Category: The Night the Witch Me Was Captured by the Holy Knight Princess

Chapter 21: Victory and Defeat (Part 2)

Yedi abruptly leaned back, his body tilting past forty-five degrees. The hard shield, almost perfectly aligned with the angle of his body, rushed towards him, his hair fluttering in its wake. The bottom tip of the shield grazed Yedi’s knees, tearing his trousers.

As he was about to fall, Yedi, disregarding his balance, slashed at Qingruo.

Qingruo, realizing that Yedi had dodged her shield bash by a hair’s breadth, released the shield, gripping her longsword with both hands and swinging it back with increased force.

Clang!

Sparks flew as the swords clashed.

Yedi’s attack was so unorthodox, and Qingruo’s reaction was incredibly fast and perfectly executed, but her counterattack lacked power.

Yedi allowed himself to fall, sliding back a few steps to absorb the impact, while Qingruo was also pushed back several meters.

The students watching gasped.

“Not good!” Yedi thought.

He felt the sun about to set, which would be disastrous.

He had to attack, he couldn’t delay any longer.

Before fully getting up, Yedi rolled towards Qingruo, then leaped up mid-roll, thrusting his sword forward with lightning speed.

Qingruo, without her shield, gripped her sword with both hands, deflecting Yedi’s attack. She spun around, her long, shapely leg sweeping out in a kick.

Yedi slapped his palm on the ground, propelling himself upwards and sideways, dodging Qingruo’s kick.

Then, gripping his sword with both hands, he landed on one knee and, without fully rising, unleashed a horizontal slash. Qingruo, also turning, brought her sword down in a vertical strike.

Clang!

The swords collided again.

Using his kneeling position for support, Yedi managed to block Qingruo’s attack, but his arm absorbed the tremendous impact. However, Yedi’s naturally slender frame, never particularly strong, wasn’t any weaker in his female body. In fact, due to certain feminine physical characteristics, his resilience to impact had even slightly improved.

This exchange was a draw.

“Teacher, why aren’t you using your full strength? Are you mocking me?” Qingruo pressed her sword against Yedi’s, bringing them closer. Her alluring fragrance, which compelled anyone nearby to inhale deeply, wafted towards him.

She exuded a feminine aura, like bathing in a field of spring flowers, and during exercise, this scent intensified, a captivating mix of longing and untapped passion.

A chaste, exquisite rose, an incredible contradiction and fusion.

However, Yedi couldn’t afford to be distracted. He was running out of time!

“Qingruo, what bottleneck are you referring to?”

“If I could explain it, would I need to ask for your guidance, Teacher?”

Crack!

Their swords vibrated, and they separated.

Only a sliver of the sun remained above the horizon, like a fingernail at the edge of the valley. Time was up!

“It’s risky, but I have to end this match now!” Yedi decided.

He suddenly retreated, picking up Qingruo’s discarded shield.

“Teacher?” Qingruo looked slightly offended. Although Yedi was proficient with various weapons, he favored offense. His defense was through counterattacks! He never used a shield. Was he really trying to humiliate her today?

Her ample chest heaved noticeably, but her gentle nature seemed to temper her strong will. “No, this isn’t like Teacher. He must have a reason. I must always remain respectful towards Teacher, no matter how his actions appear…”

Yedi, to everyone’s bewilderment, approached with the shield, constantly shifting their relative positions through his footwork.

The students had never seen Teacher Yedi use a shield. They watched in confusion, wondering if he was going to demonstrate shield techniques to their senior sister.

Suddenly, Yedi threw the shield towards Qingruo. Though his strength was diminished compared to his prime, the shield still spun towards Qingruo with considerable force.

Qingruo almost instinctively swung her sword to deflect the shield.

“No!”

She raised her sword with both hands, not retreating but advancing towards the incoming shield. Just as her sword was about to strike, she abruptly reduced her force, letting the blade graze the curve of the shield, redirecting it while simultaneously executing a sharp turn.

Whoosh!

With the momentum of her spin and the power of her long legs, she unleashed a powerful slash behind the shield, without a clear target.

The last rays of sunlight illuminated Qingruo’s beautiful profile. If she had directly blocked the shield, she would have been blinded by the setting sun. And Yedi, as expected, was right where her sword landed.

As a teacher, perhaps he should be proud of this moment.

Yedi, with his significantly reduced strength and lack of practice with his transformed body, shouldn’t have rushed things. But pressured by time, he had to take a gamble.

However, Qingruo saw through him.

Yedi gave up on a meaningless attack, waiting for Qingruo’s sword, which would declare his defeat, to fall. Of course, whoever won would ultimately restrain their final blow.

However…

Crack!

Qingruo’s sword, though clearly in a position to strike Yedi from above, missed, striking the ground and kicking up dust. It seemed her footwork and the angle of her turn were slightly off.

“Teacher…”

At that moment, Yedi looked up at Qingruo, seeing an almost imperceptible hint in her eyes.

Feeling a surge of humiliation, Yedi adjusted his posture, dropping to one knee and thrusting his sword towards Qingruo. At the same time, Qingruo raised her sword and swung it diagonally downwards at Yedi.

Both their swords stopped short of their opponent.

The surrounding students were speechless.

It looked like a draw.

“A… a tie…” Hans, the tall, older student, shook his head in disbelief.

“For the first time, Senior Sister Qingruo actually tied with the legendary hero, Teacher Yedi! A tie! Senior Sister Qingruo is amazing…” The bespectacled boy’s eyes welled up with emotion.

The surrounding students were equally amazed.

Senior Sister Qingruo was so strong, and Teacher Yedi was also powerful!

Their battle exceeded their expectations, truly… unreachable.

A true, Imperial-level, pure swordsmanship duel!

Almost all the students present thought so.

However… Yedi’s heart was filled with an unusual despair, so much so that he remained kneeling before Qingruo, unable to rise.

He knew he had lost.

Regardless of the reason, in this match, he had indeed lost.

That last strike, Qingruo had deliberately missed. Otherwise, with her skill, at that distance, she couldn’t have possibly missed.

Their final exchange of blows was just for show.

An unspoken understanding.

Qingruo probably hadn’t expected to win, but when victory was within her grasp, she chose to spare her teacher’s pride, deliberately missing, letting the match end in a draw.

She was even more perceptive and considerate than Yedi had imagined.

Despite all the disadvantages, Yedi had still lost.

Lost to a woman.

Lost to the person he had admired, at a time when he no longer had the right to love a woman.

“It’s getting late. Today’s lesson ends here. Everyone, go back and rest… Qingruo, you were outstanding.”

Yedi managed to say these words, though with some difficulty. Thanks to Qingruo’s consideration, he had saved face, and the students still looked at him with admiration.

But, in reality…

This revered, legendary hero would soon transform back into a woman after sunset.

What face? Even if he had won against Qingruo today, so what?

He had already lost face long ago.

Because, in this world, the true him, Yedi, no longer existed. There was only her, Diye.

“Teacher…” Qingruo looked at Yedi’s slender, boyish figure in the evening breeze. For some reason, she felt a pang of sadness.

A hero in his twilight years. Under the last rays of the setting sun, Yedi walked silently up the mountain path, leaving the training grounds.

Chapter 20: Victory and Defeat (Part 1)

The setting sun, half-hidden behind the deep, ink-green mountains in the distance, cast a dazzling golden light.

Yedi and Qingruo stood ten paces apart.

If this were the Yedi of the past, he would have accepted her challenge without hesitation. Therefore, he had to accept it now as well.

These two Imperial geniuses, both with a passion for swordsmanship, saw sparring as a form of higher communication.

But now, Yedi felt a sense of unease.

It was dusk, and night was approaching.

He didn’t have much time left.

He had to finish this match before the sun completely set, leaving enough time to return to his room. Otherwise, if the Night Ring’s effect wore off, the consequences would be unimaginable.

In front of Qingruo, the teacher she revered, trusted, and genuinely admired, transforming into a girl, a girl who looked even younger than her?

That would truly break Yedi.

The other consequences were equally unthinkable.

“Senior Sister Qingruo, here.” A younger student handed Qingruo her diamond-shaped platinum shield. Many lower-year students, hearing of Yedi’s return, had come to observe the third-year swordsmanship class after their own lessons ended.

Of course, many were also there to see Qingruo.

Undoubtedly, calling her the school beauty, a peerless genius, the future leader of the Temple Knights, and the daughter of the Reid** family, one of the three ancient adjudicator families of the Asgard Empire, didn’t do her justice.

Qingruo was incredibly popular at the academy, both among male and female students. She was like a beacon of hope, inspiring the souls of everyone at the academy.

Qingruo took the shield. “Teacher, what weapon will you be using?”

Yedi, of course, understood his most outstanding student. When she used a shield in her left hand, it meant she was going all out. Qingruo’s fighting style differed from Yedi’s. Although a woman, she was tall, athletic, and powerful, yet with a perfect feminine figure, the epitome of physical grace and unwavering willpower.

With a platinum longsword in one hand and a slender shield in the other, she resembled a Valkyrie from the twilight of the gods.

“I’ll use this.” Instead of his usual teaching sword, Yedi extended his hand, and a student brought him a two-handed longsword from the side of the training grounds.

Clang!

With a flash of golden light in the setting sun, Yedi drew the longsword with one hand.

“It’s starting… It’s been so long, finally we have the honor of witnessing a match between Teacher Yedi and Senior Sister Qingruo again. Perhaps this is the highest level of swordsmanship in the entire Empire,” a bespectacled lower-year student said excitedly, holding a notebook. He was a die-hard fan of Qingruo, able to recite all her achievements and statistics.

“Besides Teacher Yedi, Senior Sister Qingruo has never been defeated in the academy!” The boy’s glasses gleamed.

“But, President… she has never won against Teacher Yedi,” a muscular, third-year student with brown skin and dark red, vertically styled short hair said solemnly. His face looked like he was in his thirties.

