Vaan glanced at everyone's expression and understood they each had something they wanted to say to him.

Nevertheless, he took the initiative to speak first.

"I have some news to share with you all," Vaan stated before suggesting, "However, let us head back to the guest building. We'll talk there."

"Alright."

Astoria and the others didn't have a problem with Vaan's suggestion, so they readily agreed without a complaint.

The group gathered around at a six-seated table in the main dining hall before the ladies focused on Vaan and waited for him to speak.

"First off, congratulations on successfully becoming a High Witch, Hester," Vaan congratulated, shifting the focus to her.

"Right. I was going to congratulate you earlier but found out you were asleep," Astoria mentioned, thanks to Vaan's reminder. "Congratulations, Lady Hester."

"Congratulations." Eniwse and Aeliana also expressed their good wills.

"Thank you, everyone." Hester received their blessings humbly and replied with a wry smile, "However, I couldn't have succeeded without Senior Jergag's timely help. I also wanted to thank him earlier, but he left before I could."

"Don't worry about that, Lady Hester. We'll most likely be staying here for an extended period, so you will definitely get your chance," Eniwse calmly stated before asking, "So, how does it feel to become a High Witch?"

"Awesome! I feel incredibly comfortable and brimming with power. It's such an exhilarating feeling that I could probably get drunk on it," Hester replied with bright eyes before they dulled shortly after. "Still, my improvement is nothing compared to Sir Vahn."

"Right.." Astoria and the others returned her attention to Vaan before she asked, "How did your strength increase so drastically and in such a short time, Teacher Raphna?"

Everyone's eyes glimmered with curiosity.

Vaan knew he couldn't avoid the topic, but he had already prepared an answer for them.

"This is also what I wanted to talk to you all about." Vaan briefly glanced at Eniwse before continuing, "I've received the blessings and protections of the ninth and eighth dragon lords."

"They will freely provide resources and knowledge to aid my growth and protect me from other dragons with ill intentions while I stay in their clan. Furthermore, I am free to leave the Thousand Fog Mountains without a memory wipe."

"However, these benefits are for only me, alone, to enjoy. Thus, I plan to conquer the Trial by Fire and grab the chance for us to all leave with our memories intact," Vaan declared.

"I can somewhat understand if it was just the ninth dragon lord, but the eighth dragon lord too?" Astoria was surprised before she wondered, "For what reason are they doing this? How does this benefit them?"

"The eighth dragon lord, Lord Khaleesi, is Lord Narvim's wife," Vaan explained.

"After Lord Khaleesi learned from Lord Narvim that I'm a Soul Master, she decided to invest in my growth. She believes I have what it takes to protect the dragon clan from the Gehenna Realm's Great Devils in the future."

"That's why they are pinning their hopes on me and investing in my growth," Vaan added.

Naturally, what he said wasn't the truth. But even though the two dragon lords didn't explicitly mention it, his lies weren't far from the truth either.

That said, he had to keep his promise. Thus, he couldn't tell the ladies the true reason, especially Eniwse.

Besides, there was no harm in a white lie.

"The two dragon lords believe Sir Vahn can protect them from the dragon clan from the Great Devils of Gehenna?" Hester frown before raising her doubt, "I know Sir Vahn's talents are out of this world but aren't they expecting too much?"

"No matter what, the Great Devils are thought to be Rank 6 beings; their existences are akin to gods. Can humans even achieve such a level, let alone whether Sir Vahn can succeed within a fixed time before the Great Devils descend onto our world?"

"Furthermore, the Trial by Fire is too dangerous. Neither the dragon lords nor Her Majesty, Queen Henrietta, could pass the fourth stage. So how can you expect to conquer the Trial by Fire, Sir Vahn?" Hester asked.

"Lady Hester is right," Astoria agreed before voicing her worries, "No matter what the future holds, your life is still the most important. There's no need to push yourself into the pits of fire and take on such a huge risk."

"I am fine with losing my memories, Teacher Raphna," Astoria stated shortly after.

"You might be okay with it, but I'm not, Headmaster Astoria," Vaan coolly said before glancing at Eniwse and Aeliana. "Do you two also think the same as Headmaster Astoria?"

There was no doubt that memory-wiping magic would affect the soul.

Thus, it was hard to say what side effect it would have on the ladies' future potential, even if the dragon lords executed it perfectly.

If it restricted them from reaching greater heights, they would live to regret it.

Nevertheless, after Eniwse and Aeliana received Vaan's question, they glanced at each other before they shook their heads with a smile.

"No, we will follow whatever choice you make. We believe in you," Eniwse and Aeliana answered with complete faith.

Vaan nodded with approval.

"But—"

"No buts."

Vaan interrupted before Hester could argue.

"The dragon lords and Queen Henrietta couldn't conquer the Trial by Fire, but that doesn't mean I will fail," Vaan continued.

"After all, the most important factor in passing the trial's stages isn't one's strength but one's affinity to fire, and I have the best potential in that regard. Once I enter the Trial by Fire, my fire affinity will only continue to improve."

"Fate had led me here, and I believe a great destiny awaits me in the depths of the Trial by Fire. That's why I must at least challenge it, and no one can persuade me to change my mind," Vaan firmly stated.

"Alright, I will respect your wish," Astoria sighed.

Hester also conceded to his decision.

historical

Vaan, more or less, knew what he was doing. He wouldn't take on such a huge risk unless he had absolute confidence in making it out alive, even if he were to fail the trial.

Thus, they shouldn't be too adamant about his choice.

"Great. I will challenge the Trial by Fire first thing in the morning." Vaan clapped his hands and wrapped up the matter before suddenly turning to Hester. "Would you like to be my dual-practice partner for tonight, Lady Hester?"

"Eh?" Hester was taken aback by Vaan's sudden question, but she wouldn't refuse such an opportunity. As such, she replied with delight shortly after, "I would gladly be your dual-practice partner, Sir Vahn!"

On the side, the corners of Astoria's eyes twitched while Eniwse and Aeliana pouted with some slight discontent. They supported Vaan's decision, but the opportunity still went to Hester.

"Don't worry." Vaan naturally didn't forget the two and assured them, "I will show you two plenty of love once I return from the trial."

Dual-practicing with High Witch Hester was his final preparation for the trial.

Crack..!

The corner of the wooden table where Astoria rested her hand suddenly cracked, causing everyone to glance over.

"Uh.." Astoria was stunned by the sudden attention before she quickly made an excuse and laughed nervously, "Oh, my.. This table is quite fragile, huh? Haha.. ha.."