Chapter 32: Crushing Defeat

Serinveia felt the gust of wind stirred by the arrow behind her, but she dismissed it with disdain.

With a mere wave of her hand, the arrow—capable of piercing city walls—was bound by an invisible force, frozen in place, unable to advance an inch.

Flora, witnessing this, was struck with disbelief. This was her proudest, most powerful attack. When she had been tested by a legendary Elven King from ancient times, acquiring Sacred Wood Verdict: Arrow of the Firmament, she was hailed as a once-in-a-century genius among the elves.

Yet today, her pride was mercilessly shattered by Serinveia, who neutralized her attack with a casual gesture, without even using a skill.

Unwilling to let Serinveia slip away, Flora stared at the giant arrow hovering just behind Serinveia’s head and prepared to try again.

But as she attempted to channel her magic to unleash Sacred Wood Verdict: Arrow of the Firmament once more, she was shocked to find herself immobilized, just like her arrow, unable to move even a fingertip.

The restaurant fell into a deathly silence, everyone frozen like statues—everyone except Serinveia and Chiye’s mother.

Ian, too, was locked in place beside Flora. Moments ago, he’d been marveling at the power of Flora’s attack.

Yet that attack had been rendered a joke, effortlessly stopped by Serinveia.

And now, they were all immobilized by her power.

Ian mentally groaned at Flora. Why did you have to provoke her?

Serinveia turned, her light steps echoing like heartbeats as she approached Flora.

Flora could only watch helplessly as Serinveia strolled toward her, powerless to act.

Soon, Serinveia stood before Flora, her cold gaze fixed on Flora’s pointed ears. “Elf, since this is your first offense against my authority, I’ll confine you for an hour. If there’s a next time, I won’t be so lenient.”

Flora’s heart raced with fear. She knew Serinveia could kill her with ease, and no one in the restaurant could stop her.

“Treating my guests like this isn’t exactly polite,” Chiye’s mother remarked from the side.

Serinveia noticed her, surprised that Chiye’s mother could move freely despite her space-binding ability affecting the entire restaurant. She’s no ordinary person, Serinveia thought.

Ignoring her comment, Serinveia snapped her fingers.

With a crack, the suspended arrow shattered into specks of light, dissipating into the air.

“Your guest insulted me and deserves punishment. If you want to stand up for her, free her yourself,” Serinveia said before turning and leaving the restaurant without looking back.

As she exited, everyone except Flora regained their mobility.

I’m lucky I didn’t act, Sephiroth thought, stunned by Serinveia’s strength. Is this ability to casually bind space something a being of this world can even possess?

Chiye’s mother sighed at the still-frozen Flora, then snapped her fingers, freeing her from the confinement.

Released, Flora’s legs buckled, nearly collapsing. She gripped the table’s edge, her knuckles white, gasping as if she’d just survived a hunt.

Staring at Serinveia’s retreating figure, she clenched her fists.

Ian looked at the weakened Flora, unsure what to say.

“Contact Ethelrina,” Flora growled through gritted teeth. “Tell her we found the demon who stole her pearl.”

Ian knew Flora meant Serinveia, but he also knew she wasn’t the thief.

After a moment’s hesitation, he dialed Ethelrina’s communicator.

“Hello?” Ethelrina’s familiar voice answered.

“Ethelrina, we found the one who stole your pearl,” Flora said, snatching the communicator from Ian.

“You did?” Ethelrina’s voice lit up with excitement, but she caught the weakness in Flora’s tone. “What happened? You sound exhausted.”

“It’s nothing. I just clashed with the demon and came up short. She got away,” Flora said, her face calm but her heart unyielding.

Ian, hearing this, scoffed inwardly. Came up short? That’s an understatement.

“Are you hurt? Why didn’t you crush the scale I gave you?” Ethelrina asked.

Flora hadn’t had the chance to crush the scale, but she wouldn’t admit that—it was too humiliating. “I almost had her. I didn’t want to trouble you.”

“This is my business—there’s no trouble,” Ethelrina replied. “Do you know where she went?”

Flora answered, “No, but I know her identity. She’s the student council president, Serinveia.”

“Serinveia?” Ethelrina paused, as if she’d misheard.

She knew Serinveia—the Silver Dragon Clan’s strongest young talent, her current goal to surpass. To gain the Silver Dragon Clan’s approval and save her mother, Ethelrina had to defeat her within three years.

“You must be mistaken. She’s not a demon—she’s from the Silver Dragon Clan. Their scales do resemble the one I gave you,” Ethelrina said after a moment’s thought.

“But the scale matches hers exactly,” Flora argued.

“I know Serinveia. She’s definitely not a demon,” Ethelrina insisted. “It’s getting late. Let’s call it a day.”

“Come to the villa district. Lillian, Sophia, Veronica, and I are here. We’ll discuss what to do tomorrow.”

With that, Ethelrina hung up.

Realizing she’d likely misjudged Serinveia, Flora turned to Ian. “Let’s go. Ethelrina has things to discuss with us.”