Yedi, the strongest in the Empire. Many students in the academy knew this seemingly dubious rumor. Qingruo was only seventeen; it was normal for her to lose.

“That being said, Senior Sister almost won every time. Although Teacher Yedi was slightly better, the difference was truly minuscule!” A red-haired, second-year girl said, her fists clenched. She would vehemently defend Qingruo against any slight, but what she said was true.

The crowd of onlookers grew, along with the students from Class One, now at least the size of two classes.

“Qingruo, since this is a swordsmanship match, I think we should refrain from using holy power. That way, we can better focus on and address the issues of swordsmanship itself,” Yedi suggested.

“Of course,” Qingruo’s expression changed, radiating an unusual pressure.

Just this change in demeanor, after only a few months, made Yedi realize how quickly she had grown.

“This woman, perhaps one day she truly will surpass me. The me of the past…” Thinking of this, Yedi couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness.

“Teacher Yedi, then, may I begin my attack?” Qingruo’s voice, like an invisible blade, arrived first.

Fighting spirit, such intense fighting spirit from a girl, it was truly incredible.

“Begin,” Yedi replied, without hesitation, facing the true sword duel.

Even if his opponent was his student, the person he had once admired.

Yes, had once.

The current Yedi was essentially Diye. Whether he accepted it or not, his biological sex was now female.

How could he still admire a woman?

Sensing Yedi’s momentary hesitation, though puzzled, Qingruo wouldn’t let the opportunity slip once the duel began.

“Teacher, this is what you once taught me…”

Qingruo suddenly lunged forward, her boots striking the ground, her figure charging towards Yedi like a flash of white light.

In an instant, she was before him, shield raised, her longsword drawn back high.

“So fast!” Even Yedi was surprised by her speed. Qingruo had become faster, and he hadn’t faced an opponent of this caliber in a while.

Clang!

Qingruo’s longsword traced a bright, dragon-like arc, striking Yedi’s sword with a heavy blow that sent him sliding back several steps, kicking up dust.

“Such power!” Yedi’s eyes narrowed. His hand was numb, almost losing feeling. If he hadn’t switched to a two-handed grip at the last moment, he might not have been able to block that blow.

How could she be so strong!?

No, her strength had indeed increased, but more importantly, my… my strength had greatly diminished!

Yedi, though back in his male form, was just a shell. His strength was still that of a woman’s body, not increased at all, and he was even slightly unaccustomed to his transformed state.

This level of strength was more than enough against ordinary opponents, but against a master like Qingruo, it was a huge disadvantage.

In a duel between top-level experts, the slightest difference could be decisive, let alone such a significant gap.

“Teacher Yedi?” With that one strike, Qingruo sensed that Yedi’s swordsmanship wasn’t as powerful as before.

She had intended to follow up with a second attack, but Yedi had been pushed back further than she anticipated. However, her opponent was Yedi, and she couldn’t afford to be careless. Qingruo quickly closed the distance, sliding forward with a thrust.

Qingruo’s sword wasn’t much shorter than Yedi’s two-handed sword. She employed true armored Temple Knight combat techniques, incredibly devout and disciplined, with explosive power.

Clang!

The thrust was straight, fast, and ruthless.

Yedi, aware of his lack of strength, didn’t parry but used his sword as a shield, blocking Qingruo’s blade directly. This move required exceptional judgment and reaction speed. Probably only Yedi in the entire Empire would dare to do this. But he was still forced to retreat repeatedly.

Such a beautiful and daring move drew gasps from the students.

Yedi’s technique was still impeccable.

This fueled Qingruo’s fighting spirit. She had never thought she could defeat Yedi, but that didn’t mean she didn’t want to win.

Whoosh!

With strength that seemed to surpass her beautiful frame, Qingruo instantly retracted her sword and raised her shield.

As expected, Yedi abruptly stopped his retreat, then used the momentum to leap forward, slashing downwards with his longsword, using a one-handed grip for a wider attack range.

Thud!

Before the sword even reached her, Qingruo’s shield was already raised.

She knew Yedi too well, and because of that, she knew better than anyone that an opponent like Yedi couldn’t be judged based on past experience.

She had to maintain the highest level of vigilance.

As Qingruo blocked Yedi’s attack, she pushed outwards with her left hand. The unexpected advantage in strength allowed her to push Yedi’s longsword aside.

She couldn’t believe it, thinking it must be a trap, but she remained cautious, stepping forward with her long leg and slashing downwards with her right hand.

Yedi’s longsword had been deflected, his disadvantage in strength clearly evident. In the past, Qingruo’s strength was only slightly inferior to Yedi’s at his peak, her swordsmanship only slightly less refined. Now, with the shift in power, the difference was enough to overcome the gap in skill.

Moreover, Yedi was currently focused on adapting his swordsmanship to his female body. Having transformed back into a man, he hadn’t yet mastered the best way to utilize his new physical characteristics and strength. It was uncertain whether there was still a true gap in their swordsmanship.

Facing this attack, Yedi could only rely on his exceptional reflexes, dodging by a hair’s breadth!

However, although he narrowly avoided the blade, he was struck squarely by Qingruo’s shield.

The shield was heading straight for Yedi’s face!

Chapter 19: Qingruo

She was taller than Yedi, both as a male and as a female.

Her eyes held an unapproachable yet captivating allure.

If the Succubus Cerise possessed the world’s most irresistible temptation, then Qingruo possessed the world’s most unattainable yet desirable, sacred, and inviolable charm.

What one couldn’t have was always the best.

In the eyes of all Imperial men, she was such an existence.

She was destined to dedicate everything to the Holy Lord and the Holy Church. Who could dare to hope for a glimpse of her grace?

In truth, there was no need for any higher power to threaten those who coveted her. She herself possessed an unparalleled willpower, perhaps firmer than any man in the Empire.

Like himself…

Yedi looked at the tall Qingruo, her white uniform dazzling in the sunlight, as if capable of punishing all sin and darkness in the world.

However, her stunning beauty, her ample bosom no less impressive than a succubus’s, her slender waist brimming with youthful strength and tenderness, her hips and long legs, hinting at the gentle warmth of a holy queen and the powerful lower body strength of a knight, even through her white trousers, the radiant energy emanating from her entire being… it made one redefine the distinction between angels and demons.

She was clearly a female Temple Knight representing the will of the gods, yet her beauty and alluring figure, even in trousers, carried a devilish temptation.

Enough to captivate even the former strongest warrior.

Of course, Yedi wasn’t merely infatuated with her appearance.

For a moment, Yedi was lost in thought.

“Teacher Yedi, on behalf of the student council and all third-year students, I welcome your return.” Qingruo stepped forward, her hands clasped in front of her, bowing with the grace of a high-born lady. Her eyes radiated a gentle yet unyielding willpower. “There were many rumors, but I always believed that the Holy Lord’s light would protect you. Your return today has silenced those rumors.”

She took another step forward, her long legs moving in a way that seemed to draw one’s gaze yet also commanded respect, this time performing the formal Temple Knight salute.

The first bow was as a student to a teacher, the second as a close comrade in the Knight Order. Qingruo was a woman who adhered strictly, almost rigidly, to rules.

In Qingruo’s heart, Yedi was her mentor, a senior and brother in the Temple Knights. From the moment she joined the Order, Qingruo no longer considered herself a woman.

Yet she kept her long, feminine hair, a sign of her unwavering resolve and lack of hesitation.

Deliberately hiding feminine traits to appear unaffected by gender was, in the end, still acknowledging one’s female identity.

Qingruo wouldn’t do that.

No matter how alluring and sensual she appeared, she remained unwavering, like the Valkyries praised in ancient holy epics. Weren’t they also the embodiment of feminine charm, loyalty, and holiness?

However, this formal knightly salute was somewhat unbearable for Yedi. Standing there, his slender frame much shorter than Qingruo’s, he even looked younger than her, though that was partly due to Qingruo’s mature demeanor.

Yedi couldn’t return the same salute. He knew it was improper, but he just couldn’t!

“Qingruo, shouldn’t you be in your second-year Class Three lesson today?” Yedi could only change the subject. He had to maintain his composure as a teacher in front of this tall female student. Otherwise, what was the point of going through all the trouble to transform back into a man? He would definitely regret it later.

In front of Qingruo, he was a teacher, and he couldn’t appear weak.

“I apologize. Dean Clayton, the swordsmanship instructor, had something come up, so the classes were switched. If you wish, Teacher, I can file a complaint with the academy as Student Council President,” Qingruo said, her beautiful eyes holding an unwavering sternness that made Yedi’s heart skip a beat, as if he had done something wrong.

He hadn’t felt this way before Qingruo in the past. Now, he truly had something to hide…

“That… won’t be necessary. It was my sudden return that disrupted their arrangements. Qingruo, let’s just leave it at that and begin the lesson,” Yedi said, trying to smooth things over. The Dean was a relative of the Imperial Prime Minister, and he didn’t want to cause trouble in his current situation.

“Understood, Teacher,” Qingruo’s eyes flickered slightly. Knowing her personality, she would probably still file a complaint later. But for now, it was swordsmanship class, and she would fully respect the teacher’s arrangements.

Qingruo turned around, her long black hair brushing past Yedi’s face.

A faint, early spring fragrance wafted towards him, and Yedi involuntarily narrowed his eyes. He suddenly realized her hair, its soft texture, was quite similar to the Succubus Cerise’s.

He was startled. What was wrong with him? Why would he have such a blasphemous thought? Of course, a succubus had a captivating appearance, but the key was the heart!

Having not taught for a while, and not being particularly eloquent, Yedi was a bit nervous, especially with Qingruo among the students. Her gaze made him constantly worry that she would see through him.

This woman was too perceptive!

However, even without using holy power or going all out, Yedi’s swordsmanship skills and knowledge were still exceptional. Once he began demonstrating techniques, he became more at ease, even using the opportunity to adapt to his female-turned-male body, which felt somewhat awkward.

