Inside the Duke's mansion.
A few butterflies fluttered and chased each other, dancing through the vibrant garden, making the already brilliant flowers appear even more vivid.
In the midst of this garden, a beautiful blonde woman sat gracefully in a pure white flower pavilion.
Her head was slightly bowed, with golden hair cascading like a waterfall.
Her bright sapphire eyes attentively scanned the magical compendium in her hands.
Occasionally, mana would emanate from her delicate figure, making the flowers around her bloom more brightly.
At one point, she seemed to sense something, her long eyelashes fluttered, and the butterflies resting on her flew away.
Suddenly, beside her appeared a cold, haughty woman dressed in a red and black formal gown.
She wore pristine white silk gloves, and a golden chrysanthemum emblem gleamed on her proud chest in the sunlight.
This symbol represented the most luxurious Chrysanthemum Hotel, which governed the Azure Kingdom's commerce and travel industry.
The emblem on the woman's attire signified that she was the hotel's manager—Charlotte.
In the Azure Kingdom, Charlotte held a high and respected position, frequently dealing with the empire's elite.
When Charlotte appeared, her cold aura made the surrounding air chill, with snowflakes forming at her feet.
However, upon seeing the blonde woman in the pavilion, her icy gaze softened considerably.
She quickly bowed respectfully and said:
"Miss Leslie, I have just received news that you have a new fiancé. His name is Owen. He should be just an ordinary mage, but he unexpectedly defeated the second young lady in the martial competition for marriage… He is now preparing to go to Pharaoh's Tower to advance his tier."
Charlotte succinctly reported the recent events to this noblewoman, who had supported and assisted her.
While the Chrysanthemum Hotel outwardly managed accommodations and travel services, it was actually the largest intelligence network in the Azure Kingdom.
Initially focused on overt information, under Miss Leslie's direction, it also began handling underground intelligence, leaving no news beyond its reach.
Leslie continued to quietly peruse the ancient book in her hands, showing little interest in her so-called fiancé.
After all, her father, Duke Charles, had long been intent on marrying her off.
Even though she had established a notorious reputation as a troublemaker, it was clear he had not given up and continued to find suitors for her. She had grown used to it.
However, when she heard that Owen had defeated her sister, Madelyn, she finally looked up, revealing an angelic and solemnly beautiful face as she gazed at Charlotte.
Although she did not particularly like her exuberant sister, Leslie was well aware of Madelyn's strength.
Having reached silver-tier and with the support of family inheritance skills and a staff, few peers could defeat her.
Yet Owen, without any notable background, managed to do so. This was unusual.
"Miss, the information is absolutely true," Charlotte assured quickly upon seeing Leslie's gaze.
The matter was of great importance, and she had personally investigated Owen's background.
Despite being somewhat incredulous, he indeed appeared to be just an ordinary mage.
"Such a person might be a dark horse. Although he is only bronze-tier level 9, it's better to be safe than sorry. Have the vice leader of the Bounty Guild deal with him personally. Make sure it's done discreetly."
After a brief thought, Leslie made her decision.
She was not fond of uncertainties.
Owen's sudden rise and presence gave her an inexplicable sense of unease.
Since he was her fiancé, it was best to eliminate him.
Charlotte nodded seriously, about to turn and leave when she suddenly remembered something and spoke up, "Miss, when Owen defeated the second young lady, the staff he used was suspected to be the Godslayer Staff…"
The Godslayer Staff was well-known across the continent, and Owen's sudden rise without any apparent reason made her suspect that he might indeed possess the real Godslayer Staff.
Of course, this was just her speculation without much concrete evidence.
"Whether it's true or not, start spreading the news that the Godslayer Staff has resurfaced. Since he likes the spotlight, I'll add fuel to the fire," Leslie said lightly.
If she was going to eliminate Owen, she would first muddy the waters so no one would link it back to her.
Moreover, she was confident that with the Chrysanthemum Hotel's intelligence network, many mages would be unable to resist the temptation.
Regardless of the truth, they would seek out Owen to verify the claims.
In that case, she might not even need the Bounty Guild's vice leader; Owen would likely be killed by those greedy mages.
The vice leader would serve as the final measure or the one to push things over the edge.
Charlotte understood Leslie's intent immediately and agreed that it was a good plan.
By turning Owen into a target, his death would never be traced back to them.
...
Meanwhile, after a moment of contemplation, Owen decided to bring Benedict and his group along to Pharaoh's Tower.
He could understand Duke Charles' intention of having the Wolf Guard follow him.
Although being watched and followed was unpleasant, Duke Charles meant no harm.
Moreover, Benedict was a gold-tier level 1 mage, and most of the guards were around silver-tier level 1.
With such a group accompanying him, Leslie's attempt to assassinate him would become much more difficult.
With them around, he wouldn't have to worry about trivial matters.
Especially considering his current state—penniless, with no gold coins to buy food, water, or healing potions.
