The past was built upon collecting unique characteristics.

As the chanting continued, several different beams of light flowed from the staff, converging simultaneously above the platform to form a massive magic circle engraved with intricate patterns.

Immediately afterwards, a huge beam of light composed of some kind of energy suddenly descended from the void directly above Eric, completely enveloping him.

The moment Eric came into contact with the beam of light, his body was uncontrollably lifted into the air, drawn by the light.

"Uh-huh!"

He groaned, his eyes tightly closed as if he were enduring immense pain, and his handsome face was slightly contorted.

This beam of light is not purifying something, but rather it is "stripping" away the power from its source.

As if summoned by this aura, the long-dormant power within Eric, representing the supreme authority of the kingdom, was passively activated.

An aura representing ultimate purity and the Holy Spirit instantly permeated the entire square, influencing all the people behind it, causing them to involuntarily hold their breath and feel an urge to kneel and worship.

At the same time, the light intertwined and converged, and a phantom crown made of pure light slowly appeared above Eric's head.

The crown floated quietly above her head, exuding an aura of "purity" and "dedication," which was the outward manifestation of "Princess" Ether.

This is the true power of the "Princess" ether... Raymond looked up at the crown, a hint of fanaticism flashing in his eyes.

The plan has finally reached its most crucial step. All that remains is to guide this power into one's body through the modified ritual.

With the title of "Princess" and exceptional abilities, I am destined to become the best successor to the next "King"!

The floating, illusory crown suddenly shone brightly, and countless silver streams rose up, slowly drawing away from Eric's body and converging at the top of the pillar of light.

His already frail face became even paler and emptier, as if his life and soul were being drawn away along with those silver streams of light.

……

Within the pillar of light, boundless chaos enveloped Eric's consciousness, threatening to plunge him into the deepest darkness.

However, just as he was gradually sinking into depravity and on the verge of complete loss of consciousness.

A faint, warm light of memory suddenly shone in the darkness.

In that instant, Eric suddenly became able to see clearly.

I can clearly see the beautiful memories that keep flashing before my eyes.

In the scene, they sat side by side on the observation deck at the very top of the palace, letting the cold wind howl as they tried to witness a shooting star. At that moment, her eyes shone as if they reflected the stars, and he wondered what the girl was laughing about.

The meteor's brilliance faded, and the scene transformed into that court ball.

Wearing that ill-fitting long dress, she was so nervous that she stepped on his feet countless times, each time turning red in the face and apologizing profusely.

Although their performance was not outstanding and even drew snickers from the audience, she saw the complete trust and dedication in her eyes.

The lights of the ball faded, and then countless days and nights passed.

Sometimes, when she was working on government affairs in her study all night, she would fall asleep on the table beside her, her long, snow-white hair cascading down, as if she were performing her guard duty in her dreams.

Eric couldn't help but smile; it was one of the few moments of peace and contentment in his life burdened with the heavy crown.

More and more images appeared before my eyes, turning into sparks of memory that filled my beating heart and dispelled all the gloom brought by despair.

All his experiences with her were like the strongest anchor, pulling his soul back from the abyss of despair!

Eric suddenly opened his tightly closed eyes, and the light in his deep blue eyes returned.

The first thing he saw was Diana, her face streaked with tears, desperately calling his name with her last breath.

In an instant, his heart felt as if it were being squeezed tightly by an invisible hand. This pain was more intense than the pain brought by the ritual, more intense than any other pain.

The immediate realization was that the ritual had already begun.

The unending ritual began.

And Diana is about to die because of me.

No, not only her, but also Mr. Thias, Mr. Paul, and everyone who has helped me.

Thinking of this, Eric couldn't help but close his eyes in pain.

Must beautiful stories always end in tragedy?

Immediately afterwards, an incredibly clear and intense thought burst forth from the deepest part of his soul, overwhelming all the pain and despair.

"No!"

"I don't want this kind of fate!"

"I absolutely refuse to accept this ending!"

"I want her to live! Even if it costs me everything!"

These firm ideas, like the most intense flames, instantly ignited the most resolute will deep within his heart.

Eric suddenly opened his eyes, but this time the confusion in his eyes had disappeared, leaving only deep love and determination.

He gazed down at Diana, who was screaming below, and no longer resisted the activation of the "Princess" ether within him. Instead, with astonishing willpower, he actively embraced the force that was rising into the sky!

As if in response to his final wish, the illusory crown with flowing silver threads suddenly burst forth with unprecedented brilliance.

Then, something unbelievable and unimaginable happened.

The pure streams of light that converged towards the top of the pillar seemed to be influenced by some supreme will, forcibly changing direction and flowing towards Diana, who was weeping below.

Not only the power drawn from the crown, but even Eric's remaining life and soul seemed to transform into a part of this stream of light, flowing unhesitatingly toward his beloved.

Has the flow of power been reversed?

How is this possible?!

On the high platform, Raymond's composure, which he had maintained, was finally shattered, and for the first time, a look of panic appeared on his face.

He turned swiftly and gave orders to the long-robed ranks not far away:

"Stop him! If that doesn't work, stop the ceremony immediately!"

The court mages, under orders, dared not delay. They frantically waved their staffs and chanted incantations, attempting to regain control of the flow of ritual energy and reclaim dominance over the "princess's" power.

However, their power is qualitatively different from Eric's "sacrificial" will, which originates from the deepest part of his soul and fuels everything he has.

Seeing that it had no effect, Raymond ordered the knights to form a battle formation and launch an attack, targeting Diana, who was being drawn by the flow of light.

But the flowing silver light not only brought immense power, but also formed an absolutely pure barrier.

All attacks melted away silently upon contact with the gentle yet resilient silver light.

That was the most fundamental "dedication" power of the "Princess" ether, the only two supreme wills of the kingdom, how could a simple attack shake it?