Earth's Greatest Magus

Several days before the emissary ship arrived, Annara led Shinta through the labyrinthine corridors of Ouroboros to a secluded training arena hidden deep within the heart of the palace.

"What are we doing here, Auntie?" Shinta's voice lacked enthusiasm until she spotted someone waiting at the arena: Shura Ouroboros, a familiar girl she had fought not long before.

To her surprise, Annara explained that the queen had agreed for Shinta to enter the academy, but she needed to demonstrate her preparedness. The queen wanted to evaluate both her skills and her resolve.

Shinta's spirits lifted momentarily at the news, but upon catching sight of Shura, she immediately objected, "No, I will not take her slot. She can go to this academy."

Annara was taken aback by Shinta's unexpected concern for someone else, a departure from her usual self-centered demeanor. It hinted that her emotional turmoil was deeper than she thought.

Before Annara could respond, Shura intervened, her voice calm but determined. "Princess Shinta, you are mistaken. We are both chosen, and I am here to support you in our preparations."

Shinta's conflicting emotions swirled within her as she grappled with Shura's words.

In her moment of hesitation, Shura said, "I've heard about your recent breakthrough. Let me see how strong you've become," her stance shifting as she prepared to engage.

Caught off guard, Shinta barely had time to react before Shura unleashed a flurry of attacks, catching her off balance and landing a solid hit within mere three steps. As Shinta staggered, Shura said, "I'm sorry... I thought you were stronger than this..." Though she apologized, there was an obvious hint of challenge in her tone.

"Huh!! I was not ready!!" Shinta exclaimed, frustration bubbling to the surface as she finally summoned her full strength. She met Shura's onslaught head-on, pushing herself to match the intensity of her opponent's attacks. Despite Shinta's recent breakthrough, Shura proved to be a formidable adversary, refusing to yield and keeping pace with Shinta's relentless assault.

As Annara observed the interaction, she couldn't ignore the resurgence of determination in Shinta's demeanor. Grateful for Shura's part in reigniting this fighting spirit, Annara reflect on her own past young self, seeing echoes of her struggles mirrored in the young servant girl's future.

After a rigorous day of training, Annara led the two girls to the gene facility. There, they underwent a series of medical preparations deemed necessary before entering the academy. Shinta watched with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension as her blood was drawn in significant volumes, and unfamiliar machines were attached to their heads.

"It's a memory enchantment," Annara explained, her voice calm and reassuring. "This will ensure that none of Ouroboros' secrets are compromised at the academy."

Shinta couldn't help but feel surprised by the extent of the physical examinations required for admission to the academy.

Days passed, and the bond between Shinta and Shura grew stronger. Being a princess, Shinta had never really experienced a close friendship with someone her age, so it was refreshing to have Shura, who was just as competitive as her, by her side.

Close enough to share each other's thoughts, Shura reassured her, saying, "Don't worry, princess. You'll find many more friends at the academy... I'm sure of it."

"Well, why do I need them if I have you to count on?"

The two became fast friends, but Shinta, with her sharp intelligence, sensed that Shura was hiding something from her. Before she could delve deeper into it, the queen arrived to evaluate their preparation.

After reviewing their data, the queen addressed them both, saying, "You two are Ouroboros pride talent. I hope for your safety on your next journey. Thank you for your service."

The queen's words struck Shinta as unusual, especially the last part, but it seemed that their training was abruptly ending. The queen, surprisingly in a hurry, only managed to give Shinta a smiling glance before instructing Annara, "It's time, proceed as planned."

"We're leaving now?!" Shinta cried incredulously. "But I need to talk to my father... I mean, my uncle. I need to find him first."

"Unfortunately, the prince regent is occupied. We have to leave now," Annara replied, also seeming rushed.

As they hurried into the gene facility once more and boarded the transport ship, Shinta couldn't shake off the unease settling in her stomach. Her eyes widened in surprise as she gazed out of the window and saw the colossal ship descending above the Ouroboros palace. "Is that the emperor's ship?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Before she could dwell on her suspicions, Shura grasped her arm firmly, preventing her from taking any action. "We need to continue... it's the queen's wishes," Shura stated with a determined look in her eyes. However, despite Shura's resolve, Shinta noticed the trembling in her arms, betraying an underlying fear.

"What's wrong, Shura?" She inquired, her curiosity piqued. "Do you know what's going on? tell me!"

As she interrogated Shura about the unsettling events unfolding before them, the girl response was cryptic yet reassuring. "Nothing is wrong... everything is going to be fine," she insisted with a forced smile. "You, princess is our number one talent... you will make us proud."

Confusion clouded Shinta's mind as she attempted to make sense of Shura's reassurances. Before she could voice her concerns further, a wave of dizziness washed over her, followed by a sensation of heaviness in her limbs, Annara had drugged her. "Auntie... what... why..." Her words trailed off into a haze as darkness enveloped her consciousness.

While Shinta remained unconscious and oblivious to the unfolding events, Annara deftly orchestrated her clandestine extraction from Ouroboros planet.

Meanwhile, Shura seamlessly assumed the role of the princess, her identity crafted through the manipulation of blood samples and memory enhancements.

Without delay, Shura was handed over to the emissary, who promptly escorted her to the capital. Every aspect of the operation unfolded in strict accordance with the queen's meticulously devised plans, ensuring utmost secrecy and precision in execution.