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Vengeance of the Reborn Prodigy Full EP
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Short filmTranscript
00:01Battlefield in ruins. The ground trembles. Lava cracks open. After the war, I was the one who kept the frost
00:08wing alive. The frost wing shifts into a man. And the first thing he did was choose her. Serafina in
00:13his arms. They kiss. Serafina ss.my jr. The ground splits. Lava surges. She smiled at me.
00:21Thank you, senior. For raising him. For me. He turns back into a beast, lifting her onto his back. He
00:28didn't even look at me. He lowers his head. Lifts the heroin in his jaws. And somehow, I thought he'd
00:34save me. He lets go. I falls into lava. Ten years, just to raise someone else's mate. Eyes snap open.
00:42No. Bright hull. Crowd murmuring. Banners. Sigils.
00:46The binding royal. This place. The gray marsh binding right. My name is Rowan Ashford. Top of my class, the
00:53headmaster's ward, the academy's brightest prodigy. The frost wing was the center of the hall, perched on a golden stand.
00:59His blue-green feathers glinting like ice. The bird's cold eyes passed over me as if I were nothing. Then
01:05Serafina stepped forward. In her arms lay a half-dead black sea serpent. Tears trembled on her lashes. And the
01:10frost wing lowered his head to her. Just like that, I became the villain. Professor Hargrove frowned.
01:16Serafina, your arcane vessel is too weak. You can't handle a creature like that. Rowan, I was never trying to
01:23compete with you. I just... Then I'll take this one. Since the frost wing likes her so much, she can
01:29have him. Has Rowan lost her mind?
01:31I ignored them. In my last life... I ignored them. In my last life, I gave that bird everything. In
01:40the end, he made me die. So this time, Serafina, he's all yours. Good luck raising that greedy beast.
01:46Professor Hargrove couldn't talk me out of it. But he looked sick to his stomach. Handing a legendary
01:51pureblood frost wing. To a rookie transfer student with zero foundation? It was a criminal waste of
01:56potential. But the frost wing acted like he was drugged. Clinging to Serafina as if he couldn't
02:01live without her. Afraid to hurt the bird, the professor sighed and activated the right. A soul bond is a
02:07leash. Once the contract is sealed, the familiar is bound to the caster's will. If it ever dares to harm
02:13its owner,
02:13the magical backlash is lethal. The ritual array flared to light. Runes pulsing with raw power.
02:19The sudden surge of magic terrified the sea serpent. With its last bit of strength,
02:24it quilled tightly around my wrist, desperate. As if afraid I'd change my mind and throw it back
02:29into the trash. In the opposite circle, Serafina basked in her moment of triumph. She looked at me
02:34and smirked. You and that snake really are a perfect match, Rowan. I didn't even have to open
02:40my mouth. My classmates did it for me. Watch your tongue, boss! If Rowan hadn't handed him to you
02:46on a silver platter, you wouldn't even be allowed to touch a frost wing's feather! If I were you,
02:52I'd be kneeling in gratitude. Seeing Serafina get picked on, the frost wing grew frantic, trying to
02:58shield her, but he failed. There was a problem. After a bond, a familiar shares its master's mana.
03:04And Serafina? She's a total amateur. What magic could she possibly give him? Get used to it,
03:10buddy. Life with a weak binder is a long, slow crawl. I looked down at the little serpent on
03:15my wrist. Finally sure that I wouldn't abandon it. It went limp and passed out in peace.
03:22Back at my house. I started studying my new familiar. He was tiny. By the looks of it.
03:28He had just reached maturity. But he wasn't like any sea serpent I'd ever seen.
03:32His tail was flat with a sleek fin, more like a fish. Most likely, he's a hybrid. Part sea serpent,
03:38part siren. My yard had a natural magic spring. The second I put him in, the little guy came back
03:44to life. Splashing around and greedily absorbing the mana from the water. You've got some nerve.
03:49Aren't you worried I'll poison you just to trade up for something better? He froze, staring at me with
03:55his tiny, bead-like eyes. Then, he spat water right in my face. I gave his head a playful flick.
04:03Fine. Just focus on healing. I raised a frost wing. One little snake won't be a problem.
04:10The next morning, I opened my eyes and immediately froze. A man was in my bed. Sun-kissed skin. Dark
04:17lashes fluttering like butterfly wings. I shrank into the corner. Who are you?
04:23This is Grey Moth Academy. Don't even think about trying anything. He sat up lazily.
