In past simulations of life games, Emperor Raedric’s strength had never seemed particularly remarkable. His most notable trait was his unnaturally long lifespan. Yet the royal family was far from ordinary. They had caused significant trouble for Pixie and her son, Thal, in the past.

  This was because the royal family’s power wasn’t limited to Emperor Raedric alone.

  The Dawnstar Dynasty had dominated the northern continent for thousands of years. Such a legacy could not lack other formidable figures. Even if Raedric himself was not overly powerful, it was clear that the royal family housed other potent beings.

  Before Elvynna now stood an unknown elder of the royal family.

  Shrouded in dark golden light, his face remained hidden, giving him an eerie, almost spectral appearance—less human and more like a shadow of gold.

  But this shadow exuded an aura so powerful that the very air around him seemed to warp. His presence alone made the ground tremble with an intensity that made every observer shiver.

  This golden figure had only recently appeared. He had seemingly ignored Elvynna’s attempt to eliminate a priest, choosing not to intervene until now.

  "Who is this… why can’t we see his face?"

  "Perhaps he’s not human, but a golden corpse. It’s said that the true terror of the Dawnstar Dynasty lies in their ability to transform powerful past royals into these special corpses…”

  A murmur rippled through the crowd as an anonymous voice spoke up, stunning nearly everyone present.

  "What? There’s such a hidden secret?"

  "Who is this girl, sharing such dangerous secrets so casually?"

  Violanda, the High Priestess of the Holy Light and one of the few Savant Level 5 individuals in Elaresar, shook her head slowly. For years, she had refrained from confronting the royal family out of fear of these special golden corpses. No one truly knew how many of their ancient ancestors remained hidden.

  "If Elvynna wants to kill a princess in the capital, it won’t be easy," Violanda commented, her voice filled with caution.

  Even the potion master nodded in agreement, causing a ripple of unease to spread among the onlookers.

  "Speaking of which, Eirik didn’t really contribute much this time; he seems more like a spectator."

  "He’s still just a Practitioner, not even a Savant. What could he possibly do? It’s a miracle if he doesn’t get scared off by Elvynna-senpai’s battle!"

  "Honestly, I find that a bit funny, haha!"

  The crowd murmured, intrigued by the spectacle. Such high-stakes battles were rare, even in the simulated scenarios!

  Meanwhile, the golden figure coldly observed Elvynna before rasping out a voice that felt as jagged as it was ominous, "Dare to strike at my royal family? You seek death!"

  Before he could finish his words, he hurled a fist toward Elvynna.

  The blow was earth-shattering, shaking the very foundations of the palace, as dark golden light erupted like a miniature sun. The sheer force of the punch was terrifying!

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  Elvynna refused to back down. Her long hair whipped around her as she pointed her wand forward.

  Boom!

  A brilliant burst of magical light shot into the air, soaring like a mighty pillar, visible even from miles away. It was a dazzling spectacle that left all who saw it in awe!

  The battle between them was fierce, but soon, Elvynna found herself at a disadvantage. The golden corpse’s fists were simply too powerful. They seemed impervious to a portion of her magic. Despite her impressive spells, capable of shaking the heavens, they barely left a mark on the golden fists.

  At this moment, Elvynna was operating at only a fraction—about one-tenth—of the power she had wielded in her past life. It was a significant setback!

  "... Is this the depth of the royal family? So strong!"

  "Does this golden corpse have no weaknesses?"

  Many watched in stunned silence.

  Elvynna’s strength had been enough to impress everyone; she hovered gracefully in the air, casting powerful spells with the ease of a mythic figure. If one set aside the fact that she was fighting such a powerful opponent, she was an idol to many female players.

  Yet despite her formidable magic, she couldn’t seem to break through the golden corpse’s defenses. No wonder the potion master had warned that killing Princess Scarlett in the capital would be no easy task.

  "If Scarlett survives this, Elvynna-senpai will find it hard to live in peace!"

  "Elvynna-senpai’s item can probably only be used once, right?"

  The guesses were correct. Elvynna felt a knot form in her chest. If Scarlett survived and discovered that her power was only temporary, it would surely lead to relentless pursuit.

  The Shard of Rebirth had only taken down the primary target—leaving its potential only half realized. Elvynna knew she had to leave quickly while the effects still lingered. She needed to plant seeds of doubt in Scarlett's mind about her true strength, causing hesitation that might buy her some time.

  "Honey, be ready. I’ll find a chance to take you away soon…"

  Elvynna whispered to Eirik through their mental link.

  "Leave?"

  Eirik blinked, beginning to understand his wife’s intent. Was she unable to handle the golden corpse?

  If they left now, it was highly likely they would face Scarlett’s pursuit later. That would mean this simulation might be lost entirely—a restart was something Eirik dreaded.

  "Dear, maybe we don’t have to leave…"

  Eirik replied telepathically. He had a plan. If Elvynna could distract the golden corpse for a moment, he could eliminate Scarlett!

  "You’re going to make a move on Scarlett?"

  Elvynna was taken aback. Her husband was only a Practitioner Level 9; Scarlett, with her Savant-level guards, was formidable.

  If Elvynna hadn’t sealed the princess’s residence with magic, Scarlett would have already escaped.

  "Alright, I’ll create an opening for you…"

  Though surprised, Elvynna agreed without hesitation. She trusted her husband would not act recklessly. If he claimed he could kill Scarlett, he must have confidence in his abilities!

  As the battle in the skies continued, Elvynna poured all her energy into keeping the golden corpse occupied.

  Eirik moved toward Scarlett.

  "You’re Elvynna’s husband?"

  Scarlett, seeing the shift in the situation, looked at Eirik with renewed interest, studying him carefully.

  Eirik’s name had been circulating through the capital. Even Violanda, the potion master, had tried and failed to recruit him. What was so special about this man?

  "Elvynna will die tonight! You, however, must have some secret; what do you say about serving this princess?"

  Scarlett smiled at Eirik, raising an eyebrow with a flirtatious air.

  "Ha! This guy isn’t even a player and he’s got his eyes on Eirik?"

  "But what’s Eirik up to? He wouldn’t be thinking of assassinating her, right?"

  While the crowd speculated, Eirik’s eyes suddenly gleamed with a brilliant magical light, mysterious runes swirling around him.

  He activated the reward item he had received: "One Life Mirror: Can reflect real-life talents in the simulation, duration: twelve hours."

  Compared to Elvynna’s Shard of Rebirth, Eirik’s item was clearly more powerful; it was reusable, with a cooldown.

  At that moment, Eirik aimed to acquire the talent, Eye of Divine Insight.

  "Eye of Divine Insight…"

  Elvynna sensed the shift in Eirik’s aura and felt a surge of joy.

  Though Eirik was only a Practitioner Level 9, if he had the Eye of Divine Insight, he might actually be able to kill Scarlett with the protection of a few Savant-level guards.

  Yet seeing Eirik activate this ability again raised a troubling question in her mind. Why did his power only emerge in critical moments? She had never seen him use such a skill in their daily lives.

  Was it possible that her husband... was also a player?