Elena's ruby lips parted, revealing a hint of allure, while her eyes sparkled with a mesmerizing glimmer, as if they were about to shed tears.
Her voice flowed like a melodious mountain spring, ethereal and distant like the wind brushing across the grasslands, and even more intoxicating than the whispers of lovesick couples. It stirred the imagination and captivated those who heard it.
With her stunning beauty that could make fish sink and birds fall, combined with an incredibly powerful dreamlike aura, just a slight display of charm from Elena was enough to make every man tremble with desire.
Duke Habia, though over fifty and having encountered countless women throughout his life, was momentarily stunned upon seeing Elena, a beauty that could bring disaster. His eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
Behind Duke Habia, two young men who were originally poised and well-dressed now wore frozen smiles, holding their breath as they stared intently at Elena's voluptuous figure, their faces turning crimson.
This scene had been anticipated by many Judges as soon as Elena made her entrance. Sean Sterling shook his head with a bitter smile, unsure of what to do. Bu Xin felt a chill in his heart, increasingly aware that he should not provoke this woman; otherwise, if he were ever enchanted by her and revealed his secrets, it would spell disaster for him.
Before encountering Elena, Bu Xin had not considered such matters. However, after witnessing her terrifying ability to enchant and captivate others, he suddenly felt a strong sense of crisis and regarded her with fear akin to that of a venomous snake.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty?" A sly glint flashed in Elena's eyes as she called out softly and seductively.
Duke Habia's eyes narrowed suddenly, a spark of clarity igniting within him. He managed to break free from Elena's Dream Heart Sutra through sheer strength.
This moment left Elena momentarily stunned, while many Judges around them displayed expressions of surprise.
They all understood how powerful Elena was; as a Quasi-Advanced individual, she was among the elite at Holy Light Academy. What made her particularly formidable was her mastery of the sixth level of the Dream Heart Sutra, known as the nemesis of men. With her dreamlike aura activated, even a casual gesture or smile could bewilder anyone.
"Sister Elena truly deserves to be an outstanding student of Holy Light Academy. Such a unique energy field nearly ensnared me as well; you are indeed remarkable," Habea III declared as he unleashed his robust energy, exuding the regal authority of a monarch—a special energy field known as the Monarch Aura.
As the Monarch Aura unfolded, it effectively repelled Elena's encroaching dreamlike aura, preventing it from penetrating within a ten-foot radius around Habea III.
This is a clash where momentum and energy are in harmony, with mutual pressure in terms of momentum and sharp contrast in energy.
One side exudes an overwhelming and unmatched Monarch aura, crushing everything and looking down on all; the other possesses a captivating and enchanting dreamlike aura, offering infinite temptation and soaring allure.
One is rigid while the other is soft, yet in the end, no clear victor emerges.
"Energy aura... Quasi-Advanced?" Elena's expression changed slightly, and the other perceptive Judges also turned pale.
The energy aura is the best standard for distinguishing between Intermediate Level 5 powerhouses and Quasi-Advanced powerhouses. Once an Intermediate Level 5 powerhouse can cultivate an energy aura within their body, it signifies that they are not far from stepping into High-Level status, qualifying them as a formidable Quasi-Advanced expert.
The moment Elena realized that Habea III was indeed a Quasi-Advanced powerhouse, she did not strengthen her dreamlike aura but instead smiled sweetly and said, "Your Majesty flatters me. A woman with such little ability does not deserve such praise from you. However, your strength has shocked everyone here. My earlier actions may have been offensive; I hope Your Majesty can forgive me."
With that, Elena placed her palm on her chest and slightly bowed. As she did so, those present noticed that the neckline of her garment suddenly opened a bit, revealing a glimpse of white. The curve of her slightly raised hips was outlined beautifully, incredibly alluring.
The dozen or so young men present could hardly contain themselves; their breathing became heavy. Even those who did not look directly at Elena felt their hearts racing due to the atmosphere around them.
The two young men closely following Habea III were particularly wide-eyed, unable to tear their gaze away, completely lacking any gentlemanly demeanor.
Seeing the group of young men whose hormones were clearly running rampant, Sean Sterling found it somewhat amusing yet exasperating. He glanced at Elena with his peculiar white eyes before quickly averting his gaze, not daring to look too long.