The swordsmanship class took up the entire afternoon. Since Yedi hadn’t taught for a long time, he spent extra time giving guidance and demonstrations.

Yedi’s teaching style was to show, not tell. Words couldn’t convey the true essence of the sword. This was why he was so highly regarded among the Empire’s talented elites.

Finally, the afternoon swordsmanship class was nearing its end.

But what worried Yedi was that Qingruo, who usually had many questions and discussions about swordsmanship with him, was silent today. After watching his demonstrations, she didn’t say a word, just practiced along with the other students, or practiced basic yet refined techniques on her own. Occasionally, Yedi would glance at her, her impressive swordsmanship, even from afar, sending shivers down his spine.

It seemed her swordsmanship had improved again!

“Everyone, it’s been a while. It seems you’ve all made significant progress, which is commendable. However, you still need to practice and reflect on the defense and counterattack timing I discussed in class. So, today’s lesson…”

“Teacher Yedi.”

Most of the students were tired and eager for the class to end. After all, Yedi’s swordsmanship class, even at his current level, was no joke.

However, Qingruo spoke up, stepping forward from the front left of the student formation.

Here it comes, Yedi thought…

Qingruo was very indifferent towards men, strict and disciplined in most matters, but she had an unusual passion for swordsmanship.

“Qingruo, what is it?” Yedi asked, feigning a concerned tone, but with a sense of unease.

“Teacher Yedi, these past few months, I’ve encountered some bottlenecks in my swordsmanship training. There are a few questions that have been troubling me, and no one has been able to answer them,” Qingruo said, her words reflecting her pursuit of swordsmanship mastery. This statement, though true, was somewhat disrespectful to the other instructors at the Imperial Holy Academy.

“Oh? What questions?” Yedi felt a chill. Questions that troubled Qingruo were never easy to answer, even for his past self.

Qingruo hesitated, which was rare for her. “I’m afraid words can’t express it clearly… Teacher, I would like to spar with you again, to ask for your guidance directly, with our swords.”

Golden sunlight filtered through the trees onto the training grounds.

Qingruo Reid**, in front of the entire class, issued a formal challenge to Yedi.

“Teacher, may I?” Qingruo’s long hair danced in the evening breeze, her eyes gleaming with the setting sun’s glow.

“You may.”

Chapter 18: He Becomes Her Again

Galil took Yedi to retrieve the spare key and led him to his former residence.

It was a faculty apartment building located at the rear of the academy. However, the instructors at the Imperial Holy Academy were not ordinary people. They had many duties besides teaching, from social engagements to personal cultivation, so not many resided there permanently.

Looking at the slightly old three-story apartment building surrounded by birch trees, Yedi felt a wave of nostalgia. He had quite enjoyed the quiet atmosphere here.

They ascended the dark wooden staircase to the third floor, stopping in front of Yedi’s room. Each floor had numerous rooms, with shared bathrooms located on the west side.

He opened the door. Everything was as he left it. The delicate birch branches swayed outside the window, the curtains fluttering slightly. The room was spotless, clearly having been regularly cleaned and maintained.

Yedi felt a sense of unreality, as if he had just left yesterday.

“Is there anything else you require? Although we clean weekly, would you like us to send someone to tidy up? Or are there any supplies you need?”

Galil, who was also quite tall at around 1.65 meters with an impressive figure, stood respectfully outside the door, adhering to the maid’s etiquette.

“No, thank you. It’s perfect,” Yedi replied.

Galil’s expression remained unchanged, but the phrase “it’s perfect” gave her pause. “Understood. Then I shall take my leave.”

Yedi nodded. After Galil left, he closed the door.

Leaning against the door, he thought, “Finally, back in my own home.”

He had his own fiefdom, and he had once lived in his family’s ancestral mansion. But he had never considered those places home. This small room, on the other hand, felt like home.

Without taking off his shoes, Yedi threw himself onto the bed and rested for a while.

“Right.”

He remembered the contents of his suitcase. Most of it was women’s clothing and toiletries. He had to put those away quickly, and from now on, this room would be off-limits to cleaning staff.

He brought the large suitcase to the center of the room. With his strength, even a larger suitcase wouldn’t be a problem. However, he was now certain that even with his male appearance, his strength hadn’t increased. It was the same as when he was a woman, far weaker than Yedi in his prime.

After all, this wasn’t truly becoming a man again, just a transformation spell.

Would a mage, transformed into a dragon, possess the strength of a dragon? Of course not.

But at least he had the outward appearance of a man, which was reassuring.

Yedi opened the suitcase and began to unpack.

Seeing the array of women’s clothing, underwear, even sanitary products, and feminine toiletries, Yedi felt even more embarrassed than when he was a woman.

He felt like a perverted butler rummaging through a young lady’s underwear, and that young lady was himself.

“How did I even survive those few months?” Yedi blushed, and the thought of having to wear these again tonight made his palms sweat.

As for men’s clothes, he only had the set he was wearing. After all, they were made in a hurry. He still had some of his old clothes in the room.

“Where should I hide these women’s clothes? No, considering I have to use them every night…” Yedi took out some large black, blue-purple, and white bras, letting them fall onto the bed as he pondered.

Knock, knock, knock.

“Eh!?”

A knock on the door? Thankfully, despite being in his male form, Yedi was meticulous and had locked the door beforehand. Otherwise…

“Who is it?”

“It’s me,” came Galil’s calm, professional voice from outside.

Yedi quickly stuffed the clothes back into the suitcase, slammed it shut, kicked it to the side, and ran to the door. After catching his breath, he opened it.

“Is something the matter?” Yedi asked, slightly breathless.

Seeing Yedi panting, the bedsheet slightly rumpled, and alone in the room, Galil seemed to understand. Although this didn’t quite fit Yedi’s image, as a single man, it was understandable.

“Mr. Yalan, the Headmaster asked me to inform you that you can resume teaching tomorrow afternoon, your first swordsmanship class.”

“Oh…” Yedi breathed a sigh of relief.

“Then I’ll take my leave.” Galil glanced at the corner of Yedi’s room, seemingly noticing a thin black strap with some sort of decoration protruding from the gap in the large suitcase under the bed. But as a maid, she showed no reaction and had no interest in prying into a single, handsome young man’s privacy.

“By the way, which class am I teaching tomorrow?”

“Second year, Class Three,” Galil replied.

“Alright, I understand.”

As Galil was about to leave, Yedi remembered something.

“Right, about what we discussed in the office, absolutely do not let anyone else know, besides the Headmaster and you,” Yedi cautioned.

“Rest assured, I will keep all matters confidential for the Headmaster.”

“Also, I brought back some very important documents, possibly related to the Empire’s safety. Don’t let anyone clean my room or enter it for the time being,” Yedi instructed.

“Understood. I’ll inform the logistics department.” Galil was a very reliable maid, meticulous in her work. Yedi felt more at ease entrusting this to her than handling it himself.

Galil finally left. Yedi locked the door again, this time double-checking its security.

He went to the window, looking out at the castles on the other side of the woods.

“Good thing it’s not her class tomorrow. That’s a relief… Galil is very meticulous, she shouldn’t have made a mistake.”

If he had to teach her class right away, Yedi would have been quite nervous. He didn’t know how to face her now.

He couldn’t even imagine the future.

“Qingruo…”

Qingruo’s class was Third Year, Class One, the most outstanding class in the history of the Holy Academy, naturally due to her goddess-like brilliance.

She was not only exceptionally talented but also a natural leader. Though she wasn’t talkative, her every action subtly influenced those around her.

Yedi spent his first day back at the Imperial Holy Academy in his room, unpacking and organizing his belongings.

Night was approaching.

Soon, nowhere in the academy would be safe for him except his room.

He checked the locks again, drew the curtains, leaving only a small gap to observe the outside.

Yedi touched the invisible yet tangible ring on his ring finger.

The Night Ring was invisible during the day.

Although he was somewhat reluctant to part with his male appearance and the feeling of confidence it brought, night was coming.

“I’ll transform back early today… to conserve some night power.”

The Night Ring’s stored power was just enough to maintain his male form for an entire day, but the power accumulated overnight wasn’t enough to fully recharge it. So, he needed to give the ring some “rest” time during the day.

“When will I be able to truly become a man again, without any constraints?” Yedi felt a pang of despair.

He unbuttoned his shirt to prevent it from ripping, then placed his finger on the ring’s gem, focusing his mental energy, and chanted the spell silently…

After an unusual surge of energy, he became her again.

Diye slowly undressed, now quite adept at changing back into women’s clothing.

Even though she was in her room, she couldn’t just stay naked, could she?

And she couldn’t possibly stay in her room all night. She would have to use the bathroom, wouldn’t she?

Fortunately, on this floor, besides herself, there were only two other instructors residing here. One was away on a long-term training mission and wouldn’t be back for a while, and the other rarely stayed here.

So, as long as she was careful, moving around briefly on the third floor at night wouldn’t be a problem.

Diye, her hair loose, her braid falling over one shoulder, sat on the edge of the bed in her purple camisole.

This was the first time she had transformed from male to female while fully conscious.

This drastic shift, from something to nothing, from positive to negative, felt like a prisoner sentenced to the harshest punishment, being subjected to the same torture again.

Before, she had only thought that being able to temporarily become a boy was a good thing.

But she hadn’t anticipated the emptiness and despair of transforming back. She pursed her lips, her legs pressed tightly together.

“The Night Ring, it should be absorbing power now…”

“The power that allows me to regain my masculinity.”

However, what was the point of this self-deceiving masculinity? Diye couldn’t help but wonder.

“Hmm? What’s wrong with me? Why am I looking at the ring from the back of my hand, with my fingers spread and my hand tilted upwards?”

Wasn’t that how women looked at their fingers and rings?

Why had she done that so naturally?

Diye shook her head, covering her face.

“I shouldn’t be so despondent. At least, tomorrow will be another sunny day.”

“At least I’m here, able to return to my former life, able to… protect her!”

Although Diye wasn’t ready to face her yet.

