Shi Yun Lan guided Shion Lan during that brief period, saying,
"As for the fusion—don't do it now. Do it only when you've gathered enough momentum, and use that momentum as the bomb's fuel. So first, unleash the vortex with full power, then follow it with the bomb to amplify the explosion. But keep in mind, although it's a strike focused on a single point, it's incredibly destructive—it'll drain every bit of energy from your body. You might end up bedridden afterward."
Shion carried it out under Shi Yun Lan's instructions, who continued,
"I'd like to say that this will be your strongest strike at the third level. But even so, it didn't break her defense, so don't be discouraged."
"Alright, once I'm done with my affairs, I want you to clean your neck well—for the beheading."
"You heartless man! All this just because I did that?"
Shi Yun Lan flicked his finger, freezing Shion in place—but this time, Shion freed his mind from that space just before dying at his hand. When he opened his eyes, all gazes were focused on him, waiting for the strike that would force Feri Lucius to brace herself with full strength. The crowd wasn't the only one eagerly anticipating it—the other students in the trial were also measuring the power gap between themselves and him.
Among them, the top ten like Vione Lucius who were anxious, Baro Ferrer, and Fiore Tai whi felt both pride and the drive to push forward. The top three, who were nearly at his level but not in raw power, felt a burning desire to reach him. Dron Leon and Petallin waited to witness that other side of Shion, while the second princess, Jina Joul, found herself growing more and more impressed with him. As for Kin Light, he was watching him intently.
Shion said, "Sorry to have kept you waiting all this time," then released his full aura.
The vortex shifted from a horizontal to a vertical spin, focusing its rotation toward the dome. Shion moved at full strength, thrusting into it as streams of starlight swirled around his sword like a drill. The blade began to pierce the dome instantaneously, and he shouted at the top of his lungs,
"(Star Surge)!"
A bomb formed on his sword, harnessing power from the streams to create a massive explosion against the dome. The blast forced Feri Lucius several steps back while the dome held intact—but traces of penetration were clearly visible. Shock filled Feri Lucius's expression. Seeing this, Shion felt satisfied inside, but said calmly,
"Even with ten chances, the potions, and your patience for my final attack, I couldn't break your shield as the duel required. Unlike me, you shattered my defense with a single blow. So, I acknowledge my defeat."
He gave a light bow, saluted the audience, and left the stage, returning to the stands. Feri Lucius did the same, her face flushed with embarrassment. She had been forced to use her full strength against a boy still at the First Star. The First Prince, Jaiden Joul, wore a dark expression. He had planned to push Shion to the limit so his sister would intervene, allowing him to bargain for the return of his ring.
"That bastard took my ring, and now he's the center of attention! I can't do anything to him now, and I won't be able to recruit him. My sister will get closer to him… even if she doesn't retrieve the ring herself, this situation looks terrible!"
When Feri Lucius returned to her balcony, she found her daughter Vione, worried sick. Feri smiled and said,
"What brings you here, my dear? I'm fine."
"I couldn't stay with the others after the match ended—they were mocking me. I couldn't stand it…" she said, tears streaming down her face. Feri wiped them away gently.
"Don't worry. I'll always be with you. No one realizes that boy is far from ordinary—he's incredibly powerful, strong enough to catch the attention of Dron and Petallin."
Feri tried to justify herself, but Vione continued crying.
"The First Prince doesn't need us anymore. He told me you'd better not do anything foolish—or we'll regret it."
Feri paused, steadying her breath and suppressing her anger.
"Alright, my dear, let's leave for now."
As they were leaving, she saw that the matches between teachers were still ongoing, and her own result had appeared—marked with the word Winner. Yet, she felt only bitterness. On her way out, one of the Second Princess's guards approached.
"Her Highness the Second Princess requests your presence."
Neither Feri nor her daughter knew what to do, but they decided to obey. When they entered, they found the Second Princess looking solemn. In her balcony sat Cole Leon and Rose Gard, but Baro Ferrer and Fiore Tai were absent. The Moon Duelist, Kin Light, was there, along with several young nobles. The princess, uninterested in the match before her, turned to Feri and spoke calmly,
"Feri Lucius, although Vione behaved poorly at first toward my followers, I will forgive her. That's the first matter. The second—I'm inviting the Ice Witch, Vione Lucius, to join my class. What is your answer?"
