<h4>Chapter 149: Unexpected Wager (1) Part 2</h4>


    Deculein’s exam—known among the students as Moving the Stone—had dragged into its fourth day, and atst, the first person to pass appeared.


    “<i>Woohoo</i>—!”


    Of course, it was Rogerio. Her talents in ores, earth, and the arts of ductility and maniption made her the first to fullyprehend and embrace Deculein’s theory. Finally, she seeded in moving the Magic-Resistant Stone.


    "Hey, look! I freakin'' did it!" Rogerio eximed, plopping the stone into her palm.


    The stone floated with a low hum, and at the same moment, everything in the main za began to rise alongside it. This wasn’t simple Telekinesis but something far more refined—a Gravity Field.


    Which allows the spellcaster to manipte gravity at will, bending the fabric of reality itself. This was the pinnacle of maniption category magic, the result of applying Deculein’s theory to advanced sorcery.


    "<i>Hahahaha</i>—! I’m outta here! See yatah, suckahs! <i>Hahahaha</i>—!" Rogerio yelled, cackling as she strutted out of the main hall, ready to brag about her sess to Deculein and the whole Floating Ind.


    Epherene sighed, noticing Kreto rising from his seat, and asked, “Where are you headed, Mage Kreto?”


    "<i>Hmm</i>? <i>Ah</i>, I’m going to visit my sister today," Kreto replied


    A brief silence settled over them. Kreto’s sister was none other than the reigning Empress, Sophien. Epherene was once again reminded of his noble lineage.


    "<i>Ah</i>, I-I see. I’ll catch youter."


    "Thank you. Continue with your efforts, Leaf."


    "... Yes, I will," Epherene mumbled to herself as she turned back to the stone, still annoyed by how the high-ranking mages had started calling her Leaf. That was all Ihelm’s doing. With a frustrated sigh, she resumed channeling mana into the stone. "What’s wrong with this thing..."


    No matter how much mana she channeled into it, the stone remained inert, like a ck hole. It didn’t repel the mana, nor did it activate any magic spells. It simply absorbed everything, as if swallowing it whole.


    Frustrated, she nced at the Wood Steel on her desk and muttered, "... Do you have any idea what’s happening?"


    The Wood Steel emitted an odd, taunting noise, as if mocking her frustration.


    "Are you mocking me?" Epherene muttered, ring at the Wood Steel before letting out another sigh.


    "Leaf, take a look at this," Drent called from behind.


    Epherene spun around, ring at him and said, “Can’t you just call me Epherene or Ephie? Stop with the Leaf already!”


    “<i>Hahaha</i>, sorry, but it just fits better. Leaf, Leaf.”


    “<i>Ugh</i>, you’re so annoying. Seriously, stop it—I’m not kidding.”


    "Alright, alright. I’m sorry. But check this out, I think I found something—"


    "I think I found something... I think I found something... I think I found something..."


    Drent’s voice seemed to echo unnaturally in her ears. A sudden wave of dizziness swept over Epherene, and she shut her eyes.


    “<i>Ugh</i>... I’m starting to feel lightheaded..."


    As she massaged her temples and slowly opened her eyes again...


    "... What just happened?"


    The world around her had shifted. Moments earlier, she had been in the main za, but now she stood in what seemed like a deste ruin.


    "Foolish Epherene," a familiar voice called out.


    Epherene, startled, quickly turned around.


    "Get out of the way, Epherene. What are you doing here?" Sylvia said, standing in the dim hallway of the ruins, her body drenched in blood.


    Epherene stood frozen in shock, her voice trembling as she asked, "... What happened to you?!"


    Sylvia’s body was ravaged with wounds, blood streaming from deep gashes. Her hair was matted, and two fingers—her index and middle finger—were missing, as if an animal had bitten them off.


    "You need to leave. Or you’ll end up like this too," Sylvia warned.


    "Why—"


    Just as Epherene started to speak, the answer became clear. It appeared at the far end of the hallway.


    “<i>Grrrrrrrrrrrr</i>—!”


    A deep, rumbling growl echoed, low and resonant like the tremor of distant thunder, swelling with volcanic fury. In the dimly lit hallway, an imposing vermillion shape emerged, its presence unnerving.


