The third day of the festival was marked by an annual event known as Survive in the Wild, held inside the Gladiator Arena of the Kingdom of Glorious. The event was open to all citizens, regardless of status. Even the nobles and the Royal Family never missed it.
According to Lady Ceres, Survive in the Wild was a true survival trial in the wilderness. The contestants would be sent into an artificial forest built at the very center of the Arena. Inside this forest lurked various monsters and natural hazards. The duration of the trial was three hours. Those who managed to exit the forest alive within the time limit would be deemed successful. Those who failed to do so would be considered unsuccessful.
Naturally, all participants had agreed beforehand to bear the risks themselves. Anyone who dared to challenge this trial also accepted the consequences that might follow.
The rewards, however, were incredibly tempting. Aside from a vast amount of wealth, the winners would be granted the honor of a noble title—Baron or Baroness—as well as lifelong financial security. Because of this, the event was highly anticipated by commoners, especially those struggling economically. Many of them registered with the hope of changing their fate. On the other hand, the nobles regarded the event as a form of thrilling entertainment.
In the end, every class benefited in its own way.
What Lizzy had not expected was the presence of a massive holographic screen suspended above the Arena. The screen displayed the events of Survive in the Wild, allowing spectators to observe the entire trial clearly. Lady Ceres explained that the hologram was activated using magic stones produced by the Magic Tower.
Everything related to magic on this planet left Lizzy in awe. Even without electricity or modern electronic devices, they had developed advanced technology through magic alone. It was truly astonishing.
However, because the event was far too extreme for children, Morgana forbade Milliane from attending. Instead, she took Milliane on a sightseeing trip to the Golden Mountain Monument, one of the landmarks of the Kingdom of Glorious. Revanio, meanwhile, was assigned to patrol duty that day, while Prince Orangel had to accompany the Royal Family.
In the end, only Lizzy and Lady Ceres remained.
The two girls decided to watch the event together. Lady Ceres even wore the same white cloak as the day before to blend in with the common people. Nobles and members of the Royal Family had designated seating according to rank, so if Lady Ceres wished to sit with Lizzy, she needed a disguise.
"I'm sorry… because of me, you have to sit in the common seats," Lizzy said, lowering her head apologetically. She felt guilty, knowing that Lady Ceres should have been seated comfortably among the nobility instead of on a hard bench.
But Lady Ceres sat calmly beside her, sipping peach juice leisurely.
"It's comfortable here too. There's no need to feel awkward, Lizzy," she said with a gentle smile, as if it were nothing at all. "And for now, you need to call me Ceres," she reminded her.
Lizzy faltered slightly at the request. Even though her manners were still lacking, she felt uneasy addressing her without the title Lady.
"I—I'll remember that," Lizzy replied before sitting down beside her.
The event soon began.
There were about twelve participants in total. Most of them were hunters well-acquainted with the wilderness. There were also several members of the Security Guard and low-ranking Kavaliro soldiers seeking noble titles, as well as people who had joined purely out of financial desperation.
Lizzy thought it was somewhat unfair to allow trained fighters like guards or soldiers to participate. However, Lady Ceres explained that the reward applied to anyone who managed to exit the forest safely within the time limit. There were no first or second places—every successful participant received the same reward.
Even so, it was undoubtedly difficult for ordinary citizens to win an event like this.
"There's no need to worry too much, Lizzy," Lady Ceres added. "The contestants are allowed to use magical tools during the trial, as long as they don't harm each other. But that also means they cannot cooperate or help one another. This is an individual trial, judged and won by individuals."
Today, Lady Ceres acted as Lizzy's personal guide.
With that explanation, Lizzy finally understood. Once the event officially started, she watched calmly. The audience remained focused on the holographic screen, while the contestants appeared highly competitive.
So far, everything proceeded smoothly.
Lizzy found herself thoroughly enjoying the spectacle—until her attention was drawn to Prince Orangel, who was seated across the Arena alongside the rest of the Royal Family.
