The Elder gazed intently at both Harold and Arriane, his expression inscrutable.After a moment of heavy silence, he finally spoke. "Interesting," he mused.Harold's brow furrowed. "What's interesting?" he demanded."I believe one of you genuinely crafted this magic formula," the Elder replied. "I wanted to observe your reactions. Someone who toiled to recreate such an ancient spell would feel pride, joy, a sense of accomplishment. Yet both of you seem incredulous." He scrutinized their faces. "I may be old, but I've witnessed much in my time. Neither of you drew this diagram."Harold's eyes involuntarily flickered toward Arriane. She looked down, recalling the pride on Alex's face when he completed the formula for *Forest Rebirth*. The confidence and certainty he exuded were qualities she realized she lacked.Taking a deep breath, Arriane met the Elder's gaze. "You're right, Elder. The diagram was made after I commissioned it from a powerful Rank 8 magician. Through my connections, t

Arthur Fairhaven worshipped Zeus, the King of the Gods, with fierce pride.He relished the honor of being one of Zeus's chosen, as the god accepted only the best of the best as his followers.As the firstborn of Duke Fairhaven, Arthur always knew he was destined for success and respected by all.But recently, rumors had begun to swirl. Whispers echoed in the halls that he had been beaten in betting by the outcast, Alexander Leonhart.People were starting to question his status as a worshipper of Zeus, and news spread that Alex also had even bested him at the auction house.The humiliation ate at Arthur, leaving him with only one regret."That I didn't kill Alex sooner."Arthur's butler had died during a mission to steal Alex's belongings, and there was a strong possibility that Alex had someone backing him to commit the murder.Alex was supposed to be a worthless rat, but now Duke Mirestone and even the Emberleaf family had aligned with him.Arthur's fists clenched at the thought. If

As they watched Natania convert safely to the True Source God, even Ares, the God known for his hatred of betrayal, did nothing.Ian and Elder Emberleaf knew one thing: this True Source God was greater than Ares.They were two old men who had seen much throughout their years—witnessing the fallout when gods and goddesses clashed because of their followers.Humans like them always became the victims.Sometimes they died instantly, other times, they died miserably. Nothing good ever came of it.But looking at Natania, now healed despite her wound, it was clear—the True Source was a kind God, one unafraid of Ares.If even Ares couldn't challenge this True Source, then the lesser gods and goddesses of Mirestone and Emberleaf had no chance either.Ian couldn’t hold back anymore.Stepping forward, he asked Alex, “What kind of sacrifice does the True Source demand? Human blood? Animal blood? People’s lives?”Alex laughed. “The True Source owns everything. He doesn’t need anything from you. T

When Alex woke up, he was already back in the Archlion Empire.He looked around and realized only a few hours had passed.The months he spent living as Alexander Lionhart in the other world were merely moments in his real life.Suddenly, his smartwatch buzzed with a notification.His master had sent a message: “Come to the academy.”The next morning, Alex boarded the fastest plane and flew straight to the academy."Master," Alex called out, knocking on the old master’s door.“Come in,” a voice answered from within.As Alex entered, he saw his master sitting cross-legged in meditation on the balcony, gazing at the valley, hills, and wide sky.“Do you have a question?” the master asked, eyes still closed.“Yes, did I mess up in the system, or did I succeed?”The old master opened his eyes slightly, gazing at the blue sky, and said, "Remember, Alex, when people pray to the True Source, their souls will go to the place they are destined to be when they die. But when people worship false g

Next to Sofie sat a tall and handsome boy—a total bully.Vlad, often called the "Bulldog of Sofie," would bite at anyone who dared to even look at her.Some had already ended up with broken bones in some dark corner, victims of his temper.Vlad belonged to the Bolton Family, one of the Four Noble families of Miracle City, known for their power and wealth.He had extraordinary talent, and in Alex's past life, Vlad had always pursued Sofie.Before the destruction of Miracle City, Vlad and Sofie had nearly gotten married.Their families saw them as the perfect match, and if things had gone differently, their union would have been inevitable.But tragedy struck when Vlad used Sofie as a shield to save himself, a betrayal that left a deep scar.Alex, a soldier in that past, had been the one to save Sofie instead.They had been good friends, but Alex always felt unworthy of her, burdened by their vast difference in status.After all, Sofie was no ordinary girl.As the princess of Miracle Ci