A Bet Is a Bet

Whoosh—

Outside the secret realm, ripples spread across the air above the vast lake. Wizards from the various factions emerged one after another and dropped toward the water.

The exploration of Mirror Forest's second sector had raced toward its conclusion in a way no one had expected, yet everyone was happy to see.

It was not quite over, but for the wizards eliminated in the first round of the inheritance selection, their part had come to an end.

The wizards who emerged returned to their respective factions. They handed in their rings, tallied their gains, and recovered from their injuries while watching the battles still unfolding inside.

"Are you all right?"

Dege of the Thorn Ring walked over to Violet and asked with concern.

Dege looked young. His long black hair was tied in a low ponytail, his eyes were dark brown, and he carried himself with a steady composure.

Violet shook his head without speaking. His spirits were low, and his face was ashen.

His beautiful, brilliant lapis-blue eyes had lost their light. The defeat and humiliation dealt to his pride and resolve had struck him harder than his physical injuries.

"Old One bloodlines!"

Violet sat slumped in midair, staring at his hands. "Do they really matter that much to a wizard?" he murmured.

Violet was a genuine genius and had always been proud. Since joining the Thorn Ring, he had distinguished himself step by step until he became the foremost young wizard of the Silver Tower.

He had heard the rumors about bloodlines but had never taken them seriously. Only when he lost to Dago in a fair contest despite holding an advantage of an entire rank did he first understand the advantage of being born with an Old One bloodline.

This was the second time, and the