SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

After three days of grueling travel, Kent, Peak Master Porus, and Fatty finally approached the nearest teleportation point. Porus rode his majestic Antelope which is leading the way in front. Kent, with his Fire Kirin pet, closely followed Porus.

Jabil, the serpent beast, carried Fatty with evident struggle. Over the past three days, Jabil had often expressed his irritation by whipping Fatty with his tail whenever he dozed off, making their journey boring and challenging.

As they drew closer to the teleportation summit, situated atop a steep mountain, Kent's eyes widened at the sight before him. Thousands of people formed a serpentine line that wound from the base of the mountain to the hilltop. The summit itself, surrounded by large, imposing buildings, resembled an official stronghold of the Wizard Association.

Peak Master Porus began his descent toward the foot of the hill, and Kent and Fatty followed closely. The air buzzed with the hum of conversation, the clatter of hooves, and the occasional roar of a beast. The scene was a mix of clumsiness and weariness, as travelers waited for their turn to use the teleportation point.

As the three joined the line, Kent noticed many people holding crimson seashells in small pouches. Curiosity got the better of him, and he leaned closer to Peak Master Porus. "What are those crimson seashells?"

Porus, with a knowing smile, explained, "Those are mana stones used by mages above Grand master magus realm. Everyone needs to pay 200 mana stones to use the teleportation point. Each mana stone is worth 1000 spirit stones."

Kent's eyes widened in surprise. The cost of teleportation was steep, but the urgency of their mission left them no choice. He watched as Porus took out 20,000 spirit stones for each of them, preparing to pay for their passage.

Fatty, dizzy from his interrupted naps, rubbed his eyes and glanced at the line stretching endlessly ahead. "Do we really have to wait in this line?" he groaned.

Porus chuckled. "Even the strongest must wait for their turn sometimes. I saw many people rolling down from the hill because of crossing others."

The line moved slowly, but steadily. The anticipation grew with each step closer to the summit. As they approached the front, the grandeur of the teleportation array became more apparent. Intricate runes glowed with a pulsating light, and the air thrummed with magical energy. An octopus symbol printed on elaborate robes of Wizards who managed the process, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

Finally, it was their turn. They approached the teleportation platform, and Porus handed over the spirit stones to a stern-looking wizard who wore a shiny clock and iron helmet.

The wizard looked at Porus from top to bottom after seeing spirit stones in place of Mana stones. Without making any comments, he inspected the payment, nodded in approval.

"Which place?" The Wizard asked in a serious tone.

"Nine Cauldron Summit" Peak Master Porus replied.

After touching few points on the Arora glass, he gestured them to step onto the platform.

Fatty's heart pounded with excitement and a touch of anxiety. This was his first time using such a powerful teleportation array. He glanced at Kent, who gave him an encouraging nod.

As the three stepped onto the platform, the runes beneath their feet glowed brighter. The air crackled with energy, and a swirling vortex of light surrounded them. Kent felt a slight tugging sensation, as if being pulled in multiple directions at once.

"Stay calm and don't resist." Porus said while staring at Fatty's face who is tightly clenched his fists.

With a final surge of light and energy, the world around them blurred and shifted. The teleportation was swift and disorienting, but within moments, they found themselves standing in a new location.

After the swirling vortex of light settled, Kent, Peak Master Porus, and Fatty found themselves on the Nine Cauldron Summit.

Stepping out of the welcome, Kent and Fatty followed Peak master Porus closely.

The summit was a breathtaking sight to behold, a bustling hub of commerce and magical structures.

Named after the nine colossal cauldrons that stood in a semi-circle around the summit's edge, each cauldron was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, adorned with intricate runes and ancient symbols. Steam rose from them, casting an ethereal glow in the early morning light.

The summit itself was a hive of activity. Numerous stores lined the winding paths, each offering a myriad of goods like rare herbs, potent artifacts, finely crafted weapons, and more.

Puppets called out to potential buyers, their voices blending into a harmonious cacophony. Shimmering banners fluttered in the breeze, displaying symbols of various sects and guilds.

Porus led the way through the mob of people. Kent followed closely, his eyes wide with wonder at the variety and vibrancy around him. Fatty, jogging behind them, stumbled along, barely managing to keep up.

Porus guided them to an old wooden inn situated on the edges of the summit. The inn, known as the "Silver Cauldron," was an old establishment with a creepy ambiance. The wooden sign above the door creaked in the wind, and the smell of hearty food wafted from within.

Kent understood that Porus is saving coins by choosing this old Inn. As they entered, the innkeeper greeted them warmly. "Welcome to the Silver Cauldron! How may I assist you?"

"We need two rooms for a three days," Porus said, while placing a large number of spirit stones on table.

"Of course, sir. We have just the place for you. Follow me," the innkeeper replied, leading them up a narrow staircase to the second floor.

The rooms were modest but comfortable, each with a soft bed and a small window offering a view of the bustling summit below. As soon as Fatty saw his bed, he collapsed onto it with a sigh of relief and promptly fell asleep, snoring softly.

Kent, however, was too restless to sleep. The energy of the Nine Cauldron Summit attracted his attention. He quietly left his room, careful not to disturb his sleeping Fatty, and ventured back outside.