Habea III maintained excellent composure; despite Elena's repeated provocations and teasing, he did not show any anger. Contrary to what one might expect—scolding Elena or displaying royal temper—nothing of the sort occurred.
"Alright now, Sister Elena need not be overly courteous. You are all esteemed senior students of Holy Light Academy, with high status and formidable strength. Upon arriving in my Crook Duchy, you should enjoy the highest noble privileges, sharing honor with the prince," Habea III declared with piercing eyes and a voice like thunder. Despite his aged body, he emanated a tremendous presence that commanded respect.
He then shifted his focus to the many young contestants, nodding with a smile as he said, "You are all exceptional talents from my Crook Duchy, having emerged from hundreds of thousands of competitors. Your futures are limitless."
Even if twenty of you will be eliminated in the Peak Showdown, even those who are eliminated will do so with honor, as they are the pride of my Crook Duchy. To all thirty of you, I will grant the title of Viscount, bestowing upon you a thousand acres of land and thousands of gold coins (Silver Kall).
Furthermore, among the thirty contestants, the ten strongest will receive the title of Earl, with ten thousand acres of land, tens of thousands of gold coins, and one piece of Excellence Level Amplification Gear.
These rewards will be fulfilled after the Peak Showdown. I hope you all perform well in the Peak Showdown and showcase your true abilities.
Habea III truly deserves to rule over the vast Crook Duchy; he is indeed shrewd. Even before the Peak Showdown has begun, he has already sprinkled sweet dates to give all participants a taste of what is to come.
It is important to note that the youths standing here possess undeniable strength and potential. If they do not meet an early demise, they are destined to become Intermediate Level. With further opportunities, reaching the peak of Intermediate Level 5 or even High-Level within their lifetimes is not out of reach.
With such a group of fresh talents, Habea III only needs to offer a little sweetness to draw them together; one cannot help but admire his cunning.
Consider that they have become nobles of Crook Duchy and possess land. Regardless of how their futures unfold, they will always be part of Crook Duchy, thereby enhancing its national strength.
Especially for the ten contestants who will become students at Holy Light Academy, regardless of whether they value Habea III's rewards, at the moment they achieve success and fame, they will bear the mark of Crook Duchy. Even if they rise to greatness in the future, they will remember Crook Duchy.
Inside Lotus Hall.
As time passes, this banquet gathering talents from across Crook Duchy begins.
Habea III sits on the throne facing the main entrance, with the graceful Elena seated to his lower right.
Below Elena are two rows facing each other: eleven remaining Judges and the Thirty-Six Contestants, including Bu.
In front of each person is a rattan table adorned with young maidens holding gem-encrusted golden plates, smiling gracefully as they approach each table to serve various dishes and pour amber-colored wine.
A skilled Musician struck various instruments, and the beautiful and unique melodies resonated throughout the grand hall, bringing joy and contentment to all.
As cups clinked and drinks were exchanged, some had already succumbed to the effects of alcohol, becoming quite tipsy.
By the midpoint of the banquet, talented and beautiful women took to the stage to showcase their singing and dancing skills. Each one wore a radiant smile, their slender figures captivating the audience, who nodded in approval, entranced by the performances.
This banquet lasted quite a while, and during this time, Bu and Gaia became the focal points of attention. Many participants privately discussed them, deeming them the strongest competitors for the Peak Showdown.
One was the most prominent contender on the surface, having reached Mid-Level strength. The other was a well-known heir of the Arthur Royal Family, rumored to possess extraordinary abilities and already at Mid-Level. Although it remained unclear if he had reached Intermediate strength, he was not to be underestimated.
Following Bu and Gaia were Mu Yan, Reynold, and three other young men who were also at the threshold of Mid-Level strength, drawing considerable attention.
Among these three young men at the threshold of Mid-Level strength were two who had previously followed Duke Habia—remarkable in demeanor but lacking in grace.
These two were not of ordinary lineage; they were the sons of Duke Habia, His Highnesses of Crook Duchy. One was named Clair, and the other Clarence.
As princes of Crook Duchy, their status was higher than that of Gaia, the heir of the Arthur Royal Family. With access to the resources of an entire duchy for their development, their strength was naturally formidable.
Habea III also had plans to send his offspring to Holy Light Academy to establish connections with it, thereby adding weight to Crook Duchy's future prosperity.
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