The crunching of bone beneath my knuckles sent a perverse wave of satisfaction through me.

  My fist throbbed, but the pain was nothing compared to the raw fury that had driven the strike. Lyra's body crumpled to the floor, her head snapping back at an angle that would've been fatal for someone weaker.

  Blood trickled from her broken nose and split lip. Her middle finger, so boldly raised moments before, now lay limp against the stone floor.

  No one threatens what's mine and just gets away with it. I let out a huff, releasing the Photon Ring as it fizzled out.

  The portal still shimmered in the middle of the room, but I knew Varis and his underlings wouldn't come back. The portal wouldn't let them return to a clearer gate.

  The Crown of Echoes was gone, but I'd at least managed to keep one of the cultists.

  I stepped back, flexing my aching hand while staring down at her unconscious form. A cold smirk spread across my lips beneath my mask. The woman who'd dared put a blade to Lilian's throat wouldn't be mocking anyone for quite some time.

  "Nebula," I said, turning to my fiancée, "restrain her." Blood magic could be used to bind as well as to cut.

  Nebula understood immediately, nodding as she knelt beside Lyra's prone form. Her slender hands moved with practiced precision, crimson energy coiling around her fingertips like living tendrils.

  "Let's see," she murmured to herself.

  The vampire's magic manifested as deep red bands that wrapped around Lyra's limbs, torso, and neck—tight enough to restrain but not enough to kill. The flickering glow of Nebula's crimson magic cast haunting, shifting shadows on the chamber’s intricately carved walls. Elegant and efficient, just like Nebula herself.

  "Make sure it's tight," I instructed. "I don't want any surprises when she wakes up."

  "She won't move an inch," Nebula assured me, her blue eyes briefly meeting mine before returning to her task.

  With Lyra secured, I turned toward where my Lilian lay motionless near the portal entrance. My heart constricted painfully at the sight.

  "Solara, with me," I said sharply, already moving toward Lilian's fallen form.

  The cold stone floor sent chills creeping through my fingertips as I knelt beside Lilian. I carefully lifted her head to rest on my lap. Her silver hair spilled around her like moonlight, contrasting starkly against the ancient stone floor.

  She looked peaceful—too peaceful. It made me worry.

  "Lilian," I called softly, searching her face for any sign of consciousness. No response.

  Solara knelt across from me, her brow furrowed with concern. Gentle phoenix flames flickered to life around her fingers, washing over Lilian in waves of healing warmth.

  "She doesn't have any serious physical injuries," Solara reported, her voice tight with worry. "Just minor cuts and bruises, but..."

  "But she's not waking up," I finished for her, my tone grim. "Lyra must have used some kind of mental attack."

  My jaw clenched as I brushed a strand of hair from Lilian's face. She wasn't the weak girl who hid from the Vampiric Father, I raised her for a year to reach Level 90. Yet, seeing her unconscious without knowing when she'd wake up worried me more than back then.

  For her to be taken down so easily... I'd underestimated our enemy. They might pose little threat directly, but they have weird skills. I noted.

  "Come on, wolf girl," I murmured, trying to keep the edge of fear from my voice. "Wake up."

  As if hearing my words, Lilian's eyelids suddenly fluttered. My heart skipped a beat in surprise. A soft groan escaped her lips as her body tensed.

  "Lilian!" I called, relief washing through me as her ruby eyes opened, unfocused at first.

  She bolted upright so quickly she nearly headbutted me, her gaze darting wildly around the chamber.

  "What— Young master? Where...?" Her confusion quickly hardened into rage as she spotted Lyra's bound form across the room. "That fucking bitch!"

  "Easy," I cautioned, keeping a steady hand on her shoulder. "You're safe now. She got you with some kind of mental attack. Probably something like [Faint].”

  Lilian's face flushed with anger and embarrassment. "That's why I passed out…? Cowardly bullshit! She couldn't beat me in a fair fight, so she cheated!"

  "Hey, you're alive," Solara said, squeezing Lilian's other shoulder gently. "And she's not going anywhere. How about we go ask her some questions?"

  She wasn't going anywhere, but her friends already had. Lilian recognized the truth and looked at me. “The artifact…?”

  “They threatened us with you as a hostage. Had no choice but to hand it over,” I said, and shame spread across her face. Lilian couldn't believe we'd been forced to give in because of her failure.