04:34The sea serpent? Rude. I have a name. It's Ness.
04:41Apparently, he'd been on the run from something trouble. And somehow, he ran straight into my
04:46Uncle Percy. You know Percy. The man has a gift for picking up treasures off the street. Broken
04:51clocks. First rings. Apparently, dying snakes included. Nix had disguised himself as one,
04:56half-dead, barely breathing, just to get help. And Percy? He brought him home like he just hit the
05:01jackpot. The problem is, Nix isn't just anything. He can already manifest. Which means his power is off
05:08the charts. And if he's this strong, then whatever's planting him? Yeah. Monsters.
05:15Great. Just great. Tell me something. Your enemies aren't going to track you here, right?
05:21Nix stepped closer. His golden eyes locked onto mine, pinning me against the wall like I had
05:25nowhere else to go. He smiled. We're bound now. A contract. Excuse me? You're the owner.
05:33And I'm your guardian. He leaned in, voice lowering. So, master?
05:38You better start training. Try not to hold me back.
05:45Nix actually had some tricks up his sleeve. My magical essence was water-based. Which
05:49perfectly complements his nature. He taught me an ancient spell weaving from the sea clans.
05:54To draw magic directly from the water. The results were incredible. Even the headmaster noticed my
05:59rapid progress. My new daily routine was simple. I'd soak in the magic spring to train. While Nix watched
06:06over me from the branches of the cherry tree. Under the sunlight. His bronze skin gleamed.
06:10His collar hanging open to reveal sharp collarbones. With his eyes narrowed in a lazy nap. He looked
06:16dangerously beautiful. The man was a total heartbreaker. But before I could enjoy the view.
06:21Someone had to ruin the mood. Serafina poked her head through the gate.
06:24Rowan? I rose from the spring. Nix flipped down from the tree in one smooth motion. Casually draping my
06:31cloak over my shoulders. The moment Serafina saw him, she froze.
06:36What are you doing here? She didn't answer. She was too busy staring at Nix.
06:40Who? Who is he?
06:42I took Nix's hand and gave her a thin smile. You remember him? The pathetic little black serpent
06:49from the right? Didn't you say he and I were a perfect match? Annoyance flashed in her eyes.
06:55Out with it. What do you want? She hemmed and hawed. I want you to help me raise the frostwing.
07:03I felt Nix's grip on my hand tighten. I looked back, met his displeased gaze,
07:08and gave him a reassuring smile before turning back to her. If you can't afford him, figure it
07:12out yourself. I don't owe you a thing. What do you mean you don't owe me? Serafina snapped,
07:17her victim act finally slipping. Six months ago, you took my serpent and shoved that frostwing onto me.
07:23You don't get to just walk away from this. The audacity was breathtaking. It had been six months,
07:29and she'd finally realized the academy's standard rations were a drop in the bucket for a pure
07:33blood beast. She'd spent all her own potions on him, and now her own arcane progress had stalled,
07:39while everyone else in her year had surpassed her. He is your responsibility! If a divine beast
07:44can't evolve, it's a loss for the whole academy! I didn't wait for her to finish. With a flick of
07:50my
07:50wrist, a surge of mana swept her off her feet and sent her tumbling out the gate. Don't treat everyone
07:57like a fool, Serafina! I called out as the gate slammed shut. Kind of martyr? Spend 10 years doing
08:03the heavy lifting just so you can reap the rewards? If you can't afford him, cut him loose and stop
08:07hogging the spotlight. In just a few months, I transcended the senior ranks and was ordained
08:14as an arcanist. Right around then, the headmaster spent two top-tier artifacts to trade for a rare
08:20spirit wolf from the alchemy guild. He sent Professor Whitmore and me to escort the beast back to the
08:24academy. When we arrived, she suddenly giggled. Little Rowan, your serpent certainly is a clingy
08:30one. I didn't catch her meaning until I headed up the mountain and saw a figure leaning against a tree
08:35by the path. Nyx? He didn't move. Then he grabbed me, fingers locking at the back of my neck, forcing
08:42me
08:42to look at him, golden eyes burning. Rowan Ashford, have I not treated you well? His grip tightened. What
08:48are you talking about? That woman came by again today. She said you left me to her. Are you
08:54regretting our bond already? You're replacing me with another mate? Just because you've
08:59ascended? Nyx's pupils narrowed into thin lines. He bent down, burying his face in the crook
09:03of my neck, and gave the skin a slow, deliberate lick, then bared his fangs, his voice a low
09:08growl against my ear. The scent of a spirit wolf, your new mate? Nyx, listen. No need. Once I devour
09:15him. A faint smile. You won't have a choice. You'll keep me.
