages of his journey. A second-circle Magus, his current strength allowed him to contend with Level 2 creatures and outwit lower-ranked enemies. However, against anything Level 4 or above, he had no choice but to flee or outmaneuver them with sheer cunning.
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### **A Ruthless Calculation**
A distant scream shattered the silence, echoing through the ancient ruins. Aleron froze, his face paling. "Someone's in danger!"
Lennon didn't even pause. "Then they'll die." His voice was calm, almost indifferent.
Aleron stared at him in shock. "You don't mean that. If we work together, we might save them!"
Lennon turned his head slightly, his golden eyes glinting with cold amusement. "And risk our lives for what? Sentiment? A meaningless death? If they were strong enough, they wouldn't need saving. And if they're weak, they're not worth saving."
"But—"
"There are no eternal enemies in the Magus World, Elder," Lennon interrupted, his tone sharp. "Only eternal benefits. We help only when it serves our interests. Otherwise, we walk away."
Aleron clenched his fists, clearly conflicted, but Lennon had already moved on.
---
### **The Deserter's Creed**
As they continued through the ruins, Lennon spoke, his voice low but firm. "You're old enough to know the truth, Aleron. Trust is a commodity, rare and expensive. Even oaths sworn to the Will of the Magus Plane are enforced only out of necessity. Cooperation without such guarantees is a death wish."
Aleron didn't respond, but his silence spoke volumes.
"Those who survive do so because they prioritize their lives above all else," Lennon continued. "You can't trust anyone—not your allies, not your superiors. Even a master may discard their disciple if it benefits them. That's the nature of our world."
He glanced back at Aleron. "If you still think saving others is noble, you're a fool. And fools don't last long."
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### **A New Threat Emerges**
The two Magi entered a vast chamber, its ceiling lost in darkness. Ancient runes lined the walls, pulsing faintly with residual power. At the center of the room stood a massive gate, cracked and dormant, but its aura suggested it had once been used to summon creatures from the Abyss.
Lennon frowned, his instincts on high alert. The air here felt wrong—thick with malevolent energy.
Before he could speak, a low growl echoed from the shadows. From the darkness emerged a hulking beast, its body a grotesque amalgamation of muscle, claws, and spiked carapace. Its six glowing eyes locked onto the two Magi with predatory intent.
A Level 3 Abyssal Hunter.
Aleron's grip tightened on his staff. "This creature is beyond us," he whispered. "We need to leave."
Lennon nodded, already preparing a spell. "Indeed. We can't fight it directly, but we can escape."
The Abyssal Hunter lunged, its claws tearing through the air with deadly precision. Lennon reacted swiftly, casting a barrier of light to deflect the blow. The barrier shattered on impact, but it bought him enough time to maneuver.
"Keep it distracted," Lennon ordered, his voice steady. "I'll activate the spatial gate."
Aleron complied, unleashing a series of elemental spells to slow the creature's advance. Fire and ice clashed against the beast's hide, barely leaving a mark but drawing its attention.
Lennon worked quickly, his hands moving in precise patterns as he inscribed the necessary runes. His cold demeanor never wavered, even as the Abyssal Hunter closed in.
"Now!" he shouted.
The gate flared to life, its ancient runes glowing with renewed power. Lennon grabbed Aleron and pulled him through just as the beast lunged, its claws missing them by mere inches.
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### **Cold Alliances**
The two Magi emerged in a different part of the ruins, the gate closing behind them with a resounding thud. Aleron collapsed to his knees, breathing heavily.
Lennon remained standing, his expression as cold as ever. "A valuable lesson, Elder. Strength means nothing without survival. Even the Abyss can't harm us if we're smart enough to stay alive."
Aleron looked up at him, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and respect. "You truly have no regard for anyone but yourself."
Lennon smirked. "In the Magus World, trusting anyone else is a liability. You'll live longer if you remember that."
Without another word, Lennon turned and began walking away. Aleron hesitated, then rose to follow.
For Lennon, survival was the only priority. Compassion and trust were luxuries he couldn't afford. In a world where betrayal was commonplace and power was the only currency, he would do whatever it took to ascend the ranks.
And if others fell along the way, so be it.
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**End of Chapter 7**