  “Don't worry about it,” I patted her on the back. “When we find them next time, they won't have this woman to help them. We'll get the item back. Let's interrogate her.”

  Her shame eased up a little as she saw me and the other two girls give her a look of understanding. A dangerous smile curved Lilian's lips. "Oh, I'd like that very much."

  I helped her to her feet, noting how she wobbled slightly despite her fierce expression. The mental attack had taken more out of her than she wanted to admit. Still, she shrugged off my supporting arm, straightening her posture proudly.

  Together, we approached Lyra's bound form. I switched both my cores and released a strong wave of Demonic Qi, letting my aura blanket the chamber.

  The pressure was subtle but unmistakable. It was a clear warning that escape was impossible.

  Lyra was beginning to stir, her eyelids fluttering as consciousness returned. When her eyes finally opened, confusion passed over her face before recognition hit.

  “You–!” She jerked against Nebula's blood bindings, eyes widening in panic as she realized her predicament.

  "Good morning," I said coldly, towering over her. "I hope you enjoyed your nap."

  Lyra tried to speak, but as she opened her mouth, my foot found its place on her face. She only managed a pained cough in response. Blood dribbled from her split lip.

  "Careful," I continued, crouching down to her eye level. "If I don’t like what comes out next, I won’t just kick you." I let the threat hang in the air for a moment before asking, "What is the Outer God Cult planning in Nevaramis?"

  Her eyes narrowed, and despite her predicament, she managed a defiant glare. "Go… to hell," she spat, wincing at the pain speaking caused her.

  “Oh well.” I sighed dramatically, grabbing a handful of her hair and slamming it down on the ground. As I stood up, I glanced up at Lilian. "She doesn't seem to understand her situation."

  Lilian didn't need further invitation. She stepped forward, silver hair whipping around her face as she drove her fist into Lyra's stomach. The cultist doubled over as much as her restraints allowed, struggling to breathe.

  "That's for knocking me out," Lilian growled.

  Solara followed with a swift kick to Lyra's ribs, the impact audibly cracking at least one. "And that's for threatening her life."

  Despite the pain, Lyra gritted her teeth, refusing to cry out properly. A broken laugh escaped her bloodied lips. "Do your worst," she wheezed. "The masters protect us beyond death. You'll learn nothing from me."

  "She's a tough one. Physical beating has its limits," Nebula observed calmly, stepping forward. Her blue eyes glowed faintly red in the chamber's dim light as she drew a small, curved blade from within her armor.

  With surgical precision, she sliced a shallow cut along Lyra's forearm. Blood welled immediately, and with a flick of Nebula's fingers, it rose into the air, dancing in complex patterns instead of falling to the floor.

  Fear—genuine terror—flickered across Lyra's face. "What are you—"

  "Shh… our blood tells all secrets," Nebula whispered, her voice taking on a hypnotic quality.

  The floating crimson droplets spun faster, forming arcane symbols before flowing back toward Lyra's body. As they touched her skin, they sank beneath the surface, illuminating her veins with an eerie red glow. Her blood began to boil hot.

  The effect was immediate. Lyra's head snapped back, a primal scream tearing from her throat as her body convulsed against the restraints. Her eyes rolled back, showing only whites as sweat poured down her face.

  "Stop!" she shrieked between convulsions. "Make it stop! I'll talk!"

  I raised a hand toward Nebula, silently instructing her to continue. "When you start talking, the pain stops. Not before."

  Nebula nodded, maintaining her spell as Lyra writhed on the floor. The distant drip of water echoed softly, punctuating Lyra’s agonized screams. Her screams echoed off the ancient walls, tapering into desperate, broken sobs.

  "P-please," she gasped, tears mixing with blood on her face. "Please, PLEASE! I'll tell you evgh… everything!"

  I signaled Nebula to ease the spell slightly—enough for Lyra to speak coherently but not enough to give her relief.

  "The cult," I prompted coldly. "Why are you fools here? What do you want with Nevaramis? Other than claiming it, that is.”

  The Outer God Cult was eradicated by the time Nevaramis appeared in the game. But since it appeared a lot earlier this time, the corrupted bastards were here to use it.

  However, I didn't think they were simply here to claim the city. I felt like there had to be something more.

  Lyra trembled violently, hatred burning in her eyes despite her broken state. "It's very complicated to explain, and I don't… know the details… but… We... we were sent to... to Animate—"

  The word hung in the air for a fraction of a second before her body went rigid.