Given the wealth of the Duke's mansion, he might as well take advantage of it.
After all, he was now the Duke's prospective son-in-law.
Seeing that Owen was ultimately willing to let Benedict and the guards accompany him, Duke Charles breathed a silent sigh of relief.
It seemed Owen had no intention of running away from the engagement and was indeed planning to head to Pharaoh's Tower for training.
Participating in the martial competition for marriage and then immediately heading to a dungeon to advance his tier—such a hardworking prodigy was truly rare!
Duke Charles grew increasingly satisfied with Owen.
After some friendly conversation, Duke Charles did not disturb Owen further, only reminding him not to push himself too hard.
Owen, playing the part of a novice, nodded repeatedly at Duke Charles' words.
After bidding Duke Charles farewell, Owen immediately set off for Pharaoh's Tower.
By his estimation, it would take about half a day to reach the tower from the capital, as the distance was relatively considerable.
Benedict and the guards, being seasoned warriors, accompanied Owen, replenishing supplies along the way.
They especially stocked up on healing potions and those that could heal mental and physical injuries.
Pharaoh's Tower might not be an extremely formidable dungeon, but the sheer number of ghosts and mummies made it dangerous.
If injuries were not quickly treated, small wounds could easily become serious.
...
As Owen headed towards Pharaoh's Tower with Benedict and his entourage, news about the martial competition for marriage began to spread among the common people.
This event had already caused a stir in various countries, with top-tier prodigies from almost every kingdom participating, drawing widespread attention.
"No wonder Duke Charles' youngest daughter is so formidable.
Madelyn's strength is terrifying! Not only has she reached the silver-tier limit, but her combat experience is vast.
She won 109 consecutive matches, making other prodigies seem like ordinary people in comparison!"
"It's no surprise she dared to hold a martial competition for marriage; her strength is truly frightening!"
"Unfortunately, she was defeated in her 110th match."
"What? Madelyn was defeated? Who could have such strength? Garner from Blackwind Academy? Or a genius from Moonspring Kingdom?"
"Neither. It was someone named Owen, and his tier is only bronze-tier level 9!"
"What... How did he do it? Madelyn's strength is such that even top-tier prodigies aren't her match. What is special about this Owen?"
"No one knows, but Miss Madelyn doesn't intend to marry Owen. Duke Charles has decided to marry Leslie to him instead, so he is now Leslie's fiancé!"
"Leslie's fiancé? The notorious Leslie? Owen has jumped into a pit of fire!"
"I feel the same way, but I heard that the Godslayer Staff is in Owen's possession and that he can wield it!"
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"Is it true? The Godslayer Staff has reappeared and is in Owen's possession?"
"I think it must be true; otherwise, how could he have defeated Miss Madelyn?"
"The Godslayer Staff is the ancient artifact of the dark god king. Even a master-tier mage couldn't tame it. What qualifications does he have to wield it?"
News about Owen, especially regarding the Godslayer Staff, spread like wildfire across various kingdoms.
Nearly every mage was discussing the matter.
Most mages believed the news to be false.
They had heard about the ancient artifact Godslayer Staff since childhood, and its impression was deeply ingrained in their minds.
They were convinced that the shape-shifting staff Owen possessed was a counterfeit, and he could not truly wield it.
However, many other mages believed it could be true. Owen, who had been so ordinary before, had suddenly become so dazzling, overshadowing the once peerless Miss Madelyn.
Something as legendary as the Godslayer Staff could be the only thing capable of causing such a dramatic change!
As a result, many mages curious about Owen and the Godslayer Staff began heading towards where Owen was.
While the mages of various kingdoms were already in an uproar, a change in the Academy City's Genius Leaderboard further ignited the atmosphere!
In the top position, coveted by countless genius mages, a name that had been vacant was now filled with golden letters.
Owen!
Number one on the Genius Leaderboard!
Everyone who saw the leaderboard ranking was shocked and astonished.
Whether it was the kingdoms of the black mage faction or the white mage faction, both were full of outstanding prodigies.
Each individual was young and ambitious, making the top ten positions on the Genius Leaderboard highly contested.
Especially the top three spots, which often remained unfilled.
This leaderboard was curated by the highly rigorous Academy City, the only truly neutral city-state on the continent, and the headquarters of the continent's eight great academies.
Academy City was formed by numerous academies and primarily focused on the study of magic, historical documentation, evaluating distinguished individuals and geniuses, and recording history.
Academy City was renowned across the continent, and many of the continent's current leading figures had studied there.
Regarding the Academy City's leaderboard, the credibility is extremely high, making the rankings highly prestigious.
"Owen, nineteen years old, bronze-tier level 9, defeated silver-tier level 10 Madelyn, suspected of possessing the Godslayer Staff, limitless potential, ranked first!"
The records about Owen on the leaderboard were brief. After reading, everyone was shocked.
