“You little brats! We used to ignore you because of your age, but who do you think you are, looking down on us?” “Typical of low-born nobodies. If you had even a shred of ambition, you wouldn’t still be such obscure little nobodies.” “Hmph! You think we can’t touch you while we’re on Heaven Island? Just wait until we’re off the island—let’s see if you’re still breathing then!” “Do you even know who we are? Do you really think you can speak to us like equals?” The more they yelled, the more vicious their words became. Their scornful, unrestrained tirade sounded more like a street fight than a conversation between society’s elite. Arthur couldn’t help but wonder—were they really the famous figures everyone looked up to? Is this the character of people hailed as leaders in their fields? What puzzled him even more was that despite their growing fury, not a single one of them made a move to enter the courtyard. There was nothing stopping them. The picket gate wasn’t locked, and it wasn’t tall. They could have simply pushed it open and walked in. Arthur glanced around the courtyard again. Aside from the unfamiliar flowers and plants, there was really nothing here. The house was just like the others on the island—a wooden structure, with perhaps a few more carvings and embellishments than usual. But were those decorations really worth all this? These people were used to extravagance. Why would such minor details make them hesitate? None of this makes sense. It’s like we’re not even speaking the same language. Still, from their words, Arthur picked up on one key detail: As long as they were on Heaven Island, these people couldn’t lay a finger on him. Or rather—they wouldn’t dare. Everyone here was preparing for the upcoming assessment. Only those who passed would be allowed to join Heaven’s Cult.Apparently, these people feared the security forces and the consequences of jeopardizing their own chances. Realizing this, Arthur felt a bit more at ease. Misunderstandings could be resolved. He had no intention of making powerful enemies without cause. He was just about to speak when one of the men outside suddenly pointed at him and snapped, “Get out of there! Don’t think this courtyard will protect you!” Arthur raised an eyebrow. So this courtyard really is shielding us? They were genuinely afraid to step inside. But when the bodyguards brought him and Ashley here, no one said anything about being forbidden to visit each other. Suppressing his confusion, Arthur spoke with sincere politeness. “Everyone, you’re all respected figures. Neither of us has any intention of disrespecting you. But I honestly don’t understand why you keep insisting we snuck into this courtyard. We just—” He didn’t even get to finish before a sharp voice cut him off. “Still lying!” With that shout, a figure limped into view. It was Solivair. He was being helped by a servant, struggling with every step. His wounds hadn’t fully healed, and every movement still caused him pain. But he gritted his teeth and made his way forward. Solivair stopped in front of the crowd and positioned himself squarely with them. With an eager, sycophantic smile, he said, “Gentlemen, I might’ve brought this kid here, but I was forced to. If they’ve done something wrong, go ahead and punish them! Don’t hold back on my account.” He said it like he was making some noble sacrifice, a man of principle choosing justice over kin. To the unknowing, he might’ve even seemed heroic. Technically, none of them had passed the assessment yet, but their social ranks were already well established. Every year, only a portion of the new arrivals would be accepted into Heaven’s Cult. The rest would be eliminated. And someone like Arthur—who had no status, no power, and no reputation—was almost certainly going to be cut. By contrast, those outside the gate were among the most likely to pass. Of course Solivair would side with them without hesitation. After what happened the previous night, he’d offended them and made enemies. So today, he’d come to butter them up. The group gave him a few approving glances—acknowledging his awareness of the situation. But that was all. They were far too arrogant to take Solivair seriously. If they had respected him at all, they wouldn’t have spoken so brazenly before he arrived. After finishing his fawning performance, Solivair turned around—and just like that, his expression changed completely. Faster than a costume change on stage.