Demon Slayer?
Wendy’s pupils shrank.
He remembered this title—it was an honorary title earned only by slaying at least a hundred Demons or Fallen Ones.
But in the game, this Dean was just an NPC who handed out quests, with no labels at all…
“An honor, an honor.”
Wendy hurriedly returned the greeting, his attitude even more respectful.
“To receive a personal visit from the Dean is truly our honor.”
Layana nodded in satisfaction, then got straight to the point.
“I believe Prince has already learned from Shanna the purpose of my visit.”
Her tone turned solemn.
“A few days ago, the Mage Association’s detection Magic Array sensed an immense surge of magic from the direction of the Sunset Mountains.”
“Such a level of magical fluctuation—comparable even to the descent of a Great Demon.”
“Out of duty, I must confirm the source and nature of this power.”
“And…”
“Whether it poses a threat to the Continent!”
As her words fell, the atmosphere in the council chamber grew tense again.
Layana’s gaze didn’t fall on Astreia, but pierced straight at Wendy.
This person had just toyed with those little madmen from the Church with a few words, making her realize that this seemingly harmless Prince was the true backbone of Sunset Fortress.
“Dean, you overstate things.”
Wendy pulled out a chair unhurriedly and sat down, thoughtfully preparing one for Astreia as well.
“I’m just a powerless Prince of the Fallen Kingdom, a mere decoration.”
“The true architect of this victory is Astreia.”
Layana’s brows furrowed slightly, clearly dissatisfied with such evasive answers.
“Prince, you’re too modest.”
Her voice grew colder.
“To my knowledge, the tactics that broke the Orc Army this time—including the Gunpowder Formula and Cement Fortifications design—all came from your hand.”
“Moreover…”
“The timing of that magical eruption was not long after your arrival at Sunset Fortress.”
“Is that… merely coincidence?”
At these words, Astreia’s body visibly stiffened, her hand unconsciously gripping her sword hilt, sweat beading on her palm.
But Wendy gently patted the princess’s hand, signaling her to relax.
He glanced at Laxana, finding that this outwardly friendly Doomsday Witch was watching him with a complicated look—worry, expectation, and something unspoken.
Meeting the Prince’s gaze, Laxana pouted in obvious displeasure, but still gave a slight nod—a reassuring look.
Even this rival in love didn’t want to see her best friend in trouble.
Receiving his ally’s silent support, Wendy relaxed inside and looked back at Layana, the harmless smile still on his face.
“You’re right, Dean.”
“This was indeed no coincidence.”
At those words, Astreia’s face turned pale.
But Wendy continued, unhurriedly.
“Facing the siege of over a hundred thousand Orcs, Sunset Fortress was in dire peril. To protect the people here, and the safety of the entire Kingdom, we did indeed use some… special powers.”
He deliberately paused, letting the information settle.
At the same time, Layana Klein’s eyes sharpened further.
“But this power is by no means some evil magic, but a Forbidden Secret Art passed down through the bloodline of the first Hero of the Cavalier Kingdom—a technique that trades life for strength. Though its power is immense, the cost is grievous.”
“Astreia bore great ‘pain’ for this.”
As he spoke, Wendy gently caressed Astreia’s cheek, his eyes full of pain.
“Look at her—her current weakness is the price of using the Secret Art. But in the end, she succeeded—protecting Sunset Fortress and the gates of the Kingdom.”
Layana stared silently at Wendy.
She could sense that Astreia’s presence was indeed faint, as if she’d just endured some great ordeal.
But the sharpness in her eyes didn’t diminish.
“Secret Art?”
The Dean smiled calmly, shaking her head.
“Prince, do you think I’d believe such words?”
“The purity and concentration of that magic couldn’t be produced by any Secret Art.”
“In my view, it was more like the full awakening of some powerful being!”
Layana rose, looking down on Wendy from above.
The pressure belonging to the ‘Demon Slayer’ instantly filled the council chamber.
“I’ll ask again—Astreia Valoran, did she use some forbidden power—or—did she fall into Witchification?”
The question struck straight at the heart.
Astreia trembled all over, her lips losing all color.
“Dean, that’s going too far.”
Wendy stepped ahead of Astreia, blocking her with unwavering resolve.
“I’ll say it again.”
“Her Highness Astreia only used powers not belonging to herself under desperate circumstances to protect this nation.”
“She has never fallen, nor will she ever fall.”
“Because…”
Wendy turned, gazing deeply into the princess’s panicked emerald eyes.
“I will always be by her side, watching over her!”
The words rang with sincerity.
Astreia’s eyes reddened instantly.
Even Laxana couldn’t help but click her tongue in envy.
Layana narrowed her eyes.
This daughter of her best friend had clear eyes, not the look of a lost soul—making it hard to judge.
But duty demanded clarity.
For Witches—unlike mages who use Dark Magic—are true slaves to desire, a danger to the entire Continent, almost like the Demon Race.
Yet the Prince across from her, who seemed to know everything, simply refused to speak plainly—so infuriating.
After a long silence, the Dean leaned back, the tense atmosphere slightly easing.
“In that case…”
She took out a fist-sized crystal from her bosom.
“Let this be the proof.”
The crystal was wholly transparent, with strands of silvery light within, radiating a pure and stable energy.
“This is a Soul Crystal—extremely rare, used specifically to detect magical attributes.”
Layana placed the crystal on the table and looked at Astreia.
“As long as you place your hand on it, it will reveal a person’s magical nature. If she is truly innocent, she should have no reason to refuse this test, right?”
At the sight of the crystal, Laxana’s expression changed.
She leaned in to whisper quickly into Astreia’s ear.
“Careful! This thing directly reflects the subject’s soul emotions and magical attributes! If even a hint of the purple attribute of Descent shows up—not even my mother can protect you!”
At those words, Astreia’s heart sank to the abyss.
Would all those times falling into Witch state leave some trace of magic?
She looked helplessly at Wendy, fear and unease shining in her starry eyes.
“Don’t be afraid.”
Wendy’s voice was soft but reassuring.
Meeting the princess’s gaze, he spoke so only the two could hear.
“Think of nothing. Empty your mind. During the test, close your eyes, and feel me.”
“Feel… you?”
Astreia asked in confusion.
“Yes. Feel everything between us.”
Wendy gave no further explanation, only holding the princess’s hand a little tighter.
“Just like… when we practiced.”
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