"Ceres… does Prince Orangel know you're here?" Lizzy asked quietly, glancing at Lady Ceres, who was watching intently.
Lady Ceres turned to her, then looked toward Prince Orangel.
"Of course. I already—"
"WAAAH!"
A scream erupted from the artificial forest.
Instantly, the hologram zoomed in on a young woman surrounded by a pack of Fishcat Lions—a native beast of Planet Laurel Zero Five that lived in both land and freshwater. Normally solitary creatures, there were now six of them attacking together.
As the image sharpened, it became clear that the woman had a severe wound on her leg. The smell of blood had likely drawn the beasts in.
The Arena erupted into chaos.
Lizzy's heart clenched in fear. Judging by her appearance, the woman did not look like a hunter, a guard, or a soldier. She was likely one of the contestants who had entered the trial out of desperation for money.
"That's extremely dangerous," Ceres commented, covering one eye. She likely did not want to witness a gruesome scene. "If she doesn't act quickly, the Fishcat Lions will devour her."
The hologram showed the woman activating several magical tools in a desperate attempt to defend herself. But they were cheap tools—shattering after minimal impact and becoming completely useless.
Perhaps she could have managed one Fishcat Lion.
But six?
The woman screamed again, utterly cornered. "Help! Someone, please help me!"
Lizzy watched in agitation.
Unlike her, many in the audience seemed fascinated by the unfolding tragedy. It sent chills down her spine. How could someone else's misfortune become entertainment?
Despite the woman's repeated pleas for help, no one intervened—not fellow contestants, not even the Kavaliro soldiers guarding the Arena. Why did they all just stand there, watching her approach death?
"AAAAH! HELP ME! PLEASE—GET ME OUT OF HERE!"
A Fishcat Lion sank its teeth into her injured leg.
Even then, the crowd only turned away, choosing silence.
Lizzy clenched her teeth unconsciously. "This can't be allowed."
"Lizzy?" Lady Ceres turned at the muttered words—only to be stunned as Lizzy sprinted down the stands.
"Lizzy!" Panic surged through Ceres as she chased after her.
But Lizzy was far faster. In mere seconds, she vanished from sight.
"Lizzy!" No matter how many times Ceres called her name, there was no response.
Lizzy leapt boldly over seats as Kavaliro soldiers attempted to block her path. She showed no fear at all—vaulting past them and charging straight into the Arena, disappearing into the artificial forest.
Her actions shook the entire Arena. The hologram shifted, now focusing on a red-haired girl who had appeared out of nowhere.
Lizzy delivered a powerful kick to the back of the Fishcat Lion biting the woman's leg. A sickening crack echoed. The beast collapsed instantly, unable to move. The remaining Fishcat Lions retreated, wary of Lizzy.
From her seat, Queen Gaiandra summoned the Kavaliro. "Capture that girl and throw her into prison!" she ordered.
Prince Orangel paled. He spotted Lady Ceres on the screen, her expression frozen in shock. What in the world just happened, Ceres?! he thought.
As the remaining Fishcat Lions kept their distance, Lizzy seized the opportunity to help the woman stand. "W-who are you? How did you get here?" the woman asked shakily.
"That doesn't matter! We need to get out of here—now!" Lizzy snapped. She supported the woman and tried to flee—but their path was blocked by Kavaliro soldiers.
Lizzy turned to find another route, only to be surrounded from all sides, weapons pointed at her.
They were cornered again. "Stop right there! By order of Her Majesty, you are under arrest!" one of them shouted.
That was the final straw.
Lizzy glared at them, her eyes blazing, sending a chill down their spines. "You expect me to turn a blind eye while someone dies in front of me?!" she roared.
She grabbed one of the spears aimed at her—and snapped it in half with a single hand. "Where is your humanity?! How can you just stand there while someone begs for help?!"
Her voice echoed throughout the Arena. Silence fell instantly.
"Miss, please calm down," the injured woman tried to plead.
