Athena’s mind raced, her thoughts piecing together the puzzle at an accelerated pace. Our dorms were chosen based on our mental strength. This trial must test something related to our mental power…

Her unfocused eyes suddenly sharpened. Wait… Something clicked into place. No student has ever died in these trials, and the professors cannot physically intervene. That means… this is an illusion.

A spark of realization ignited within her. I have to break it somehow.

Her gaze locked onto the orc lord, who was preparing to swing his massive axe at her. But as she focused, something within her shifted. She could feel it—her mana, pulsing through every cell of her body.

Her spiritual landscape appeared before her—a vast, chaotic sea, turbulent and shrouded in darkness. Then, like a beacon in the storm, a golden thread formed in her mind, shining with a comforting yet unfamiliar light.

Instinctively, she reached out and grasped it.

On the outside, the orc lord hesitated for the first time, sensing something unnatural. The little girl who had been battling for her life was now… floating. Suspended in the air as if weightless, her body radiated a golden glow.

Then, her eyes snapped open—brighter, fiercer.

She extended her right hand forward, fingers curling into a tight fist.

In a voice that sent chills through the battlefield, she uttered, “All-Seeing Eye of the Truth Seeker.”

At that moment, a third, vertical golden eye opened on her forehead.

With a commanding shout, she flung her hand open. “Break!”

The world trembled. Cracks splintered through the dark, eerie landscape like fractured glass. The illusion shattered, revealing glimpses of a bright, cheery reality beneath.

Everything froze.

A brilliant light engulfed her, consuming everything in its radiance.

While Athena, who had been exhausted moments ago, rose like a phoenix from the ashes, the professors’ eyes sparkled with astonishment.

“Wow! Look at that!” one of the youngest assistant professors exclaimed.

Her superior, seated in front of her, rubbed his hands together in excitement. “Turns out this kid had another surprise in store.”

All eyes were now locked onto the girl suspended in midair. A bright golden third eye gleamed on her forehead, its radiance undeniable.

Professor Madeleine gasped in recognition. “Aah… Eye of the Truth Seeker!”

Alfred, however, shook his head. “No. To be precise, this is a mutated version—All-Seeing Eye of the Truth Seeker.”

Principal Sylvester chuckled. “Such an amazing batch this year. Twice as many mana awakeners as the last… How wonderful.”

One of the professors suddenly pointed out, “Why is no one talking about the golden patterns on her body?”

“Well, that’s no surprise,” Madeleine replied, nodding knowingly. “She already has gold-level mental strength.” The others murmured in agreement.

The same assistant professor who had spoken earlier voiced another doubt. “Does this mean she’s also an apostle or… a saintess?”

Principal Sylvester stroked his beard thoughtfully. “That, I don’t know. But in time, we will find out.”

As they watched the final moments of the battle unfold, Athena shattered the illusion with a single command.

Stolen novel; please report.

The principal chuckled, a nostalgic glint in his eyes. “As expected from that person’s daughter… Same trick. Do you remember, Alfred?”

A rare smile stretched across Alfred’s lips. “Of course. How could I forget?”

Sylvester let out a sigh, lost in old memories. “Back when Alfred was just a new student, Athena’s father was also a fellow student. He used the same ability back then—his inherent skill. Aah… those were the days.”

Meanwhile, back in the trial grounds, most of the challenges had finally come to an end. Ayden and Julian were found in the Delta trial ground, their trials concluded. However, at the Alpha trial ground, something extraordinary was unfolding.

Amidst the radiant light, Athena saw a figure clad in white. His long, flowing hair shimmered like silver, and his eyes held a gentle yet piercing gaze. Everything about him exuded dignity and divinity.

“Mmm… So, you are the first ever person to attend my trial,” he mused, his tone both thoughtful and curious. His eyes scanned her with interest. “You look so young. Hey, kid, who are you, and how old are you?”

Athena, still dazed from exhaustion, let out a long sigh. “Aaaah… I am so exhausted.”

The man narrowed his eyes. “Hey, kid, it’s not polite to ignore your elder.”

Hearing him call her kid twice in a row irked her. With a frown, she finally responded, “Athena, Princess of Arcane. And I’m ten.”

He stepped forward, nodding approvingly. “Well, you’re strong for a ten-year-old, but you should work on your manners.” A small smile played on his lips. “Anyway, I am the creator of this house. I welcome you, Princess Athena of Arcane. I hope to see you grow stronger with the guidance of the prized possessions I left behind.”

Athena, feeling her energy drain with every passing second, forced herself to speak. “So… you’re the legend who created these dorms. How are you still alive?”

He chuckled in response. “I am not alive. What you see is merely a fragment of consciousness left behind by the true creator—the great architect of all time, Rufus Alfonso.” His voice was calm yet commanding. “As long as you remain in this place, you will have more chances to meet me.”

Athena’s eyelids grew heavier. She could barely hold on as exhaustion overtook her.

“Now, rest, kid. You’re in no condition for a lecture.” His voice softened as his presence began to fade.

Just before darkness completely enveloped her, she heard his parting words:

“Keep our meeting a secret… and let’s meet again when you wake up.”

When the trial in the Alpha dorm concluded, the screen displaying Athena’s trial vanished, just like the others. However, unlike the rest, no one saw what happened to her afterward.

As the nurses and healers from the medical hall arrived to retrieve the unconscious students, they found themselves unable to enter the Alpha trial grounds. A barrier prevented them from stepping inside.

Meanwhile, Alfred Leylani paced anxiously near the place where he had last seen Athena. His heart was restless, an unshakable unease gnawing at him.

It was only Principal Sylvester’s words that finally eased his mind. “Professor Leylani, don’t be restless. She is receiving the best medical care from those within.”

Only after the principal’s reassurance did Alfred let out a quiet sigh of relief, deciding to return to his office and wait.

It didn’t take long for the entire academy to hear the news—nearly half of the students had awakened their mana, and among them were some truly exceptional talents. The campus buzzed with curiosity, students eager to find out who had successfully completed the high-level trials.

When Ayden finally opened his eyes, an unfamiliar ceiling greeted him, along with the strong, almost overwhelming scent of medicine. He blinked a few times to adjust to the light, scrunching his nose at the pungent aroma.

“Finally, you’re awake.”

Startled, Ayden turned toward the voice and saw Julian sitting on the adjacent bed, watching him.

“You were amazing, Your Highness,” Julian said with a grin.

Ayden sighed, slowly sitting up and reclining against the headboard. “How many times do I have to remind you about our deal?”

Julian rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. As long as we’re within the grounds of Hunters Academy, I’m not supposed to use titles when talking to either of you.”

“Good thing you remember,” Ayden said dryly.

A moment of silence passed before Ayden spoke again. “How long have I been out?”

“No idea. I just woke up myself,” Julian replied.

Ayden opened his mouth to ask another question, but before he could, Julian preempted him. “No, she’s not here.”

Their gazes met, both of their faces clouded with worry for Athena.

Meanwhile, back in the Alpha dorms, Athena slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was blurry at first, forcing her to blink several times until the haze cleared. The ceiling above her was adorned with intricate paintings, and the bed beneath her was impossibly soft.

She shifted slightly, her gaze sweeping across the room. Luxurious furnishings surrounded her—elegant decor, flowering plants that added a touch of warmth, and beautifully framed paintings that lined the walls. Beside the bed stood finely crafted bedside tables, while a grand wardrobe and an ornate dressing table completed the opulent setting. The entire atmosphere was serene, designed to put anyone at ease.

Just as she was about to sit up, the door suddenly swung open.

“Oh! You’re awake, Miss,” a voice called out.