Hearing such arrogant and overconfident words, Norris wanted to burst into laughter—but his open mouth couldn’t produce a single sound. For some reason, the girl before him radiated an astonishing aura of conviction.

She… was telling the truth. She… might actually be able to—

“Daydreaming!” Norris shouted, hastily suppressing that thought as his magic nearly spiraled out of control. “Even if you survive today, your gender alone seals your fate—you’ll never be king!”

It was as if he was convincing himself as much as her.

Lily showed no anger, only calm as she asked, “Why?”

“No reason. It’s tradition. Reality. This world is ruled by men. A woman claiming the throne? Pure fantasy!”

Lily lightly tapped her head, troubled. Her master’s teachings, deeply ingrained even in brief moments, echoed softly: “But my master once told me… anyone who blindly follows old ways is doomed to stand still.”

“Old man, should I take this as you’ve lost your path forward? Or… have you already given up on yourself?”

In an instant, the girl’s quiet voice struck Norris like a thunderclap.

His pupils shrank sharply. Norris, stagnant for years, flushed red and snapped, “Brat! You don’t get to lecture me—Inferno Impact!”

As his words fell, violent violet-red flames roared toward Lily’s position.

“We’re done for… no way to block that much…” Valen’s hands trembled as he gripped his sword—a hollow comfort. Terrified but resolute, he knew he couldn’t retreat an inch.

Just as the inferno was about to hit him, a cool breeze brushed his cheek. Then… the fiery glow vanished completely.

“I actually think… my apprentice has a point.” Ink Ash toyed with a neat flame in his palm, snuffing it out with a smirk. “Old man, still dreaming?”

Norris stared up in shock at the boy who’d appeared overhead—undetected until now. “Who are you?” he demanded warily.

“Master!”

“Phew… saved.” Valen collapsed to the ground, utterly drained.

Ink Ash stood before Lily in a flash, his dark eyes emotionless. “One chance: cripple your magic yourself, and I’ll spare your life.”

“Hah… amusing!” Norris paused, then hunched over, laughing wildly. “Since my rise to fame, you’re the first fool bold enough to say that!”

Irritated, Ink Ash ruffled his hair with a sigh. “Ugh… seriously, why’s everyone so annoying? Killing a few weaklings—big deal?”

“Wait, if guys you one-shot are ‘weaklings,’ what does that make me? An ant? A bug?” Valen deadpanned after hearing the Great Demon King’s grumble.

Yawning lazily, Ink Ash tapped his foot. “Hurry up. At your age, you’ve got few years left anyway. Die quick, move on—don’t waste my nap time!”