09:25You hit me? Over her? That's the headmaster's spirit wolf, you idiot. It's an academy asset.
09:31Ness stopped throwing a fit and followed me like a loyal shadow. The dorm area was quiet. A few
09:35lower years told me Serafina had taken the frost wing to the back mountain. Turns out,
09:39they were having a lover spat. Wipe that look off your face! I've done nothing wrong! Do you know
09:47how many potions I've wasted on you? I have nothing left for my own training! I gave you
09:52everything and you're still not satisfied! You want me to risk my life outside the academy
09:57for materials? You're insane! If you want me dead, just say it! Rowan C. Reflin has already
10:02shift! And look at you! You can't even speak! Stop scratching words in the dirt! I'm done
10:11reading your pathetic notes! In my last life, I spent 10 years begging for a single glance from
10:17that bird. Now, he was literally scratching love letters in the mud, just to get Serafina to look
10:22at him. The irony was delicious. Serafina, I've been looking for you. The frost wing immediately
10:27scrambled to claw over the words on the ground. When Serafina saw me with Ness, her face went pale,
10:32then tight with forced calm. What do you want, Rowan? I patted Ness's arm. He let out a low,
10:37amused chuckle, dropped to one knee, and let me sit on his leg, his hand steady and possessive on my
10:42waist. Serafina bit her lip, her eyes glued to Ness. She completely forgot about the bird beside her.
10:48I'm here to ask why you've been stalking my familiar. The frost wing's feathers flared in a
10:51jealous rage. Serafina panicked. No! You've got it all wrong! I was looking for you! She's lying,
10:58master. She told me you snatched me away from her. Claimed I was rightfully hers. Ness rested his chin
11:04on my shoulder, acting like a kicked puppy. I kissed his cheek a little pat as a reward, then looked
11:09at
11:09Serafina. Beside her, the frost wing's chest exploded. He was livid. Finally, Serafina realized
11:15what was happening. You're trying to drive a wedge between us! You started this game,
11:19Serafina. Don't cry when I'm the one who finishes it. If you touch my famil again, I'll see you at
11:25the tribunal. On the way back, I was in a great mood. Ness, however, was strangely quiet. As we
11:30entered the yard, he grabbed my arm. You know that bird, don't you? Well. We have a history. A
11:36miserable one. Want to hear it? No. I'm ten thousand times better than that trash bird. You're never bonding
11:42with anyone else, period. Don't worry. I'm a one-fenishing kind of mage. You gave me your
11:48loyalty? I'll give you my word. Ten years vanished in a flash. I climbed the ranks, rising from a
12:04lowly neophyte to an elite arcanist. Then, the former head of the beast-taming hall suddenly went
12:08on a trip, and the position fell into my lap. Professor Whitmore told me. We thought the
12:19Frostwing would raise Graymorrow's strength to a new level. But even now, there's no sign of him
12:25achieving his human form. The faculty even tried pooling resources to fuel his evolution by the
12:31side cut in. Graymarsh was small. We didn't have the deep pockets of the top magic academies or the
12:37alchemy guild. Raising magical creatures took massive amounts of time and resources. There
12:41was never a surplus. But more importantly, the Frostwing couldn't be allowed to manifest.
12:46I remembered the bloodbath from my last life. I'd avoided that bird at all costs. But I knew his kind.
12:52A divine beast with a dark heart is a walking apocalypse. I'd thought about killing him,
12:57but every time I tried to warn Nyx or the headmaster about the future, it was as if an invisible
13:01wall
13:01blocked my voice. They couldn't hear a thing I said about my past life. I could only watch him.
13:07Suppress him. After all, in my last flight, I didn't survive past this year.
13:15I was so busy I barely had time for Nyx. So he went off to find his own fun. That
13:20evening,
13:20before I even reached my front door, the world spun. Nyx had slung me over his shoulder like a sack
13:26of
13:26grain. What are you doing now? Come on. I'm taking you to see a show.
13:36The show was Serafina and the Frostwing arguing. Well, more like a one-sided screaming match.
13:41A loudspeaker yelling at a mute. Don't you dare! Blame me! I didn't took her that stick,
13:48Grayman did it! Right, Odd, you Fendi of Playmart! I didn't force you to come to Graymart! You said it
13:55was a good place to hone your magic!
