Wilke Dieselsson.

The Fourth Prince of the Soul-Loss Demon Domain.

Spoiled by his mother since childhood, Wilke developed an arrogant, overbearing personality. He abused servants without cause and harassed maids countless times.

To weaker siblings, he was loud and hot-tempered. To stronger princes, after a few beatings, he kept his distance—never daring to show off.

Almost all princes despised him.

As he aged and entered Stellar Abyss Academy, Wilke’s temper worsened. He mocked those beneath him while flattering the powerful, perfectly embodying cowardice. His reputation at Stellar Abyss Academy was utterly ruined.

Princess Alices, the least talented royal, was one of his favorite targets. He scorned her talent, her efforts, everything she did earnestly.

So when he heard Alices found the Lost Bloodline, he instantly saw another joke. He wouldn’t miss this chance. At the Night of Stellar Abyss, he’d humiliate her publicly—forcing her out of Stellar Abyss Academy forever.

“Heh.”

Watching Alices’ face shift slightly, Wilke let out a cold laugh and clapped.

A burly, wheat-skinned man stepped forward from behind him.

“Remember the name Cangran Motte?” Wilke declared. “The Dieselsson royal family’s most loyal guardians—hailed by the King as the Shield of Soul-Loss. This is my friend, Sge Cangran Motte.”

“I pay respects to Princess Alices,” Sge bowed slightly, but his smirk held a trace of disdain. “The Shield of Soul-Loss guards royal glory. It nips stains on our name in the bud. Alices, is your Lost Bloodline truly royal? She must be verified by us.”

Wilke’s eyes sharpened. “Where is she? Do you dare bring her out? Do you dare... let her face Sge? Let the Shield of Soul-Loss test if she’s worthy of the Dieselsson name?”

Before Alices could speak, Miss Mia stepped forward. “What nonsense! Is the Night of Stellar Abyss for this? You and Sge joined Stellar Abyss Academy long before Alices—you’re far stronger! A Lost Bloodline lacks your resources and experience. This isn’t fair!”

“This is royal business. A minor noble shouldn’t meddle,” Wilke snapped, making Mia flush red. “I know she’s Lost Bloodline—this test has purpose. I don’t need your insolent advice.”

Mia choked on words, powerless.

Wilke’s gaze returned to silent Alices. Another cold laugh escaped him. “My dear sister, what do you think? Do you... dare accept?”

Alices stayed quiet. This wasn’t her choice—it depended on Luyi’s will. But before Wilke, old insecurities surged. Memories of ridicule haunted her; she clenched her fists, face paling.

How detestable. This helplessness.

“Is this royal magnanimity?” An annoyed voice cut through.

Under Wilke’s stare, a golden-haired girl in a blue dress stepped forward, shielding Alices.

“If you crave attention,” she said calmly, “raising your hands and shouting ‘All eyes on me, I’m a fool’ might work better.”

Wilke was first struck by her beauty—then angered by her insolence. “Who are you—daring to—”

“I am the Lost Bloodline you mentioned,” Luyi interrupted, lifting her chin to meet his arrogance head-on.

“!”

Concealed by the Demon Sovereign’s power, her gaze only gave Wilke a cold sting. Yet her icy pride radiated nobility, sparking sudden inferiority in him. Within it, a twisted urge to possess and corrupt swelled.

A beautiful, proud Lost Bloodline? Heh... hehehe... To defile that beauty—to twist her from haughty maiden to fallen plaything with my own hands...

His stare turned predatory.

“Hahahaha... Good! I like your spirit. So—I’ll test you harder.” In every sense.

“By stepping out, you accept this test?”

Luyi stayed silent—her stillness a yes.

“Then—” Wilke’s eyes flicked to Sge. The burly man understood: win utterly. Unleash everything. Use *that* if needed.

“Let me see what my useless sister’s ‘Lost Bloodline’ is made of... You’d better be genuine. Fail the Shield of Soul-Loss’s test, and I’ll strip your freedom. Imprison you. Make you regret... impersonating royalty.”

His words echoed. Some loathed Wilke’s arrogance; some feared for Luyi; others watched indifferently.

As Sge faced Luyi, the crowd parted.

“Lady Luyi...” Alices whispered, grateful—whether Luyi aided her or merely found Wilke noisy.

“Well then, fair lady,” Sge announced proudly, “I am Sge of the Shield of Soul-Loss, Cangran Motte family.”

“Luluie,” Luyi replied simply.

Her power fully hidden, she seemed frail—a wildflower. Of course. A branch family’s last heir: no resources, no training, no education. How could she match them?

“Begin,” Wilke ordered.

Striking first would seem cruel. Sge was curious—how much harm could this girl do? Let her attack.

“Well then, I’ll—”

*Whoosh—*

Wind ripped through his words. Shadows tore the air—

—and pierced Sge’s chest in the next second!

His body blasted backward by savage shadow force, shattering the arena glass!

When onlookers snapped back, only a trail of dark mist and blood remained.

A cold, brutal aura flooded the space.

Luyi stood motionless, the Source of Magic fading around her.

Her expression was glacial, hair and dress swaying in the dying wind—breathtakingly fierce. For a heartbeat, the crowd felt it...

As if the Tyrant herself had arrived.