The third trial was probably the most simple.
Even just calling it a trial would probably be wrong; it was more like a documentary.
CRUMBLE!
The exit locked behind them like usual, but instead of another hovering text that gave instructions, the walls themselves began to change.
From solid stone into translucent blue material that mirrored the sky.
The entire point of the third trial?
Watch a summary of the emperor’s love life, with the entire cavern being the stage for the entire reenactment.
"This magic... I’ve never seen anything like it."
Evelina stepped onto the newly raised stage located in the middle of the cavern, with me following closely behind.
And as soon as we both stepped onto the stage, it was immediately covered by a near-invincible transparent barrier.
And with that... the show had begun.
"Seriously?"
Evelina crossed her arms as the entire scenery from outside the stage changed once more.
From blinding blue light to a small quiet town on the outskirts of a kingdom.
In short, it was like a very advanced theatre setup, with the actors and set design being made of pure magic.
I even remembered Lillian from the novel crying after watching the entire thing.
It was definitely effective in blooming their relationship...
But for us?
Who knows.
"They consider this a trial?"
Evelina continued to watch boredly, barely caring for a love story from two long-dead figures from forgotten history.
"Not quite your taste?"
"It’s too... mushy, it’s like I’m watching a children’s story book come to life."
Evelina pointed at a particular scene, laughing at the absurdity of it.
"Look, it even has the trope of the commoner girl getting bullied by her new royal relatives."
"It’s quite jarring seeing something like this in real life."
"Tell me about it."
Evelina sighed, tapping on the barrier that surrounded them, clearly already having had enough of the generic love story.
"Can’t even leave the damn thing..."
"What about we do something else that’s more fun?"
I stand beside her, grabbing her hands and pressing on the barrier together.
"What are you—"
[Profaned Manipulation]
CRACK!
BOOM!
The barrier exploded into glass-like particles, coating the entire cavern with a beautiful dust of chaos and divine energy that slowly disrupted the scene being played.
Even the characters performing in it began to break apart, vanishing from existence while leaving the set pieces intact.
This time, it was a field of lilies, but without the annoying lovers who had once spoiled its beauty.
"Come."
I continue to hold Evelina’s hand as we step outside the stage, entering the field.
"W-Woah..."
Despite being made out of magic, they felt and smelled real.
It made the perfect location for a date.
And even better, with just a bit of manipulation, I can even change the scenery to whatever I want.
"Is this what you had planned the whole time?"
Evelina plucked a flower, bringing it to her face and smelling it; even she couldn’t tell it apart from the real thing.
"Here."
I brushed her palm, transferring some of my divine energy temporarily for her to use.
While the magic within this place was ancient and long since abandoned, its core principle was still rooted in divine magic, as evidenced by the statue of Nyx.
And for anyone who had access to the magic of the gods, even if weak, they could manipulate this entire place to do their bidding.
"Imagine something you’d like to see, and then snap your fingers."
Evelina glanced at me briefly, surprised at my knowledge, but then again, she’s used to me being weirdly knowledgeable already.
SNAP!
The scenery changed.
From a field of lilies into a throne room, more specifically, the throne room of the Royal Palace, ruled by the current royal family.
Higher than any institution, than the prime minister, the ultimate position of power within this novel’s world.
"It’s magnificent."
She expressed wonder, walking to the throne and taking a seat, conflicting feelings filling her mind the moment she sat upon it.
This was her dream after all.
To gain absolute power.
And even if fake, she got to feel it.
But... it was shallow; she wasn’t dramatic enough to care much about a fake throne, no matter how real the trial chamber made it.
"How does it feel?"
"I don’t know, to be honest." She laughed, leaning forward. "Not sure what I expected."
SNAP!
"What about this time?"
I asked, materialising huge banners draped all around the room, but not with her family’s banner.
Her own personal banner and insignia, a design I came up with myself.
Before she could reply, her choker began to glow, the divine magic I gave her strengthening it to a ridiculous level.
But she didn’t seem to notice, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t affecting her.
"Cael..."
She looked at the custom banner design, a strange feeling encapsulating her.
It was odd... her own banner, not belonging to her family, her biggest asset and why she was so feared and powerful in the first place.
Not D’Arclight, but her.
And that alone gave her a strong feeling of desire that even she couldn’t comprehend.
She was still the next in line to become the head of her family anyway, so why is it affecting her so much?
Even if it was her family’s banner, it should give her the same feeling, right? But to her surprise, it likely wouldn’t.
SNAP!
She stood up from the throne, the scenery changing again, this time to her dorm room.
"Tell me, how is it possible you can get into my head like that? Why are you affecting me this way...?"
She pinned me against a wall, hand on my chest, and behind her, I could vaguely see the silhouette of the succubus, mouthing words that seemed to read...
’You’re welcome.’
Before disappearing after a blink.
"It doesn’t make sense, you know." Evelina snickered, leaning closer. "It’s not like I can just blame this choker for everything; all it does is amplify my own feelings."
"So—"
I silenced her before she continued.
"Not everything needs to have an explanation..."