Lizzy didn't hear her. "Are you all monsters?! You turn other people's suffering into entertainment? Is that it?! Answer me! Why is everyone silent?!"
No one dared approach her. Some were offended. Others were afraid of provoking her further.
For several minutes, the Arena remained utterly still. Then—
"An impressive sense of justice, young girl." Queen Gaiandra's voice rang out.
All eyes turned to the Queen as she rose from her seat, her gaze sharp and unyielding. "But it becomes meaningless when used in the wrong place."
Lizzy bowed. Strangely, she felt no fear standing before a tyrant. "Your Majesty, I sincerely apologize. But I do not believe my actions were wrong."
The Arena trembled. Never before had someone dared speak to the Queen like this.
"Even if you are accustomed to such spectacles," Lizzy continued, "a human life should never be entertainment! Traditions like this do not deserve to be preserved!"
The Queen's expression darkened. "A fascinating judgment," Queen Gaiandra said coldly. "In another circumstance, I might have awarded you a medal for justice."
She paused. "But for now, you will be punished. Even those who uphold justice must obey the rules."
At her command, the Kavaliro moved in.
Lizzy struggled as her wrists were seized and shackled. "Your Majesty! You can't punish someone for wanting to save another!" Lizzy shouted as she was separated from the woman.
"Calm yourself. That woman will be removed from the trial. She will live. Isn't that what you wanted?" The Queen's words were sharp.
Lizzy felt the woman's gaze—filled with despair. Because of her, the woman's dream had ended.
Guilt washed over Lizzy. Before she could respond, someone else stood.
"Your Majesty, please allow me to clarify." Prince Orangel stepped forward.
"That young woman is a Trainee under my guidance at the Camp Training. She is a newcomer unfamiliar with our kingdom's traditions. Her actions were born of naivety, driven by her heart rather than understanding."
"Oh? A Trainee," the Queen mused. "She does possess admirable resolve. You should discipline her more strictly, Fourth Prince."
She turned cold again. "But rules are rules. She will still be punished."
Despair spread—not only for the injured woman, but for Lizzy and Prince Orangel alike. Lizzy was dragged away once more.
"Wait, Your Majesty!" This time, it was the Crown Prince who stood.
He bowed respectfully before turning to Lizzy. "Since she is a Trainee, why not grant her a chance? I can see her potential. Wouldn't it be a waste to discard such talent?"
The Queen considered his words. "What do you propose?"
The Crown Prince smiled—a sharp, calculating smile. "Since she wishes so desperately to save that woman, let her replace her in the trial. Wouldn't that be an excellent test of her abilities as a Trainee? Don't you agree, Fourth Prince?"
Prince Orangel stroked his chin, then nodded. "That's not a bad idea. I trust Miss Hawtorn's capabilities."
What did he just say?! Lizzy screamed internally.
And then—unexpectedly—the Queen agreed. For the first time, she did not order an execution.
Should Lizzy be grateful to the Crown Prince?
"Very well," Queen Gaiandra declared. "Young girl, you will participate in the Survive in the Wild trial in place of the woman you wished to save. If you succeed, your punishment will be lifted."
The Arena erupted. Lizzy's shackles were removed. But silence returned when Crown Prince Quinton Glorious added another condition.
"This trial would be far too easy for a Trainee personally mentored by the Fourth Prince. Therefore, as an additional condition, the young lady must capture a Unique Monster within the forest. The time limit remains three hours. If she fails to return with it, her punishment will still be carried out."
He glanced meaningfully at Prince Orangel. "Well? What do you think, Fourth Prince?"
Prince Orangel clenched his teeth. He knew the Queen would agree—and that he was cornered. "I have no doubt in Miss Hawtorn. I believe her abilities will surprise us all."
Revanio had warned her countless times not to get involved with the Royal Family. This was the consequence of her stubbornness.
Lizzy wasn't afraid of the trial. She was afraid of Revanio's wrath. If he finds out what I've done… he'll kill me, Lizzy thought helplessly.