The city of the elite, Rose Valley. Here money, power, and magic run like the blood in the veins of those born with the right surname. This city knows no mercy; there are only winners and losers.
Outside the magnificent Grand Luxor Hotel, a sleek black limousine pulls up smoothly. Jonathan Zenith adjusts the bow tie of his anxious son, Clive.
"Dad, should we go in? They say there's an iced sword cake as tall as a man inside," Clive whispers, his dark eyes sparkling with hope, more interested in fairy tales than adult affairs.
Jonathan smiles warmly, a smile rarely seen in a boardroom. "Of course. But remember your manners, champ. Say hello, don't run around."
Sierra Zenith, in a silver dress that catches the moonlight, takes her husband's arm. "Leave him alone, Jo. You're too stiff," she teases softly. "This is a party, not a trial." Her sapphire blue eyes gaze lovingly at Clive. They are his world.
"I just wanted to make sure this little bunny didn't get lost in the wolf's den," Jonathan replied, his tone playful but his eyes wary. He could feel the energy of the city tonight. Tense and full of anticipation.
As they stepped inside, the tinkling piano of a magical orchestra greeted them. The main hall was filled with nobles, elite wizards, dark-tie investors, and greedy businessmen. In the center of the room, like the brightest star, stood Lucas Leiva.
The young man, twenty-one years old, was dressed in a black suit with silver stripes, his robes flowing arrogantly. In his sharp, calm eyes, hid cold calculation—an heir born of ambition and trained in magic and blood.
"Congratulations, Lucas! You exceeded anyone's expectations. Even mine," said Mr. Winstone, the owner of the magical mining consortium, patting him on the shoulder.
"Thank you, Mr. Winstone," Lucas replied politely. "This wasn't just luck… it was the result of market analysis, force pressure, and… a little bit of magical pressure at the right time."
"Haha! Just like your father!"
On the right side of the hall, Gustav Leiva, Lucas' father, watched from his invisible throne. A man in his fifties with eyes that seemed to glow in the dark. He was the epitome of decisiveness, a deadly Black Tension mage and a master businessman.
"Son, you destroyed the Modric family of Dash Bern with a strategy that even I could not have predicted," Gustav said quietly as Lucas approached. "You put them out of business and took the ninth position in the Ravelinz social pyramid for our family. Precision moves."
Lucas chuckled softly. "I simply found their weak point and stabbed it. All systems have loopholes. The Modric family was too arrogant, and… trusted the wrong allies too much."
Gustav twirled the black ring on his finger, the family's magical artifact. "That's why you'll take my place, Lucas. Because you're not just a businessman. You're a predator."
The atmosphere changed as the great doors swung open again. Jonathan Zenith, his wife Sierra, and their son, Clive, entered. Their presence carried a different aura—an aura of calm dignity.
Lucas narrowed his eyes. "Look who's here."
Gustav smiled thinly, a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Zenith… I can smell a forced rose blooming. Hahaha." He glanced at Lucas. "The rabbit has fallen into my trap."
Jonathan walked over calmly, shaking Lucas' hand. "Congratulations on your success, Lucas. Your magic power and business are growing rapidly. I admire your abilities."
Lucas returned the compliment. "You praise me too much, Mr. Zenith. I hope your son can follow in your footsteps… or perhaps… a deeper one."
Jonathan turned to Clive. "He will be greater than me. But for now, let him enjoy his ice sword cake."
"Big mistake," Gustav interrupted sharply. "If Lucas could dominate the market when he was Clive's age, then Clive should have learned to master Tension, not play ball with lowly people. I doubt he even has the talent to be a Tensioner."
Jonathan stared at Gustav. "Gustav… you never change. This world is not just about power."
"You talk like a babysitter, and it makes me sick!" Gustav replied.
Suddenly, a chill enveloped the hall. The candles dimmed. A pitch-black aura like the soot of hell began to emanate from Gustav's body.
Lucas smiled lopsidedly. "Dad… now?"
"Now," Gustav whispered.
Jonathan was immediately alert. In an instant, he pushed Sierra and Clive behind him. Golden light exploded from his palms, forming a dome of pure gold that buzzed with power, to protect his family.
"Gustav, this isn't the place—" Sierra said in panic.
"This is the perfect place!" Gustav roared. He stepped forward, and his magical pressure—Black Tension—slammed into the hall. The black wave slammed into the golden shield, creating a deafening ripple of energy, but the dome did not crack. The guests screamed, some fainting. Jonathan Zenith's Golden Tension's reputation was no joke. It was tough and impenetrable.
"I will behead you in front of these elites, as the beginning of the Leiva era!"
Gustav gathered his energy again, preparing for a second strike. However, as all eyes were on him, no one saw Lucas Leiva, from across the room, snap his fingers almost soundlessly.
Beneath Jonathan's feet, a suppressive magic node that had emerged from beneath the marble floor lit up for a moment, then went out.
Jonathan felt the strange vibration… a sabotage… but it was too late.
Gustav disappeared from sight, his speed unfathomable. He appeared right in front of Jonathan. At that moment, the protective golden shield flickered weakly for a split second. The gap was enough.
BOOM!!!
Black Tension's fist slammed into Jonathan's stomach, piercing his weakened defenses. He was thrown five meters away, hitting the marble wall hard. Dust billowed.
"JONATHAN!" Sierra screamed.
"FATHER!" Clive shouted.
Jonathan coughed, fresh red blood flowing from his mouth. Gustav walked over, his black aura forming a sharp dagger.
"You are strong, Jonathan. But you are alone. I... have a son who knows how to win," Gustav hissed. "Get off your throne. Now it's Leiva's turn!"
The tension dagger stabbed Jonathan's heart in one swift motion. Jonathan's eyes widened.
"AAFATHERHHH!!" Clive's roar was so piercing, it silenced the entire room instantly.
"Sierra... open the portal! Take her... away!" Jonathan ordered with his last breath.
Sierra, shaking violently, opened a sapphire vortex that spun fiercely. "Clive... my son... you must go! Remember this day! Be strong!"
"Mother! Don't! I'm scared!"
Sierra's magic pushed Clive's body into the portal. Seconds before it closed, Sierra stared at Gustav and Lucas with eyes full of hurt and burning anger.
"You will regret this night… the world will change… because you lit the fire."
The portal closed. Clive vanished.
Sierra fell to her knees beside her husband's body. Gustav stared at her coldly.
"Finally… the Leiva family stands at the top of Rose Valley," Gustav said softly. "The next chess move… begins."