13:58If it weren't for you, I'd be at the Alchemy Guild by now! Instead, I'm stuck in this pathetic broke
14:04academy!
14:11Do you think I knew the monthly rations would be this meager? Professor Hardhack tried to give you to
14:16Rowan, but you had to be arrogant! You feel like the... Now she's the headmaster's golden child! She's
14:24everything! If you'd stayed with her, you'd have ascended ages ago! I clenched my fists. So that was it.
14:31I always wondered why the Frostwing chose Serafina. They'd known each other all along.
14:36In my last life, if I hadn't been the fool who bled for them, it would have been someone else.
14:42Graymarsh was never a home to them. It was a stepping stone. The more I thought, the colder my
14:47blood ran. There are only two ways to break the soul bond. The caster willingly severs it, or the caster
14:52dies.
14:57So I must die.
15:01The Frostwing was lurking outside my gate, glaring at Nyx as he soaked in the spring. Nyx was being his
15:06usual petty self, shifting into human form just to mock the bird. I didn't give the Frostwing a second
15:11glance. You're a familiar, aren't you? Why aren't you with Serafina while she trains? Nyx followed my
15:17lead, dripping wet and leaning against me. Yeah. My mistress actually cares about me, so she lets me
15:25rest. Why aren't you with yours? He's decades older than me, yet he says master like it's candy on his
15:30tongue. I walked into the yard and glanced at the spring. At least that girl's manipulative aura hadn't
15:35tainted my spring. Nyx pressed closer, his damp skin radiating heat. I just wanted that bird to know
15:40there's no vacancy in this house, or our relationship. And what relationship is that? His golden pupils
15:46shimmered with mischief. We are whatever you desire us to be, master. Something shifted behind us. I went to
15:52turn, but Nyx caught my face in his hands. Don't bother. The trash bird flew away. I need to know
15:58why he was here. That bird is rotten to the core. He's regretting his choices, obviously. He realizes
16:04he's stuck with a loser novice and wants back in your good graces. I looked at the empty gate. My
16:09gut
16:09told me it was more than that. In this life, I'd gone out of my way to avoid him. If
16:13he wanted a new
16:14master, he could have asked the faculty. Unless, he's reborn too. The thought sent a chill down my spine.
16:19I teleported to the back mountain instantly. The seal was intact, thank god. But then I saw them,
16:25blue-green feathers scattered near the array. He'd been here. He's too weak to break the seal now.
16:30But he knows it exists. Only a handful of people knew about the abyssal monsters sealed here.
16:35My parents died protecting this place. And in my last life. I'd only ever shared that secret with
16:41one person. The Frostwing. Why was he here? He hasn't even manifested yet. There's no way he could
16:47survive letting the monsters out. I'll have to watch him like a hawk. This just got a lot more
16:51dangerous. Rumors started flying through the academy. Mostly about Serafina. What annoyed me
16:59was that I got dragged into the crossfire. Anyone with eyes could see that Serafina and her familiar
17:04had hit a wall. The Frostwing was a high-profile beast. And at first, Serafina lived for the attention
17:10he brought her. Now, he refused to even enter her room and openly defied her commands. She'd already
17:16made a fool of herself on the training grounds more than once. The reason I was involved was
17:20simple. While the Frostwing rejected Serafina, he started obsessively hovering around me.
17:25Every time I appeared, he'd follow me like a lost puppy. If looks could kill, Serafina would
17:30have left me dead in a ditch a thousand times over. Little roba. Doesn't that bird remind you of the
17:34kind of guy who dumps you, then realizes you were totally out of his lage and comes crawling back?
17:40He ignored you when you were beneath him and now he can't get enough.
17:43Nix was currently coiled around my neck in his serpent form. If I hadn't gripped him in time,
17:48the professor's unicorn would have been his lunch. The professor clutched her unicorn,
17:53saying how terrifying, though her eyes were twinkling with mischief.
17:57Since that girl can't afford to raise him anyway, why don't I talk to her? We'll find her a more
18:02suitable pet and just transfer the Frostwing to you. Professor Dawn, the unicorn's human form,
18:08a cute little girl, finally had enough. She clamped her hands over Whitmore's mouth,
18:12looking miserable. Please, stop talking. I patted Nix to calm him down. I'll pass.
18:18I'd rather stay far away from the tribunal. Besides, Nix is all I need. Besides, Nix is all I need.
18:25Whitmore looked disappointed. But the bird clinging to you like this isn't a long-term solution.
