The Phenex family castle was a sprawling masterpiece—every corridor gleamed with gold, every hall whispered of ancient grandeur. "Opulent" barely scratched the surface.
As one of the few surviving noble houses from the ancient wars, and the sole source of Phoenix Tears—the miraculous elixir that could snatch souls back from death—the Phenex clan had amassed wealth beyond imagination. In all the Underworld, few could rival their fortune.
Servants bustled through the corridors, but whenever Tenra and Ravel passed, they stopped in their tracks and bowed deeply. Ravel, the cherished little princess, commanded respect without effort. As for Tenra—even if he was the infamous "waste" of the family, a half-blood who couldn't awaken his powers—in this world of strict hierarchy, a master was still a master. No servant dared show disrespect.
Tenra carried Ravel through a labyrinth of corridors until they reached the family head's private chambers.
His father was waiting—a blond, broad-shouldered man with a gaze as sharp as ever. Time hadn't touched him since Tenra first arrived in this world. Beside him stood a woman, regal and beautiful, almost a grown-up mirror of Ravel.
"Mother!" Ravel called, bounding out of Tenra's arms and into the woman's embrace.
"Father. Madam," Tenra greeted, straightening his clothes.
"You're back," his father said simply.
"Mmm."
"Little Tenra, you know you can call me 'Mother' too," the woman added, a hint of playful complaint in her voice.
His father was all authority, but Ravel's mother—his stepmother—looked at Tenra with gentle expectation. Tenra scratched his nose, a little embarrassed. She'd always treated him kindly, and calling her "Mother" wouldn't be wrong… but his real mother was Tamako Kamiyo. Giving someone else that title still felt strange.
"Stay a few days now that you're home," his father said. "And don't get too close to that priest's family anymore."
"Uncle Shidou and his family never knew my real identity. They took good care of me, but they've moved overseas now."
Even from the Underworld, the Phenex patriarch kept tabs on Tenra's life. Hearing Tenra's explanation, he nodded, satisfied.
After a moment's hesitation, Tenra spoke up. "Actually, I came to say goodbye. My swordsmanship's hit a wall—I want to travel, train, and break through. I probably won't be back for years."
The room fell silent. Ravel was the first to react—her eyes widened, voice trembling:
"Onii-chan, where are you going? Can't you just stay home?"
"Tenra, the outside world is dangerous. You shouldn't go," his stepmother pleaded, concern softening her tone.
Tenra's heart warmed at their worry, but he shook his head, resolute.
He could spend his whole life here—never wanting for anything, never fearing ridicule, never facing real hardship. But that wasn't the life he wanted.
He'd fought too hard for a second chance in this world. He refused to waste it on comfort and mediocrity. He wanted to chase greatness, to see the world from its highest peak—even if it cost him everything.
"Have you made up your mind?" His father's gaze bored into him.
"I have." Tenra's answer was firm, unwavering.
"Then go. Men of House Phenex are not meant for obscurity."
To everyone's surprise, the family head agreed without protest.
Maybe he understood Tenra's resolve. For a moment, Tenra felt something shift inside him—a rare, wordless connection.
"I won't send anyone to protect you. But if you die, I'll hunt vengeance—even against the gods themselves."
"Thank you, Father."
"No need to rush. Stay here a few more days before you leave."
"Yes, sir."
—
The current head of House Phenex had four sons and one daughter: Riser, the third son; Tenra, the fourth; Ravel, the fifth and only daughter. The eldest and second sons had already come of age.
The eldest, Ruval Phenex, was the heir apparent—already making waves in the Rating Game tournaments, rumored to be a rising star. The second son had little interest in family legacy or battle; after reaching adulthood, he'd left to join the Underworld's news bureau as a journalist.
Riser, the third son, had awakened the Phoenix blood early and showed remarkable talent. He planned to follow Ruval into the Rating Games, and when he came of age, Yubelluna, Kalamaina, and the other girls would likely become his contracted pieces and retainers.
—
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
In the castle's training hall, Tenra and Kalamaina dueled in a blur of steel. Ravel, Yubelluna, and the rest watched from the sidelines, nerves stretched tight.
Kalamaina was a sword fanatic—among the girls, she was infamous for her love of battle. Every time Tenra returned, they sparred fiercely, and she relished every exchange.
They'd traded dozens of blows already, the intensity mounting with each clash. The girls watched, breathless, sometimes shouting encouragement when the fight reached its peak.
"Hahaha! You're as strong as ever, Lord Tenra!" Kalamaina laughed, eyes blazing.
"Immortal Phoenix, lend me your flames!"
Driven back by Tenra's blade, she grinned and unleashed her magic—her sword erupted in fire as she lunged forward.
"Stop, Kalamaina!" Yubelluna and Ravel cried, panic in their voices.
But it was too late. With a thunderous crash, Tenra was sent flying, his sword barely deflecting the fiery strike—he hit the ground like a broken kite.
"Onii-chan! Onii-chan!" Ravel rushed to his side, tears welling up.
"Lord Tenra!" Isabella and the other girls followed, faces pale with worry.
SLAP!
Yubelluna strode up to Kalamaina and slapped her hard across the face.
"Kalamaina, if anything happens to Lord Tenra, death would be a mercy!"
Her usually enchanting features were twisted in fury, her aura colder than ice.
Kalamaina dropped to one knee, face drained of color. She knew she'd crossed a line.
"I accept any punishment," she said, voice trembling.
If anything truly happened to Tenra, none of them—save perhaps Princess Ravel—would escape the wrath of the Phenex patriarch.
Yubelluna didn't flinch. A magic circle blossomed in her hand as she prepared to mete out punishment…
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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