    Coiled muscles brimming with dormant power rippled beneath its sleek frame, which radiated both strength and grace. Its golden eyes, burning like molten embers, pierced the darkness,manding an undeniable sense of authority and grandeur—a tiger.


    "I-it’s... i-it’s a t-t-tiger..."


    It was the first time Epherene had ever faced a beast of such power. Her breath caught in her throat, the sheer presence of the tiger weighing down on her like an invisible force, making her feel as though her entire body was being crushed.


    "You fool. If you want to die, then stay right here," Sylvia said.


    <i>Pat-pat-pat-pat-pat—!</i>


    Sylvia darted down the hallway, vanishing from sight in moments. It took a second for Epherene to snap out of her stupor before she rushed after her.


    "Hey! Wait! Wait for me!"


    ***


    ... Meanwhile, Kreto had returned to the Imperial Pce after a long absence. Upon meeting Sophien, the first thing he presented to her was a summary of Deculein’s theory.


    "You will need to fully understand this theory before the stone can be moved," Kreto said.


    “Hmm, it doesn’t look like much of a challenge," Sophien replied.


    “No, moving the stone is actually quite the challenge. That’s why the Floating Ind is keeping such a close eye on it.”


    "Is that so?" Sophien responded with little interest, though she was already well aware. Possessing the red-haired Munchkin, which now meowed by Kreto’s side, she had been watching them all along.


    "By the way, Your Majesty, your outfit today is quite... unique," Kreto remarked.


    “This is a gift from Yuren. Wearing it helps them save face,” Sophien replied. Today, she wore a modern outfit that was currently in fashion there—blue trousers and a buttoned blouse.


    Kreto nodded and said, “In any case, Professor Deculein is such an exceptional individual. He’s precisely the kind of talent that can elevate the continent, embodying the very ideals of the Great Continent. <i>Haha</i>.”


    “... You return after all this time, and the only thing you speak of is Deculein.”


    Sophien felt a growing sense of annoyance. Her younger brother, once adorable, seemed to be less charming with age.


    “There isn’t much else to discuss, Your Majesty. However...” Kreto cleared his throat and withdrew the stone from his pocket. “I’d appreciate it if you could...”


    “So, that’s why you came all the way here? To cheat?” Sophien scoffed.


    “<i>Oh</i>, Your Majesty, cheating? I didn’te to cheat—I’m simply here to seek guidance from my beloved sister, the Empress.”


    “... <i>Tch</i>. You’ve always had a way with words,” Sophien said, her mood softened at the mention of belovedness from her brother. “Alright, let me take a look.”


    Sophien skimmed over Deculein’s theory as if she were reading, then casually cast <i>Telekinesis</i>. The stone moved effortlessly, making a sharp, clean sound as it shifted.


    “<i>Oh</i>! Just as I thought! Your Majesty’s skill is beyondparison!”


    “It’s nothing.”


    Although she had already learned the theory by possessing a cat, she pretended as if it was her first time seeing it and acted like it required no effort at all.


    Kreto''s eyes gleamed with admiration as he said, “Then, Your Majesty, might you share this secret with me?!”


    “Enough, Kreto.”


    “<i>Oh</i>?”


    "... Has that man mentioned anything to you?” Sophien said.


    “Who do you mean by <i>that man</i>? Professor Deculein?” Kreto asked with genuine innocence.


    Sophien gave a slight nod and said, “That’s right.”


    "You could simply call him Professor Deculein. Why do you insist on calling him <i>that man</i>?"


    Sophien exhaled softly and said, “... Speak now, before you test my patience.”


    “<i>Ah</i>, yes, Your Majesty. What exactly are you referring to?"


    “I’m referring to whether he’s said anything about me.”


    Kreto’s face was nk, his eyes filled with confusion as he stared at her.


    Sophien sighed heavily and said, “I’m starting to suspect that man is holding deep affection for me.”


    “... What? <i>Ha</i>,” Kreto replied, stifling augh before it escaped. “<i>Hahahaha...</i> <i>Hahahahaha...</i>”


    Kreto’sughter shifted into a sneer. For a moment, Sophien’s anger red, but she forced herself to stay calm.


    “Your Majesty, I wasn’t going to mention this, but... have you been feeling alrighttely? Or perhaps you’vee down with something?”


    “What the hell did you just say, you little shit?”