If she had encountered her earlier today, with the confidence of her newly regained male form, she would have faced her.

But now, she had returned from a false masculinity to a true femininity.

At least for tonight, she couldn’t muster the courage to imagine facing Qingruo. She felt weak and trembling.

“But whether I see her or not isn’t important. As long as I’m carrying out this mission, she’s safe.”

Did she want to see her?

To be honest, in her current female form, or rather, burdened by the fact that she was essentially a woman, Diye would rather hide under the covers and imagine Qingruo than actually see her.

She glanced at her boyish-looking, neatly folded blanket. Soon, it would be filled with a woman’s scent.

Diye lay down in her bed, which felt both familiar and foreign, waiting for the next dawn.

…

Today was even sunnier than yesterday, bright and warm but not too hot, perfect for martial arts training and physical conditioning.

To conserve the Night Ring’s power, Diye didn’t transform until noon, putting on her old hunting attire, which looked quite dashing on her.

However, looking in the mirror, she couldn’t help but think of her female self, a hint of melancholy appearing between her brows.

But perhaps, back in her male form, perhaps due to the physical difference, her personality was also a bit brighter than last night.

In the afternoon, Yedi, carrying his long-unused training sword, arrived at the training grounds on the mountainside behind the castle. Surrounded by tall, ancient trees, the grounds held the memories of countless Imperial elites honing their skills and shedding their sweat.

Back on his “home turf,” with the beautiful weather, Yedi’s mood improved further.

For the former strongest man in the Empire, teaching swordsmanship to these second-year students, even after a few months’ absence, was a piece of cake.

He descended the stone steps on the hillside, passing a massive ancient tree, and saw the students, dressed in uniform white, standing in formation, waiting.

Yedi walked towards them, his confidence restored.

However, he was slightly puzzled. Wasn’t the second-year martial arts uniform dark blue? Had it changed in the past few months? The Empire’s top war academy had complex and strict regulations. Each student had multiple sets of uniforms for different occasions, all quite expensive, so it wasn’t entirely surprising.

“Wait…”

“White uniform, white…”

Yedi suddenly felt a jolt. He looked at the tall, somewhat mature-looking students. If he remembered correctly, weren’t those third-year students? Which class? He couldn’t recall in his nervousness.

His anxious gaze swept towards the far left position in the front row.

He finally breathed a sigh of relief. It was a tall, blond boy.

Thankfully, it wasn’t her class… She always stood in that position in Class One. How could Yedi forget?

“Teacher Yedi.”

A cool, ethereal, and somewhat aloof voice, carrying a hint of untouchable holiness, echoed from behind him.

Yedi turned around.

Qingruo Reid**, her night-black hair flowing, dressed in a swordsmanship uniform as white as fresh snow under the sunlight, stood behind him.

 

Chapter 17: The Imperial Holy Academy

“Who goes there? How dare you linger here? Do you know what this place is?” Today was not a day for students to leave or return, so seeing Yedi standing outside the gate, an Imperial soldier from within approached, shouting through the iron bars.

The Imperial soldier wore dark steel plate armor and a half-helm, with dark blue cloth armor on his arms and legs. He held a refined steel halberd and wore a broadsword at his waist, his equipment top-notch.

“It’s me,” Yedi said calmly.

“What? Who the hell are you? Who knows? Get out of here! No loitering, scram! Do you hear me?” The soldier was tall and muscular, his voice stern. The soldiers guarding the Imperial Holy Academy were no ordinary men; they were at least from noble branch families or loyalists trusted by the nobility, all seasoned in war or monster subjugation.

“You don’t recognize me?” Yedi had already confirmed his appearance in the carriage after transforming; it was no different from before. “Then go get an officer who does. I don’t want to waste my breath on you.”

The elite Imperial soldiers, with their extraordinary backgrounds and strength, were naturally proud. Even after his ordeal, even though he was now just a shell, a boy in appearance but essentially still Diye, Yedi couldn’t be bothered to argue with an ordinary soldier.

Of course, “essence” referred to a deeper meaning of life. In terms of physical appearance, Yedi could be considered male, which was fine.

“Do you think just anyone can see our officer? Who are you? Show me your identification!” The soldier grew slightly wary. As a battle-hardened man, he sensed that the person before him was not intimidated, which put him on guard.

At that moment, another Imperial soldier, hearing the commotion, approached from a distance. Seeing Yedi from several dozen paces away, he quickened his pace, running with a slight bow.

“Master Swordsman?” he exclaimed in alarm.

“Idiot, move!” He shoved the first soldier aside, then hurriedly bowed to Yedi. “Sir, I-I’m terribly sorry! This guy is new, he doesn’t recognize you.”

“Who is he…”

“Shut up and open the gate! He’s the most skilled swordsmanship master here!”

“What?”

The Empire revered martial prowess. The Holy Academy was the top institution for the elite geniuses of the Holy Church and warfare. To be called the most skilled swordsmanship master here was an existence that could shake the entire Empire.

The two soldiers hastily pushed open the heavy iron gates.

“Master Swordsman, I’m so sorry… You’ve been away for a while, this newcomer really doesn’t know you. By the way, I’m Thomson. You gave me some pointers on swordsmanship last year. With that one move, I defeated my cousin and became the family heir. It’s all thanks to you!” The soldier, Thomson, bowed repeatedly to Yedi. “It’s so good to have you back…”

The other soldier was terrified, not daring to speak, only bowing his head, hoping Yedi would ignore him.

Being addressed as “sir” was quite pleasant for Yedi, but amidst the pleasure, there was a tinge of sadness.

Because, in essence, Diye was no longer a “sir,” but a “miss.”

“Do you still need to see my identification?” Yedi asked.

“Ah… sorry! Sorry! Of course not! Please, sir, my apologies!” Thomson pressed down on the other soldier’s helmet, bowing repeatedly to Yedi in apology.

He only knew Yedi was the most skilled swordsmanship instructor here. He didn’t know he was a legendary hero of the Holy-Demon War. Otherwise, having received his guidance, Thomson could have boasted about it for a lifetime.

The Imperial Holy Academy, built on a mountainside, consisted of several interconnected castles. A defensive wall ran along the halfway point, with a cliff on the other side. Besides the castle complex, there were various training grounds, arenas, and chapels.

Yedi entered the academy, walking along the somewhat deserted, ancient mountain path. The worn stone steps, the fallen leaves covering the mountain, the large rocks entwined with vines in the surrounding forest… all brought back memories of the past.

To be able to walk along this mountain path, where the soul found peace and the wind seemed to cleanse the mortal world, as a man again, brought a long-lost sense of contentment to Yedi’s heart.

“I should see the Headmaster first,” Yedi thought.

Among the various powerful figures at the Holy Academy, the Headmaster was the only one Diye truly admired and found somewhat difficult to deal with.

In the past, Yedi was just an ordinary swordsmanship teacher at the academy, but his status was transcendent, directly under the Headmaster’s management.

“Management” wasn’t entirely accurate. In fact, they were more like friends, partners.

Yedi arrived at the highest castle, near the cliff.

The Headmaster’s office was at the top of the main castle.

Carrying his large suitcase, he walked through the ancient, spacious castle corridor and arrived at a large door in the center.

Yedi took a deep breath. After all, he had found this person difficult to deal with in the past, let alone now, with so many worries and secrets.

Yedi knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

The heavy door was opened from within by a maid in a black and white uniform. The maid, with short, auburn hair, stood aside, her posture graceful and proper, but it couldn’t hide her ample bosom.

The office was spacious and somber, adorned with seemingly inconspicuous but actually very rare items.

A tall, mature woman with long, smooth, light ash-blonde hair, dressed in a dark red noble hunting suit, stood with her back to Yedi, looking out the castle window. Outside, the green mountains were shrouded in mist.

“Headmaster,” Yedi said, standing a few paces behind her.

Kousaki Hornheit, Baroness, Headmaster and Principal of the Imperial Holy Academy, was a prominent and legendary figure in the vast Empire.

“You’re finally… back. As the Headmaster of the academy, do I have the right to ask why my most important swordsmanship teacher disappeared without a word for several months?” The ends of Headmaster Kousaki’s long hair extended below her waist. Her tight waistline curved dramatically downwards, her hips full yet firm, exuding the unique charm of a capable, mature woman.

“I… went to deal with some past matters…” Yedi glanced back.

The maid, Galil, immediately closed the heavy door. This maid was no ordinary person either.

Only then did Yedi continue, “Related to the Succubus Queen, Cerise.”

If you wanted a lie to sound believable, it was best to mix in some truth.

Kousaki turned around, walking around the large desk towards Yedi. She was very tall, much taller than Yedi. From the side, her hips were also a good deal wider than the slender, boyish Yedi.

Of course, if she were facing Diye, it would be a different story.

Kousaki’s light, warm blonde hair fell over her shoulders. Her face was elegant and dignified, her demeanor composed. A pair of narrow, gold-rimmed glasses rested on her nose, her slightly full lips adorned with a subtle yet alluring lipstick.

Kousaki looked at Yedi for a long time. She was close, but not too close. Being watched by her gave the feeling that everything was under her control.

“I understand,” her soft, moist lips parted.

“Headmaster, aren’t you going to ask for details?” Yedi asked.

“I can sense this is no ordinary matter. If there’s anything you feel is necessary to tell me, you will, won’t you?”

Yedi seemed to nod.

“So, what are your plans now?” The Headmaster stepped back, her ample hips resting on the desk, her long legs extended diagonally.

Her body exuded a special, champagne-rose scent, very charming. Although many students and teachers at the academy had crushes on her, the Headmaster seemed to have little interest in men.

Yedi was considered one of the best among the men.

But their relationship was one of mutual respect, and even if it crossed a line, it wouldn’t be by much.

“No special plans,” Yedi said, shrugging in a way that was slightly out of character for him. “Come back, teach, do what I’m supposed to do.”