18:30A familiar estranged from its partner is worthless to the academy. He's just a drain on Serafina.
18:34She hasn't progressed past the novice stage in 10 years. The faculty is discussing sending her
18:40and the bird down the mountain for field training. I knew exactly what the headmaster
18:44and the professors were doing. They were protecting me. They had also officially given up on the
18:48Frostwing. This was largely thanks to the terrifying combat power Nix displayed.
18:52The Leviathan clan is born for war. Together, he and I could even hold our own against high-level
18:57professors. When Serafina heard the academy wanted her to leave for field training,
19:03she burst into tears on the spot. Grey Marsh might not be rich, but it never mistreats its
19:07students. She'd finally found a place that offered protection. There was no way she was going back
19:11to a life on the road. She even managed to convince herself this was all my idea. In her head,
19:16I was trying to drive her out. Just so I could claim the Frostwing for myself. In front of the
19:20professors, she wept like her world was ending, refusing to budge an inch.
19:23If Rowan wants the Frostwing, she'd only have to ask. She's an upperclassman, of course I'd say yes.
19:30But if she takes my bird, shouldn't she give me Nix in return?
19:35Trading a mutt serpent for a pureblood Frostwing? No matter how you look at it,
19:40she'd be getting the better end of the bargain.
19:42The headmaster shut her down instantly.
19:45Uh, Ms. Voss? Let's just focus on you and your bird, shall we? We won't be entertaining any
19:55creative trades today.
19:57All of this was relayed to me later, while they were dealing with Serafina's drama. I was at the
20:01Beast Taming Hall investigating a series of strange disappearances. Any magical creature that was
20:05unbonded or too wild to tame was kept here. But yesterday, two Kelbys and a unicorn had vanished
20:10into thin air. The Warden looked ready to break down. I don't smell their filth here.
20:30The Beast Taming Hall is carved directly into the mountain. The rock itself is enchanted with heavy
20:34anti-magic wards. Teleportation and phasing spells are useless here. Only those carrying the Academy's
20:39sigil can pass through. To steal three large creatures without a sound, the thief had to be
20:43someone who knew Grey Marsh inside and out. I was still running through the list of suspects
20:47when I heard the curator using a high-pitched baby voice to comfort a trembling pixie.
20:51Don't be scared. Big Brother Nyx only looks fierce. He won't eat you, I promise.
20:57That one sentence made everything click.
21:00Professor, do magical creatures ever kill their own kind?
21:04What a terrifying thing to say! These creatures are sentient! They would never-
21:10Oh, it's okay, pixie. It's okay.
21:13Humans kill their own kind. Magical creatures are no different. There's a type of forbib and sorry.
21:18Do you want to hear the details?
21:19Wild magical creatures don't have potions to rely on. They want to ascend. The ultimate shortcut
21:23is the Magitrain Essence.
21:26Ten years ago, Nyx nearly died at the hands of one of those monsters.
21:29The higher the rank of the target, the swifter the dark wizard gains power. Once they get a taste for
21:33it, they never stop.
21:35That night, we set an ambush at the Beast Hang Hall. But the night passed in silence. Nothing happened.
21:44A student came running toward us.
21:46Rowan, something's happened! At the dorms!
21:49His face pale as a ghost.
21:53Nyx shifted into the serpent form.
21:58And carried me straight there.
22:00His pupils narrowed into sharp slits.
22:02I smell blood.
22:03We heard the gut-wrenching sobs.
22:05It was one of the first years I'd been coaching. He'd come to Graymorph with a tiny kitten familia.
22:10Now he was cradling a blood-soaked clump of fur, wailing in a voice that broke my heart.
22:13You were right, it was a professional hit.
22:15Gutted for its core and killed in a single strike, it didn't even have time to scream.
22:18The kid only ran out after he felt the soul bond snap.
22:21But by then, it was too late.
22:23My heart tightened with a cold fury. Instinctively, my eyes searched for the Frostwing.
22:29He was standing obediently beside Serafina. My vision blurred with rage.
22:33Don't look. It was him.
22:35How can you be so sure?
22:37I know the stench of a dark wizard. That bird reeks of it.
22:42I reported everything to the headmaster. He listened in grim silence, then finally looked up.
22:47We can't alert him yet. We need to catch him red-handed. Keep a close watch on him and wait
22:51for his next move.
22:54But from that day on, the bird went silent.
22:57Not a single creature went missing for two long years.
