A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

The farcical drama at the Etheric Academy has drawn to a close.

It appears that prior to the Luminaris family falling under complete control, Conrad surreptitiously reallocated a cache of resources. With these assets, he contracted a fifth-stage mercenary from the Zero Realm Explorers and acquired a top-tier forced teleportation scroll, impervious even to fifth-stage defenses, to forcibly dispatch Ronger and Barnes, leaving himself alone to slay Ravenna.

One can only remark that Mr. Conrad's obsession with personally ending Ravenna's life, a "ceremonial sense" born of nobility, led to his justifiable defeat—even though employing an assassin to directly eliminate Ravenna would have nearly guaranteed success.

However, Conrad's death does not signify the end of this saga.

The struggle for the Luminaris legacy continues unabated, with various powers wrestling for dominance. Soren, once the frontrunner, has lost his overwhelming competitive edge due to unforeseen events.

It is evident to the discerning eyes that the chaos and fierce battle that day were an elaborate ruse orchestrated by Ansel for his crucial pact head.

The stage was set at the Etheric Academy headquarters, at the epicenter of this maelstrom, where at least a dozen fifth-stage extraordinaries converged, casting their gaze upon the unfolding events.

The adversary, a desperate yet deeply rooted heir of a grand ducal family, demonstrated formidable power in his madness and with the aid of resources, a spectacle for all to witness.

On this stage that commanded the attention of the masses, the adversary fought with all his might, and our protagonist, Miss Seraphina Marlowe, did not disappoint, claiming a crown that commands respect and awe.

Whether it be her uncanny and potent essence, her terrifying talents, or her synergy with the power of the pact head… No one doubts Seraphina's potential. If her path to growth remains unobstructed, it will take but three to four years, or at most five to six, for a monster capable of challenging empires to emerge under Ansel's guidance.

And what chills the spine even more is the high probability that Seraphina's ascent will proceed without hindrance, smooth to the point of inevitability.

[The Undying Calamity]—this moniker is gradually gaining currency among the capital's extraordinaries in reference to Seraphina.

"Undying" succinctly captures her most vital characteristic displayed in combat, while "Calamity"... stems from her notorious reputation in the Red Frost Territory and the dread her cruelty and savagery in battle inspire.

Anyone who has witnessed the recording of this battle would introspectively question their own will to fight when faced with such a battle-thirsty beast and those dark crimson eyes that seem to devour flesh and blood.

Seraphina's triumph is undeniably flawless, and it is this perfection that prompts the great figures to speculate about Ansel's true intentions at the Etheric Academy.

Was he genuinely there to support Soren, or was it to ensure that Conrad, aware of his presence, would not dare to take the bait, leading him to attend Soren's lecture as a mere observer?

Does he truly hold the Tower of Babel in such little regard? If so, what then of the revolutionary "Data System" demonstrated by Ravenna, which she claimed was Ansel's invention?

She said that the system was created by Ansel… who would dare to use Ansel as a shield? And if Ansel was generous enough to share such a creation with Ravenna, how could his relationship with the Tower of Babel be anything but… close-knit?

H

Every time someone believes they have grasped the young Hydral's intentions, the unfolding events shatter their illusions.

As a result, Ansel's stance becomes once again enigmatic, and the Tower of Babel emerges as a prize worth vying for, its value soaring ever higher. This also signifies that within this still-unsettled maelstrom… they have no escape and nowhere to turn—

If they misstep again, the consequences are unimaginable.

*

"So, Hendrik."

Before Hendrik's desk, a middle-aged man draped in a black robe adorned with numerous gems gave a slight nod, "What are your thoughts on this matter?"

"... Your Grace, I am not in a position to make a decision on this matter."

The current leader of the Tower of Babel, with a wry smile, said, "The data system belongs to Ravenna, no... to Lord Ansel, and I truly cannot make any unilateral decisions regarding it."

"Since Ansel has entrusted it to you, he has naturally also transferred the decision-making authority."

Duke of Magus Primus, one of the nine supreme seats of the Etheric Academy, spoke calmly, "I am determined to acquire this object. If my current offer does not satisfy you, I am willing to increase it."

"But..."

The conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door, and the Duke of Magus Primus slightly turned his head, "Come in."

The petite woman wearing gray glasses entered; in the current imperial capital, there were few who did not recognize her.

— The data system... a complex spell that broke through the limitations of traditional magic, a mine of infinite value, a treasure of limitless potential, evident even to the most novice of sorcerer apprentices.

Had it not been for the reckless Miss Calamity, Ravenna Ziegler would undoubtedly have become the most sought-after individual in the imperial capital after that day's lecture.

But in this world, there are no 'ifs,' and the reality is that Seraphina Marlowe, so cherished, so treasured, so valued by the young Hydral, has declared her existence to the empire, to the world, with her own power and talent.

In the grand scheme of everything, whether it be the Luminaris family, the fifth-stage extraordinary beings, or the Etheric Academy... they are but footnotes to her rise to fame.

Within these footnotes, Ravenna and her "achievements" seem somewhat insignificant.

Of course, this is only in terms of the topic's popularity. From a practical standpoint, the "important figures" who have been in contact with the Tower of Babel these past few days have been numerous.

The data system... a terrifying entity whose potential becomes increasingly apparent the more visionary and knowledgeable one is, the more one is willing to delve into it. No influential figure would choose to walk away, and it is precisely because of this object that the Tower of Babel has once again come into the limelight.

"Your Grace," Ravenna bowed slightly to the Duke of Magus Primus.

"Oh, Miss Ziegler, please take a seat."

The Duke of Magus Primus, who had come to discuss matters, almost assumed the posture of a host, "Hendrik tells me he cannot decide on matters concerning the data system. I presume... you can?"

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