“Hmm…” The Headmaster’s “hmm” seemed to hold a hint of insight. She rested her slender fingers on her pointed chin. “Alright, but I’ll have to deduct your salary for these past few months.”

“Heh…” Yedi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He was the greatest hero of the Holy-Demon War. Even though he had no interest in power or wealth, he had still been granted a fiefdom. Since he never visited or managed it, the tax revenue was low, but it was enough to cover his expenses. He didn’t care about the salary.

“So when do you plan to resume teaching?” Kousaki asked.

“I’ll start today,” Yedi said.

“Oh? So decisive? That’s not like the old you.”

This made Yedi’s heart skip a beat, but in his male form, though slender, he seemed a bit tougher, his willpower, as if by self-suggestion, stronger. “For me, isn’t teaching just a form of rest?”

“Hehe, true. By the way, your room has been kept as it was. I’ll just inform the Vice Principal and the Dean.” The Headmaster said, “I know you hate these things.”

“Thank you. I just remembered, I seem to have lost the key to my room.”

“Oh? To make you lose your key, what kind of intense conflict did you experience?” A glint flashed across the Headmaster’s glasses.

“Can you help me arrange for it?” Yedi asked helplessly.

“Galil, accompany Yedi to get the spare key, then go see if he needs anything,” Kousaki ordered.

“Yes, Headmaster,” Galil replied expressionlessly, as if she were a creature called “maid.”

Chapter 16: The Witch and the Moonlit Nightmare Carriage

A bright blue moon illuminated the cold, steep mountain peaks.

A carriage emerged from the depths of the mountains, traversing a narrow road along a cliff face.

Clatter… The rough wheels rolled along the edge of the precipice, bouncing and jolting violently, sending loose stones tumbling into the abyss below.

The mountain road was extremely narrow and treacherous, yet the carriage sped along.

The carriage, dark and old yet exuding a noble aura, was pulled by two muscular nightmares with strangely terrifying heads. Even more surprising, there was no driver.

Yalan Diye sat in the carriage, which felt spacious for one person. Outside the fluttering curtains, the sharp peaks of the mountains under the night sky resembled a place where demons hid.

She pulled the curtains tighter, and the carriage became a little quieter.

In the elegant yet old-fashioned carriage, her large suitcase rested on the dark red velvet seat opposite her.

She sighed softly, raising her hand to look at the ring on her left ring finger.

Legend had it that a demon lurked in a woman’s left side, and the ring on the left hand was meant to seal it.

“Why must I wear it on this finger? I’m not a woman, and I don’t have any inner demons to seal.”

Yedi wasn’t afraid of demons, not even a great demon like Cerise! Reflecting on her situation, the real challenge was to overcome the wavering and despair in her heart.

A firm heart would allow her to maintain a man’s strength.

Even if… she was about to return to her past in this contradictory identity, to face everything, to face her.

“The Night Ring…” Diye’s golden eyes gazed at the black gem. She recalled Shartha’s words before she left.

The Night Ring must be worn on the left ring finger at night to absorb the power of the night. It didn’t matter whether she was indoors or outdoors, as long as it was nighttime.

After absorbing the power of the night, she could transform into her desired appearance during the day. But at dusk, before the sun set, she had to return to a completely safe and secret place, because after sunset, she would revert to her female form, and this transformation couldn’t be stopped or delayed.

Only a witch could use the Night Ring.

If she wanted to become a man, the consumption of night power would be greater. Furthermore, for a few days each month, when the yin attribute of her body was too strong, she couldn’t transform.

Approximately twice a month, she couldn’t transform into a man: during her menstrual cycle, and… during her most fertile days.

These limitations and risks posed a considerable challenge to Diye’s return to the Holy Academy, but it was far better than nothing. With this ring, Diye could essentially return to her past and, she believed, accomplish many things.

“I will eventually use this ring as an opportunity to reclaim everything I’ve lost. This is a good start, the beginning of my return to the path of manhood and honor.”

Diye touched the incredibly hard and smooth ring, feeling a mix of excitement, wonder, and irony. This ring, so alluring to witches, so feminine in its design, so beautiful in its extreme blackness, was the very thing that could turn her back into a man.

However, the Night Ring couldn’t be used to transform at will.

Under Shartha’s guidance, Diye had already infused her past image into the night-colored gem through magic. The Night Ring could only transform her into Yedi.

She couldn’t become anyone else. Of course, that was enough. Diye had never wanted to become anyone else. For her, this wasn’t about hiding her identity.

It was about returning to the past, reclaiming her life.

“Right, there’s one more thing…”

Before she boarded the carriage, Shartha had told her a secret, something only she, Shartha, and Diluowei knew. There was another witch hiding in the Holy Academy, who would assist Diye’s actions.

However, when Diye asked who it was, Shartha only said that she would reveal herself and contact her when the time was right. The password was…

Shartha didn’t reveal the password, which meant that if there was one, it had to be a secret known to both Diye and the hidden witch.

Diye sat alone in the dark carriage, the wall-mounted oil lamp swaying, its shadows flickering across her face.

She opened a map, took out her pocket watch, and estimated her current position and arrival time at the Imperial Holy Academy.

“A few more hours. It will be dawn by then.”

Diye’s eyes were firm.

The Night Ring possessed incredible power, but it wasn’t omnipotent, just as the followers of the Goddess of the Night described their deity.

Among the ancient, nature-based gods worshipped by the witches, this goddess, one of the most prominent, wasn’t omniscient or omnipotent.

Unlike the Holy Lord of the Holy Church.

The Night Ring could only change her body (including hair and other physical parts), but not her clothes or belongings.

Diye opened the large suitcase on the opposite seat. Inside were various items she needed for her mission, including Yedi’s male attire.

Diluowei had arranged for it to be made according to Diye’s requests and descriptions.

As dawn approached, Diye looked around the carriage. Although she was alone, she didn’t want to transform while naked.

“Besides, those two horses, they’re probably male, right? What if the carriage jolts violently, or the wind blows the curtains open, and those nightmares look back…”

“Eh? Wait, what am I thinking? Male is good, right? Why am I instinctively wary of being seen by males? This… is probably just out of propriety and to avoid trouble. It’s not like I’m really developing a female consciousness.”

Diye shook her head, feeling like she was creating her own problems.

She decided to change into men’s clothes a few hours early, in case of any unexpected situations. Of course, it was also possible she was just too eager.

So, after checking that the doors and windows were locked, she began to change in the jolting carriage.

She sat up, her hands now quite skilled at undoing the buttons and corset strings at her back. Then, she stood up and slowly let her long dress fall from one side…

As she dealt with the thin garter straps below her smooth waist, she felt a deep sense of shame. Was she really a man? Wearing this kind of thing before transforming…

She felt her stomach and full hips tremble with shame…

Finally, she was dressed in Yedi’s clothes. Although they were newly made, the style was identical. The patterns Diye provided were flawless.

But…

“Ugh, I can’t breathe. My chest is so tight…” Diye had to unbutton the front of her shirt completely. Otherwise, even with her strength and constitution, she might not actually faint, but she could very well rip the shirt.

The pants were also incredibly tight. Her hips, squeezed into the narrow men’s trousers, were completely constricted, creating an even more alluring shape.

She wasn’t a man at all, just a curvy woman forced into men’s clothing.

It was all because Yedi used to be so thin and slender. At least their height was about the same.

Diye began to regret changing into men’s clothes so early. She was afraid that with the slightest movement, the back of her pants would split, and she would be done for.

“I thought changing into men’s clothes would make everything better, but who knew it would just add another layer of shame!” Diye shook her head, her face red.

Changing back would be another self-inflicted humiliation. And if she waited in the carriage naked, what if they encountered bandits?

She had no choice but to sit as still and relaxed as possible, in this awkward state, until… dawn approached.

The first rays of sunlight pierced through the towering mountains.

Diye could finally use the ring, now full of night’s power, to turn back into a man.

She could finally return to her former life!

…

The Imperial Holy Academy, an ancient, vast, and noble institution, was nestled amidst a range of mountains.

Warm, purplish-pink morning light filtered through the tall pines and cypresses, casting bands of light on the solemn and elegant academy gates, located halfway up the mountain.

Diye, no, it should be Yedi now, looking like a handsome, slender, and carefree young man, carrying a large suitcase, arrived at the school gates.

He looked up at the tall, silent, wrought-iron gates, with a few roses climbing them.

“The Imperial Holy Academy, the place where my dream began and ended. No, perhaps the place where the dream ended before it even began…”

“The Headmaster, the elite teachers and students of the Empire, and her…”

“I’m back.”

Chapter 15: The Night of the Witch’s Departure

Whoosh!

The purple flames in the silver chalice scattered into countless fiery feathers, then gradually dissipated into the air of the cathedral.

Shartha retrieved the jet-black ring and approached Diye.

“Assassinating that woman, I know, it won’t be easy. But if anyone can do it, it’s you. Diye, you are the most likely among us to accomplish this mission.”

Shartha’s slender fingers held the ring, offering it to Diye.

Diye reached out to accept it, her outward appearance calm, but her heart churned like a stormy sea.

Finally, she had it.

The effort, the sweat, the countless hardships she had endured… If those were within reason, then who among the witches present could truly understand the torment Diye’s soul had suffered these past months?

She finally obtained this item, crucial to her, to him.

Him!

Yes, one day, she might not only regain her original appearance temporarily, but perhaps truly become him again!

She desperately needed that pronoun, to refer to herself as “him.” Those who hadn’t lost it couldn’t understand.

To Diye, the word “him” represented an unattainable honor, everything she had once been!

As her delicate fingers touched the Night Ring, the world around her seemed to plunge into darkness, as if immersed in an endless night sky.

“Diye, oh Diye…”

From somewhere, from a deep, dark place, she heard a woman’s voice calling…

“Diye?”

“Ah?”

It was only a fleeting moment. Everything returned to normal. It would have been disastrous if she couldn’t hold the ring because of that, but thankfully, she grasped it firmly in her hand.