Although they had heard rumors of Owen defeating Madelyn, it seemed unbelievable, and they were unsure if it was just a myth.
Now, with Academy City's acknowledgment, it was certain to be true!
"Undeniably, Owen's ability to cross such a significant tier and defeat Madelyn shows immense potential. But ranking him first? I refuse to accept this!"
"This leaderboard was crafted by Master Neill of Academy City. If he says Owen is ranked first, it is absolutely fair!"
"Master Neill is highly respected in Academy City and cannot be bribed or influenced by anyone. It looks like it's necessary to meet this Owen and see how capable he truly is!"
...
In Gowato Sanctuary, Alfonso, who practiced both black and white magic, placed the Genius Leaderboard on the ground and twisted his neck, causing his bones to crackle.
His fiery red eyes began to blaze with flames.
As the first heir of the sanctuary, his strength and reputation were already well-known across the continent, making him increasingly indifferent to others.
However, this Owen had undoubtedly caught his attention.
"I hope you don't disappoint me..."
The flames in Alfonso's eyes roared, and a faint illusion of a fire dragon flickered behind him, sometimes appearing and sometimes disappearing.
The Genius Leaderboard was not a ranking of combat strength; being ranked first only indicated great talent.
The true measure of strength could only be revealed through battle!
...
Meanwhile, in the Moonspring Kingdom, before the cold and majestic Holy Spring, mist swirled.
A young girl with meticulously groomed sky-blue hair, standing barefoot with pristine, delicate feet, hovered above the gushing Holy Spring.
Facing the six-winged angel at the center of the spring, she bowed slightly and spoke with determination in her rosy lips,
"With the angel's blessing, Saint Annie will bring the Godslayer Staff back to the kingdom!"
As she finished speaking, the mist swirled around her and then gathered on her smooth back, forming a pair of wings made of vapor.
The wings flickered between solid and ethereal, and with a powerful flap, her figure disappeared from the Holy Spring.
...
Far from the Azure Kingdom, the Sahano Church was also in turmoil due to the changes in the Genius Leaderboard.
Andre, struggling to lift a massive dark stone the size of a house while climbing a steep staircase, suddenly received some news.
The patterns on his bronze skin began to glow, and his already robust, towering frame swelled with even more muscle.
"First on the Genius Leaderboard, and the Godslayer Staff—interesting!" he laughed heartily and then slowly placed the massive stone on the ground.
The earth shook as if a mountain had fallen.
After setting down the stone, his figure disappeared, leaving only deep footprints to show where he had been training.
...
In the Nether Kingdom, Prince Carlos crushed the letter in his hand into powder.
After a moment of hesitation, he decided to take action personally.
"First on the Genius Leaderboard—it's been many years since anyone held that position." Even with the bloodline of the Dark Emperor, he had been left far behind in such talent rankings.
"Is it the Godslayer Staff's influence? If it is, then this ancient weapon will only reach its true potential in my hands!"
With this thought, mana surged around Prince Carlos, and he transformed into a hawk, soaring into the sky and leaving the palace behind.
...
On his way straight to Pharaoh's Tower, Owen originally intended to ignore the trivial matters along the way.
However, as time passed, he gradually noticed that more and more presences were gathering around him, mostly young mages.
Their gazes were complicated, filled with provocation, curiosity, and a keen desire to challenge him.
If not for Benedict and the others firmly protecting him in the center, he had no doubt that these people would immediately challenge him.
"Master Owen, things seem to be getting worse. You've been listed as number one on the Genius Leaderboard by Academy City, and it mentions that you are suspected of wielding the Godslayer Staff..." Benedict's magical artifact lit up, and after receiving some information, he spoke to Owen with a serious expression.
Hearing this, Owen frowned slightly.
He had anticipated that Leslie might spread his information to muddy the waters, but he hadn't expected to catch the attention of Academy City, or to be placed at the top of the Genius Leaderboard!
If he didn't know the old folks at Academy City so well and wasn't aware of his own talent, he might have thought they were setting him up for failure.
Being in this position seemed to bring fame and recognition, but it also brought endless challenges and troubles.
"Master Owen, perhaps we should return to the Duke's mansion to lay low for a while?" Benedict suggested when Owen remained silent.
Most of the young mages gathering around them were at bronze-tier or silver-tier levels, not posing a significant threat.
However, he knew this was only the beginning.
The news spread quickly, and soon it would attract more powerful forces, leading to a situation beyond his control.
Returning to the Duke's mansion before the truly formidable characters arrived would be the best course of action.
Once inside the Duke's mansion, no force would dare to challenge Duke Charles' authority, ensuring Owen's temporary safety.
The other Wolf Guards around Benedict nodded slightly in agreement.
Just then, a blue-haired woman blocked their path ahead.
Her slanted phoenix eyes stared at Owen, who was protected by Benedict and the others, and a smile slowly curled at the corners of her lips.
"You must be Owen. I challenge you to a duel!"
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