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Chapter 334  [Event] [Dolphian Kingdom Under Ruins] [20] John...

"You can drop the formalities, James. You're as much a member of the royal family as I am," Reiner said with a chuckle, presenting a document.

Despite James' royal status, he held a lower rank than Reiner Dolphis, who held the position of Head of the Dolphis House. James was just the son of the Head of the Raven House.

"I imagine you're quite pleased with the outcome," Queen Doria spoke up, her gaze sharp and accusing.

"I'm sorry... but your son wasn't the right match for my daughter," James replied respectfully.

The Queen sighed, her expression softening as she turned her attention to Alicia. "I don't know all the details of what transpired, but if my son caused you any suffering, I apologize on his behalf. We may have spoiled him too much."

"It's alright," Alicia responded quietly.

"Nevertheless, why involve Thomen's son in this matter? Are you planning to arrange a marriage between him and your daughter? Was that the purpose of the bet?" Reiner asked, his tone tinged with skepticism.

"Not exactly. It's... complicated," James replied evasively, choosing to keep the true nature of their agreement concealed for the time being.

"I hope Alea isn't involved in this, huh?" Reiner's glare bore into James.

"No, she's completely unaware of the situation," James reassured him with a chuckle.

"Good," Reiner acknowledged, his expression softening slightly as he produced the official document outlining the engagement agreement between Reiner and Alicia. The parchment bore the signatures, marked in blood, of Reiner and Lazarus Raven.

Upon James' confirmation, Reiner tore the paper apart and consigned it to the flames. "It's done."

"Thank you," James expressed his gratitude.

"I might have been insistent, but my son seems to have accepted the outcome as well," Reiner said with a hint of pride evident in his smile.

"Is he alright?" James asked, concerned.

"He's recovering. He's a Dolphis, after all. Never underestimate him," Reiner replied with a grin.

"I wouldn't dare," James reciprocated with a smile as he turned to leave, accompanied by his daughter.

"We should make our way. The Third Round will likely commence soon, my dear," Reiner's wife reminded him, prompting him to nod in agreement.

"I will get a look on Adrian, go ahead," she added and left.

…

…

As James walked alongside Alicia, an awkward silence enveloped them. Alicia maintained her usual aloof demeanor as she walked ahead.

"How is your mother, Alicia...?" James asked, breaking the silence.

Alicia's shoulders tensed slightly before she composed herself. "Fine."

"I see..." James forced a bitter smile. He couldn't help but feel responsible for the rift, knowing that his decisions had contributed to their current situation. However, he had been left with no choice but to shoulder the blame in order to preserve his House.

"Alicia... I want you to know that I am proud of you," James expressed earnestly.

Alicia remained silent, offering no response as she continued walking away.

Sighing heavily, James reached for his communication device. "Is there any problem?"

["Not really, Professor, but there's quite a crowd gathered at the entrance. It seems the residents are eager to witness the matches and catch a glimpse of the elite students of Sancte Vedelia. They're attempting to force their way in, and we're working to maintain order. However, two of our team members were injured in the process. We're escorting them to safety."]

"Understood..." James nodded, feeling uneasy at the unexpected violence from the residents. He had traveled to other countries with students before, and while excitement was common, such aggression was unheard of.

["Professor Raven, the Third Round is about to begin. We need you.] "I'm on my way," James replied, refocusing his attention on the task at hand.

***

[Bring your ass. It already started.]

John let out a frustrated groan as he read Edward's message, realizing that time had slipped away from him while he sought a moment of respite outdoors. He had hoped to simply endure the situation and move on, but it seemed the exam was far from over. At least it was the final day, he thought, trying to find a silver lining in the midst of his frustration.

(<That was pretty mean of you, Jonathan.>) Hecate's voice rang in unexpectedly.

"What?" (<I'm referring to little Amelia, Jonathan. You stole her first kiss and then ignored her again. She must be in tears somewhere.>)

"It's none of your concern," John retorted.

(<But it is, Jonathan! Layla always asks about how you and Amael are doing! I have to bring her some good news, don't you think?>)

"Is she alright?" John's tone softened slightly.