“You’re spacing out again? That’s very dangerous, you know?” Diluowei reminded her from the side.

“…I know.”

“Hmm?” Diluowei’s expression remained calm, but she tilted her head, studying Diye thoughtfully.

“You don’t have to be so nervous. Listen to me…” Shartha, ignoring the formality of the setting, approached Diye, seemingly embracing her in congratulations, but naturally pressing their chests together. She whispered in Diye’s ear, “I know you’re very capable, even stronger than you showed today. But that woman, Qingruo Reid**, is the Empire’s top genius. If you’re not absolutely certain, don’t rush it. If necessary, using a woman’s methods might be more effective against her. You understand, don’t you?”

“I…” Under the witches’ gazes, Diye couldn’t refuse Shartha’s congratulatory embrace. Her ears burned. What woman’s methods? She didn’t understand, how could she possibly understand!

If assassination proved difficult, would she resort to seducing the female Temple Knight, a crueler form of revenge?

If Qingruo succumbed, breaking her vow of abstinence, she would lose most of her power, making her an easier target.

However, what was this busty, vulgar, and outspoken witch talking about? Not only would Diye never do anything to harm or frame Qingruo,

Even if she wanted to, she was a woman, and Qingruo was a woman.

Was Master Shartha deliberately feigning ignorance?

How could a woman seduce another woman?

This was… baffling!

But Diye had achieved her main objective. She wouldn’t dwell on these details. Facing the expectations of the young witches, she would just endure and play along.

“I… understand. Thank you for the reminder, Chief Witch Shartha. I’ll act accordingly,” Diye said, her face flushing despite the insincerity of her words.

Act accordingly? Would she really try to seduce Qingruo?

Impossible!

She… was his affection from his time as a man, the reason his heart wavered, leading to his fall as a witch. Diye was disheartened and depressed, but she didn’t regret it.

She repented, but she didn’t regret it.

And she certainly wouldn’t assassinate her.

Anyway, these were matters for later. She would stall for time and improvise once she reached the Holy Academy.

In truth, there was one thing she was constantly worried about: Cerise. Cerise wouldn’t let her go easily, yet she hadn’t reappeared. Either she was forced to leave, or she had a new plan.

Diye’s biggest fear was Cerise suddenly appearing during the ring ceremony, ruining all her preparations. But she had decided to gamble!

There was one thing that solidified Diye’s resolve: the way the ring was stored.

If Cerise planned to appear during the witch selection, there would be no need to place the ring in the silver chalice on the altar, protected by a powerful spell, and then teach Shartha how to break the spell.

She could simply appear now and bestow the ring herself.

Therefore, Diye had a feeling that Cerise most likely couldn’t attend the ring ceremony.

But where did Cerise go? If Diye ever found out, she would settle the score, after reclaiming everything she had lost.

Beneath the massive, dark Moonstone, resembling a fragment of the night sky,

Diye bowed once more to the Night Crystal, the symbol of the Goddess of the Night.

She truly didn’t want to lie, but she had to swear an oath to the Goddess of the Night.

“Goddess of the Night, guide of witches, I, Yalan Diye, will use your gift wisely, sending that woman… to where she truly belongs,” Diye said, a cold smile playing on her lips.

A truly skilled assassin wouldn’t boast about their target. Diye’s words were as cold as the night, a true threat.

But within that voice, there seemed to be a hint of longing. To mask this longing, Diye forced her tone to be even colder, so no one would notice.

“Sister Diye… please come back safely, no matter the outcome of the mission…” Yoleya prayed sincerely from below.

The witches, having lived and hidden together, had formed bonds. They knew Diye had to go to that place, that witches could no longer fear or avoid battle. But in their hearts, they all hoped for Diye’s success, yet feared for her safety.

Only their shared fate, their tragic experiences, could console them.

…

That night, in the sleeping quarters on the second floor of the Underground Witch Church,

“Sister Diye, these are the things prepared for your mission. Everything’s packed in this suitcase,” Yoleya said, struggling to carry a large, old, yet somewhat elegant suitcase to Diye’s bunk bed.

“Diye, are you leaving tonight?” Qinna asked, her voice tinged with sadness.

“Yes,” Diye nodded. She was already dressed, still in her blue and white pleated corseted dress, black stockings, and boots.

Lusha, Philine, Isesi, and other witches were also awake, seeing Diye off.

“Diye, it’s time to go,” Diluowei said, emerging from her room, her icy blue eyes fixed on her.

“Yes.” The moment of departure had finally arrived. She could finally leave this underground church and embark on the journey to reclaim her life. But for some reason, Diye felt a pang of sadness.

Whether heretics or witches, these past few months, this unusual experience, this companionship… Diye realized she had developed feelings for this place.

A sense of farewell melancholy welled up in her heart.

“I… I’m leaving,” Diye said, forcing a firm nod. She didn’t dare speak more, afraid her voice would betray her emotions.

“Sister Diye, be careful,” Yoleya said, her gaze pure as she looked at the tall, powerful, alluring, yet reassuring older sister, holding onto her white lace cuff.

“No matter what, please come back safely,” Qinna said, turning her head away, one hand covering her face, as if to hide the faint blush on her cheeks.

“Yalan Diye, out there, we must wear a mask to hide our true selves. This place, this is your home, our home,” Isesi said, her voice gentle and wise.

Lusha and Philine also looked reluctant. Even Lusha, the tomboyish witch, seemed on the verge of tears. Although they had been soundly defeated by Diye in martial arts sparring and had even been jealous and teased her…

“Let’s go. The carriage should have arrived,” Diluowei said, looking thoughtfully towards the ceiling of the cathedral.

“Yes.” Diye lifted the large suitcase, turning around, her gothic dress, with its cloud-like white trim, swirling around her slender waist.

Under the night sky, the candles flickered in the dimly lit corridor of the cathedral’s second floor. Diye, her long skirt swaying, carrying the suitcase, left with Diluowei.

Chapter 14: The Witch’s Revenge

Facing the sudden onslaught of mechanical familiars, Diye’s eyes sharpened. Chanting silently, she waved her hand, her fingers tracing through the air, drawing a long line of fire imbued with runes. The flames enveloped each rune, forming burning feathers.

Diye had already moved from her original position, but the fiery wings still hovered there, trembling.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

The burning feathers flew towards the mechanical familiars. The familiars dodged, but three were still struck down.

“Oh? Your shaping magic is quite good too?” Shartha said with a smile of approval, but continued to control the remaining familiars, pursuing Diye.

Diye abruptly stopped, her feet leaving marks on the ground as she swung her greatsword.

Boom!

Two more familiars were struck down.

“Diye, be careful!” Diluowei shouted, charging towards Diye, her rapier flashing like a silver streak.

Diye swung her greatsword horizontally, blocking Diluowei’s thrust. The last two familiars, not daring to approach, retreated to either side, opening their mouths to attack Diye with different elemental magic.

As Diye cast an Ice Crystal Barrier to defend against the familiars’ magic, Diluowei’s rapier, its tip tracing circles, slashed towards Diye with incredible speed.

Clang!

Diye blocked the attack, but lost her balance, sliding backward. The two familiars behind her unleashed their magic.

Diye suddenly twisted her body, lowering her waist, dodging the magic attacks. Then, she kicked backward, her heel creating ripples in the air that formed an orange-red magic circle.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Two fiery wings shot out.

“Hmm?” Even Shartha was surprised.

Boom! Boom!

The two familiars were struck by the unexpected fiery wings, their mechanisms exploding, crashing to the ground in a shower of sparks and elemental energy.

The witches below were stunned.

Had Yalan Diye grown so powerful in just a few months?

Not only could she hold her own against Master Diluowei, but she even forced Master Shartha to intervene!

“Yalan Diye… just who is she?” Isesi, newly promoted to Official Witch, began to question her own judgment.

“Sister Diye,” Yoleya thought, her heart filled with excitement.

“Yalan Diye.” Diluowei, empowered by her acceleration spell, moved with explosive speed, her silver hair flying, like a silver phantom, her sword swirling with ice crystal stardust.

However, Diye, seemingly just regaining her balance, had already discerned Diluowei’s attack pattern, despite the magical enhancement.

In an instant, she formulated the perfect counter and disarm. If successful, it would decide the match!

However… as Diye swung her greatsword, she didn’t execute the planned counter, instead opting for a direct attack, slashing towards Diluowei, leaving herself unguarded.

Whoosh!

A gust of icy wind swept through the arena.

Diluowei and Diye, unwavering yet in sync, stopped their attacks at the last moment.

The edge of Diye’s greatsword was mere millimeters from Diluowei’s shoulder.

And Diluowei’s slender silver sword was practically touching Diye’s prominent left breast.

Their hair, stirred by the wind, slowly settled.

“The match is over!” Shartha announced, raising her hand.

The result was essentially a draw.

But that no longer mattered.

What Diye needed was the witches’ acknowledgment of her strength. Her magic was potent enough to simultaneously fight Diluowei and fend off Shartha’s interference. Her swordsmanship, to outsiders, was at least on par with Diluowei’s!

This level of performance was enough to prove she was the irreplaceable, best candidate for the revenge plan.

This was enough.

There was no need to defeat Diluowei with swordsmanship. Unnecessarily revealing excessive swordsmanship prowess might raise unwanted suspicion.

A shimmering, blood-red rose bloomed around Diye, translucent thorns extending through the cathedral, its petals scattering.

In the witch evaluation, all the masked witches voted in favor of Diye. The blood-red rose was the highest recognition and expectation the witches bestowed upon a newly promoted Official Witch.

This was the honor of the witch world.

However, Diye’s heart was filled with complex emotions.

“Next, we will conduct the final assessment for the executor of the plan.” Shartha returned to the small door behind the platform, descended the spiral staircase behind the cathedral wall, and returned to the altar. She gathered with Diluowei and the eight masked witches for deliberation.

Diye remained standing on the altar.

This was the most crucial moment. Even now, Diye felt a sense of unease. After all, there were no absolute rules for the selection, it was entirely up to these witches.

