The runaway magic sphere, powerful enough to level half the royal capital, crashed into my star dust barrier like a raging beast.

However, the earth-shattering explosion I had imagined never came.


The moment the massive shadow Energy Sphere touched the inner wall of the barrier, it was like wildfire meeting the deep ocean, instantly surrounded, broken down, and purified by a gentle yet firm power. The violent magical energy gradually subsided under the soothing starlight, dissolving into specks of light that dissipated in the air.

The entire process was quiet to an almost eerie degree.

Like a clay ox entering the sea, without causing the slightest disturbance.


The arena remained deathly silent for several seconds, until someone let out a trembling breath, and only then did everyone realize—they were still alive.

I slowly withdrew my magical power, and the stardust barrier dissipated like brilliant fireworks. The catastrophe that could have destroyed everything had just been effortlessly neutralized by me.


"No... impossible..."

Intermittent murmurs spread across the audience stands. Even those well-experienced noble magic instructors had never witnessed protective magic of such scale. Let alone someone who could so easily neutralize the consequences of a high-level forbidden spell.

I looked around, and everyone was staring at me with something close to reverence in their eyes.

Good. This was exactly the effect I wanted.

I walked with elegant steps to Lina's side, who was lying unconscious due to magical backlash. She was sprawled on the shattered arena platform, her face as pale as paper, with traces of blood still remaining at the corner of her mouth. The Mage's Robe she wore had been torn to tatters by the energy blast from earlier.

What a miserable state she was in.

I crouched down and gently stroked her right hand, which was still twitching slightly. The "Magic Amplification Bracelet" remained tightly clasped around her wrist, its black surface covered with cracks, yet still emitting a faint ominous glow.

This was the culprit that had nearly killed everyone.

I carefully removed the bracelet from Lina's wrist. The moment I touched it, an ice-cold magical force transmitted through my fingertips, attempting to corrupt my mind.

Unfortunately for it, this level of mental contamination was nothing more than a gentle breeze to me.

The despair and fear I experienced on the guillotine in my previous life have already forged my will into something unbreakable. How could the lingering curse of a mere forbidden artifact shake me in the slightest?

I stood up, raised this sinful bracelet, and looked directly at His Majesty the King and Prince Theo, whose face was as pale as death, in the VIP seats.

The entire venue fell into silence once again. Everyone was waiting for my next words.

"Ladies and gentlemen," my voice resonated clearly throughout the entire arena, "what have you all witnessed today?"

I paused briefly, allowing this question to ferment in everyone's minds.

"You have witnessed the disaster brought by false power, and also witnessed the protection of true power."

I held the bracelet high, allowing everyone to clearly see the cracks on its surface and the ominous aura it emitted.

"This forbidden artifact nearly sent everyone present to their graves. And the person who used it has paid a terrible price for their greed."

In the VIP seats, Prince Theo's expression grew increasingly ugly. He clenched his fists tightly, seeming to want to say something, yet not daring to speak up under everyone's gaze.

"True power," I continued, my voice filled with unquestionable authority, "comes from daily forging and an unbreakable will, not from this kind of stolen, false thing."

After speaking, I gently applied force, letting star dust magic flow into the bracelet.

Crack—

Accompanied by a crisp shattering sound, this forbidden artifact that had nearly caused a disaster completely shattered, turning into black powder that fell through my fingers.

The entire venue erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.

"Well said!"

"A true master!"

"Worthy of being the young lady of the Ethelgard family!"

I calmly accepted these compliments, yet felt nothing inside. These people were just doubting and belittling me moments ago, but now they couldn't stop praising me because I saved their lives.

What realistic faces they have.

But this is exactly the result I wanted. From now on, no one will dare to underestimate the power and status of Eliana von Ethelgard.

My gaze returned to the VIP seats.

His Majesty the King's face had darkened like water. As the ruler of a country, he could certainly see the political conspiracy behind today's "accident." The source of the forbidden artifact, Lina's suddenly surging power, and the timing of the entire incident—all of it was too coincidental.

And most crucially, Prince Theo's pale face had already revealed everything.

"Your Majesty," I performed a perfect noble curtsy to the King, "thank you for giving me the opportunity to demonstrate my abilities. I believe today's competition has thoroughly proven my capability."

His Majesty the King gave me a deep look, then nodded.

"Indeed," his voice was calm, but the authority it contained made everyone shiver, "today's competition has truly shown me many... interesting things."

His gaze lingered on Prince Theo for a moment, who immediately lowered his head, not daring to meet his father's eyes.

"Eliana von Ethelgard," the King looked back at me, "with the strength and character you have demonstrated today, I declare—you will serve as the Kingdom's Chief Magical Advisor."

The crowd once again erupted into enthusiastic applause.

The Kingdom's Chief Magical Advisor was an extremely special position. It not only granted the right to directly meet with the King but also allowed participation in major policy-making. For someone of my age, obtaining such a high position was an unprecedented honor.

But more importantly, this position meant that I had transcended the realm of ordinary nobility and had become a true member of the power core.

From now on, even the prince cannot pressure me as he pleases.

"Thank you for Your Majesty's trust," I bowed again, "I will do my utmost to serve the kingdom."

"Very good," the king nodded with satisfaction, then his expression turned serious, "Additionally, regarding the forbidden item incident that occurred during today's competition..."

The atmosphere throughout the venue instantly became tense. Everyone knew that His Majesty was about to settle accounts.

"I will thoroughly investigate this matter from beginning to end. No matter who the mastermind is, they will face severe punishment."

Prince Theo's body visibly trembled, but he kept his head lowered, not daring to make a sound.

"As for Lina Erlande," the king looked toward the still unconscious Lina, "considering she nearly caused a disaster, her enrollment at the Royal Academy of Magic is revoked effective immediately, and she is permanently banned from participating in any official magical activities."

This punishment was extremely severe. For a magician, being prohibited from participating in official activities was equivalent to ruining their entire future.

But considering that she had nearly caused everyone's death, such punishment was still considered lenient.

"Now," the king stood up, "today's competition ends here. I declare Eliana von Ethelgard as the final winner of this Royal Academy of Magic tournament!"

Thunderous applause and cheers erupted again, continuing for a full five minutes before gradually subsiding.

I stood in the center of the arena, accepting everyone's congratulations and respect. At this moment, I finally achieved the first important goal after my rebirth—proving my worth with undisputable strength, dignity, and wisdom.

From now on, no one would dare to look down on me again.

From now on, I would wield enough power to protect myself and my family.

From now on, those who had once trampled on my dignity would taste the flavor of revenge.

I looked toward Prince Theo in the VIP seats, curling my lips with contempt.

The game has just begun, my dear former fiancé.