"Forbidden?" Athena interjected, stepping forward, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Because it requires either the pure essence of a demigod… or the direct transplantation of another's mana core."
The Queen glared coldly. "You know the risk. The donor would face certain death. And high-tier cores are nearly impossible to acquire — no one of that level would willingly sacrifice themselves."
Athena smiled — slow, calculating. "We don't need a willing sacrifice."
The Queen's blood ran cold.
Athena continued, eyes gleaming with an idea too daring for any ordinary mind: "We already have a female demigod in our midst… one who obeys your orders above all else."
The room fell silent — heavy, suffocating.
As the Queen stared at her daughter, Athena didn't even blink as she said, "Mother, K was the greatest weapon our empire ever forged. We need him back. And she…" A small, triumphant smirk curled at her lips. "She would gladly give anything for your approval."
