At the inheritance site, multiple groups of people were beginning to arrive from all over the continent.

Some carried well-known banners, like those coming from Midvern itself or from Lucratis. Meanwhile, people from smaller kingdoms or more humble groups who had managed to obtain an entry were more discreet upon arrival, fearing they might not even get the chance to enter.

In the center of the camp, where the tents multiplied, stood a door that clashed completely with its surroundings.

It was so tall that even the birds had to swerve to avoid it, and its strange carvings were still being studied by large groups of scholars.

Lucas Wyrne, with his short silver hair and golden eyes radiating absolute confidence, was among the first to arrive. He monopolized the spot closest to the entrance, though it didn’t really make much difference. The moment that door opened, everyone who possessed an entry—and those within a certain distance of them—would be teleported to the trial grounds.

According to the few who had survived previous events (since the vast majority of those who entered never returned), the interior contained extreme climates and beasts far beyond what anyone in this world could face before the age of twenty-five.

But the opportunity to reach the maximum level and find invaluable rarities outweighed any fear, so people kept arriving. The place was on the verge of bursting.

Victorio Valois was already there.

The next to arrive from the Demor Empire were Cassane Windsteel and Valeria Astaford. They were accompanied by several members of the duchess’s house, both direct and indirect. Although there weren’t many of them, it was clear that the Astafords had no intention of remaining indifferent to such an event.

Victorio gave them a nod of acknowledgment. After all, they were from the same empire, and one never knew if they might need help once inside.

Their interaction was brief. Cassane’s gaze immediately fixed on the man at the center—Lucas Wyrne—who was watching her with a smile that clearly sought to provoke her.

She maintained an extremely cold expression, one that had grown even icier after certain words from our protagonist. The fact that she now had better control over her own body also helped her sustain that mask of an imperturbable ice queen. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

A carriage arrived shortly after them and drew the attention of the vast majority of those present. Two people with strikingly red hair stood out among the crowd, but those with even a basic grasp of information knew exactly why they attracted so much attention.

Lucas Wyrne looked at the newcomers with a smile and, for the first time since he had arrived, moved from the front and walked toward them. All eyes followed him. It was well known that the Prince of Lucratis held the title of the greatest genius of the last century—or at least if one didn’t count Sylvia Sterling, who, although not part of the younger generation, wasn’t old enough to be called someone from the previous century.

When he stood in front of them, he smiled and introduced himself:

"I believe we saw each other not long ago, but I didn’t have the chance to introduce myself. I am the Crown Prince of Lucratis, Lucas Wyrne," he said, extending his hand to Julius with unshakable confidence.

"Julius Sterling," the other replied, shaking his hand with indifference.

Lucas shifted his gaze to the woman who looked slightly insecure and overwhelmed by the attention they were receiving.

"And you must be Seraphine Sterling. A pleasure," he said, turning his hand toward her with a charming prince’s smile—a perfect mask.

This seemed to startle Seraphine a little, but she still took his hand, incredulous.

Although she had heard bad things about him, it was also true that Lucas represented everything she wanted to be: strong, talented, and respected.

As their hands met, Lucas’s smile widened, noticing the doubt and admiration in the girl’s eyes.

"We should look out for each other inside, especially you," Lucas added, lowering his voice as he looked at Seraphine, who kept her head down. "With only a second circle, it’ll be tough in there if you’re alone."

Seraphine’s response was almost a whisper, laced with a mix of shame and submissiveness she couldn’t hide.

"Ah! Yes, thank you very much," she managed to say without lifting her gaze.

...

On the other hand, the carriage Morgana had prepared was not only spacious but even had room to sleep inside directly, without needing to stop except for the driver to change shifts or rest.

Cassian was inside with his eyes closed, doing his best to ignore the woman who was looking at him with a satisfied smile. After a few hours like this, he finally broke.

He opened one eye and asked:

"Don’t you get tired?"

"Not at all," she replied immediately.

"You seem very proud."

"I am."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Surely those who know me won’t think the same when they see you with me."

She laughed heartily.

"Mmm, I suppose they’ll think I’m crazy."

With that, silence returned to the carriage until it was broken by a question from her, filled with doubt and confusion.

"Do you care that much about Seraphine? Because I don’t think you’re going for your fiancée. Although she seemed to have a real interest in you, she’s clearly cooled off lately. Anyway, after what she said the other day, I’d expect you wouldn’t care."

"If you doubted my interest in going so much, why did you come ask me to go with you?"

She opened her eyes wide, surprised by the direct logic of my answer.

"I guess you’re right..." she finally said, waiting to see if I would tell her something more instead of answering with another question, but I had no interest in continuing the conversation.

"How strong are you?" Seeing that she wouldn’t get anything from the previous question, she now asked a more direct one. "That day I heard how you handled the Pradiles’ guards like they were toys. I’ve never heard of anyone who could do something like that. Besides... you shouldn’t be older than me. The logic doesn’t add up."

"Human logic is usually quite limited, Morgana," I finally replied, my voice lacking any trace of warmth.

She stared at me, analyzing my answer.

Fortunately, the journey ended up taking less than three days. Her questions were already starting to tire me, although she didn’t look happy when they informed her we were about to arrive.

The carriage stopped in a somewhat secluded area of the center, though close enough for the main groups to notice its arrival.

Morgana fixed her hair, gave Cassian one last sidelong glance, and opened the door herself.

Seraphine was the one who turned around the fastest. Upon seeing that it was a Valois carriage, irritation filled her gaze—especially when she saw that woman stepping down from it.

Lucas Wyrne noticed the change immediately. The woman who, just minutes ago, had her head lowered and looked overwhelmed by the attention, was now staring at someone with total hatred. Intrigued by what could ignite such fire in someone as subdued as Seraphine, Lucas directed his gaze toward the carriage just as Morgana finished stepping down.

Morgana stayed by the door. She leaned slightly toward the interior and spoke naturally.

"You can come down now, darling," she said loudly enough for everyone to hear.