She had chosen to temporarily accept the identity of a witch, to train in this underground church, even enduring the shame of entering the women’s bath and living in the girls’ dormitory, all for this moment!

She had worshipped the Goddess of the Night, studied heretical knowledge, practiced forbidden magic, breathed in the sweet fragrance of women, and inadvertently glimpsed their naked bodies countless times… She knew she had violated too many taboos.

Faith wasn’t about divine power granted as a reward. Even without divine favor, without the bestowal of holy power, one shouldn’t doubt their faith.

But to prove her honor, to reclaim what she had lost, to take revenge on Cerise, and most importantly, to protect Qingruo… she had to choose this path.

All her efforts, all her self-imposed degradation, were for this moment.

If Diye didn’t get chosen, she might truly resort to more desperate measures, directly seizing the ring. Although the risk was high and the chances of success low, she would have no other choice.

She had to go back, and she needed that ring.

Her chest heaved, her pink lips exhaling faint white breaths. Her golden eyes, with their dark pupils, seemed to burn silently, intensely.

The masked witches nodded, seemingly in agreement. Shartha stepped forward from among them, her gaze sweeping over Diye with a hint of amusement, sending a shiver down Diye’s spine.

She announced to everyone: “This plan, guided by the Goddess of the Night, after our continuous observation and today’s trial examination, we have unanimously decided—”

“Yalan Diye is the most suitable candidate to execute this revenge plan!”

At this moment, Diye felt her soul almost take flight, her body as if propelled to an unknown place by an unseen force…

There were no cheers, no applause. This was perhaps the affirmation of their most outstanding witch, but everyone knew that being chosen meant embarking on an extremely dangerous path, challenging the vast and unfathomable Empire with the strength of a single woman.

Embarking on a witch’s revenge!

Chapter 13: The Bell of Fate

Above the silver chalice, the purple flames burned brightly.

Diye, in her blue and white gothic dress, a heavy iron-grey greatsword in hand, walked onto the altar under the watchful eyes of the apprentice witches.

On the other side of the altar, Diluowei, a delicate rapier at her waist, her small, gloved hand resting on its hilt.

Standing there, Diye felt a surge of emotions. The months of training and cultivation, though yielding the desired results, hadn’t been easy. Especially enduring it all as a woman.

She breathed deeply, feeling the gazes of the witches below, whether focused on her face or lingering on other parts of her body. Though her training had progressed significantly, she still couldn’t get used to being scrutinized like this in a female body.

But she had a feeling that if she was chosen as the witch to go to the Imperial Holy Academy, everything would fall into place.

The official witch evaluation was no longer a concern. Her only goal now was the witch selection!

Diye looked at the petite, silver-haired witch across the platform, some ten paces away. She bowed, her sword held behind her, one hand placed below her chest, performing the witch’s salute. Witches weren’t bound by strict formalities and could also adopt noble etiquette.

“Master Diluowei, thank you for your guidance these past few months.”

“Miss Diye, it was my honor to teach you magic,” Diluowei replied with a graceful, ladylike curtsy.

“Well, however…” Diluowei’s pink lips parted slightly. “Isn’t your gratitude a bit premature?”

“What do you mean, Master Diluowei?”

“Perhaps you still have much to learn from me here. Soon, you’ll understand,” Diluowei said calmly.

“I’m eager to learn from you, but in this match, I’ll give it my all.” Diye’s golden eyes held no hesitation.

“You still refuse to call me Teacher? Well, today, I’ll change your mind!”

Clang!

A flash of silver light. Diluowei drew her rapier in an instant, pointing it at Diye.

Diye swung her greatsword behind her, taking a sideways stance to face her opponent.

Dong, dong, dong— The ancient bell of the underground church tolled.

This signaled the beginning of the top-level duel between the witches of the church.

“Fourth-level Acceleration, Celia’s Wind Encounter…” Diluowei, without hesitation, immediately began chanting the ancient spell. Moreover, she possessed the ability to shorten and omit chants, completing them with mental meditation.

The apprentice witches and witches below gasped. Starting with a fourth-level ancient lineage spell, this was on a completely different level from the previous matches!

Diye didn’t interrupt Diluowei’s casting, partly out of respect for her de facto magic teacher, and partly because disrupting Diluowei’s spellcasting wasn’t so easy.

The greatsword she held behind her glowed with a faint, cold light.

Martial Skill: Moonlight Frost.

Diye had adapted and improved the Body Assault Power martial skill from her Yedi days, making it more suitable for her female body, greatly enhancing her speed and explosive power.

“Diye, be careful.”

Whoosh!

Suddenly, Diluowei moved. With incredible speed, like a blur, she crossed the distance of over ten meters in an instant, appearing before Diye, her rapier, like a silver needle piercing the air, aimed at Diye.

Clang!

Diye’s greatsword, with a wide swing, her long legs providing strong support, traced a crescent arc of light, easily deflecting Diluowei’s rapier.

However, Diluowei’s silver sword was swift and unpredictable. After being blocked, she immediately drew back, gathering power, and thrusting several times in rapid succession.

Diye leaped back, dodging the attacks, then brought her greatsword crashing down on the advancing Diluowei.

Clang!

Diluowei’s rapier was knocked towards the altar.

As Diye landed, she spun around, unleashing a horizontal slash, a sharp gust of wind following the blade. Despite the greatsword’s weight, the speed of the attack left a lingering afterimage.

Enhanced by the fourth-level lineage magic, Diluowei, facing the blur of the sword, leaped back gracefully, momentarily floating in mid-air thanks to the fourth-level wind magic. As she slowly descended, she extended her other hand, quickly chanting an incantation.

As she landed, ethereal blue magic circles appeared in the air.

Ice shards, imbued with ice element and accelerated by elemental power, shot out from the circles.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

The ice shards rained down on Diye.

Diye, her long legs moving swiftly, sprinted sideways across the arena, the ice shards embedding themselves in the floor behind her, even freezing parts of the surrounding area.

As she ran, Diye extended one hand, her fingers spread.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

Fireballs erupted from the red magic circle that formed in front of her palm.

“What’s going on?”

“I didn’t see her chant…”

“Miss Diye’s casting is even faster than Master Diluowei’s?”

The apprentice witches below were astonished, even the eight masked witches maintaining the barrier were impressed.

Diye possessed exceptional mental strength and focus. She didn’t omit the chanting entirely, but merely recited the incantations silently in her mind, which was naturally faster than any vocalized method.

“Tch!”

Diluowei kicked off the magical barrier behind her, using the recoil to dodge the fireballs.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The fireballs exploded around her.

The powerful shockwaves still disrupted Diluowei’s balance, forcing her to land on one knee as she slid forward.

Gamyxi’s Servant’s Whip!

Diluowei, even while dodging, had already begun chanting, demonstrating remarkable concentration and multitasking ability under such pressure, something most witches couldn’t achieve.

She swung her hand back, creating a large lightning rune magic circle.

Crackle!

Three blinding lightning bolts, snaking and crackling, lashed out at Diye.

Diye leaped into the air, using the surrounding magical barrier as a foothold, creating ripples in the barrier as she moved, as if walking and leaping on invisible walls, dodging the lightning strikes.

At the same time, she continued to launch large, mushroom-shaped, fourth-level fireballs at Diluowei!

“Ugh!”

The eight masked witches broke out in a cold sweat, focusing all their energy. These destructive fireballs were almost too much for the barrier to handle.

“No!”

Diluowei cried out. While she wasn’t afraid of the fourth-level mushroom fireballs, the limited space of the arena left her cornered with nowhere to dodge.

She had no choice but to cast an Ice Crystal Shield for defense.

Boom!

Flames and shockwaves reverberated within the barrier. Although Diluowei blocked the mushroom fireball, she was still thrown to the ground by the aftershock, rolling and crashing against the barrier.

Fortunately, an ice crystal armor materialized around her. Though the armor shattered and dissipated, Diluowei’s face was flushed, her breath ragged.

“This woman, does she have unlimited magic power?” she thought, glancing at Diye’s ample chest swaying as she landed.

“Hmph, to think little Diluowei has been pushed to this point. The honor of us Official Witches cannot be taken lightly.” Shartha, on the rocky platform above, licked her lips. Waving her wand, a swirling spatial magic circle appeared around her, each vortex releasing a circular, winged mechanical familiar. The familiars were similar in appearance, but their glowing single eyes and the energy emanating from their mouths differed in color.

Seven familiars, their fanged mouths radiating elemental magic power, flew towards Diye.

Chapter 12: The Witch’s Qualifications

In the deep, silent cavern, Diye opened her eyes.

Under the faint shimmer of the crystals, she looked at her pale hands.

Her chest rose and fell, a faint purplish-red blush creeping up her face. “So that’s my true elemental perception.”

An elemental perception like a starry sky…

Although possessing such exceptional witch aptitude wasn’t something to be proud of as a former Temple Knight, it was a tremendous boon to Diye’s plan.

“The two key aspects of magic training, elemental affinity and perception, are no longer a problem. As for mental control…”

Diye’s will had been tempered through countless trials and battles, her mental fortitude honed and strengthened. Having reached the pinnacle of the Empire, how could her mental strength be weak?

Even transformed into a woman, her mind and soul remained largely unaffected.

Diye was confident in her mental strength and control.

Moreover, after this breakthrough in elemental perception, Diye’s determination to learn magic had solidified.

“Magic training, with this foundation and the experience I’ve accumulated over years of cultivation and training, even with only a few months, I can definitely make a breakthrough!”

“As for swordsmanship and martial skills, there’s no need to mention them.”

Yedi had been guided by an extraordinary teacher, but it was Yedi’s own talent, comprehension, willpower, and other qualities that allowed her to become the strongest in the vast Empire in just a few years, leaving countless competitors in the dust.

Here, she might face other exceptionally talented witches, but they were merely competitors in a secret sanctuary, one of many witch havens within the Empire.

