Chapter 76: Testing the Waters

After hearing Mel's words, Victoria and Isabella exchanged a look.

Although neither of them said anything, and their expressions didn't change much, Mel still detected a hint of disappointment from them.

"I understand."

Victoria slowly began, "While your ability isn't particularly powerful, it might have an unexpected effect in certain special circumstances. We will carefully consider how to utilize everyone's strengths."

Isabella nodded and added, "That's right, even a seemingly insignificant ability could turn the tide at a critical moment. Miss Melantha, please don't belittle yourself; you are only in the Development Phase, and being able to master two forms of Alchemy is already quite remarkable."

"Yes, thank you."

Mel smiled gratefully, secretly sighing in relief within her heart.

"Let's leave it at that for now," Isabella said.

"Let's return to our respective employers to avoid suspicion."

"Alright."

Victoria nodded, and the three of them then separated.

Mel returned to Charlotte's side.

Charlotte glanced at her with slight concern, and whispered, "Are you alright?"

"It's nothing, I just chatted with them for a few moments," Mel gently shook her head.

"Miss Isabella and Miss Victoria both plan to move against Miss Helena first. However, neither of them possesses combat ability, and Mr. Edward seems unwilling to get involved."

Mel briefly recounted the contents of the conversation, then looked at Charlotte.

"What do you think, Miss Charlotte?"

"Miss Isabella's and Miss Victoria's abilities are both quite unique."

Charlotte analyzed, "Although they don't have direct combat capabilities, if they were to launch a siege against Helena, it would be entirely more than enough. If they could genuinely be trusted, I wouldn't mind being the executioner, but after doing so, Miss Isabella would definitely be the one to benefit the most. She might record my fighting techniques and even the effect of my Scepter, which would make it very difficult for us to deal with her later."

Upon hearing this, Mel nodded thoughtfully.

"What should we do then, should we join them?"

"Don't rush to take a stance," Charlotte gently shook her head.

"We need more information to make a judgment. The current situation is still unclear, and we can't be sure that after Helena is out of the picture, we won't be next. I have some confidence in my own ability to protect myself, but I'm not sure I can protect you while also taking care of myself...."

"It's alright, I can protect myself," Mel said.

"But didn't you say you only knew how to...."

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, then met Mel's playful smile.

"The rules only said no lying, but they didn't say anything about no hiding, did they?"

She chuckled.

"Don't let my appearance fool you, I'm actually quite skilled in combat."

Hearing this, Charlotte pondered for a moment, then her gaze swept over the other people in the hall.

Finally, she took Mel's hand and turned to leave the hall.

"Where are we going, Miss Charlotte?"

Mel followed behind Charlotte, asking curiously.

"I need to first confirm your combat capabilities," Charlotte said.

"That will help me make a judgment going forward."

The two of them walked down a long corridor and then arrived at a door.

"This is where Brother Edward usually practices his swordsmanship, but he won't be here at this hour," Charlotte said, then reached out and pushed the door open.

The interior of the practice room was spacious and bright, with various types of one-handed swords hanging on the surrounding walls.

"How about it, are there any weapons here that you are familiar with?"

Charlotte asked.

"Hmm.... no," Mel shook her head.

"The weapon I specialize in isn't like these.... how should I put it, it might lean more towards assassination?"

Pausing, the girl's gaze fell on a decorative sword nearby, as if she had thought of something.

"Can I use these?"

"Yes," Charlotte nodded.

"What are you going to do?"

"Wait for me for a moment."

After receiving Charlotte's permission, Mel went to the pile of lavish decorative swords.

After ensuring there were enough materials, the girl stacked all these items together, closed her eyes, and began to mobilize the Aether within her body.

She planned to try the Alchemy she learned from Jason's soul.

As the Quintessence gradually concentrated in her palm, Mel felt her hand heat up.

Thus, she quickly placed her hand on the pile of gems and metal, and then activated the Alchemy.

【Smelting/Reforging】

The moment Mel's palm touched the pile of jewelry and metal, a dazzling Blue Light suddenly erupted.

Charlotte instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes, watching the unfolding events in surprise.

"Buzz—"

A strange vibration sound came from the air, as if invisible energy was flowing.

【Smelting/Reforging】

The pile of jewelry and metal began to melt and restructure, gradually taking shape under Mel's control.

As time passed, the light gradually diminished.

When Charlotte could finally see clearly, she was surprised to find that a uniquely shaped short knife had appeared in Mel's hand.

The short knife was entirely a pale gold, with various colored gems inlaid on the blade, shimmering with a captivating glow in the candlelight.

In appearance, it was almost identical to The New Moon.

"Is this.... Alchemy?"

"This is my first time trying.... thankfully it was successful."

Mel nodded, then lightly swung the gem-encrusted curved knife in her hand, feeling its weight and balance.

The blade emitted a crisp hum, as if responding to its maker.

"Do you need to rest for a bit?"

Charlotte asked.

"No, let's just start."

Charlotte stepped forward, took a one-handed sword from Mel's hand, then her gaze fell on the curved knife in Mel's hand.

"The shape of the weapon in your hand is quite peculiar. It looks like it specializes in assassination, and a frontal confrontation might.... Do you have any other specialties?"

Hearing this, Mel looked down at the curved knife in her hand, then looked at the other weapons on the wall.

"I'm not quite sure...."

Mel shook her head.

Those combat memories were almost entirely about The New Moon; she hadn't encountered other types of weapons, so she naturally didn't know if she could properly use them.

"Let's try first," Mel said, then moved to create some distance from Charlotte.

Hearing this, Charlotte nodded, then raised the Sword cane in her hand, and slightly leaned her body forward.

"Then—I apologize for the offense."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Charlotte's figure shot out like an arrow released from a bow, stabbing towards Mel with lightning speed.

"So fast...!"

Mel was momentarily stunned, and her body instinctively dodged sideways.

The flexible gem-encrusted curved knife in her hand twisted, blocking Charlotte's attack.

The crisp sound of metal clashing echoed in the practice room.

Seeing this, a look of approval flashed across Charlotte's face.

"Good reaction."

She said, then her hand movements didn't stop, and the Sword cane shifted unpredictably like a spirit snake.

Mel focused completely on responding to Charlotte's attacks.

During the exchange, Mel discovered that her body could always react a step faster than her consciousness.

The combat instincts and muscle memory from a predecessor were guiding her movements.

The gem-encrusted curved knife was completely under her control, parrying at times and counter-attacking at others.

However, Charlotte frowned.