Chapter 16: The Lorsy Family

Lorsy— hearing that surname, Anya’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Her family and the Auckland Family hold about the same status in the Northern Border, both bearing the title of Count.

Moreover, that girl, despite her young age, already possessed third-tier strength; she might very well be the famed prodigy.

But if she held such a high status, why would this girl do something like this?

Anya gradually calmed herself, her earlier impulse fading.

She raised her hand to signal a pause and was about to speak, but the other party clearly had no intention of giving Anya a chance.

Amelia’s crimson eyes ignited with a blaze, a surge of Magic exploding around her.

The invisible pressure was like ten thousand needles pricking Anya from every direction, making her instinctively press her lips tight.

Don’t fight, please, I beg you—don’t fight anymore!

Iris really wanted to step in as a peacemaker now, but that red-haired girl looked like the type who wouldn’t listen to a single word. In this case, Iris’s first priority could only be to help Anya.

“Little Anya, don’t just stand there. She’s extremely hostile toward you—use the Converter,” Iris quickly advised Anya.

Anya nodded lightly. Since she was without her sword, she could only rely on the Converter to use Magic.

That familiar warmth surged through every inch of her body once more.

Even though it was her second time experiencing it, the wondrous sensation of magic coursing through her still hadn’t faded.

Amelia slowly raised her pale hand. Several Fireballs burst forth, swooping toward Anya like a dense net of flame.

“Non-chant Spellcasting?”

Having studied Magic for some time, Anya naturally knew how formidable Non-chant Spellcasting was.

Her expression shifted, and she hurriedly began to chant a Magic Spell, instantly forming an Ice Shield before her.

The gulf between the second and third tiers was ultimately hard to cross. As the Fireballs struck the Ice Shield, the shield sizzled and melted, turning into a spreading pool of icy water.

Luckily, thanks to years of practicing Swordsmanship, Anya had also mastered formidable Martial Arts.

Even if the Fireballs broke through her defenses, she could dodge nimbly with her agile movements.

Watching Anya darting to and fro, Amelia frowned slightly, then increased the Magic output from her hands.

“Ice Spike Spell!”

Suddenly, Anya ducked under the impact of a Fireball.

At the same moment, she raised her slender hand, and thick icicles erupted from the ground, stabbing toward Amelia at lightning speed.

But Amelia only gave a cold snort, and towering Fire Pillars flared up around her, vaporizing the obstructing Ice Spikes into mist.

As the mist dissipated, Amelia found Anya had vanished from sight, a flash of surprise flickering in her eyes.

“Why don’t you take a look behind you!”

A cool voice rang out from behind. The next instant, a deft grappling technique pinned Amelia’s arms behind her.

Anya had already circled behind Amelia while the Ice Spike Spell distracted her. While ensuring she didn’t injure Amelia, she bound her movements firmly.

“I think we should sit down and talk this through,” Anya said gently, clearly trying to deescalate.

But Amelia had no interest in reconciliation. Her body trembled slightly, and a trace of murderous intent flashed across her face.

Having truly experienced Battle before, Anya could easily sense even that faint intent to kill. She quickly released Amelia and took several steps back.

A Magic Circle suddenly glowed at Amelia’s feet, and a torrent of Magic erupted from her body.

Thousands of flames vaporized the thick snow on the ground into steam.

“This is bad, little Anya. She looks like she’s about to go all out,” Iris muttered, seeing the icy light in Amelia’s red eyes, worried for Anya’s predicament.

As a divine envoy, Iris could clearly sense that Amelia was preparing a high-level, large-scale Magic.

Such a spell was powerful enough to devastate an entire battlefield.

If all that firepower were to target Anya, even with second-tier Magic gained through the Converter, she wouldn’t stand a chance.

Just as Amelia was about to raise her hand, a stern voice from a middle-aged man suddenly rang out.

“Amelia, that’s enough! What do you think you’re doing?”

Anya turned toward the voice. Where the little girl had just been standing, two middle-aged men had appeared without her noticing.

One of them was soothing the frightened girl, while the other fixed Amelia with a heavy, serious gaze.

The one caring for the little girl was someone Anya and Iris recognized very well. Wasn’t he the same person from the Holy Academy this morning?

However, the one who had spoken was the man beside him, looking sternly at Amelia.

Seeing the newcomers, Amelia’s raised hand froze in midair, then she withdrew her Magic.

“Young lady, I apologize,” the stern-faced man turned to Anya, sounding genuinely sorry. “My daughter Amelia acted recklessly—she didn’t hurt you, did she?”

“It’s nothing, honestly. I was actually the one in the wrong at first,” Anya quickly waved her hands, then looked toward the middle-aged man.

“Oh? You’re Anya?” The man seemed a little surprised, then walked over with a warmer expression. “I remember Karen bringing you to a banquet when you were just a little girl. That was the last time, I think. I can’t believe you’ve grown up so much.”

The man smiled nostalgically, then seemed to recall himself and introduced, “Ah, I forgot to say—my name is Isse Lorcy, current head of the Lorsi Family.”

He glanced over at the red-haired girl. “This is my daughter, Amelia Lorsy. I apologize again—she slipped out of our sight and her temper can be a bit odd. Please forgive her.”

“Uncle Isse, you’re too kind. I’m not hurt at all, so there’s no need to worry.” Although Anya had little impression of the man before her, she still displayed the grace befitting a Noble, bowing politely.

“That old man sure raised a fine daughter!” Isse chuckled, then called Amelia over.

Amelia came reluctantly, shooting Anya a fierce glare as she passed.

Anya was used to this at home and didn’t take offense. She simply offered another gentle smile. “My father only did what he was supposed to.”

“Finished catching up?” The middle-aged man from the Holy Academy stepped forward. He didn’t pay attention to anyone else, but instead looked at Anya with open appreciation.

Isse nodded, then bent down to whisper something to Amelia.

“Hello, I’m Hunter from the Holy Academy. You must be Miss Anya of the Auckland Family?” The man called Hunter walked up to Anya, wearing a kindly smile.

“Yes, that’s right. Hello, Mr. Hunter,” Anya replied politely.

“I watched your Battle just now—I’m very interested in you, Miss Anya. If you’re willing, I’d like to invite you to the competition we’re hosting at the Holy Academy in a month,” Hunter said.

Hunter had watched the fight between the two girls from start to finish. He hadn’t expected someone from the far Northern Border to show such an exceptional understanding of Battle.

That quick reaction alone was something most people could never manage. What’s more, Anya possessed both second-tier Magic and exceptional Martial Arts—she was truly a rare talent.

He had expected this would be an invitation impossible to refuse, but Anya shook her head gently. “I’m sorry, Mr. Hunter. I have no intention of participating.”