University

"All ten of you have earned the privilege to enter Fragment, Heart of Xenith and the Pinnacle of Arcane Mysteries. Congratulations," the IMF staff member said with a smile.

The girls and I exchanged glances, grinning at one another. Flaria had transformed into her bird form, resting in my pocket.

"However… she cannot enter," the employee eyed Lin Luo. "While she is quite the powerful talent, the truth is, she lost. Therefore, she is not eligible."

"Oh? Would you like to confirm that with your higher-ups?" I challenged, a triumphant smirk on my face.

"The rules are set in steel, set by the Council of Arcanity themselves. Unless a Council Member directly says she can enter, no one can help you."

"She can enter."

As if on cue, my good ally and pawn arrived.

"She's… the examiner we fought…" Feng Mian's eyes widened.

"S-Shadow Empress?" the IMF staff trembled in fear, kneeling down. "If I may ask… why is your honor here?"