Tower 1, Headmaster's Office.

Headmaster Archie Hayden smiled warmly at the students sitting across from him.

Eisel, Cellyn, and Edna - the promising young talents who boldly proclaimed their names as part of the "Rising Stars of Stella”.

Even for Stella, where the number of participants was limited to two from each academy, and where the Rising Stars were traditionally fixed at twelve, having three new names emerge this year was truly unprecedented.

It couldn't be anything other than exceptional.

With the Mages’ Guild, the Council of Mages, and the Tower Union strictly adhering to their principles, Edna’s thesis must have been impressive enough to sway their hearts.

"Edna, you make me proud."

"Thank you..."

Edna struggled to hide her embarrassment as she lowered her head.

"To think you participated here...?"

Although the Aslan Seminar was important enough to be one of the main episodes, it wasn't a problem for Eisel to handle it herself.

Well, it wasn't a bad thing either.

Considering her experience so far, it would be reassuring to see the episode with her own eyes, especially since one couldn't predict how the future would change.

"Continue to shine the name of Stella with your exceptional performance at the seminar."

"... Yes."

Seeing Headmaster Archie Hayden speak so audaciously, a hollow laugh escaped her.

Vice Principal Archie Hayden was the one secretly controlling the axis of evil by manipulating dark mages within Stella.

He had remained quiet until now, but knowing Edna, who was aware of how cruel his future actions would be, it wasn't easy for her to feel at ease even when facing him.

In contrast to her, Eisel looked at Archie Hayden with admiration in her bright blue eyes.

A remarkable mage who, despite humble beginnings on the streets, had finally risen to the prestigious position of Stella's headmaster.

That was Archie Hayden's ‘background story.’

Of course, most of it was fabricated, so Eisel was also lost in the illusion.

"There are a few more students in this academy with 'fixed attendance rights.' Are you aware?"

Adolveit Royal Family's Hong Bi-Yeon, and Skalben Imperial Family's Jeremy.

And many other students were attending Aslan with fixed attendance rights.

Baek Yu-Seol, who received the attendance right from Edmon Atalek, was also present.

"This year, the number of participants seems unusually high. It's probably a historic occurrence. You all should be truly proud."

Archie Hayden's smile was warm and reassuring, but his inner feelings were not as pleasant.

Having an unexpected first-year student sneak into the Aslan Seminar was rather inconvenient.

He glanced subtly at Cellyn, who nodded quietly in response.

Although Cellyn was still in her second year, her knowledge and theory were nearly on par with those of a full-fledged professor.

She was undoubtedly a ‘genius of theory,’ a title that could only be bestowed upon her.

Despite the fact that she had almost no chance of becoming a proper mage due to her significantly low mana capacity, she was a true genius when it came to theory.

Her assignment this time was simple.

Completely dismantle Baek Yu-Seol’s thesis during the Aslan Seminar and strip him of his attendance right for next year.

Additionally, if she could prevent Eisel from rising again, that would be even better.

The Aslan Seminar was truly an opportunity for mages, and if Eisel were to make a scene there, it could lead to quite a troublesome situation.

‘These little kids…’

Cellyn couldn't help but smile confidently. She had thoroughly read both Eisel and Edna’s theses multiple times.

Without a doubt, their theses were remarkable discoveries, achievements that could leave a lasting impact on the academic world.

‘The more remarkable the discovery, the more satisfying it is to completely destroy it.’

A remarkable discovery indeed.

Cellyn was truly a genius in theory. She excelled at absorbing existing knowledge and digesting it in her own unique way.

However, she was incapable of coming up with something new, of creating her own magic.

Because of this, she wanted to thoroughly crush the magic of these two girls who sought to possess everything—magic, mana, creativity.

Wasn't it a miracle that they dared to pursue even theory?

Cellyn thought so.

"The flyer with the seminar schedule is here. Take it and make sure to read through it once."

"Thank you."

"Sure. You can go back now. Until the day of the Aslan seminar, make sure to put in your best effort and keep striving."

"Yes!"

Eisel replied energetically.

With that final conversation, the three girls left the conference room.

"It's an honor to be with our famous juniors, right? The professors are praising us, so we can look forward to your thesis... Can we?"

"Oh, yes... of course."

Eisel replied with little enthusiasm, remembering Cellyn’s earlier criticism, while Edna simply ignored it.

... Arrogant bunch.

Cellyn turned her head and quickly disappeared down the hallway.

... Alone in the corridor, Eisel and Edna walked together.

She glanced sideways.

Eisel had managed to make some friends now and had become quite sensitive to rumors.

‘Baek Yu-Seol and Edna are dating. That's what's been going around for a few days. It's not just baseless gossip; Edna herself confirmed it as a true rumor.’

"... Sigh, what is this? Why, though."

"Yes, yes?"

"If you have something to say, say it quickly."

Staring so intently, it would be more surprising if the person walking beside her didn't notice.

"... Is... Is the rumor true?"

"Yeah. It's true. We're actually on our way to a date right now."

"Ah... I see, then..."

Eisel responded firmly, and her expression remained unchanged, leaving her thoughts unclear.

"Why? Is there something bothering you?"

"Oh, no? There's nothing like that."

"But you seem so preoccupied."

"..."

Eisel, who had been gazing into empty space, seemed about to say something but then remained silent.

After a while, she eventually spoke.

"... Um, I'm not sure. It's nothing, really."

With that, she didn't say more and quickly walked down the corridor, putting some distance between them.

