The moment that silver glow descended, the arena exploded.

Tilisha instinctively covered her ears. Sure enough, a deafening wave of cheers erupted across the circular battlefield the next instant.

Like the spectators, Tilisha’s gaze snapped to the silver-haired Elf standing at the contestant entrance in the stands.

Today, Astrid was as breathtaking as ever—like a moonlit gem set in a crown, outshining every beauty around her. Her mere presence dimmed all other radiance.

Security personnel from the academy lined both sides of the entrance, restraining overzealous fans.

The scene felt oddly familiar to Tilisha.

It wasn’t a perfect comparison, but it reminded her of celebrity entrances back in her past life—fans screaming wildly, some even fainting from excitement.

Well, not just similar. It was identical.

Still, the context differed. Astrid wasn’t some talentless idol. To earn the blind adoration of Coleman Academy’s fiercely proud Divine Maidens, raw power was non-negotiable.

Coleman was a den of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, gathering heirs of nearly every renowned Divine Maiden bloodline. Each year produced extraordinary talents—golden-scaled prodigies—and Astrid had long secured her place among this year’s elite.

Her status alone as Princess of the Elven Forest made lying low impossible.

The Elf girl stepped into the arena with slow, elegant strides, her expression serene. The roaring cheers washed over her like distant thunder, leaving no trace on her calm face.

To her fanatical admirers, Astrid was flawless—a goddess. Yet that very thought reduced her to a symbol in their eyes.

Tilisha knew better. Bathed in such praise, Astrid felt no joy—only crushing pressure. She’d never liked noise.

Astrid spoke little, but sometimes her silence held unspoken wishes.

Once, walking together, Dilin spotted a trinket he thought suited her. When he offered to buy it, Astrid hesitated, then gently refused. As Dilin turned to leave, a light tug stopped him.

He looked back to find Astrid clutching his sleeve, her face flushed with a hint of crimson, wordless.

Of course, that was before her Divine Maiden Transformation. Dilin wasn’t wealthy—the "trinket" was just a cheap handkerchief embroidered with a raccoon.

Astrid used it often. After they were forced apart, Tilisha found it discarded in a trash bin...

That was when her smoking habit worsened.

But that was past.

Tilisha had made peace with it. She only hoped they could remain friends—exchanging warm smiles and nods when they met in public.

After the library incident, though, that seemed unlikely.

Astrid lifted her head, scanning the stands. The crowd’s frenzy intensified.

*She looked at me! She sought me out! She cares!* Well—at least *us*!

They didn’t know Astrid hadn’t raised her eyes to acknowledge fans. Unconsciously, she’d searched for one specific figure. Finding no one, she lowered her gaze—a flicker of disappointment hidden deep in her eyes.

As Astrid neared the arena, Tilisha spotted another familiar face: Princess Felicia of Bai Li, who’d appeared earlier that morning.

The amber-haired princess wore formal female armor now, far from her casual morning attire. She approached Astrid, spoke briefly, then knelt on one knee—a knight’s vow.

Like a public confession, pledging undying loyalty to win her lady’s heart.

A faint smile touched Astrid’s lips. She gave a slight nod—acceptance.

The arena detonated anew.

“Ohhh! Did Princess Bai Li just confess?!”

“So bold!”

“Look! Princess Astrid smiled and nodded! She said yes?!”

Some fans wailed in despair, calling it a “waste of national treasure,” while others chanted, “Get married!”

Tilisha could only stare, stunned.

She’d once harbored feelings for Astrid too. Close proximity had granted her no advantage—only empty hands.

Now she understood her defeat.

This academy truly was a garden of lilies...

She’d done nothing wrong. Except one thing: her gender.

*Though...* Tilisha reasoned, *Felicia likely just offered encouragement. Astrid isn’t reckless. A princess wouldn’t act without thought. The crowd’s just stirring drama, overinterpreting with love-struck eyes.*

Before she could dwell further, Astrid stepped past Felicia onto the battlefield.

*So it begins.*

At the arena’s edge, the “Silver Moon of Aureliaman” unleashed her domain.

Cool silver gauze draped her form, harmonizing with her moon-pale hair as if bathed in nocturnal light. A backless silk crop top barely contained her ample curves. The silver moon-gauze swayed with every movement. A crown glowed softly atop her head. Beneath a short hem, sheer black stockings led to silver, open-toed heels.

Silver hair with black stockings.

Tilisha knew Astrid’s Divine Maiden Realm intimately—she’d heard its effects firsthand.

She activated Divine Analysis on Astrid.

Simply put, Moon Elf royal blood held a unique advantage: “Divine Maiden Killer.”

Everyone knew Divine Right resistance was the weakest among the four resistances. Against divine power, high resistance was impossible—it was a rule set by the Creator.

That’s why Divine Maidens were so coveted.

But Moon Elves were the exception. Their Divine Right resistance topped all Divine Maiden bloodlines, guaranteeing dominance in Divine Maiden duels.

Tilisha analyzed Astrid’s domain through Divine Analysis:

【Lunar Sanctuary】 (LV19):

Physical Resistance: 6.5 Stars

Magical Resistance: 6 Stars

Alchemical Resistance: 5 Stars

Divine Right Resistance: 6 Stars