I Became The Novel's Biggest Antagonist

Chapter 72 [Demon Subjugation Exam] [10]

Cattleya Starlight embodied nobility in every sense of the word.

Her father, Reynold Starlight, was the owner of the Starlight Guild, a prestigious 6-Star guild of Exorcists renowned throughout Ocryphia. Ranked third among the nation's elite, the guild owed its fame and influence entirely to Reynold's determination and skill. Against all odds, he built the Starlight Guild without relying on the support of his estranged family, whom he had chosen to defy.

The rift stemmed from Reynold's marriage to Fina Asterion, a decision that shook both of houses. Fina hailed from the exalted Asterion family, the same family responsible for founding Ocryphia Academy, the pinnacle of Exorcist training. The Academy's founder, a legendary Exorcist, was celebrated for saving Ocryphia from a devastating Devil two centuries ago. The Asterion House, revered almost as royalty, far surpassed the Starlight lineage in prestige.

When Isabel Asterion, the Headmistress of Ocryphia Academy, discovered her daughter's clandestine relationship with Reynold, the heir of the Starlight House, tensions erupted. Isabel had long planned to secure Ocryphia's future by marrying Fina to a royal from a neighboring kingdom. Yet, Fina defied her mother's wishes, choosing love over duty.

Though Reynold was no ordinary suitor—his talent and nobility were undeniable—Isabel adamantly opposed the union. She refused to give her blessing. But Fina didn't care, marrying Reynold in secret.

Reynold, too, did the same. Despite opposition from his own family, who harbored deep disdain for the Asterions—particularly Isabel—he chose Fina over his family. Their act of rebellion severed ties with both families, leaving them to forge their own path without the backing of their influential bloodlines.

What seemed like an act of rebellion became a clear show of their strength. Together, Reynold and Fina thrived. Reynold rose to prominence, building the Starlight Guild into one of Ocryphia's finest institutions. Meanwhile, Fina pursued a groundbreaking career as a scientist at Horizon.

Sixteen years ago, from the love between Reynold and Fina Starlight, a daughter was born, their only child, Cattleya Starlight.

From the moment of her birth, Cattleya was cherished as the embodiment of their bond. Her parents indulged her every desire, sparing no expense to ensure her happiness. Yet, alongside their affection, they instilled in her a deep understanding of her heritage. Despite their estrangement from their respective families, Reynold and Fina believed it essential for Cattleya to grasp the weight of the bloodlines that coursed through her veins.

Cattleya absorbed these lessons with remarkable aptitude. While other children her age played, she immersed herself in the study of nobility, mastering its customs and responsibilities. By her early years, she had already demonstrated extraordinary intelligence, strength, and talent. But beneath her drive lay a singular motivation: to make her parents proud and meet their lofty expectations.

However, Reynold and Fina's demanding responsibilities left little time for their daughter. Though they loved her deeply, their commitments often kept them away. To fill the void, they entrusted her care to a trusted guard, instructing him to cater to her every whim. While Cattleya appreciated the gesture, her childhood was tinged with an undeniable loneliness—a life of luxury that lacked warmth.

When Cattleya turned ten, her world expanded. She met Lucas Whiteford, the son of her father's close friend and the heir to a powerful 7-Star Guild. The two families had grown close over the years, and it was evident that their parents had orchestrated this meeting with a long-term goal in mind. Her parents encouraged her to form a bond with Lucas, subtly steering their relationship toward an eventual engagement.

Cattleya was no fool; she understood their intentions immediately. Dutiful as ever, she followed their wishes and began fostering a connection with Lucas. The boy was everything she might have expected—handsome, talented, and, much like herself, unabashedly arrogant. To her surprise, she found it easy to talk to him.

Lucas became the first boy she ever grew close to, and with that closeness came the stirrings of unfamiliar emotions. Perhaps it was a crush, or perhaps it was something deeper—a sense of possession. To Cattleya, Lucas wasn't merely her first companion; he was hers. She loathed seeing him show interest in other girls, especially ones like Ludivine, a rival in her mind. The notion that Lucas might value someone else wounded her pride, leaving her questioning her worth despite knowing she excelled in every way.

Yet Cattleya was not one to wallow in doubt. If Lucas's attention strayed, she resolved to win it back. Today, she intended to prove, beyond any doubt, that she was unmatched. Lucas Whiteford would have no choice but to see her as the better choice, the only choice.

In Ocryphia's first practical exam, Cattleya Starlight had one goal: to claim the top rank. The competition was fierce, but she was confident in her abilities. The only true obstacle she anticipated was Erion Mistral, someone whose rank often edged just above hers. Even so, the margin was slim, and she was determined to close the gap and surpass him.

What she didn't anticipate, however, was an unexpected challenger.

"Who is this..." Cattleya murmured, her usually composed expression faltering as her gaze locked onto the leaderboard. There, above Erion and herself, a name stood out: Leon Cromwell.

The name stirred a faint recollection, but she couldn't place it. "Cromwell... why does that sound familiar?" She mused, narrowing her eyes. Yet no memory surfaced that explained this individual who had managed to secure the top spot with a staggering lead over the rest.

Light—the bane of demons. And in Cattleya's hands, it was wielded with terrifying skill.

Cattleya's eyes narrowed as she noticed black tendrils writhing around Gin's body. Her grip on her sword tightened.

"Now I see why Milord wants you," Gin chuckled

Before she could react, Gin vanished in a blur of motion. Discover exclusive tales on empire

'Fast!'

Cattleya's instincts screamed at her, and she dodged sideways just in time to avoid a lethal strike. The ground where she'd stood split open under the force of his blow. Without hesitation, she stabbed her sword into the earth.

"Fifth Rank Light Spell!"

A luminous wall erupted from the ground, forcing Gin back before he could close in. He stumbled, a fresh gash carved into his cheek by the edge of her light magic. Blood oozed from the wound, and for the first time, his twisted grin faltered.

"That was close," he admitted with a chuckle, wiping the blood from his face. "You're truly impressive, Starlight Heiress."

Cattleya rose to her feet, her golden blade shimmering as she raised it high once more. This time, there would be no holding back. Her smirk returned, as she summoned an immense surge of mana.

"I'll show you what the future strongest Exorcist is capable of," she declared.

Her blade blazed with radiant energy, the intensity nearly blinding. The air crackled around her as she prepared her strongest attack.

"Sixth Rank Light Spell—!"

But before she could unleash her attack, something cold wrapped around her arms. She froze, her movements halted by writhing black tendrils.

Cattleya's eyes widened in disbelief as she turned her head. The tendrils snaked out from the remains of the two demons she had slain earlier. Even severed in half, their bodies pulsed with unnatural vitality.

"No..." She whispered, struggling against the dark restraints. Her efforts were futile; the tendrils held her fast.

"That was close," Gin sighed in relief as he stepped toward her. The grin returned to his face, more menacing than before. "I don't even want to imagine what would've happened if you'd completed that attack. Truly terrifying."

He stopped mere steps away, his smirk widening. "Now, I'll be taking you with me—"

"I don't think so."