The princess waited patiently, radiating noble beauty and the poise of a queen who knew how the world would bend to her will. Feri thought to herself,
'The First Prince no longer wants a weak subordinate like me. He's already weakened me further—I won't be able to take revenge, nor find my son, nor protect my daughter in this state…'
She looked at Vione, who was looking back expectantly. Finally, Fairy said,
"We accept Her Highness's generous offer."
They both bowed. The Second Princess smiled radiantly, recalling what had happened earlier…
When Shion returned to the stands, he was welcomed warmly despite his loss. Sol Hart was especially happy for him—but unlike her, Shion could barely muster a smile.
'Damn it… I've pushed myself way too far!'
He had used his star power multiple times that day—at the hospital, at the banquet, in his battle against Shi Yun Lan, and against Feri Lucius. His mind and body were utterly drained. Before leaving, he thought,
'That prince must've been the one who gave Feri that ring. Even though she discarded it midway, suspicion might fall on her and her daughter—they could end up victims because of him. So…'
He looked at Princess Jina, who seemed lost in thought. When she noticed his gaze, she turned away shyly, though her eyes lingered on him. Kin, seeing this, was speechless. The princess, noticing Shion wanted to send a message, called her guard.
"Go see what Shion Lan wants."
She tried to sound composed, but when she said his name, her tone softened into warmth.
'This won't do!' thought Kain, shaking his head. He had believed she was perfectly fit to rule the kingdom, but today, because of Shion, she was showing a tender side whenever his name came up.
When the guard returned, he said,
"Shion Lan asked Baro Ferrer and Fiore Tai to help him walk, and he requested that Your Highness look after Vione and Feri Lucius. There might be an opportunity for you, Your Highness."
"What happened to Shion?!"
That was the only thing she heard clearly. Fortunately, no one but Kin Light and the princess were present—The Moon Sorceress had sealed the area from the outside world. Otherwise, others might've seen a side of the princess not meant for the public.
Kin said,
"Your Highness, Shion's exhausted himself today—he used his powers in healing you, at the banquet, and during the battle with Feri Lucius. He's completely drained."
Hearing that, the princess felt a pang of sorrow. Remembering his words, she decided to send hid students to assist him—and also summon Feri and Vione. After arranging everything, Baro and Fiore asked permission to leave, then ran toward Shion's residence.
The princess watched him sadly, while Kin felt utterly dejected, ignoring Nell, who was chatting with the other nobles.
"Don't you feel guilty ignoring your fiancée like this?" rang the Moon Sorceress's voice in his ear.
"If you're trying to annoy me that way, find another method," Kin replied coldly. "You know the deal between us—as long as things don't cross the line, I don't care about Nell. It's just a meaningless arrangement between our families. Once it's over, I'll walk away. Honestly, I've never hated Shion until now—he's the reason this engagement still exists!"
He glanced at the princess.
"Moon Sorceress, do you know what's wrong with her?"
Kin wasn't particularly fond of the princess, but he couldn't understand her sudden attachment to Shion. That morning, she had seemed indifferent to meeting him, yet now it looked as though she'd die if he left her side.
"I think it has to do with her eyes," said the Moon Sorceress.
"How so?"
Her tone turned sharp. "Her golden eyes are the inheritance of that woman. We lived in the same era—she possessed eyes that could pierce people's hearts and read their intentions. Thanks to that power, she became the first queen in our kingdom's history. But because of it, many suffered from her deceit and manipulation. She even bewitched my husband long ago and made him abandon me, because I refused to obey that—"
"Wait! You were married?!"
Kin had completely missed the main point and latched onto that one detail. The sorceress fell silent. When he called out to her again, she vanished before his eyes.
"…"
Kin could only blame himself for bringing up such a painful memory. He didn't know how to face the princess anymore.
As for Shion, he finally reached home with Baro and Fiore's help.
"Hi, Mom!" Shion smiled, but his mother was alarmed.
"What happened to you?!"
"Nothing, Mom. Just make us some food so I can sleep—I'm just really tired today."
She tried to ask more, but he didn't explain. After dinner, Shion went to his room to sleep. When Baro and Fiore were about to leave, a hand stopped them.
"What happened to my boy to make him like this?"
"…"
The two felt her pressure and wanted to flee, but Sol stepped in with a bright smile.
"I'll tell you, Auntie! I'll make some tea and explain everything!"