CHAPTER 66: EX 66. THE TRUTH

Elizabeth and her mother strolled through the estate garden, their footsteps soft against the cobblestone path that weaved through a sea of vibrant blossoms. The flowers swayed gently with the breeze, their petals shimmering under the afternoon sun like scattered gems. The scent of blooming lavender and star lilies filled the air, and the soft chirping of birds created a tranquil symphony that could ease any troubled heart.

It was serene, peaceful—almost too peaceful.

Then, Diana spoke, her voice calm yet piercing through the stillness like a ripple in water.

"What do you know about the Trial World?"

Elizabeth blinked, momentarily thrown off. She had expected answers, not questions.

Still, she composed herself. ’Mother knows what she’s doing’, she thought.

"According to history..." she began slowly, her mind shifting gears, "the Trial World has existed since the beginning of the universe but only grants access to worlds that are ready to ascend and are facing a tribulation."

Diana nodded slightly, but said nothing, urging her silently to continue.

"Like our Blue Planet, three hundred years ago. When the resonance happened, the demon invasion began, leading to the human-demon war that’s been going on ever since."

Elizabeth finished and turned to her mother, expecting her to elaborate on something—anything. But instead, Diana hit her with another question.

"So based on that explanation... do you think our Blue Planet is the only world with access to the Trial World?"

Elizabeth froze.

"What?" she whispered, startled by the implication.

Diana’s golden eyes turned to her calmly.

"It’s a simple question. Do you believe we humans are the only ones who can enter the Trial World?"

Elizabeth’s mind lurched into overdrive.

’Why... have I never thought of that before?’

The universe was vast. The existence of demons alone proved other races—other worlds—existed beyond their own. It was foolish to think humanity was the only one undergoing trials to ascend. There could be hundreds, thousands, maybe even millions of civilizations going through similar struggles... all connected to the same Trial World.

She had grown up with a worldview so small, and now it cracked wide open like a dam giving way to a flood.

But the realization didn’t bring excitement—it brought fear.

She staggered a step, her voice barely audible as the weight of her thoughts settled in.

"Is it... is it even okay for me to know this?"

"No, normally it’s not okay for you to know this."

Elizabeth’s eyes widened in disbelief. She wanted to scream, then why tell me?!—but before she could open her mouth, Diana continued, her tone shifting ever so slightly.

"But your case is different. After all... you’re special."

The tension in Elizabeth’s chest loosened slightly as she exhaled. She had suspected this for a while now. Her voice came out quieter than she intended.

"It’s because my father is... a dragon."

Diana’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile.

"Exactly. That’s also why we were able to bend the rules and let you leave the Selection area early. The Federation wants you to learn about your heritage. You have a right to know what you are."

Elizabeth froze.

"The Federation... knows about me?" she asked, stunned.

Diana chuckled softly, the kind of laugh only a parent who’s already ten steps ahead could give.

"Elizabeth, the Federation knows everything that happens within it’s border. Every step, every breath, every fluctuation in aura. The sooner you come to terms with that, the better."

Elizabeth could only nod slowly. The idea that the Federation was watching her every move was disturbing—but right now, it wasn’t the most pressing concern. Her mind was focused on one thing.

"What about my father?" she asked, voice firm. "How did you meet him?"

Diana’s expression shifted, her smile fading as she inhaled deeply.

"To explain that, I need to tell you one more thing," she said. Elizabeth remained silent, her eyes fixed on her mother.

"You know how talents are influenced by the compatibility between both parents, right?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, I do."

Diana continued. "Then here’s the question—what happens when there’s no one compatible? No one who can match the essence of your existence?"

Elizabeth blinked, unsure how to answer.

Diana answered for her. "You end up like the Governor. He was the first and only bearer of a Supreme Talent in the Federation. But to ensure his bloodline continues—to have even a chance at producing another Supreme Talent offspring—he would need to find someone else with a Supreme Talent."

Elizabeth’s brow furrowed. "But that’s not possible... he’s the only one."

Diana gave a mirthless smile. "Exactly. That’s why the Governor devised another way. If you can’t find a perfect match..." she paused, her eyes narrowing slightly, "...you have as many spouses as it takes, until one of them gives you what you want."

Elizabeth was speechless.

Diana’s golden eyes softened as she gazed at Elizabeth, the glimmer of old memories flickering in their depths. The garden breeze gently rustled the leaves around them, carrying the faint scent of jasmine and silence.

She spoke again, her voice calm but laced with something deeper—reverence, perhaps. "But with your father and I... things were far more complicated."

Elizabeth tilted her head slightly, still trying to process everything she’d already heard. Diana continued.

"This wasn’t just about talent compatibility, Elizabeth. This was about racial compatibility. We weren’t just from different classes of power we were from entirely different worlds."

Elizabeth’s brows drew together. "Then... how did you even give birth to me?"

Diana’s lips curved into a knowing smile, the kind only a mother could wear when speaking of the impossible miracle that was her child.

"Because of the reason your father chose me." She placed a hand over her heart as she continued. "Despite him bearing a Saint-rank talent... and me being human, he saw something else in me. Two things, really. The purity of my bloodline and the unique resonance of my Extraordinary talent."

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. "You mean...?"

Diana nodded. "It was the synergy, Elizabeth. A once in a generation convergence. My bloodline was old, untouched by corruption. And my talent, while not Supreme, harmonized perfectly with his ancient essence. That harmony... made you possible."