Ian looked at Ethelrina and the others standing together and instantly understood—these four were going to form a team for the Sacred Trial.
But if these four really entered the team competition and ended up winning the championship, wouldn’t that mean Ethelrina would truly have to head to the Demon Clan’s stronghold?
If Ian remembered correctly, the Sacred Trial lasted about a year.
It was almost impossible for Ethelrina to gain enough power within a year to fight the Demon King.
Which meant, if Ethelrina really did take the championship and went to the Demon Clan’s stronghold, her ending would most likely be death.
What the hell was Isabella thinking? She should never have given Ethelrina such a chance.
Ian didn’t dare imagine what the future of this world would look like if Ethelrina really went to the Demon Clan’s stronghold.
In the original story, Ethelrina defeated the Demon God and completely drove the demons away.
But if she dies first? Doesn’t that mean the entire ending will change?
No. I absolutely can’t let that happen. Ian could feel the Senro Breath Pearl within his body—it was nothing short of a hot potato.
In just one day, it had caused him so much trouble.
Should I just hand over this Senro Breath Pearl? Ian thought to himself, then shook his head.
If he handed over the Senro Breath Pearl now, Ethelrina would probably cut him down on the spot. Between dying now and dying later, he’d rather delay the inevitable.
Such a pain. No matter which choice I make, it feels like death is waiting for me. Ian felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him.
Maybe stopping Ethelrina from joining this competition is the best option.
With that thought, Ian walked up to Ethelrina and said, “Are you really planning to go to the Demon Clan’s stronghold?”
Ethelrina showed no change in expression at his words. “It’s something I must reclaim.”
“Even if it costs me my life.”
Ian was stunned. He just couldn’t understand why a single pearl was so important to Ethelrina that she would risk her life for it.
“Is that pearl really that important?” Ian asked her.
Ethelrina simply replied with two words. “It is.”
Hearing Ian’s question, the others present immediately understood what he was trying to do.
Sensing the tension between the two, the rest quietly began forming their own teams.
Standing by Ethelrina’s side were Flora, Sophia, and Veronica.
After hesitating for a while, Lillian recalled Ian’s actions yesterday and stepped behind him.
Two against four, huh? That’s… interesting.
Looking at the powerful heroines in front of him, then glancing back at Lillian behind him, Ian felt the match was already over. He might as well forfeit now.
Just as Ian was lost in thought, Ethelrina and the others walked past him.
When Ethelrina passed by, she paused to say something. “I hope you won’t become my enemy. After all, you’ve given me some very important information.”
Ian froze at her words. What information had he given her?
“What do we do, Ian?” Lillian tugged at his sleeve anxiously.
“If Ethelrina really goes to the Demon Clan’s territory, she’ll definitely die, right?”
Ian looked at Lillian’s worried face, surprised they were thinking the same thing.
But if even someone as clueless as Lillian could see that, how could Veronica and the others not realize it?
Ian couldn’t understand. Maybe the power of love is just that overwhelming—it’s completely clouding their judgment.
He had no idea what to do either. Was he really supposed to fight Ethelrina’s team with just himself and Lillian?
But the team battle had strict rules: five members per team—no more, no less.
Which meant his team was still short three people.
Maybe if I recruit some strong players, we’ll still have a chance?
Chance my ass! The other team is stacked with heroines. Where the hell am I going to find three people who can match them?
And even if he did find them, so what? He still had himself and Lillian—two deadweights.
Ian glanced at himself, then at Lillian. His gaze made her uncomfortable.
“Ian, you’re totally looking down on me.” Lillian pouted and said unhappily, “I’ll have you know—I’m strong too.”
She even tried to show off her biceps, but there wasn’t the slightest hint of muscle on her arm. Ian couldn’t figure out how that screamed “strong” in any way.
“Let’s just go back.” Ian felt drained. These last two days had been nothing but trouble after trouble.
Now it seemed he had stepped onto the opposite side of Ethelrina. Ian never wanted to clash with her, but now it seemed unavoidable.
He recalled Isabella’s words from yesterday—he was this world’s savior. Could she have meant this situation?
But wasn’t Isabella the one who gave Ethelrina the chance to head to the Demon Clan in the first place?
Later, Ian returned to his room and collapsed on the bed.
Knock knock knock.
A series of knocks sounded at the door.
Ian asked weakly, “Who is it?”
“It’s me, Ian.” A familiar voice—Yiserin’s—came from outside.
“Come in. What is it?” Ian, still exhausted, didn’t immediately process that she had called him “Ian.”
When he finally realized, he corrected her. “It’s Ian, not Iana.”
“What’s the difference? You’re still you, aren’t you?” Yiserin said with a cheeky grin.
To be honest, last night when she entered Ian’s room and saw Iana, her heart had started thumping wildly.
Her mind went blank, and before she knew it, the words slipped out: “So cute.”
Even though Iana had turned back into Ian later, Yiserin still couldn’t get her out of her mind.
“Get lost, you creepy lolicon!” Ian shouted at her.
Last night, she had forcibly hugged him for a while, nearly smothering him to death in her chest.
Ian sneaked a glance at her chest—it didn’t look that big, so how had it almost killed him?
These sisters were a menace. First Serinveia nearly killed him, and when she failed, Yiserin came to finish the job.
“What do you want?” Ian said irritably. “If you’re here hoping I’ll turn into Iana and let you touch me, forget it.”
“I’m here to apologize. On behalf of my sister.” Yiserin lowered her head, looking embarrassed.