A short while later.　　The Son of the Sun, who had been relentlessly suppressed by Soranm and Bibilyanna and consistently at a disadvantage, let out a piercing shriek. Suddenly, he unleashed a blindingly bright light wave and intense heat, completely engulfing the figures of Soranm and Bibilyanna in an instant.　　The blinding light forced Grimm, who had nearly restored his magical power, to avert his gaze and shut his eyes.　　"Ha! The madwoman resorts to this trick again. Grimm, recuperate your magic here. Should that lunatic attempt to flee, join our pursuit. This time, we shall teach her a lesson she won't forget!"　　Yunli's voice carried an unusual excitement, lending his already pale and frail complexion a grotesque ferocity.　　Grimm nodded instinctively.　　From start to finish, Grimm never grasped why he had become the object of their rivalry.　　On one hand, the Sun's Son's arrogance, tyranny, and utter hubris had thoroughly en

　　When Soranm, Yunli, Bibilyanna, and Grimm returned to the secret realm, the other three Despairers had long since grown restless from waiting. Two of them even flew over, fixing their gaze directly upon Grimm.　　Grimm found it rather peculiar. Why hadn't these individuals entered the secret realm themselves?　　"Well, well, this must be the Pale Mask Victor spoke of. To withstand Mina's Blazing Inferno Realm head-on... truly astonishing..."　　A cloyingly sweet voice drifted over. Grimm looked up to see a woman in a long, red-and-green-patterned gown, its fabric embroidered with countless scarlet scorpions. One astonishingly slender, pale leg was exposed.　　More captivating still was the mysterious golden glint glimpsed between her high, full, snow-white peaks—a sight inviting endless imagination. Yet she wore an expression of sanctimonious, untouchable purity, while those soul-stealing eyes seemed to convey some subtle, suggestive message.　　A vis

　　This was a dimly lit chamber, cut off from the outside world.　　Grimm sat upon a chair in the chamber's centre, resembling a helpless lamb, gazing bewildered and trembling at the unfamiliar surroundings. The magical fluctuations emanating from the six-pointed star magical barrier encircling his chair were potent enough to induce tremors and despair. Seated at the very heart of this barrier, Grimm awaited interrogation by the mysterious, lofty wizards seated upon the elevated platforms surrounding him.　　Torches replaced the light elemental magic lamps. Twelve wizards sat upon elevated platforms positioned at the six cardinal points of the hexagram barrier beneath Grimm's feet, surveying him from above. The swaying shadows beneath their wide robes exuded an air of mystery, coldness, and absolute, inviolable authority. None of the wizards revealed their true features, their faces concealed.　　This was a high-security chamber reserved for interrogating full-fledg

　　Whoosh...　　When light and sound returned to Grimm's confined space, the now-experienced Grimm hastily shielded his eyes with his sleeve. Only after his vision had adjusted did he survey his surroundings once more.　　This time, both the Shinuwu sorcerer and Yunli had departed. Standing beside Mina was none other than the portly fellow from the first floor of Blackstone Spire who had signed the seven-ring contract with Grimm. The man wore a grim expression as he remarked, "Grimm, the trouble you've caused me this time far outweighs any I've ever caused you. This interrogation chamber is no laughing matter."　　Grimm managed only a strained smile, at a loss for words.　　"Grimm, apprentice sorcerer, it has been confirmed that you indeed acquired the corresponding magic stones through the sale of incense. This constitutes a means of gaining profit through your own ingenuity. Therefore, the source of the magic stones obtained complies with the regulations for

　　Having reclaimed everything that belonged to him, Grimm lay lazily on his bed in the small cabin, breathing in that familiar scent. For a moment, life felt so incredibly beautiful. 　　Phew... 　　Truth be told, the memories of that interrogation room were nothing short of nightmarish for Grimm. Fortunately, he had emerged unscathed and ultimately gained the recognition of the great wizard Peranos, becoming his third disciple. 　　A Level 3 wizard—this was the highest rank achievable in any wizard academy. There was no wizard above a Level 3. 　　Grimm's excitement was beyond words, his future bright and promising. 　　Moments later, Grimm began organizing the magical materials and items he had gathered during his trials, meticulously recording important insights and clues in his notebook. 　　For instance, his insights into fire elemental energy applications gained through the Sun's Child's magical fluctuations and the wind elemental bats summoned by the Bloodbat's Kiss; how to embed the