The grand Main Hall of the Phoenix Household stood like a monument of power. High ceilings adorned with golden engravings reflected the flickering flames from the chandeliers, casting long shadows across the polished marble floor. Towering banners of the Phoenix Crest draped the walls, a constant reminder of the household's unyielding dominance.
Reyon stepped inside, his footsteps echoing in the vast chamber. He was no longer just the concubine's son. He was the top graduate, the strongest magician of the academy—a force to be reckoned with.
Inside, an imposing gathering awaited him.
Seated at the head of the circular table was none other than Edward Phoenix, the Patriarch—the strongest magician of the era and Reyon's father. Despite his age, Edward radiated an overwhelming aura, his golden eyes sharp and commanding.
To his right sat Ryan Phoenix, Reyon's half-brother, his expression calm but his injuries from the tournament still fresh.
On the opposite side, Alice sat, her arms crossed, her usual cold glare fixed on Reyon. Despite her loss in the tournament, she still carried herself with absolute confidence.
But more than them, Reyon's eyes scanned the others present—the top leaders of the Phoenix Household. These were the pillars of power, the ones who governed the strongest magic family in the world.
Edward's deep voice cut through the silence.
"Now that we are all gathered, let's discuss the important matter at hand."
All eyes turned toward him as he continued.
The Hierarchy of the Phoenix Army
"As you all know, upon graduation, our children are assigned to the army."
He raised his hand, and the Phoenix Emblem embedded into the grand table glowed, displaying an illusory map of the Phoenix Household's military hierarchy.
1st Rank: Newbies—those below the 2nd Circle.
2nd Rank: Elites—mages who have reached the 3rd Circle.
3rd Rank: Academy graduates—those strong enough to officially join the army.
4th Rank: The Four Commanders—the protectors of the Four Boundaries of the Phoenix Household.
5th Rank: The Vice Patriarch—second only to the Patriarch.
Edward's sharp gaze passed over everyone in the room.
"Each of you will now decide where you will be stationed. Our household is the strongest force in the continent not because of our wealth, but because we share three borders with different forces."
He gestured toward the magical projection of the Phoenix Territory, where four distinct zones glowed.
The Four Boundaries of the Phoenix Household
The Imperial Border – The boundary shared with the Empire of Elise, an ally of the Phoenix Household. A relatively stable region.
Horizon Forest – A land teeming with vicious monsters, constantly threatening to invade.
The Dark Nation – A cursed territory where the monstrous Annihilator Beast, Cerberus, lurked. No sane person willingly chose this region.
The Imperial Family's Watch – The area closest to the Imperial Capital, where the strongest mages of the Phoenix Household directly served the Emperor.
Edward leaned forward, his gaze dark.
"Among these, Horizon Forest and the Dark Nation are the most dangerous."
A ripple of unease spread through the hall. Even the most skilled mages hesitated at the idea of being stationed in those hellish regions.
Edward continued.
"The strongest of you will be assigned accordingly. But before that—" he turned his gaze toward Ryan and Alice, his voice firm.
"Where do you two wish to be stationed?"
Ryan clenched his fists. Despite his injuries, his voice was resolute.
"The Imperial Border."
A logical choice. Ryan had always been a steady and reliable leader, someone who commanded respect and trust. Stationing him at the Empire's Border would ensure diplomatic strength.
Edward nodded before turning to Alice.
Alice smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief and challenge.
"I choose the Imperial Family's Watch. It's the only place worthy of me."
No one was surprised. Alice was not only a royal, but she was also the strongest Ice Magician of her generation. The Imperial Family would welcome her presence among their ranks.
Edward acknowledged her decision with a slight nod before shifting his attention to Reyon.
"And you?"
The entire room turned silent, waiting for his answer.
Reyon met Edward's gaze without hesitation. His voice was calm but unwavering.
"The Dark Nation."
For a moment, silence.
Then, murmurs spread across the room.
Even Ryan's eyes widened slightly. Alice, who had been reclining in her chair, suddenly sat up straight, her brows furrowing.
Edward, however, remained unreadable.
"You understand what you are saying?" His voice carried a weight that pressed against the air.
Reyon nodded. "I do."
"The Dark Nation is not a place for reckless ambition." Edward's gaze sharpened. "The Annihilator Beast, Cerberus, has been lurking there for decades. If you think this is some test of strength, you are mistaken."
Reyon's lips curled into a slight smirk.
"I don't plan to die. But if I want to master Vectors, I need a battlefield that pushes me to my limits."
He could feel Alice glaring at him from across the room, but he ignored her.
The Dark Nation was the perfect place to hone his skills.
The monsters there were relentless.
The environment was constantly hostile.
And most importantly—Leywin's Book had mentioned something about the Dark Nation.
He needed to find the Ring of Ferica, and he had a gut feeling that it wasn't lying in some noble's collection—it was hidden somewhere only the desperate would dare to venture.
Edward studied Reyon for a long moment.
Then, he smiled.
A rare, approving smile.
"Very well. The Dark Nation it is."
The Aftermath of the Decision
As the meeting concluded, the graduates slowly exited, murmuring amongst themselves. Alice, however, stayed behind, her expression unreadable.
She finally approached Reyon, her arms crossed.
"You're insane."
Reyon merely shrugged.
"Maybe."
She scoffed. "Whatever. Just don't die. I need someone to keep humiliating in duels."
Reyon chuckled. "You'll be waiting a long time for that."
Alice rolled her eyes before turning away, but Reyon could tell—despite her words, she was worried.
Ryan, who had been silent for most of the discussion, finally approached. His expression was serious.
"Are you sure about this?"
Reyon met his brother's concerned gaze.
"I have to do this, Ryan. If I don't push myself now, I'll never be strong enough to protect what matters."
Ryan sighed but didn't argue. "Just don't make me regret letting you go."
Reyon smirked. "I won't."
With that, the decision was final.
Reyon was heading to the Dark Nation.