The Shining Star Above The Heaven

"Me?" Ilona asked in confusion.

Aldrian nodded. "Yes, you. Now I want to ask, why did the patriarch send you, the one he knows is from the side that hates you, here as envoy?"

Ilona was stunned, but then she answered. "To be honest, that was also my question at first. But after I thought it through, I think I can guess what is in that bastard's mind."

"I suppose he sent someone he could discard if something went wrong with this trip. He already seemed to sense that something was wrong with Elder Vars, so he sent me to test the waters. If something went wrong and something happened to me, he would not lose anything, and he could even use this event as proof that their actions all this time were already known to Your Majesty, which would then allow them to look for a way to solve it."

"They might even use that as a reason to make Your Majesty look bad in front of the other powers in the future. Basically, they are trying to smear your image. This also will incite my father's animosity toward Your Majesty, which in the end will only benefit the current patriarch."

"However, if nothing happens to me, then they will take advantage of the connection and look for any hole they could exploit for their future plans."

Aldrian admired her analysis. She was smart, and what she said was quite the same as what he had in mind. After thinking it over, the most likely reason the patriarch sent her to lead the envoy was to test the waters. Munez Barevisk must have already sensed something strange with Vars's group and sent Ilona to see if there truly was something wrong.

Munez must have thought that if their past actions had already been discovered, then he, as the emperor of this continent, would do something to her. She was basically a pawn that could be sacrificed.

"You are truly smart, and yes, that is what I have in mind as well. Your patriarch must have already sensed that something is wrong, and that is why he sent you. Are the members of your group all from your side? Is there anyone who could be an eye or ear for the patriarch?" Aldrian asked.

Ilona shook her head. "I don't think there is a spy for the patriarch in my group. I chose the members myself, and from what I know, none of them are affiliated with the patriarch or his faction. All of them belong to the opposition faction."

"Is that so? But in my opinion, Munez must still have someone to observe what you do here, even if it is only one person. There is no way he would let you act without someone watching."

Hearing that, Ilona frowned. What he said made sense. Was there really a spy within her group?

"Anyway, that problem can be taken care of later. Just don't think about it too much, or your movements might look suspicious to the spy. Act as normal, and I will handle the spy problem later. With my ability, it will be faster that way," Aldrian said.

He then stood up from his seat. "In any case, we can discuss this matter more thoroughly another time. You may visit my palace in the future after the tournament ends. It is already quite late, and it is not proper for a man and woman to be in the same room at this hour."

Hearing that, Ilona couldn't help but show a slight smile. How could he say that when he was the one who had come to her first? But then she suddenly asked, "Your Majesty, why do you think you can trust me with everything we have discussed just now? What if what I said is truth mixed with lies? What if what we have talked about instead reaches the patriarch?" She paused slightly before continuing.

"You did not place a seal or anything on me to ensure our discussion will not leak to others. You seem quite confident in me or believe in me enough to speak of such things with me. You seem certain that I would accept your help."

Aldrian showed a smile that made him even more charming. "With you asking that question, it is already proof that there is no lie in the information you have given me. I can also feel your hatred—hatred so strong that I want to give you a word of advice. Do not be too consumed by revenge, Miss Ilona. You might end up hurting yourself, and even the people you love."

"With hatred that deep, you will take any help that brings you closer to your goal, which is revenge. You would not be so stupid as to tell the person you hated most about our discussion. At the same time, it is in my interest to build a good relationship with the future Barevisk family. A good relationship is based on trust, and I trust that you and your family will choose wisely regarding everything we have discussed. And in return, you will trust in what I have told you."

Ilona was stunned, and before she could say anything, Aldrian spoke one last time.

"See you next time, Miss Ilona. Have a good night."

He then disappeared, leaving the lone beauty in the room. The wind from the open window swept through her long hair, only adding to her charm. Her face remained turned toward the spot where Aldrian had just stood, and after a few seconds, she released a long sigh.

"Father, Mother, I think I've found someone who could help all of us," she mumbled. Although she still did not know what kind of person Aldrian the Great truly was, her intuition told her that this was her greatest chance to achieve her goals and hopes.

That man with so many abilities would likely be able to cure her parents, and with his tremendous power, he could help her take revenge. She couldn't help but recall his handsome face, which brought a slight flush to her cheeks before she quickly sipped the wine in front of her.

He was truly a danger to any woman. His face and charm could draw women in without him doing anything at all.

'No wonder he is so popular among the women of this continent. Still so young, handsome, and—' She cut off her own thought and shook her head.

'What am I thinking?' She took another sip of wine and looked out at the night sky. Her heart felt more serene and relaxed than before, as if she could already see the light on the path ahead.

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The next day, the last day of the tournament, the day that many had been waiting for, finally arrived. The stadium was already packed with people even before the tournament began. The battle format was what everyone always looked forward to, for it was the most entertaining part for them.

As the time drew nearer, the participants gathered beneath the arena, waiting for Orlav to call them. Zander glanced around at the other participants in his category.

In his opinion, there was no one who could be a tough opponent for him other than Kang Yongjin. However, he would not lower his guard. This was the final stage, and the other participants would give their all to win. He too would give his best, for he was so close to the winner's title. He only needed to be careful not to lose.

Zander then looked toward the balcony where Aldrian observed the tournament. Aldrian and his family had just arrived, and not long after, Orlav's voice echoed across the arena.

"Alright, all participants, you may enter the arena!"

After he said that, the participants stepped onto the arena. Zander took a deep breath, and his face beneath the mask grew solemn.

'I will win.'

The moment the participants set foot on the arena, the voices of the spectators grew louder with excitement. In fact, the number of spectators, both inside the stadium and gathered around it, had increased compared to yesterday. It was not surprising, since the final phase of the tournament was what people most wanted to see.

The atmosphere was already festive, and the time had finally come. Standing at the side of the arena, Orlav looked at Aldrian, who gave a small nod in response. Orlav then rose into the air above the arena and shouted for all to hear:

"Welcome to the day you have been waiting for, ladies and gentlemen! This is the day we will finally discover who is worthy to claim all the rewards, whose names will be written in the history of the tournament as the winners of the first Grand Barisan Tournament!"

"UWOO!" The spectators grew even more lively, and after a few moments, Orlav continued.

"Alright, alright! I know you can't wait for the third phase of the tournament and neither can I. So let's get started. I will now explain the rules for the third phase, which will be in a one-on-one battle format."

"Participants are forbidden from using talismans. As for artifacts, only those registered by the participants may be used, with a maximum of Heaven grade. Only offensive and defensive artifacts may be used and you are strictly forbidden from using sealing or curse artifacts."

"It is FORBIDDEN to kill other participants. Of course, injuries may happen, since no protective talismans are allowed. The winner of each round will be decided if the opponent surrenders, is incapacitated, or loses consciousness."

"I also reserve the right to stop the battle if I judge that there is excessive action against an opponent. Any participant who fails to follow these rules will be instantly eliminated."

"As for the drawing to determine each participant's opponent, it will be held shortly. So be ready for anyone you might face!"

As Orlav said this, several projectors appeared on the stadium's ceiling, showing the still-empty slots for the upcoming draw. Each projector displayed the categories separately.

"Alright, without further ado, let us begin the third phase!" Orlav shouted.