  Her mouth froze open, eyes widening in a new kind of terror—one that had nothing to do with Nebula's magic.

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  "What's happening?" Solara asked, stepping back instinctively.

  Before anyone could respond, Lyra's veins flared bright red beneath her skin, bulging grotesquely all over her body like swelling rivers about to burst their banks. She made a strangled gasping sound, trying to form words that wouldn't come.

  Then, with sickening suddenness, her veins ruptured internally. Blood trickled from her ears, nose, and the corners of her eyes. Her body slumped, the life draining from her gaze as she died right before us.

  "What the FUCK?!" Lilian shouted, jumping back and turning on Nebula. "Why did you kill her?!"

  Nebula stepped back, shaking her head frantically. "That wasn't me! My magic doesn't—I would never waste a—" Genuine shock registered on her face.

  "It's alright, calm down," I commanded, raising a hand as I stared at Lyra's corpse. "Nebula didn't do this."

  I knelt beside the body, examining the ruptured veins still visible through her skin. "This was a failsafe. A curse or enchantment placed on her—on all of them, probably. If they try to reveal critical information, they die instantly."

  Solara's face paled as she moved closer to inspect the body. "That's... horrifying. But what was she trying to say? Animate what?"

  "Whatever it was," Nebula said grimly, "it was important enough to kill for."

  My mind worked quickly, piecing together fragments of knowledge. The Outer God Cult, their infiltration of Nevaramis, their need for the Crown of Echoes and other important items... There was only one terrible possibility that made sense.

  "So what do you think they're planning?" Lilian asked quietly, her voice heavy with the weight of realization.

  She, Nebula, and Solara gathered around me as I stayed silent, their expressions tense with anticipation and dread.

  "Animate," I muttered slowly, staring at Lyra's corpse. "She wasn't talking about animating an object. I think she meant the word animate... as in bringing something to life."

  The girls slowly exchanged glances. I didn't need to say more, they seemed to have gotten a gist of the situation.

  “...Soooo here’s a fun question,” Solara said dryly. “Who exactly do you think the Outer God Cult is trying to bring to life?”

  The silence that followed was deafening.

  ****

  The portal's energy washed over us as we stepped through. Solara, Lilian, and I emerged onto the waterside landing field. My mask was securely in place, the dark cloak swaying dramatically as I surveyed the area.

  Nevaramis' crystalline structures caught the light in ways that defied physics, casting prismatic reflections across the water's surface.

  Despite its beauty, tension permeated the air. Contestants huddled in small groups, whispering urgently, some nursing injuries while others boasted loudly of their successes.

  Some blamed others for stealing their hard-earned artifacts, while some wept tears for their dead teammates.

  My Demonic Sphere pulsed with attention, scanning the gathered crowd. I tried to find the Outer God Cultists, but there were too many people here. It was too difficult to find those who chose to hide themselves amid such a large crowd.

  I closed my eyes in frustration, but then heaved a sigh. It's alright. They're still on the island, and we’ll encounter them sooner or later.

  Instead, I searched for Nebula. She wasn't too far, so I located her distinctive energy signature immediately. She stood some distance away, feigning calm disinterest.

  I instructed her to leave about ten minutes ago so that we wouldn't leave together, as that would have prompted people to connect the dots.

  "Good, Nebula is safe," I murmured to Lilian and Solara. "As long as no one connects her to us..."

  But she wasn't alone.

  Prince Orion Ethenar hovered near her like an overeager puppy, his royal posture unable to hide his transparent interest. Beside him, Victor Seraph chatted with some of his underlings with that calculated patience I'd grown to despise. Often, his eyes flicked to Nebula with uncomfortable intensity.

  "Are you certain you weren't injured?" Orion pressed, leaning closer to Nebula than norms should allow. "You seem... troubled."

  She maintained perfect composure, subtly increasing the distance between them. "I'm quite well, Your Highness. The trials were merely tiring."

  Victor stepped forward smoothly. "The Prince is a royal soul, and can't help but worry about his outstanding subjects. Why not help soothe his worry by joining our party? You shouldn't wander alone, Miss Carlstein. Your fiancé didn't bother to attend this, but that doesn't mean you should be alone. We have room in our party, and joining us would be safer."

  His tone suggested protection, but the subtle glint in his eyes revealed his curiosity about her sudden solitude. He must be curious where she'd vanished last night, even though he and the Prince sent some girls to fetch her.

