### Chapter 73: I Am a Prophecy Scholar
"**You actually escaped from my 'soul realm'?**"
[**Shadow Priest Xifan**] gazed at Su Yu in disbelief. How could a first-order mage manage such an escape?
As Su Yu emerged from the "soul realm," his very essence felt unstable. Yet, he steadied himself, looking Xifan directly in the eye. "I am a high-level scholar, and wisdom is my greatest weapon. I have at least a hundred ways to escape that cage."
Xifan let out a mocking laugh. "**A hundred ways!** Well then, let me see what other tricks you have up your sleeve to evade that confinement."
With a flick of his wrist, Xifan unleashed a thick cloud of black fog, encircling Su Yu.
"**Enough!**" Princess Elize interjected, her voice firm.
With a graceful wave of her golden scepter, a massive ice wall rose between Su Yu and the encroaching darkness, blocking the malevolent mist. Behind her, a frost pattern shimmered, revealing her prowess as both an elemental mage and a battle mage—a profession introduced in the sixth version of their world.
"Xifan, I reiterate, every high-level scholar is a treasure to the kingdom!" the princess declared, her tone laced with authority.
Xifan's expression shifted, surprised by the princess's display of magic. This encounter had tested the limits of her patience, and he had gleaned the depth of her resolve.
"**Very well, for the princess's sake, I shall spare you this time,**" Xifan stated, his attention drifting away from Su Yu. In an instant, he transformed into a swirling black wind, his figure dissipating from the hall.
"**As for you, Princess, should you require my assistance in the future, simply send word.**"
His voice echoed ominously, but the figure of darkness had already vanished into the sky.
As silence fell, Su Yu exhaled a sigh of relief. He turned to the princess, noting her expression—it was one of deep concern.
Xifan's audacity was growing bolder, and today he had dared to challenge her authority directly. Yet, she had no choice but to play along; the royal family's survival depended on alliances, even with those like Xifan.
"**Nemesis, you should not return to Nolan Village. Stay by my side for the time being. While you are with me, Xifan won't dare act against you,**" the princess instructed.
"**Also, take this scroll; it will help you see through soul-based spells and protect you from Xifan's subordinates.**"
With a weary sigh, she settled back on her throne, her youth belied by the exhaustion on her face. She produced a scroll from her space ring and handed it to Kelderon, instructing him to pass it to Su Yu.
"**Thank you, Your Highness.**"
Su Yu accepted the scroll from Kelderon and chose to learn it, upgrading it to epic quality.
**[Insight (Epic)]:** You can discern the target's level, attributes, and primary skills. The higher the target's level, the weaker the effect, and you can also perceive traces of certain souls.
*Note: Using Insight will make you detectable by the target; use with caution.*
"**Now, Your Highness, what do you require of me? While I may lack combat prowess, I am a senior scholar who passed the assessment with '30 quizzes and 26 correct.' I believe my wisdom can greatly benefit the empire.**"
"**Oh? 26 correct answers?**" Princess Alizee scrutinized Su Yu intently.
She was aware that most high-level scholars took years to pass the examination, often succeeding with scores of 21 or 22. A score of 26 was a remarkable achievement, with only one such scholar emerging from Plantagenet City each year, recognized for their exceptional talent.
"**Nemesis,**" Alizee said, rising gracefully from her seat. "**What field do you specialize in? Do you have a deep understanding of warfare and tactics?**"
At that moment, Su Yu received a **bold red warning** from the game, indicating that his answer would significantly impact the main storyline:
**"FBI WARNING: Your response will have a profound impact on the main storyline; please answer with caution!"**
His heart raced, but with no option to retreat, Su Yu decided to speak his mind. "**Your Highness, I am not very familiar with warfare and schemes.**"
"**Is that so?**"
Disappointment flickered in Alizee's eyes.
"**However, I am a scholar specializing in prophecy. I can predict the trends of war and the future of the empire.**"
Su Yu offered a smile, one that held a hint of mystery.
"**Predict the situation?**" Alizee's eyes sparkled with interest, but she quickly tempered her excitement with skepticism. She had encountered many who claimed to possess foresight, often proving to be charlatans or mere magicians.
Yet, she couldn't ignore the [Senior Scholar Badge] adorning Su Yu's chest. Tentatively, she asked, "**Then, this 'prophecy scholar,' can you predict what I intend to do next?**"
Su Yu's smile remained, and he glanced at the guards still present.
"**Kelderon, escort everyone out of the hall.**"
"**As you command.**"
Kelderon knelt before the princess and swiftly led the guards out of the chamber.
Once they were alone, Alizee cast a **soundproof barrier**, encasing them in an intimate space where secrets could be shared.
"**Can we talk now?**"
"**Yes,**" Su Yu replied, his demeanor calm. "**If I'm correct, you plan to travel to the enemy's base camp in Maple Leaf City to negotiate with the enemy leader, buying time. Upon your return, you intend to incite a mutiny in Forest City to usurp your father's position. Am I right?**"
Alizee's grip tightened on her scepter, but her face betrayed nothing.
She dropped the soundproof barrier and moved toward the throne, asserting, "**That's absurd. I would never betray my father; you must be mistaken.**"
Su Yu merely smiled, knowing that only she could truly understand her intentions.
"**However,**" he continued, his tone sincere, "**I have foreseen that victory will favor your side in the coming conflict. For the glory of the Plantage Empire, I am willing to cooperate with you. I will fight by your side!**"
"**!**" Alizee turned back to him, surprised.
**"Ding! [Queen Elize]'s favorability rating for you has increased by 1; her favorability is now 'cold.'"**
**"Ding! You gain 1 world reputation."**
The favorability system categorizes NPCs into six levels: defensive – indifferent – plain – attention – friendly – enthusiastic.
"**I didn't anticipate that Princess Alizee would hold a favorable view of me. I don't recall any players successfully courting her in previous iterations,**" Su Yu mused while stroking his chin.
But Alizee's next words snapped him from his thoughts.
"**Nemesis, I will convene an important meeting in three days to discuss our approach to Maple Leaf City. You are to attend as well.**"
**"Ding! Your main storyline has been updated! [Glory of the Plantage Empire (8/100)]."**
**Task Requirements: Please arrive at the gate of Gorse Palace within 6 hours. The countdown is 5:59:58.**
**Mission Reward: EXP X500.**
*(End of this chapter)*