Novel's Extra: The Lost Heir of Dragon Queen-Chapter 48: The Manipulator game.

The purple-haired noble carried herself with the poise of royalty.

Two threats, as Shirone said.

First, Kael’s team—quiet and capable.

Second, Lumia’s team—a powerhouse in raw strength. Both are obstacles, but obstacles can be removed.

Alise leaned back, her mind clicking into gear.

Earlier that day, she had approached the weaker teams under the guise of camaraderie.

"You know," she had begun, her voice low and conspiratorial.

"You know, it’s a shame how teams like yours always get overshadowed by the elites," she had said, feigning sympathy.

"Don’t you think it’s time we level the playing field?"

Some had hesitated, unsure of her intent,

She had framed it perfectly: an opportunity to rise together by eliminating the biggest threats.

"I’m not saying we attack them directly," she had explained with a sly grin.

"But think about it. If Kael’s team and Lumia’s team keep getting tripped up—delays, accidents, maybe even a few sabotaged missions—they’ll never make it to the top. And that clears the way for us."

"teams like yours don’t usually get a chance to shine. But what if we helped each other out? Imagine this: Kael’s team and Lumia’s team are slowed down, delayed, or sabotaged. Suddenly, the playing field is wide open for us."

She had chosen her words carefully, never explicitly suggesting sabotage but planting the idea nonetheless.

The desperation in their eyes had been palpable, and it was easy to stoke that fire.

"Just focus on taking the missions they target. Be aggressive. If their plans fall apart, we all benefit."

Now, as the pieces of her scheme fell into place, Alise felt a wave of satisfaction.

Let them think they’re untouchable.

Tomorrow, the missions will go live, and their perfect little plans will crumble.

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But Alise wasn’t done yet.

There was another piece of her game—a personal one.

With a sly smile, she rose from her seat and made her way to Lumia.

"Mind if I have a word, Lumia?" Alise called out sweetly, her tone disarming.

Lumia raised an eyebrow, gesturing for her team to take a break.

"What do you want, Alise?" Lumia asked.

"I thought we should talk about Kael."

Lumia frowned, crossing her arms.

"What about him?" She asked.

"Well," Alise began, her voice dripping with false concern.

"I overheard his team earlier. He was talking about how easy it would be to outpace your team. He even said something about how your group is all brute strength and no brains. I thought you deserved to know. And there one more thing."

For a moment, Lumia said nothing, her piercing gaze locked on Alise.

"Continue." Lumia said.

Alise leaned in slightly, lowering her voice.

"Don’t you find it suspicious how easily he’s climbed the ranks? It’s almost as if the instructors are paving his way. And don’t even get me started on his little team—they’re barely holding it together."

Lumia’s eyes narrowed.

"You’re implying something, Alise. Say it outright."

Alise smirked.

"I’m saying Kael’s team is weak. They’re a facade propped up by favoritism. And frankly, if you’re not careful, they’ll overshadow you entirely. He’s already drawing attention and will surpass your team why don’t we team up."

For a moment, Lumia was silent.

Then, she took a step forward, her aura flaring with intensity.

Her voice was sharp, like the edge of a blade.

"What are you talking about, you little shit?" Lumia’s voice was icy, her words cutting through the air like a blade.

"You think you can manipulate me with cheap lies? Or that Kael—of all people—would bother with someone like you?"

Alise blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the venom in Lumia’s tone.

Lumia stepped closer, towering over her with a confidence that sent chills down Alise’s spine.

"Kael doesn’t need to waste his time crushing you. He’s leagues beyond anything you could imagine. And me? If you think for a second that your petty schemes will affect me or my team, you’re even dumber than you look."

Alise’s smile faltered, her façade cracking. "I was just—"

"Save it." Lumia’s voice turned cold, dismissive.

"Run back to whatever hole you crawled out of and play your little games with someone else. You’ll need more than cheap tricks to beat me or Kael."

Without another word, Lumia turned on her heel, her purple hair swishing behind her as she walked away.

Alise stood frozen, her mind racing.

"Damn it." She’s sharper than I thought. But no matter—this changes nothing. I’ll just have to make my next move carefully.

Still, as she walked away, the faint sting of humiliation lingered.

For the first time in a long time, someone had gotten the better of her.

__________

The morning sun bathed the academy grounds in a warm glow as Kael and his party made their way to the mission hall.

The air buzzed with anticipation; it was the day when students would claim their next missions, pushing themselves to new heights.

Kael led the group with his usual calm confidence.

The hall was already bustling with students when they arrived.

Teams crowded around the mission board, their voices blending into a chaotic symphony of excitement and frustration.

Kael’s sharp eyes scanned the board as he stepped forward, his party trailing behind.

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

As he expected, the board was devoid of any C-rank missions.

"Not a single one," Ren muttered, his brow furrowed.

"It’s like someone swept through and took them all."

Lira crossed her arms, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Gee, I wonder who could’ve orchestrated that. What now, boss?"

Marcus glanced at Kael.

"You anticipated this, didn’t you?" Marcus asked.

Kael turned to face them, his expression unreadable at first.

Then, to everyone’s surprise, he burst out laughing—a confident, almost daring sound that cut through the noise of the hall.

"What’s so funny?" Aelina asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kael’s laughter subsided, and he straightened, his green eyes glinting with determination.

"What are you all talking about? We’re going to take a mission, of course."

Lira tilted her head.

"But there are no C-rank missions left."

Kael’s smirk widened, and his words silenced the group.

"We’re going to take an A-rank mission."

The hall seemed to pause as his declaration hung in the air.

His teammates exchanged wide-eyed glances, disbelief and excitement warring in their expressions.

And just like that, the stage was set.