After a peaceful night's rest, the Lin Family convoy set off once again toward the Imperial Capital.
The events of the previous night were the main topic of conversation among the villagers. Whispers of the demon attack spread quickly, filling the air with unease.
Feng Lin remained silent, his expression heavy.
Demons have returned… after twenty years, he thought.
And they're stronger than before.
His heart tightened. Only one explanation made sense.
The Demon Lord is stirring.
---
Inside the carriage, Maggie sat quietly, her head lowered.
"I feel guilty," she said softly. "I'm taking advantage of your family's kindness…"
Mei Lin immediately shook her head. "Don't say that. We're family."
Maggie froze.
Then tears flowed freely down her cheeks—tears of relief and joy. Mei Lin gently hugged her, comforting her until her sobs faded.
---
Several hours later, the Imperial Capital finally came into view.
Mei Lin's eyes widened in awe.
Massive walls stretched endlessly, glowing with magical runes. Towers pierced the clouds, and the streets bustled with life far beyond anything she had imagined. Maggie was just as stunned.
At the main gate, Feng Lin gave his instructions.
"We'll reunite here in three days, after the ceremony."
The two girls hugged tightly, promising to meet again.
---
The Lin Family then headed north toward the Imperial Castle, where they would stay at the personal request of Queen Maria—a childhood friend of Mei Lin's mother.
Upon arrival, they discovered the other two Great Families were also lodging within the castle.
Queen Maria rushed forward upon seeing the Lin Family, her face lighting up with genuine joy as she welcomed them personally.
This display clearly irritated King Arthur, but he concealed his displeasure behind a forced smile as he greeted them.
After formalities, the King invited the heads of the families to a private meeting—leaving the children behind in the grand ballroom.
---
Mei Lin stood alone, watching the other children interact.
That was when Henry, the third son of the Jade Family, approached her with several followers.
"Kneel," he ordered arrogantly.
Mei Lin blinked. "Why should I?"
Henry sneered. "Your family is trash. You should show respect to those who matter to the kingdom."
His words didn't make her flinch.
Enraged, Henry formed a fireball in his palm.
Across the hall, Princess Ariel tugged on her older brother Martin's sleeve. "Do something!"
Martin glanced over—but walked away.
Princess Ariel clenched her fists and ran toward Mei Lin.
"Stop this at once!" she shouted.
The room fell silent.
Everyone stared in shock—even Mei Lin.
Ariel turned to her gently. "Are you hurt?"
Mei Lin shook her head. Ariel helped her up and led her to the dining table. As they talked, an easy friendship formed between them.
Moments later, Henry returned.
He bowed stiffly to the princess. "I apologize."
Ariel shook her head coldly. "I'm not the one you wronged."
Henry reluctantly turned to Mei Lin and apologized.
Mei Lin smiled softly. "I forgive you."
Henry walked away—but inside, hatred burned.
I'll make you pay, he swore silently.
That night, as Mei Lin entered her room, she felt a presence watching her.
When she turned—
Only shadows remained.
---
The next morning arrived quickly.
All families prepared their children for the Class Awakening Ceremony at the Holy Church.
Mei Lin searched the crowd anxiously.
"Maggie?" she asked.
"She's being tested elsewhere," her mother explained gently. "Commoners awaken their classes at a different location."
Mei Lin clenched her fists in anger. "I want to see her now."
"After the ceremony," Feng Lin said firmly.
---
Inside the grand hall, Prince Martin stepped forward.
He placed his hand on the crystal orb.
A massive pillar of dark light burst into the sky.
The priest gasped. "A hidden class—Dark Knight!"
Applause erupted.
But Martin didn't smile.
His gaze lingered briefly on Mei Lin among the aristocrats—before he looked away.
---
Next was Martha Uzumaki.
> The Uzumaki Family was the third of the Great Families, responsible for training elite soldiers for the Imperial Army and guarding the Dungeon of No Return, home to S-rank monsters and beyond.
When Martha touched the orb, a white radiance enveloped her.
"Primordial Arch Mage," the priest announced.
She showed no emotion.
---
Then—
It was Mei Lin's turn.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
"The Lin Family is finished—she'll get a weak class."
"Fallen bloodline."
Even the King and Queen leaned forward in anticipation.
Mei Lin stepped up calmly and placed her hand on the orb.
Instantly—
Green, blue, and golden light exploded outward, forming a radiant aura that filled the hall.
The orb shook violently.
The priest's face drained of color.
Without a word, he turned and ran out of the hall, heading straight for the Head Priestess's office.
Silence fell.
And for the first time—
The entire capital realized something was very, very wrong.