Karenina did not believe the facts she had witnessed.
She was loyal to the frozen lands of Russell. But now, how to remain loyal had truly become a problem. She really could not tell if this was yet another test or if the other party was speaking from the heart.
In the worst-case scenario, if they actually fought —
Lomio’s figure flashed before Karenina’s eyes. Fast, precise, and ruthless; he struck at weaknesses without a shred of hesitation to slay his enemies.
‘Will I win?’
It was hard to imagine.
“We must obtain the Dragon Soul first, otherwise there is nothing to discuss.”
After weighing the matter for nearly one hour, Karenina temporarily suppressed the issue. Regardless of the examiner’s objective, what he was doing now benefited the team and her. Even if some of it was out of line or defied common sense, it was very likely a form of testing.
Judging from everything in the past, only this possibility existed!
‘Phew… That was close.’
Thinking this way, the contradiction in Karenina’s heart instantly dissolved.
‘If he wasn’t the examiner, how would he know the fact that I am a woman disguised as a man? Why would he constantly use his own charm to test me? How could he possibly know about the Russell Royal Family and the various exams, arranging everything so perfectly? Even if he told me to my face that he wasn’t an examiner, it wouldn’t be believable at all!’
“Frost Dragon Soul…”
Karenina whispered the name. It was a treasure passed down through generations of the Russell Royal Family and the only key to lifting the Heart of Winter curse. Her mother’s illness was worsening by the day, and time was running out.
Yet, the whereabouts of the Dragon Soul remained a mystery.
“Is there any news from Annie’s side?”
Karenina pushed open the door and walked toward the living room. It was late at night, but the lights in the elite team’s dormitory were still burning bright. Annie was sitting on the sofa with a thick stack of intelligence documents spread out before her.
“Your Highness.”
Seeing Karenina appear, Annie immediately stood up to salute.
“No need for formalities.”
Karenina waved her hand and sat down opposite her. “What is the situation inside the Academy?”
“Not very optimistic.” Annie’s expression was solemn. “According to the intelligence I have gathered, there are at least three factions operating in the shadows of the Academy.”
“The first is the Duchy’s noble faction, led by Camu Cromwell. Their goal is clear: to recruit outstanding students from various countries and stockpile talent for the Duchy.”
“The second consists of hidden agents sent by other nations. Russell, the Northern Border alliance, and the Southern Islands all have eyes and ears stationed within the Academy.”
“The third — “
Annie paused for a moment.
“Is the Academy itself.”
“The Academy itself?” Karenina’s brow furrowed.
“Exactly,” Annie nodded. “The appearance of black mages during this exam could never have been a coincidence. The Academy’s reaction was too calm; it was unnervingly normal. Furthermore, I discovered a specific detail.”
“What detail?”
“The alchemy cards used by those black mages were of extremely high quality in both material and craftsmanship. Cards of this level simply cannot be bought on the market.”
Annie pulled a photograph from the documents. The photo showed a black alchemy card with dark gold patterns inlaid along the edges.
“This is a fragment I collected from the exam site. After analysis, the production process of this card is identical to the top laboratories of the Academy’s Alchemy Department.”
Karenina’s pupils suddenly constricted. “You mean…”
“Someone within the Academy is secretly cultivating black mages.” Annie’s voice was soft, but every word carried heavy weight. “And this person’s status is very high — high enough to mobilize the Academy’s core resources.”
Karenina fell silent. She remembered what Lomio had said earlier.
‘The Principal might be playing a very large game of chess. What could threaten the Principal? Or does she want… time?’
“Continue the investigation,” Karenina said as she stood up. “But be careful not to alert them.”
“Understood,” Annie replied with a bow.
Karenina turned to leave but stopped at the doorway. “By the way, regarding Lomio…”
“Master Examiner has already returned to his room to rest.” Annie’s tone held a hint of awe. “He mentioned there will be special training tomorrow and asked us not to disturb him.”
“Special training?”
Karenina was somewhat surprised. After experiencing such an intense exam, wouldn’t a normal person want to rest properly?
“Yes,” Annie nodded. “Master Examiner said that time waits for no one.”
Karenina felt a stir in her heart.
‘That man truly never stops. Every action he takes is a preparation for the future.’
“I understand.”
Karenina walked back to her room and closed the door. She leaned against the wood and closed her eyes. Lomio’s words echoed in her mind once more.
‘Do you want to guard a decaying throne and watch your country slowly die? Or will you take a risk and give Russell a new future?’
‘Take a risk…’ Karenina murmured to herself.
Her hand instinctively gripped the pendant at her chest. It was an amulet given to her by her mother, containing a wisp of the Heart of Winter’s essence. It was bone-chillingly cold, yet it warmed her heart.
‘Mother, what should I do?’
The night was deep, and no one answered her question.
—
On the other side.
Inside Lomio’s room.
He sat cross-legged on the bed, a translucent panel floating before him.
[Status Window]
Current Class: Level 4 Dragon Shinobi
Available Talent Points: 2
Dragon Material Reserves: 1/10
‘Tsk, still not enough.’
Lomio frowned. The strength of the Dragon Shinobi class was unquestionable, but the resources required for leveling up were staggering. Every level required a massive amount of dragon materials and talent points. Such things could only be found by luck, not sought out.
‘As for Sylvia, it won’t refresh until next month…’
Lomio rubbed his temples. Although he did not want to admit it, he truly did need to rely on that senior sister with the eccentric mind.
“Forget it, I’ll use the talent points first.”
Lomio submerged his consciousness into the talent tree. Leaf-like veins grew continuously on the branches of the tree, each one representing a skill. Following the memories of his past life regarding the hidden Dragon Shinobi class, Lomio quickly found the skill he wanted.
**[Dragon Flash — Counterstrike]**
**[The moment blades meet is also the flash of an opening.]**
Light flickered. A surge of powerful energy flooded into Lomio’s body. His muscles expanded slightly, and his bones let out faint popping sounds. Faint dragon scale patterns emerged on the surface of his skin before vanishing in an instant.
**[Skill Unlock Successful]**
**[When blades clash, you can trigger a rapid counter-flash. If timed perfectly, you can immediately sever the opponent’s limbs and inflict heavy injury.]**
“Not bad.”
Lomio moved his wrist. After awakening the Dragon Shinobi class, he could feel that his physical attributes had reached a new level. Now, even without using any skills, he could easily crush an ordinary Level 3 professional with pure physical strength.
“Next is the combat test.”
Lomio stood up and lay down on the bed. He closed his eyes, and his consciousness sank into the Phantom Sea Secret Room.
“Brat, you’re here.”
Tai Lan stood with his arms crossed before assuming a combat stance. “I’ll give you a proper education today as well.”
“Come at me.”
Lomio unsheathed the Dragon Sword. The Counterstrike technique was worth testing!