Her only concern was her lack of magical talent.

But now, with both swordsmanship and magical aptitude, that was no longer an issue!

What else could stop Diye?

“The witch selection…” Diye clenched her delicate yet powerful fists, a confident, masculine gesture, her golden eyes gleaming.

…

And so, Diye began her magic training, beginning her life, whether willingly or not, as a novice witch hidden within this dark, underground church.

During the so-called days, when the cathedral was illuminated by lamps and the magical glow of the rose windows, she studied magical theory, poring over large books, wearing glasses that, though not particularly effective, aided in focusing on the texts, listening to the witch instructor’s explanations alongside the other witches.

Diye wasn’t particularly adept at book learning, but after becoming a woman, she found it easier to focus, gradually developing an interest in these mysterious subjects. Sometimes, late at night, by candlelight, she would open dusty, ancient tomes, immersing herself in the arcane, morally ambiguous knowledge of another world.

Shartha’s lessons were always profound yet humorous, often punctuated by risqué jokes, bringing laughter to the witches in this oppressive place. But whenever the jokes were directed at Diye, she could only blush and fidget in the magic classroom.

At night, lying in bed, under the dim blue light, she would silently recite the knowledge or spells she had learned. Diye was highly skilled at learning and cultivating; otherwise, she wouldn’t have achieved what Yedi had. She had her own focus and methods. And this focus allowed her to temporarily forget that she was wearing black lace sleepwear.

Days and nights passed in the underground world, unaware of the passage of time above.

Gradually, she couldn’t help but feel excited as she sensed the vibrant elemental world, thrilled as she first conjured elemental magic light in her hand, because it meant she was one step closer to her goal.

She didn’t neglect her martial skills and swordsmanship. Her experience and talent allowed her to adapt her former swordsmanship to her female body. Although Diye refused to acknowledge herself as truly female, when it came to swordsmanship and combat, she was a pragmatist.

The sweat-drenched sword practice made her realize how different a woman’s body felt during intense exertion. This troubled her, but she didn’t reduce the intensity of her training.

She even practiced ballroom dancing, unashamedly embracing her female form, learning the etiquette and grace of an elegant Imperial lady.

She even successfully braved the women’s bath, always choosing times when it was empty, ensuring no one saw her fully naked, which became a topic of conversation among the witches.

Of course, she couldn’t avoid seeing her own female body. As a Temple Knight, this was a repeated violation, but she had long grown accustomed to the gods’ indifference.

Diye seemed to constantly learn and master new magic. The beautiful magical light in her hands illuminated her face, her spells drawing the attention and admiration of the other witches.

Her swordsmanship also continued to improve, adapting to her current body…

Perhaps nothing could stop her progress, nothing could sway her determination to win a spot in the witch selection.

Day and night alternated, the multicolored lights of magic and the flickering candle flames constantly shifting… Diye, as a witch, enduring shame, guilt, and confusion, trained diligently in the darkness, just like every other witch.

Fallen from the holy light, walking in the night!

…

The candles in the underground cathedral were lit. The witches gathered in the center, their gazes fixed on the large, dark orange-red altar. Their expressions held a sense of destiny, some tinged with anxiety.

After months of training and cultivation, today was the time for the official witch examination.

And from among them, the most outstanding would be chosen as the executor of the witches’ revenge plan.

Many witches embarked on this path of pursuing the arcane, either voluntarily or unknowingly. But there were also many witch organizations like the Underground Witch Church, with secret connections and hierarchies.

This was one of the secrets of the witch clan.

Witches were classified based on identity, strength, contributions, and other factors, but strength was the most crucial (unless there were special contributions or status). The ranks were:

Apprentice Witch

Witch (Official Witch)

High Witch

Ruling Witch

In fact, most of the witches sheltered and trained in this underground church were still Apprentice Witches.

Only a few, like Diluowei, who were “veterans” of the church, were considered Official Witches. And only the chief witch, Shartha, held the rank of High Witch.

“Next, Isesi and Lusha, please step forward for your examination,” Shartha announced from a small platform above the altar.

“Sister Isesi, good luck!” Yoleya clasped her hands together.

“Lusha… you won’t disappoint me, will you?” Philine’s eyes were fixed on the girl with short, light blue hair.

“Then, the trial examination… begins!” Shartha announced loudly, the black cat on her shoulder alert.

“Isesi, be careful,” Lusha said, her gaze calming. Isesi was once the most skilled and versatile magic user among the Apprentice Witches.

The rules of the trial examination were as follows: Official Witches ranked the Apprentice Witches based on their strength, training results, and other factors, then arranged for pairs of similar strength to compete. The key wasn’t victory or defeat, but individual performance and demonstration of skills, evaluated by the chief witch and other witches to determine their eligibility to become Official Witches.

“Hehehe, Lusha, magic isn’t about brute strength,” Isesi said, lightly tapping her chin, deliberately provoking her.

“What did you say? You, the unathletic, big-chested woman who thinks she’s a know-it-all,” Lusha grinned.

She immediately began chanting, “Second-level Celia’s Blessing of Wind…”

Pale blue-white streams of air, like the mystical veil of a nature goddess’s handmaiden, swirled and danced around Lusha.

“Lusha, she can already skillfully use magic from the lineage of the ancient Goddess’s handmaidens? This is far more powerful than the same level Wind Acceleration spell. She’s truly clever. This is dangerous for Sister Isesi, who isn’t good at close combat…” Qinna thought, her expression serious.

“Second-level Flame Gate’s Wrath…” Lusha continued to cast offensive magic, enhancing her power.

“Hmph, so you only know one ancient lineage spell. Did you think I’d wait for you to finish casting all your support magic?” Isesi suddenly began chanting rapidly. For spells of the same level, Isesi’s chanting and thinking speed were clearly much faster.

A red magic circle formed in her hands, its runes swirling. Fireballs the size of coconuts shot out from the circle towards Lusha.

“No! So fast?” Lusha had to abandon her second support spell. But she had already cast the crucial speed enhancement. She moved swiftly, dodging two fireballs. The fireballs that flew towards the corner of the cathedral were absorbed by masked witches in uniform robes standing around the altar, who jointly cast a magical barrier to protect the cathedral.

However, Isesi flicked her fingers, subtly manipulating the fireballs with her strong mental control, altering their trajectory to follow Lusha.

Lusha, using the edge of the altar area, maximized the use of space, maneuvering and accelerating, dodging the fireballs while closing in on Isesi!

Beneath the Moonstone, the purple flames within the silver chalice burned fiercely.

“Isesi, watch out!” Lusha finally closed the distance, thrusting her halberd directly at Isesi. She chose the halberd, combined with the limited space, to increase her chances of hitting Isesi.

Clang!

The halberd struck Isesi’s second-level Ice Crystal Barrier, sending shards of ice flying.

“What?” Lusha had anticipated the barrier, but its strength exceeded her expectations.

“Gamyxi’s Servant’s Whip…” Isesi extended one hand, creating a crackling electrical magic circle. A bright blue, snake-like lightning bolt shot out.

“No!”

Lusha, ignoring the impact against the barrier, rolled away as she fell, quickly getting back on her feet and running.

Crackle—Snap!

Snap!

Isesi manipulated the lightning whip, lashing out at Lusha, who could only run desperately, her clothes torn by the electrical discharges, sparks causing her legs to go numb.

Gamyxi’s Servant’s Whip, the blinding lightning, lashed down from above.

“Ahh!” Lusha couldn’t dodge in time, raising her halberd to block.

“Stop!”

Suddenly, Shartha, from her high vantage point, released a watermelon-sized, spherical mechanical familiar with leathery wings. The familiar flew in front of the descending lightning, flapping its wings and opening its large mouth, creating a new magical barrier.

The lightning flashed, its energy dissipated by the familiar’s barrier.

“As expected, Sister Isesi is a cut above,” Yoleya said excitedly, clenching her small fists.

“This match goes to Isesi, ranked second overall, with Lusha, ranked third, unfortunately defeated. Next, we will conduct their witch aptitude evaluations,” Shartha announced. “Judges, please give your evaluations. First, Isesi.”

The eight masked witches surrounding the altar, responsible for the magical barrier and protection, each released a magical rune representing their judgment. The eight runes flew towards Isesi, swirling around her and forming a brilliant rose. The rose petals bloomed then scattered, adding a touch of brilliance to the dimly lit cathedral.

“All eight judges agree. Isesi, ranked second among the Apprentice Witches and having performed exceptionally well in the examination, is undeniably promoted to Witch,” Shartha announced, her hand outstretched.

The witches erupted in cheers.

“Wonderful, Sister Isesi has become an Official Witch!” Yoleya clapped. She and Qinna had already undergone their examinations. Naturally, the intensity of their battles couldn’t compare to this clash between the second and third ranked apprentices.

Qinna had barely passed with four votes, achieving promotion. But Yoleya didn’t pass this time and would have to wait for the next opportunity. However, given her level, she hadn’t held much hope, so she wasn’t too discouraged.

Next was Lusha’s evaluation. Although she was defeated, her ability to use ancient deity lineage magic was impressive.

Lusha passed with seven votes, becoming a Witch. Some judges didn’t appreciate her close-combat, martial-focused style.

“Newly promoted Witches, and Apprentice Witches, most of your examinations have now concluded, with only one remaining,” Shartha said, her ample chest held high. “Next will be the final match of this trial examination. Perhaps you’re wondering, with only one person left, how can a battle be conducted?”

Shartha smiled mysteriously, the black cat on her shoulder twitching its whiskers, looking at the assembled witches below.

“That’s because, among all the Apprentice Witches, no one is capable of facing her. Therefore, we must send a senior and sufficiently powerful Official Witch, our very own Miss Diluowei, as her opponent in this trial.”

Shartha’s purple eyes shimmered. She extended her arm, pointing towards a figure in the darkness, her voice melodious and resounding.

“I’m sure you’ve all guessed who she is—?”

“Yalan Diye!”