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Chapter 95: Trial of Blue

The wizards of the Second Era wielded powerful extraordinary powers, capable of manipulating elements with a mere thought, moving mountains and filling seas, and some could even stand against demigods.

However, every power comes at a price.

Obsessed with power, the wizards recklessly abused extraordinary materials and potions, losing their human forms due to mutated bloodlines, and even descending into madness, resulting in far too many inhumane acts.

The earliest Seven Colors Trial was one such instance.

At that time, the wizards lacked a means to determine whether apprentices were fit to learn magic, so some brain-dead fool thought it a good idea to make the apprentices fight in secret realms; those who survived would qualify to learn real magic.

It turned out to be completely ridiculous—the surviving apprentices weren’t necessarily adept at using potion magic or learning spells. Some scholars even believed the Seven Colors Trial was simply an insane method for wizards to filter out excess apprentices.

Compared to that, the Eight-ry was practically gentle.

Of course, the trial itself wasn’t entirely meaningless. At least those who survived the secret realms indeed had exceptional qualities.

Today, the Seven Colors Trial has undergone years of refinement, retaining the essence and discarding the dregs; it’s no longer as dangerous and has become a grand event at the magic academy.

Students will compete in the secret realms, showcasing their courage and wisdom, strength and talent to all of Veszyra. Winning not only signifies personal glory but can also bring honor to their nation.

If real combat tests simply add a line to one’s resume, winning the Seven Colors Trial is like gilding that resume.

No less than the seven major powers of Veszyra, even the Holy Light Church from the East has thrown out olive branches to victors, reflecting the trial’s remarkable value.

Such a grand affair even exceeds the hosting capabilities of the magic academy. Each year, various factions contribute resources and efforts to assist in the trial.

The Seven Colors Trial is randomly selected yearly, and this year happens to be the Trial of Blue.

As per tradition, the Verdant Council and the Blue Magic society of the wizarding association will assist the academy in setting up the secret realm.

However, this year’s trial featured two significant differences from previous years.

First was the appearance of the chief of the Verdant Council.

All seven major powers took this trial very seriously, sending representatives to observe.

But the elves’ descendants are usually low-key; no one expected the leader of the Verdant Council to suddenly appear in Academy City to watch the trial.

This undoubtedly elevated the trial’s prestige.

If one could display outstanding results in the trial and win the chief’s favor, the benefits would be immeasurable for both the individual and their faction.

But the second point truly sparked a sensation.

The mysterious daughter of the Verdant Council’s chief would be participating in the Trial of Blue!

Reputed as the “Nightingale of the Elven Forest,” this lady scarcely appears in public; all anyone knows is her extraordinary talent and that she has inherited the Golden Bloodline of the Forest Elf, with beauty as enchanting as a fairy’s.

Who would have thought that this Miss Nightingale has long been attending the magic academy?

Undoubtedly, Nia Molly’s entrance would bring unique excitement to this grand event.

However, while some rejoiced, others were dismayed; the various spectators were thrilled, but the original protagonists of the trial were cursing.

The Trial of Blue was supposed to be the stage for the second and third years; first-year students could technically participate, but due to their lack of strength and fame, they generally just show up to take a stroll.

Yet the chief’s daughter from the Verdant Council had too large a reputation and overshadowed them all.

To make matters worse, her strength was quite remarkable—far surpassing that of a first-year student.

With tens of thousands watching, being defeated by a junior would surely become a lifelong disgrace!

But these two major news items revealed threats beyond what anyone imagined.

Surrounded by attendants, the gentle young master from the southern nation, the black-haired witch with a sly smile lurking in the shadows, and that flamboyant Prince Jinsan—all noticed the hidden threat behind these two pieces of news.

Upon hearing the news, Douglas’s first thought was of that green-haired girl who used to be by Roy’s side, then of the black-haired boy’s familiar demeanor with her.

“Roy Ainbrad… just how many people is this guy involved with?”

The princess of Lionheart Kingdom, that shadowy witch, and now the Nightingale of the Verdant Council.

Just being the son of a marquis but entangled with so many significant figures made Douglas instinctively sense a hint of danger.

The trial registration list would be publicly displayed at the academy, and without doubt, Roy would participate in this trial.

With the trial’s commotion this massive, Douglas couldn’t believe he was only here for a casual test.

“I’ll be looking forward to seeing what schemes you’re up to, kid.”

——————

That night, Nia returned to Roy’s small room, revealing her elf true form to her friends and explaining everything.

“So you’re a highborn elf? Does that mean you still owe me for that meal?!”

Aside from one friend who expressed strong condemnation, everyone else, led by Alice, wrapped their arms around Nia, celebrating her return with enthusiasm.

Compared to being directly taken away by Janthea, Nia at least had the chance to prove herself now.

The only thing making Nia a bit anxious was her other friend’s feelings.

During the group meal, Nia called Alice over to the corner.

“Alice, let me explain about what happened this morning… I’m sorry; it’s not what you think.”

“?”

Alice tilted her head, looking somewhat confused.

“Why are you apologizing?”

“That was just a misunderstanding; nothing happened between Roy and me!”

The girl’s light blue eyes gazed lightly, as if she had seen right through everything, leaving Nia feeling inexplicably guilty.

Of course, no matter what was asked, Nia was confident she could brush it off.

Then she got slapped in the face.

“It’s okay if something happened, you know?”

“Eh? Huh?! Wh-what do you mean… no, do you even know what I’m talking about?!”

The little maid looked utterly dazed—was she perhaps that kind of clueless girl who didn’t understand relationships?

“I know. You like the master, right?”

“Ah… I… um…”

Alice’s blunt question caught Nia completely off guard, leaving her floundering for how to respond.

She was 99% sure Alice had feelings for Roy that went beyond a mere master-servant relationship.

All along, Nia had thought she would eventually part ways with Roy, allowing herself to indulge in their time together.

After all, when she leaves, Roy still belongs to Alice.

But now, having been asked so directly, Nia found herself confused.

She felt like a bad woman stealing away! But why didn’t Alice seem to care at all?!

Before Nia could sort her thoughts, Alice clenched her small fist and, with sparkling eyes, said, “It’s okay; Alice will support you, Nia.”

 

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