The feeling of endless falling was unbearable.
Humans were meant to live on solid ground, just like fish belonged in water.
Once taken out of their natural environment, survival was merely a matter of time.
Though his situation didn't spell instant death, whether it was hitting the bottom or endlessly plummeting into darkness, both felt like a form of death.
"I can't just die like this!" Ethan Hayes thought, his determination flaring.
Death didn't scare him, but there was a distinction between a noble end and a meaningless one.
If he were to perish at the hands of a formidable enemy, he'd have no regrets.
But to die inexplicably in such an eerie place? He couldn't accept that.
"There has to be a way!"
Ethan steadied his nerves and began analyzing his predicament.
The trap he triggered wasn't ordinary. In a place like the Demon Palace, traps were to be expected, but the outer regions shouldn't have such overwhelming effects.
Even his sixth-domain magic power, though not peerless, shouldn't be completely nullified.
This level of suppression seemed absurd unless it was an ancient masterpiece of magic.
His hand instinctively moved to his satchel, pulling out one of his four-leaf grimoires.
In the pitch-black void, he couldn't see the book, but his fingers brushed over its cover with familiarity. Yet, something felt off.
The texture was wrong—he only felt three leaves.
"The clover of luck is missing?" Ethan muttered.
His thoughts whirled. Could this be a clue?
Closing his eyes, he tried to clear his mind of fear and doubts. Slowly, his heart calmed.
Like a tranquil lake undisturbed by ripples, his consciousness reached a meditative state.
Suddenly, the whistling wind ceased, and the feeling of falling dissipated.
When Ethan reopened his eyes, the sight before him left him speechless.
He was no longer falling but standing atop the royal palace, high above a sea of people.
Below him stretched an enormous crowd, chanting in unison:
"Ethan Hayes! Ethan Hayes! Ethan Hayes!"
"Wizard King! Wizard King! Wizard King!"
Confused, Ethan turned to his side—and was stunned to see Yuno, now dressed in ceremonial robes, bowing respectfully.
"Wizard King, today marks your coronation. The feast is ready; please allow me to escort you," Yuno said with a smile.
Ethan was in a daze, unsure how to respond. Before he knew it, he was swept into the grand proceedings of his supposed rise to power.
The rest of the day unfolded like a dream. Banquets, tributes, and speeches hailed him as the new Wizard King, the most powerful figure in the Clover Kingdom.
That evening, Ethan returned to his lavish chamber, only to find an even stranger sight.
Inside, a group of stunning women awaited him, each more beautiful than the last.
At the forefront stood Noelle Silva, her cheeks flushed and dressed in sheer silk that left little to the imagination.
"Wizard King, you've returned. Shall we serve you tonight?" Noelle's voice was shy yet sultry.
Behind her was Vanessa Enoteca, her bold demeanor and seductive attire accentuating her allure.
Even Charlotte Roselei, the stoic captain of the Blue Rose Knights, appeared—her usual armor replaced with an elegant yet revealing gown.
Ethan was dumbfounded. The scene was too perfect, too surreal. Yet everything—from their voices to the warmth of their presence—felt undeniably real.
The night passed in a blur.
The next morning, Ethan woke up in the enormous bed, surrounded by the sleeping forms of the women.
Their faces were serene, each one wearing a satisfied smile.
Rubbing his temples, Ethan muttered, "What the hell is going on?"
He pinched himself hard, and the sharp pain confirmed the reality of his situation.
"This can't be a dream... or is it?"
To test further, Ethan activated his magic.
"Wind Magic – Towering Cyclone!"
In his hand, a small but incredibly dense whirlwind appeared. Though tiny, its destructive power was unimaginable, capable of leveling the entire palace if unleashed.
"This... is magic beyond even the sixth domain!" Ethan marveled.
He couldn't deny the evidence—he had become the Wizard King, wielding unparalleled power, adored by all, and surrounded by unmatched beauty.
But deep in his heart, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling:
Was this reality, or an elaborate illusion?