[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system":3,"chapter-the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-131":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Exiled Duke's Lottery system",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1366839,1809,"Chapter 131 - 124: The Tower of Stars (Part 1A)","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-131",131,"\u003Cp>Finally, Prince Cassian said to Lucien’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I believe that’s our cue.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien followed the prince’s gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The royal guard stood waiting near the garden entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldier approached before bowing respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Lucien.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Royal Guardian is prepared to receive you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a simple statement yet somehow it carried more weight than anything spoken during the royal audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good luck.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien glanced toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Should I need it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prince laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If my grandfather wanted to harm you, luck certainly wouldn’t help.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fair point.(Aurethar laughing in corner)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian’s expression became slightly more serious afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just listen carefully.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He doesn’t waste words.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And when he decides to explain something...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prince shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...it’s usually important.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien nodded once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then turned toward the waiting guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The royal guard walked ahead without speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His footsteps echoed softly through the ancient corridors while Lucien followed several paces behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lively atmosphere of the royal palace gradually disappeared around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No servants hurried through the halls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No nobles whispered behind decorated pillars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And no attendants rushed to fulfill royal duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence ruled these upper sections of the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deeper they traveled, the older everything became.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First golden decorations vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then expensive tapestries disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after it even the architecture itself changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The polished marble used throughout the royal palace gave way to ancient gray stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The walls became thicker and corridors narrower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything felt older.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien occasionally noticed runes carved directly into the stonework.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first they appeared scattered and insignificant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as they continued climbing, their number increased dramatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entire walls became covered in magical inscriptions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some glowed faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others remained dormant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet all of them possessed a complexity that far surpassed ordinary enchantments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien slowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes traced several runic formations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Protection runes,Mana stabilization,Spatial reinforcement,Defensive barriers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some inscriptions seemed were familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While others seemed entirely alien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sheer scale of the magical engineering impressed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t merely a building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an artifact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An enormous magical construct disguised as a tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard seemed to notice his interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without turning around, he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Tower of Stars predates Asterion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice carried quiet respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It predates House Vaelthron.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Predates the capital.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And predates nearly every kingdom currently standing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was... unexpected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien glanced toward the ancient stone walls once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that he paid closer attention, signs of immense age became easier to notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some sections of stone had clearly been repaired countless times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Certain runes appeared so ancient that their original creators were probably long forgotten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the mana itself felt old.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like an ancient tree whose roots extended deep beneath the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The climb continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flight after flight of stairs stretched upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several times Lucien expected them to arrive at their destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several times he was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually even he began wondering how tall the tower truly was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer revealed itself when they reached a narrow balcony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time since entering the tower, the guard paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The balcony overlooked the entire capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sight before him was impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The city stretched endlessly beneath the winter night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thousands of lights illuminated streets and districts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow covered rooftops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frozen rivers reflected moonlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the distance, enormous walls surrounded the capital like a stone ocean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From this height, the city resembled a living map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every distric,Every road,Every fortress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments Lucien simply observed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he noticed something else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tower stood higher than every other structure in the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the royal palace itself appeared small from here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The location was strategically perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mage stationed here could observe almost the entire city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard resumed walking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Guardian prefers the view.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien followed once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several minutes later they finally reached the summit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the rest of the tower, the final corridor was surprisingly simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No glowing runes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No magical displays.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And certainly no elaborate decorations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At its end stood a single wooden door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary,plain and just like everything around it almost disappointingly normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then bowed respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Guardian awaits.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard stepped aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment silence lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Lucien opened the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Warm air greeted him immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room beyond felt completely different from the ancient tower surrounding it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Comfortable,Lived in and something humane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bookshelves covered every wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thousands upon thousands of books filled the chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maps occupied several tables.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stacks of scrolls rested beside overflowing shelves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fireplace crackled softly near the center of the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And seated comfortably beside it sat an old man reading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No floating magical circles or overwhelming aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No impossible displays of power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just an elderly scholar reading beside a fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bright eyes met Lucien’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a gentle smile appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice sounded warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Welcoming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a grandfather greeting family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door quietly closed behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man placed a bookmark inside his book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then set it aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chair stood opposite him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien took the offered seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian observed him quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze wasn’t invasive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Merely curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several moments neither spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the old mage chuckled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You expected something more dramatic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien answered honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A genuine laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And maybe someone different.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien answered honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Most do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gestured toward the shelves surrounding them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"People hear stories.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They imagine monsters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wizards tend to become much less impressive once they reach old age.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes twinkled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We mostly become collectors of books.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien suspected that was a lie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A very large lie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he allowed it to pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Most people do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes sparkled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They expect lightning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Doomsday prophecies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ancient magical spectacles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved dismissively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old age eventually teaches people that comfort is superior to theatrics.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if to immediately contradict himself, a teapot floated through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two cups followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tea poured itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage accepted one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Though I admit some theatrics remain enjoyable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien accepted the offered cup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tea smelled surprisingly pleasant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint herbal aroma drifted upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian took a sip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then sighed contentedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wonderful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a few moments he simply enjoyed the tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere remained relaxed and comfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing about the situation felt like a meeting between a legendary mage and one of the kingdom’s most influential lords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead it felt like a conversation between two scholars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually the old mage lowered his cup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I imagine Prince Cassian explained why I requested this meeting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He did.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien met his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He said you might have answers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Smart boy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression softened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cassian, I mean.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien almost smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You aren’t completely made of steel.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That earned no response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which somehow seemed to amuse the old mage even more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually his expression became thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The prince is correct.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian folded his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You seek answers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I possess some.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room grew quieter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the tower, snow continued falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, only the fire crackled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage rose from his chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly without any hurry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then walked toward a massive map hanging across one wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It depicted the known continent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien immediately recognized Asterion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several neighboring kingdoms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mountain ranges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And lastly the oceans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the map also contained territories he had never seen before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entire regions lay beyond the areas described in ordinary books.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The continent was larger than most people realized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Much larger actually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian rested one hand against the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then asked a simple question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you know about the Great Tear?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien considered briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then answered honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A genuinely pleased smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excellent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That response was unexpected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Most people arrive carrying a dozen incorrect assumptions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes gleamed with amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You arrive carrying none.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded approvingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That makes my job considerably easier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage’s expression gradually became more distant and reflective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time since entering the room, his age became visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a man carrying centuries of memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then spoke quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Great Tear is not merely a portal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is not a gate and certainly not an artifact.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His finger touched a region near the center of the continent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then moved slowly across the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is a wound.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The word lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian’s voice softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A wound between worlds, one that connects them .\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucien remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old mage continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\" And every thousand years...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze moved toward the distant horizon beyond the tower windows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...that wound re-opens.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fire crackled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room seemed colder somehow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guardian slowly turned back toward Lucien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And when it opens...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes darkened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...the demons return.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And with them returns the horrors that even history itself doesn’t wish to acknowledge\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1502,"2026-06-05T21:32:57.730Z",1,"novelbin.me","e0e773c30d9dd2529c9dbfb7260dc4819eb2fdfc52a7580d688a720f52b3648a","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-132","the-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-chapter-130",144,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-exiled-duke-s-lottery-system-cover.jpg"]