  "I appreciate the concern, Lord Seraph," Nebula replied, her voice cool and controlled despite the discomfort I could sense through our blood bond, "but I'll manage fine on my own."

  I watched Orion's jaw tighten, annoyed that she kept “acting hard to get”. Did he have any idea how more annoyed I was?

  Future Emperor or not, I wanted to walk over and bash his head into the ground.

  Before they could press Nebula further, a familiar figure strode confidently toward the growing tension.

  “Please,” Riasmin—my brilliant, capable sister—approached with Iaskin at her side. Their timely intervention couldn't have been more perfect if I'd arranged it myself. "She's fine with us, Seraph.”

  “...Riasmin,” Victor said, but there was no warmth in his voice.

  Riasmin looked at him firmly, her golden sand mana swirling subtly around her fingertips—a warning hidden within courtly etiquette. "You don't need to trouble yourself with my sister-in-law.” Her eyes fell on Orion. “You too, Your Highness.”

  "Yeah, Nebula's not alone." Iaskin's tone carried an edge of cold steel unusual for him. The once-corrupted youth had apparently found new resolve in protecting family connections.

  Appreciated, I thought, watching Victor's expression shift minutely. The snake-like bastard's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation—now outnumbered by one of the only other academy's most prominent students who could match him. He had little choice but to retreat gracefully.

  "Of course, family first," Victor offered a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I merely wished to ensure Lady Carlstein's safety. These trials can be... unpredictable."

  With a slight nod toward Nebula, he stepped back, Prince Orion reluctantly trailing behind him after one last lingering glance at my fiancée.

  This is drawing too much attention, I realized, watching several bystanders observe the interaction with interest. Time for a distraction.

  The android administrator hovered above the gathering, her holographic form shimmering against the backdrop of Nevaramis' impossible architecture. I seized my opportunity.

  "Administrator," I called out, pitching my voice to carry across the field. "May I suggest something?"

  My sudden address created the intended effect—every head turned toward the masked stranger who dared address the guardian of Nevaramis directly. The silence that fell was almost physical.

  The android's luminous gaze fixed on me, her expression unchanging. "Speak, contestant."

  "Given the intensity of just the first trial," I said, deliberately modulating my voice to sound different from my usual tone, "perhaps you could offer a voluntary withdrawal for those below 5th Ascension? As you mentioned, it's not ideal for them. Your goal must be to find someone suitable for Nevaramis. Those who want out after just one trial clearly aren't worthy, correct?"

  The administrator paused, processing my suggestion with mechanical precision. If she was considering it, it was good enough. I smiled beneath my mask. By giving people an escape, I'd not only culled weak competitors, saving lives, but this would also let me manage Nebula better.

  After a moment that stretched uncomfortably long, she nodded. "Agreed, participant. Those wishing to withdraw may now leave without penalty."

  The relief hit the crowd fast and heavy, like a wave washing over stiff, nervous bodies. Most of the first-year students raised their hands as volunteers, faces desperate, not even trying to hide it.

  Perfect. I reached out telepathically to Nebula. "Hey. Pretend to withdraw with them and just when the time is right, transform discreetly into your bat form, and hide in a corner. I’ll find you shortly."

  Through our connection, I sensed her slight surprise, then understanding.

  Other weaker participants stayed hesitant for a second, glancing around like they were embarrassed, but in the end, survival won out over pride. Even a bunch of tough mercs traded grim nods, silently admitting they’d had enough. About two hundred people raised their hands.

  “...Anyone else? Make your decision and gather at the center,” the android said.

  Nebula offered a nod to Riasmin and Iaskin. "I'm sorry, but I think I've had enough for today," she said, her voice carrying just enough resignation to be convincing. "Iskandaar isn't even here… I'm a little tired, and I don't want to hold you two back. Good luck."

  “Ah, that’s perfectly understandable. Tell the professors that we 4th years are taking care of the remaining students,” Riasmin placed a sympathetic hand on her shoulder, and said. Orion, watching from a distance, couldn't hide his disappointment.

  Orion stiffened where he stood, his disappointment obvious as he stared at Nebula like he couldn’t let go. Victor hovered nearby, sharp eyes taking everything in, cool and calculating.

  As the others began to move toward the center, Nebula did the same, melting into the crowd. She tactfully remained at one corner, hidden among many, and then slipped away without a sound.

  Hidden amid the shadows of people, she kept moving to make sure no eyes followed her for more than a second. Her body shimmered for just a second before melting into something smaller, sleeker.

