Recently, captivating news spread across the Floating Island, offering a refreshing change to the otherwise dull atmosphere.0

“... Deculein? So, the sixth problem is nearly solved?” Grand Prince Creáto, the Empress's brother, said with a smile of astonishment upon receiving the report.0

"Indeed, Your Highness. The Place of Verification has been prepared."0

The Place of Verification for the Symposium would only begin if the proposed solution was highly convincing, almost accurate. Therefore, its preparation indicated that the resolution of the sixth problem was imminent.0

"Impressive," Creáto remarked with genuine admiration. Although the solution was not yet assured, Creáto, a devoted admirer of Deculein, held unwavering faith in him. "Indeed, it is time for him to ascend."4

Creáto still couldn’t forget Deculein’s midterm exam. The memory lingered in his heart, reigniting a passion he had nearly lost. Upon hearing that Sophien would be studying under Deculein, he felt a twinge of envy and almost considered asking to join the lessons himself.1

"However, there are also concerning rumors, Your Highness," the knight continued.0

"Concerning rumors?"0

"Yes, Your Highness, they are monitoring him closely."0

They were known as the Ashes, a group from the volcanic region, so detested that even Creáto's escort knight, Fassbender, and most ordinary mages avoided mentioning them. The name Ashes was such a crude epithet that any respectable mage found it repulsive to utter.2

"They habitually cause trouble for successful mages, but it is of no consequence. Deculein’s strength is renowned in the Mortal Realm today."5

As a formidable practical mage, Deculein was the real deal. His tales of matching Rohakan in strength were well-known to Creáto, even though the Imperial Knights Order kept them classified.0

"Anyway, ensure I have a seat when the Place of Verification...0