The Mage Born stood stunned, his eyes fixed on Cate. The other participants were a mix of confused and terrified. They had witnessed the spell's raw power and seen the mangled corpse on the floor, yet they still couldn't believe it. A Supreme Magician, a judge, had been killed right before their eyes.
After a few seconds of silence, the lead examiner moved to the stage and scrutinized Cate. She knew everything about Catherine Staranse, just as she knew everything about the other participants. But the timid, humble, and scared girl described in the files was nowhere to be seen.
The fact that Cate had killed the judge suggested her understanding of magic was very close to the supreme realm, with a real chance she was already there. The lead examiner was no longer sure about the young woman before her, which was unacceptable for the Avalon Society. They were supposed to know everything about those seeking to join their ranks.
"Hand over the spell, and you will have passed this stage," she said.
Cate looked at the lead examiner and the other judges as if they were fools who had learned nothing. It was clear she had no intention of handing over the spell, which had been the reason for the fight that just transpired. They had seen what she did to a judge, yet this tall woman was still asking for the spells. She was not at all intimidated by Cate's powerful display and ruthlessness.
The lead examiner was clearly more powerful than the now dead judge, but she, too, was only in the Supreme realm.
"The spell belongs to the Staranse clan." At that moment, another voice joined the fray.
It was Jordan Staranse, the sister of the real Catherine Staranse—the person Cate had impersonated to join the Avalon Society. Jordan moved forward, her gaze shifting between Cate and the lead examiner.
"The spell was created by a member of the Staranse clan," she reiterated with even more confidence. "That means even if ten thousand years come and go, the spell will forever belong to the Staranse Mage clan."
Not a single person present seemed to understand what Jordan was talking about. Even though Catherine was a member of the Staranse clan, this didn't mean everything she had belonged to the clan.
"What do you mean?" Cate asked calmly, as though they weren't discussing robbing her of her spell. She looked at her supposed sister.
"Are you not a member of the Staranse Clan?" Jordan asked.
Cate nodded without delay.
"Do you have the blood of the Staranse clan flowing in your veins?" Jordan continued.
"That's what I'm told."
"According to the rules of the Staranse clan, all spells created by clan members must be added to the Mage record and passed down to future descendants. This is to ensure the clan remains strong through the ages. This is how we have continued to be one of the most powerful clans among the supernaturals. At this moment, I demand that you hand over a copy of the spell so that I can later send it to the clan, as per the laws that bind you and me."
Jordan was very serious. After her explanation, things made more sense. The other participants no longer looked at her as though she was crazy. It was common practice for members of an organization to contribute their spells for the betterment of the group. The members were compensated in some way, but this was at the discretion of the clan; they could choose not to bother with compensation.
Everyone looked at Cate, waiting for her decision.
Jordan had just seized on a key point that couldn't be easily refuted. If Cate were to deny the request, she would be considered a traitor by the Staranse clan, which would give them the right to hunt her down. Even joining the Avalon Society might not be enough to protect her. Although the Mage Born was joining the Avalon Society for protection from the Silva clan, another of the three Mage clans, the situation was very different with the Staranse clan, which had far more influence within the Avalon Society. It was very likely that if the Staranse clan requested the society hand over their traitor, the society's chairman would comply.
"She may belong to the Staranse clan, but she created the spell while undergoing a test to join the Avalon Society. We created the environment that allowed her to create the spell, and so I must insist that she hand over the spell. If the Staranse clan wants to lay claim to the spell, the clan master will have to come to the society headquarters and make his case personally. Until then, I advise you not to interfere in matters far above your power and station."
The lead examiner didn't allow Jordan any face. She then turned and looked at Cate.
"Hand over the spell this instant. This is not a negotiation. You must simply comply, and that is all you can do."
The examiner had had enough of this group of impudent fools.
Cate smiled beautifully, her blue eyes shining. At that moment, she appeared to be the most beautiful thing in heaven and on earth. She was the lone flower preventing the heavens from crashing to the earth.
"I am Cate. I created the spell. I will give it to no one. I do not care whether you are from the Avalon Society or from the Staranse clan. If you want what is mine, you will have no claim to what is mine," she said in a sweet voice. Her words were harsh and firm, yet sweeter than honey.
As she spoke, those who looked at her no longer saw a young woman trying to protect what was hers, but a rocky, barren desert that could engulf all life at any moment. This was not the kind of person to be manhandled, and everyone, including the lead examiner, was finally beginning to see this fact.
"Are you turning your back on the clan that raised you? The family that gave you life?" Jordan wasn't ready to give up after just a few words. She was determined to get her hands on that spell, no matter what it took. The spell was powerful, and its attack potential was limitless. As long as she could take it back to the clan, Jordan was sure the rewards would be more than enough for her to never be in need again. This could be the turning point of her life. It wouldn't matter that Cate was the one who had created the spell; all that would matter was that she was the one who had fought for the clan's rights and brought them something so powerful. This was Jordan's calculation.