  Limbs folded into wings, and in a blink, she wasn’t Nebula anymore—just a little bat, black leather catching the city’s glow.

  She darted through the gaps between the crowd, quick and quiet, disappearing into the floating city’s dark like it had been waiting for her.

  A moment later, everyone gathered at the center flashed similar to Munera. Their bodies vanished into thin air.

  "Are you in position, Nebula?" I asked telepathically once sufficient time had passed. “I've got an extra set of disguise clothes inside my spatial storage. You want it? Or would you use blood magic to make some disguise on your own?”

  "Nah, that'd cost mana to maintain," came her irritated reply. "Huh, you have another disguise? Why haven't you given it to me yet?"

  "If you left the gate while wearing it, the ones who saw you enter would know it's you. They'd realize your connection to us, and we'll be busted. I'm coming."

  With a subtle gesture to Lilian and Solara to remain where they were, I activated [Void Step], briefly phasing out of reality before materializing in the shadowed alcove where Nebula had hidden.

  She had resumed her human form, crouched in the darkness, her crimson eyes flashing with annoyance and something else—perhaps relief that she was no longer alone.

  "Here," I said softly, pulling out a neatly folded bundle from my Soul Storage—a sleek mask and dark clothes that matched ours. It was always meant for her, the last and most tempting member of my little cult. "Put these on."

  Nebula took the clothes, raising an eyebrow at me. Her crimson eyes glittered, playful even in the dim corner. "So you want me to change right here, but you’re not even gonna look away?"

  I leaned against the crystal pillar, arms crossed, relaxed. "Would you close your eyes if you were staring at something the gods made?"

  Her cheeks flushed, that soft pink spreading down her neck. She shot me a scowl, but it only made her cuter. "Since when does the great Heavenly Demon talk like some cheap poet?"

  "Since he found something worth praising," I teased, grinning at the little shiver that ran through her.

  She huffed, but I caught the way her lips twitched up before she turned away slightly, giving in. She undressed fast, smooth but rushed, flashes of pale skin, delicate shoulders, curves even the shadows couldn’t hide. I didn’t bother hiding that I was looking, loving the mix of embarrassment and excitement in the air.

  Finally dressed, Nebula adjusted her dark outfit. The fabric hugged her just right, accentuating her lovely body while still maintaining an air of mystery. She slipped on the blue mask, concealing her face and pulling the hood to cover her hair.

  "There," she said, her voice just a little defiant. "Satisfied?"

  "More than satisfied," I murmured, voice warm and sincere. "I think I prefer this view over Nevaramis’ famous sunrise."

  Her blush got even deeper behind the mask, and she turned toward the others, muttering, "You really have no shame."

  I chuckled softly, stepping beside her. "Only around you."

  She hesitated, her eyes briefly meeting mine, a playful spark returning as she whispered, "Good. Keep it that way."

  With matching hidden smiles under our masks, we walked back to the others.

  We rejoined Lilian and Solara, who waited with poorly concealed impatience. Lilian's sharp eyes took in Nebula's shimmering blue mask and dark robes, but she stayed silent.

  Solara, however, couldn't resist. "Did you two have fun?" she whispered, amusement dancing in her voice.

  "...Let's focus, guys," Nebula replied, and my Demonic Sphere caught her scowl deepening behind her new mask.

  I chuckled quietly, but my amusement faded as the android administrator's voice boomed across the landing field once more.

  "All of you have received appropriate points suitable for your performance in Phase One, the Gates of Trials. The points are private, and only I can see them, so as to stop you guys from feeling disheartened.” Her voice boomed. “The Second Phase will commence immediately. Prepare yourselves, participants."

  The remaining gates shimmered bright, their colors shifting and swirling with renewed vigor. Then, all the gates yanked toward each other like magnets, slamming into one another to form a massive, singular midnight blue gaze. Around us, contestants straightened, steeling themselves for whatever challenges lay ahead.

  I exchanged determined looks with my companions—Nebula, standing proudly despite her irritation; Solara, wings hidden but no less powerful; and Lilian, recovered and eager to prove herself after her earlier defeat.

  The Outer God Cult had gained the Crown of Echoes, but we had gained something potentially more valuable—knowledge of their intentions. Whatever they planned to "animate" in Nevaramis, we would stop them.

  This floating city would become the seat of my power, not theirs.

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