Eliana's Forte, [Phoenix Incarnation], was a Primordial rank. Meanwhile, Seele's Forte, [Game Master], was a level away.
Ultimate-rank Forte.
Obviously, the latter was the highest in order.
As far as Niveus knew, the rank was divided into seven levels.
The lowest was Elementary. Next in order were Singular, Epic, Transcendent, Primordial, Ultimate, and Origin.
For the record, Alphonso's Forte, [Light Owl], was only a Singular rank.
Anyway, what did [Game Master] Forte do?
In essence, it was a game manipulation ability.
Upon activation, a game field would be set up between Seele and her target. And if the caster won, Seele would have a chance to get something out of her opponent.
For example, commanding a simple order or copying their attributes (appearance, ability, etc.)
If the caster lost, Seele was obliged to notify and obliged her opponent's request. In case she failed to do so, a punishment was given.
The tricky part was that her target would not even know if they were objected to as her ability's target. That was the primary reason why Seele never lost in her scam game.
If no one was aware of her ability and its mechanism, one was bound to be a subject of hidden extortion.
However, with Nono's assistance, Niveus was aware of Seele's ability.
'Like Nono said, the keyword is 'game.' After that, observe her closely.'
The phrases 'game' and 'rock, paper, scissors,' and then her movements, all of which were the cue of [Game Master] activation.
The game manipulation was already set up at that point.
Niveus used that chance when Seele was getting complacent to seize the win.
The second attempt at Niveus's suggestion for fair play was no more than a simple rock, paper, scissors game without any on the line.
Even if he lost that second game, nothing would happen because Seele's [Game Master] was already on cooldown period for a day. But using it again for the same target required a week of waiting.
Niveus had won. He had one chance to request from her. But as the 'challenger,' he did not have the authority to save them up for greater use.
No matter what Niveus did, the first request he asked from Seele would be used up immediately.
"I lost... twice..."
Seele was shocked. She was subtly trembling. But Niveus couldn't care less.
"May I see it now?"
For a couple of moments, Seele was quiet. Then, she returned to her cheerful and clumsy persona.
"Of course!" Seele exclaimed, unequipping her ring and lending it to Niveus. "Here you go!"
Seele looked at Niveus curiously.
"Are you perhaps looking for a gift for your sister? If that's the case, I'd gladly give that to you!"
Niveus glanced at Seele but didn't say anything. He was focused on examining the ring.
Scratching her cheek, Seele continued.
"Ah! And if possible, can you tell the Commander that you got it from me? Hehe..."
"Did you buy this from the jewel store before it was closed?"
"Pardon?" Seele blinked. "Oh, no! I received it from the gentleman over there earlier."
Niveus followed Seele's line of sight, spotting a group of four people dressed like an aristocrat. They wore the ring on their fingers.
'Honestly, I'm not sure whether Seele genuinely doesn't know about the ring or is only an act.'
Seele was too clever to not recognize the danger of this ring. But again, she didn't know anything about Quartzar or the end of the world.
"I see."
Niveus examined the ring again. Upon closer inspection, his suspicion was confirmed. It was indeed the same ring the Quartzar used in the novel.
Tracing his finger on the gemstone's surface, he felt a little electricity spread around his finger. It was the same feeling as the ring's gem he found on the frozen river.
'It is also described like this in the novel. An electrocuted sensation when another race besides Quartzar tried to touch it.'
Satisfied, Niveus looked at Seele, who had been gazing at him with a face full of curiosity.
"..."
"..."
Both gauged each other.
Then, it was Seele who broke the silence.
"Isn't that pretty? Your sister will be delighted if you gift her that!"
No, she would not. Nevertheless, Niveus had already handed the ring he found to Starling anyway. Naturally, it was not to be categorized as a gift.
And it was not like Niveus would tell her, nor was he obliged to do so.
"It's pretty, indeed. But it's not something to be gifted to someone."
Unless you wanted them to turn into a mindless stone creature.
"What do you mean?"
Suddenly, a voice that demanded everyone's attention was heard in the grand hall.
"Sorry for interrupting your time, ladies and gentlemen."
It was someone who had been on everyone's mind since his arrival.
He stood on the platform on the second floor alongside the Queen and the royal heirs. The aura surrounding him clearly belonged to his [Dragon Aura]. It exuded an air of majesty and intimidation that could make someone's hair stand on end.
"I, the representative of the Carris Empire, Luke Clerio Rand, have something to say."
At this point, everyone was already turning toward the platform, where the Young Dragon, the Queen, the Princess, and other royal heirs stood.
Whether accidentally or intentionally, Niveus locked his gaze with the Princess again, prompting her to look away hastily.
"???"
Noticing that, a grin formed on Seele's face.
"For those who have the ring with a gemstone similar to this, please raise your hands."
The Young Dragon held a ring in his hand in the air, displaying it for everyone to see. Supposedly, it was impossible for those who stood near the entrance to see the ring.
However, with some magic and Forte's ability, the ring was highlighted, allowing all the guests in the Hall of Sun to see it.
The guests were confused but raised their hands regardless.
"What's going on?"
"That's the ring that's been recently a trend, isn't it?'
"I heard the store has been closed and no sign of it going to open soon."
"They're out of stock, aren't they?"
Murmurs were slowly swallowing up the grand hall.
"Hey... do you think the Young Dragon wants it?"
When someone said that, those who heard it suddenly turned their heads.
It did not stop on the people who were close to the person who had spoken. Like an infectious phenomenon, all the guests were turning their heads.
At that moment, an idea sparked in their heads...
If I give him my ring, I will gain a connection or a hook from him, or even the Carissa Empire.
They saw a chance.
A chance to form a relationship with the Carissa Empire.
Instantly, the grand hall was filled with enthusiasm from those who had the ring.
Those who did not could only watch in envy.
Around 35 of 127 people were raising their hands. Yet, their voices were the loudest.
At that point, the banquet seemed like it had turned into an auction.
Seele rapidly blinked. Her mouth was agape. Soon, she turned around.
"Umm... my ring..."
"I'm not done yet."
"But...!"
Niveus frowned. For some reason, he had a feeling something would happen sooner or later.
For sure, something did happen a few moments later.
With an ice-cold gaze directed at those screaming for attention and flaunting the ring in their hands, the Young Dragon said, "Apprehend and confiscate the ring from them."
Suddenly, tens of Shadow units emerged in the grand hall. They apprehended the ring's owner and seized it from them.
Most were easily subdued without resistance. Those were mostly the nobles who did not awaken a Beacon.
Meanwhile, two invited Trailblazers were putting up a resistance, but to no avail. It was two against tens of Shadow units who were at least of the same level as them.
Moreover, the guests who previously felt dejected were assisting in suppressing them.
In an instant, the banquet fell into chaos.
"What... what happens, suddenly?"
Seele wondered. Though her face displayed concern, her internal thoughts were different.
"..."
Around six people were watching as the situation unfolded before them. They were far from each other. They did not know each other. However, they had a similar thought.
They were glad they did not raise their hands in an attempt to connect with the Empire. Or else, they would have been in the same situation.
Fiddling with their fingers and feeling the ring, they smiled.