(<She's... coping. She's been muttering Amael's name and blushing in her sleep, then waking up and screaming while twirling around. And on top of that, she's been enjoying tormenting Milleia Sophren and the useless Prince of Celesta.>)

"I suppose she's doing alright then..." John mumbled, a small smile quirking his lips despite the lingering tension.

(<Alright? She has been pestering me about all Edward's movements since he arrived here like a stalker! I'm afraid I won't be able to hide the sudden engagement between him and the vampire princess!>)

"You are a Goddess, do something," John grimaced as even Hecate seemed overwhelmed by Layla's obsession.

(<I will do something when you do something with Amelia! Oh! Look she is here!>)

John's steps faltered as he caught sight of Amelia walking toward him from the opposite direction. Upon noticing John, Amelia flinched, halting in her tracks.

As Amelia passed by, John's voice cut through the air. "Wait."

Startled, Amelia turned back to face him, her expression guarded. "What is it?"

John held her gaze for a moment, his eyes searching hers for answers. Amelia, feeling uncomfortable, attempted to speak up. "If there's nothing—"

-BAM!

Before she could finish, John's fist collided with Amelia's arm, causing her to stagger back in shock.

"What?" Amelia recoiled, staring at John in disbelief.

"Don't masquerade as her, you sneaky bitch," John spat, his arm surrounded by a swirling mana circle.

Initially taken aback, Amelia—no, Nora—quickly regained her composure, a malicious smirk spreading across her lips. "You're obstructing my path once again."

"What have you done with her?" John's voice dripped with icy venom as he confronted Nora.

To assume someone's appearance, Nora had to touch and be near that individual, meaning she had likely encountered Amelia.

"Oh, are you concerned for her? She's alive, but she'll be disposed of once we've achieved our goals," Nora sneered.

"The Third Horn of Behemoth? If you're here, you're after either the King's or the Queen's appearance. Given your weakness, I assume you're aiming for the Queen," John deduced, his approach measured and cold.

Nora narrowed her eyes, sensing the shift in John's demeanor.

"This is your last warning. Where is she?" John's tone turned chillingly cold, his mana beginning to warp the environment around them.

Instinctively, Nora took a step back, realizing that John had grown stronger since their last encounter.

'He's become more powerful...' she noted silently to herself. If she had once been confident of overpowering him, that certainty had evaporated in the face of his newfound strength.

"Then I will torture the words out of you." John said and took a step forward but…

-Spurt!

"...!" John's eyes widened in shock as he felt a searing pain in his stomach, accompanied by a sickening sensation of paralysis creeping through his body. A purple substance oozed from the wound, staining his clothes crimson.

"What are you doing, Nora?" A cold voice pierced the air from behind.

Struggling against the debilitating effects of the sting, John managed to take a faltering step backward, his movements sluggish and uncoordinated. When he turned to face the source of the voice, his heart sank.

Standing before him was a tall, imposing figure, shirtless and emanating an aura of malevolence. Dirty blond hair framed his face, and dark eyes bore into John with a chilling intensity. Purple veins pulsated beneath his skin, and a long, writhing purple sting protruded from his back, poised to strike.

John stumbled back, his vision blurred with haze as he recognized the figure before him.

He was a Commander of [Behemoth] and... he was extremely dangerous.

'I... have to warn Edward…' John's thoughts raced frantically as he reached for his phone, but his trembling fingers fumbled, and the device slipped from his grasp, clattering to the ground.

"Lomar?" Nora spoke up.

"Losing your composure over an insignificant insect like him. We don't have time for such trifles," Lomar retorted disdainfully.

"I know... I know how to reach the Queen," Nora assured, annoyed.

With a nod of acknowledgment, Lomar turned his attention back to John. The wriggling sting extended menacingly toward John's head, but Nora intervened.

"No," she exclaimed, halting Lomar's actions.

"What?" Lomar frowned.

"You've poisoned him with your sting, haven't you? Let him suffer a slow and agonizing death," Nora suggested with a malicious smirk.

Securing John's arms, she dragged him into a nearby storage room and sealed the door behind her, leaving him to death's arms.