Watching Eisel from behind, Edna had a strange thought.

If things had gone as originally planned, Eisel’s fate would have been linked to Mayuseong and a destined love would have bloomed between them.

However, since the interference of Baek Yu-Seol, who defied even the passage of time, many things had changed.

Eisel, who was supposed to endure an harsh academy life, had ended up spending joyful times and even allowed herself to indulge in the luxury of harboring some feelings for a certain boy.

But then, despite his dedication, why did Baek Yu-Seol not like her?

Although Edna lacked the ability to discern truth from lies solely through facial expressions, the Baek Yu-Seol she remembered from before didn't seem like he was lying when he spoke so candidly.

'Sigh, I don't know...'

Worrying about even unnecessary details like this would only leave her with unnecessary stress.

Edna tried hard to push thoughts of Baek Yu-Seol aside.

... It wasn't as easy as she thought.

———

After the Heavenly Tree's Ascension Day had ended, Florin immediately returned to Castle to lay low after completing all the additional tasks.

Perhaps for a while... or even for several years, she might not leave her hiding place again, given the danger of leaving traces of her presence in the outside world.

Hence, the key personnel moving the Core of the White Castle were all under the command and management of Orenha.

"Investigate Baek Yu-Seol, a freshman at Stella's First Year."

"Understood."

Orenha assigned the investigation of Baek Yu-Seol to his immediate intelligence unit.

Of course, while they were part of Florin’s direct unit, not a single piece of information would make its way to her ears.

It was something possible due to Florin’s complete trust in him.

Slightly betraying that trust was regrettable, but... to gain her heart, it was an unavoidable task.

First, they needed to formulate a plan. It was certain that Baek Yu-Seol was the Divine Slayer who had taken Celestia’s heart.

However, confirming the corruption of his soul right away was proving difficult.

'Difficult, but not impossible.'

The mystery behind Dark Mages being able to conceal their mana was yet unsolved.

However, in the end, that concealment could only hide their mana, and not completely conceal their corrupted soul.

'Soul Orb.'

Orenha placed a small piece of white jade on his palm.

This object, categorized as a divine item of the Heavenly Spirit Tree, possessed the unique ability to discern the soul of the possessor.

If the soul was pure, it emitted a bright white light; if the soul was corrupted, it turned gray and the light died out.

However, the condition for this ability was quite strict—it must be worn by the person for over a month.

If he had managed to take this with him during the award ceremony, he might have been able to pass it on somehow.

But back then, he had no idea the situation would turn out like this.

Still, it would be strange for Orenha to personally gift the white jade to Baek Yu-Seol at this point.

So, he decided to use someone else.

Knock! knock!

As someone knocked on the door of her reception room, Orenha placed the white jade back on the stand and said, "Come in."

The door opened, and a girl with pointed ears walked in.

Although she appeared to be in her late teens, she was a colossal figure not only in Elven society but also worldwide.

Jeliel, the illegitimate daughter of the Starcloud’s president.

The largest guild on the continent, her accomplishments ranged from being the president’s illegitimate daughter to earning the recognition of the High Elves at a young age.

She was even attending the prestigious magical academy, ‘Astral Flower Academy.'

"It's an honor to be summoned by you, Advisor Orenha."

"The fact that I can personally address the renowned Starcloud President’s illegitimate daughter is the real honor. Please, have a seat over here."

Jeliel gracefully took a seat across from Orenha.

On the table, freshly brewed tea and pastries were prepared.

"May I ask why you called for me today?"

"I heard that this time your father couldn't secure the mining rights for the Dana Mine and is quite upset."

The Dana Mine contained a special stone known as 'Dana Crystal,' which did not possess significant effects, but could fetch a high price if used to make accessories.

However, acquiring the mining rights was mainly a concern of the merchants.

There must be a reason why the King's representative would bring up this matter.

"Yes, he's quite disappointed."

"If... you were to obtain those mining rights, wouldn't your father be very pleased?"

Jeliel’s expression began to relax.

Orenha knew well the fact that she was tirelessly active for the sake of her father.

So, as long as he skillfully played the key keyword 'father,' he could easily ask for a simple favor.

'Hmm...'

Of course, she also knew that Orenha must have something he wanted from her in order to bring up her father.

But well, it wouldn't matter much, would it?

She had the intention to grant a request or two from the king's delegate if it would make her father happy.

"Are you saying you'll sell us the mining rights?"

"Yes. If you grant me one favor."

"What kind of favor?"

Orenha pushed a piece of white jade across the table to her.

"I heard that you'll be meeting with Baek Yu-Seol in a while."

Baek Yu-Seol had decided to hold an 'investor briefing' exclusively for President Melian of Starcloud.

Supposedly, it was for the 'luxurification of items'... And Jeliel was scheduled to attend.

"Yes, that's right."

"Feel free to use any means necessary, but make sure this white jade stays on his person for over a month. That's the condition."

"Sounds simple."

It was an uneven trade.

Exchanging the mining rights of an entire mine for such a trivial task seemed absurd.

She would gladly do this task a hundred times over.

Thus, she felt skeptical.

'Is this... a Soul Orh?'

Why would the delegate of the Elven King want Baek Yu-Seol to possess this white jade?

She had a deep interest in Baek Yu-Seol as well. He was an extraordinary boy whose value couldn't even be determined by the [Value of All Things].

"Can you do it?"

"Absolutely."

Somehow, she had a feeling that this 'favor' would turn out to be quite enjoyable and interesting for Jeliel.