A council of professors, supervisors, and priestesses gathered to analyze student performance from the recent Capture the Flag event. Besides grading students, their focus was on this year's Harvester candidates.

One student demonstrated an undeniably exceptional ability in many fields, beyond just raw magical power.

"Petrova may not have the physical advantage of most of her opponents, but her tenacity and creativity more than compensate," said the young supervisor assigned to monitor Elena.

"In the test, she demonstrated a strategy of controlling the battlefield," they continued, demonstrating. "She first ensured her teammates' safety by distancing them from danger."

In the conference room, the drone images were shown from the opening of the practical exam as the supervisor summarised what was observed.

"Though she violated the restriction on using ice, it's evident she exercised considerable restraint to avoid causing serious harm. Her frequent hesitation and restraint suggest she was holding back. I myself am curious to see what she could accomplish if she unleashed her full power."

The council members nodded, their faces illuminated by the pale light of a projector in a dimly lit room.

"Hmm…" pondered a guest from the Elador Guarding Offices. "If fate hadn't been so cruel, I'd be inclined to recommend her to the Hunters. She shouldn't waste her time on academics. This student has been practicing magic for only a couple of months, and this is her level. In the future, she will become a formidable force."

"It's regrettable to halt such potential, but if she grows any further, she may become a difficult problem to handle. I propose we place limiters on her," another one suggested.

"On a first-year student? Isn't that preposterous?"

"What do you say, Rectoress Lefebvre?"

Everyone's attention was turned toward Amanda, who, until now, sat quietly and listened. Despite not giving any commentary, her presence was felt. After all, she was one of two heads of Mellgrah society.

"Hmm… Perhaps this year will be abundant in blessings of Water," she gave a satisfactory smile.

"Ah, I forgot your academy still holds such rites," one of the guest evaluators commented.

This was a council commonly held each year, and many guests outside the Amellan staff were present. Although the main agenda was to grade students of Amellan Academy, many representatives from different fields of Mellgrah society had an interest in attending to evaluate young prospects and set up plans for apprenticeships and recruitment. This was the most prestigious academy with the most sought-after talents, after all.

"You can't be serious!" one of the priestesses exclaimed, aghast. "You want to let her get even stronger?"

Amanda smiled with her usual grace. "It is a rare opportunity to have such talent. I'm afraid that placing a limiter on someone so young could have an undesirable effect. She might perceive it as a restriction born out of envy and resentment."

"Then it's decided. No limiters would be placed on student Elena Petrova as of yet," a moderator stated. "This concludes today's meeting. Our dear guests who are interested in further evaluation of the ten students chosen as candidates can attend the council at a later date after the trials."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

However, another council meeting wasn't held. It was easily excused under the guise of their own temple's sacred rite not being open to the public, but even if it were held, the same student would likely become a predominant topic again.

That evening after the trials, Amanda sat in her office watching the footage of Petrova's performance—the one that had made the judges unanimously choose her as their Harvester. It was quite spectacular, really.

Petrova inconspicuously entered the testing chamber and took her position, hands clasped behind her back. At the signal to begin her presentation, she took a playful, exaggerated step forward, planting her foot firmly in the water while spreading her arms slightly.

Then she lowered her body a little as if she was preparing to lift something heavy. As she raised her body and arms high above her head, water all around her followed her movement.

Numerous water veins snaked toward the ceiling, leaving the judges in shock. Every drop of water in the room was included in her demonstration, leaving the ground dry. With a single sharp movement, water solidified into sharp icicles nearly touching the ceiling of the demonstration room, and Elena, standing in a forest of ice pillars, made a small bow, suggesting she was done.

Amanda sneered. She had to admit, the little skank knew how to put on a show. Was this the advantage of those pure-blooded legacies? If she could already syphon so much raw power, she was the perfect candidate for the Harvesting.

"I'll give you this one…" Amanda smiled at the screen, poking the eye of the girl appearing on it with her thumb as if she wanted to gouge it.

The door behind her suddenly burst open, and Amanda slowly turned to face her most trusted substitute.

Daria was out of breath, having rushed here to confront her as soon as she heard the news. "You must pick someone else," she insisted firmly.

"She had proven herself to be the most powerful candidate," Amanda said casually, returning her focus to her work. "The choice was clear."

"Amanda, please."

"Daria," Amanda sighed without removing her focus from the documents on her desk. "I admit, I wasn't pleased when I discovered your little scheme, but it has turned fruitful, at last. Who would have thought that having a pedigree wasn't just a pompous farce?"

"Haven't I been loyal to you all this time? All I ask is this one thing. One thing, Amanda."

"She is nothing to you!" Amanda spat. "An obnoxious little…" Her face contorted as she searched for the right word. "Maggot," she finally hissed, words rolling on her tongue with disgust.

Amanda took a deep breath and composed herself.

"I must admit, she turned out not to be a complete waste of resources. The power she'll allow us to harvest exceeds anything we've gathered in years. That parasite will serve that purpose well enough. Why would you ask for anything else?"

"Because of…" Daria choked, knowing she was traversing on thin ice. "…Mikołaj," she uttered.

Amanda froze. That name wasn't brought up for a long time, but lately, it kept passing on Daria's lips.

"Don't," Amanda warned her, staring her firmly in the eye.

"You owe it to him. To them. To me!"

"Mikołaj was a traitor. He is not a card you get to play."

"You never gave him a choice!"

"I GAVE HIM EVERYTHING!" Amanda bellowed.

Daria was taken aback. This usually poised woman rarely raised her voice on any matter.

"No," Daria said sharply but carefully. "You only took," her voice was dry. "And you took him from me… All you ever did was take. This is one time I ask you to give back."

"Is that little tramp that important to you?" Amanda's voice held a stern edge, masking a faint quiver. "To the point where you confront me, mention Mikołaj, and insult me!?" Her tone escalated. "You're playing with fire," she said, flicking her wrist as she turned away from Daria.

"Amanda."

"You're disrespecting his very memory. Your request is denied. Get out of my sight."

After Daria accepted her defeat and left the room, Amanda turned to the window, where the mansion's tower stood against the night—isolated, vulnerable, but always in her line of sight. No one but her was permitted to enter it.

She sighed to herself. 'That little harlot… It's rather poetic that she is needed to preserve his legacy.'

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