    “No, but I’ve heard rumors that you’ve been rather... passionate about everythingtely...”


    "And what exactly does that have to do with anything?"


    Kreto let out a chuckle, one that sounded almost like an old man''s, and said, “Even if your newfound passion is a good thing, why would someone like Professor Deculein of all people feel deep affection for you, sister?”


    “And what’s your basis for saying that?”


    “Well, think about it. Why would a man like him—who has everything—be interested in someone like you, sister, who—”


    At that moment, Kreto realized his mistake. Sophien’s expression turned as sharp as a de. He swallowed hard and rushed to take back his words.


    "Is as wise andpassionate as you are and—"


    "Are you out of your mind? Do you think an Empress is some kind of a joke?" Sophien snapped.


    <i>Knock, knock—</i>


    At that moment, a knock on the door broke the conversation, offering Kreto a much-needed escape from further rebuke.


    Kreto raised his voice and demanded, "Who is it! What is the matter?!”


    From outside, the maid replied, “Your Majesty, Grand Prince Kreto, Professor Deculein has arrived.”


    Today was the day of the magic lesson—the very reason Kreto hade to visit Sophien.


    “<i>Oh</i>, how convenient, Your Majesty. Why not ask him directly?”


    “Ask him directly? Me?” Sophien scoffed, tapping her chest in disbelief.


    Kreto narrowed his eyes with a smirk and said, “... Or perhaps I should ask him on your behalf.”


    “<i>Hmph</i>. That’s unnecessary. Bring him in immediately,” Sophienmanded.


    “Yes, Your Majesty,” the maid answered as the door swung open.


    Deculein stepped in, his navy-blue suit impably tailored, radiating quiet elegance as he approached Sophien. With a slight bow, he addressed them both, “Your Majesty. Grand Prince, it’s a pleasure to see you as well.”


    Kreto chuckled lightly and said, “<i>Haha</i>, well, this meeting just happened by coincidence...”


    Sophien gave Kreto a sharp gesture, signaling him to quickly get to the point and ask on her behalf.


    <i>Didn’t she just say it was unnecessary a moment ago? </i>Kreto silently mused.


    Kreto cleared his throat and said, “<i>Oh</i>, that brings something to mind, Professor Deculein. Have you ever yed Go? Recently, the Empress and I have taken quite a liking to it.”


    “Yes, I’m familiar with the game,” Deculein replied.


    “<i>Oh</i>, is that so?” Kreto replied, while Sophien’s eyes widened in surprise.


    “Since Your Majesty rmended it, I’ve been practicing with some dedication.”


    “And how would you rate your ying strength? In Go, by the way, ying strength refers to one’s rank, like Monarch or Lumiere. The top rank is 9-dan.”


    “I understand,” Deculein replied.


    “So, how would you assess your ying strength?” Kreto inquired.


    Deculein looked at Sophien, and she took a moment to observe him. His face remained calm and unreadable, the refined handsome features of a nobleman showing no sign of emotion.


    “I believe... I can y at a levelparable to Her Majesty’s.”


    At that moment, Sophien’s brow tensed. Confusion flickered briefly, but soon, a surge of heat rose, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. His arrogance was utterly infuriating.


    <i>Grit...</i>


    @@novelbin@@


    Sophien gritted her teeth, her lips curling into a strained smile. But the difort wasn’t limited to her face—deep inside, it felt like her insides were knotting up even tighter.


    <i>How dare he. Just ten days of practice, and he thinks he’s my equal?</i> Sophien thought.


    "... In that case, I won’t be outdone either," Sophien dered. With a swift gesture, she used telekinesis to drop the Go board and stones onto the table with a resounding thud. "Let’s settle this. If you win, I’ll grant you a wish."


    The sudden deration came from none other than the ruler of all—the Empress—offering to grant a wish. Kreto was visibly shocked, while Deculein stared nkly into the air, distracted by the sudden appearance of a quest notification.


    [Independent Quest: The Empress’s Wager]


    An independent quest had appeared—something far more significant than just a side quest, all triggered by a simple game of Go. When it came to the Empress’s quests, Deculein had expected something on the scale of the Demon’s Mirror.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I ept your terms," Deculein replied, his voice steady despite the brief shock. He regained hisposure swiftly, offering a calm nod.