23:00But Nex could still smell the stench of a dark sorcerer on that bird.
23:04Night fell, and I was meditating inside.
23:06Suddenly, a pair of blood-red eyes flashed past my window.
23:09A chill raced down my spine.
23:11I rushed outside into the silence.
23:13The moon was thin, the spring was calm.
23:15But where was nice?
23:16I ran to the water's edge.
23:18A single blue-green feather floated on the surface.
23:21It was an invitation.
23:22Find me, and maybe I'll give him back.
23:24I focused, sensing the bond.
23:27The back mounting.
23:28The seal.
23:29What the hell was that bird trying to do?
23:31The moment I teleported in, a violent shockwave of mana nearly knocked me off my feet.
23:36Nox and the frostwing were locked in a vicious duel.
23:39I froze.
23:40When had the bird attained his human form?
23:42He stood there in robes of teal, dodging Nox's strikes with effortless grace.
23:46And beside the sealing array, sat Serafina.
23:49She looked like a discarded marionette.
23:51I stepped closer, horror clawing at my throat.
23:54She was bleeding from every orasis, her eyes wide with a lingering, frozen terror.
23:58Her abdomen had been gutted, her magical essence ripped out and stolen.
24:02Nox!
24:03Get back here!
24:04Stay away from him!
24:05Nox faltered the second he heard my voice, taking a direct hit from the bird.
24:09He stumbled back, to me, clutching his shoulder, and looking at me with those damn puppy dog eyes.
24:15The frostwing hissed in rage.
24:17You did that on purpose!
24:19Nex bared his fangs.
24:21On purpose?
24:22You're the one who's rotten to the core.
24:24Killing your own binder wasn't enough?
24:25You had to come after mine too?
24:27If I hadn't followed your trail, she'd be dead by now!
24:31So those red eyes at my window had been his.
24:33He ignored Nex and turned to me, his gaze burning.
24:36Rowan, you were reborn too, weren't you?
24:39I stared back at him, cold as the abbess.
24:41What do you really want?
24:43Let me guess.
24:46You came back on the day of the rite.
24:48That's why you rejected me.
24:49Tell me, Rowan, what gave you the nerve to choose that snake over me?
24:54His face twisted into something monstrous.
24:56Fine.
24:57If we can't have this life, we'll try the next!
25:00I'll break the seal, let the monsters out, and we can restart this whole nightmare together!
25:05But next time, I won't give that snake a chance!
25:10Save your fake devotion!
25:13The Frostwing smiled.
25:15Too late.
25:16I'm only one step away.
25:18His hand moved through his flaring behind his back.
25:20The mountain groaned.
25:21The abyssal monsters sensed the array loosening.
25:24The ground groaned and trembled under their growing agitation.
25:27At that moment, a massive bolt of lightning tore through the clouds.
25:30Gathering right above the bird's head, beams of light erupted from the peaks of Grey Marsh.
25:35As the academy's defense systems flared to life, the headmaster's voice cut through it.
25:41Rowan!
25:42Hold the line!
25:43I'll reseal the breach!
25:46Lightning above.
25:47A tide of monsters below.
25:49And yet, the Frostwing showed no fear.
25:52Rowan, it's over.
25:53You can't stop it.
25:55Just come with me to the next life.
25:57I died here once.
25:58Same sky.
25:58Same beard.
25:59I couldn't breathe.
26:00I promise.
26:00This time, I'll give you everything.
26:03Then a warm, heavy hand landed on my shoulder.
26:06Nix let out of her.
26:07Sharp laugh.
26:08Taking her?
26:09Try.
26:10Nix stepped in behind me.
26:12Lifting it.
26:13Just slight.
26:14Like this.
26:17Steadying the wand.
26:18Adjusting the angle.
26:19Focus.
26:20His voice dropped low.
26:21Steady.
26:22Don't fight it.
26:25The tremor in my hand slowed.
26:28Say it.
26:29The wand flickered.
26:30His grip tightened.
26:31I guess.
26:32And then, his voice dropped over mine.
26:34What is...
26:34Vireira.
26:35The wand flared.
26:37Light burst from the tip, blinding, and violent.
26:39A barrier surged outward, tearing through the air.
26:45The barrier held.
26:46His hand, still over mine.
26:48I didn't pull away.
26:50Then the ground cracked again.
26:51Something below slammed against the barrier.
26:54Harder this time.
26:55My grip tightened instinctively.
26:57No.
26:58His fingers pressed tighter over mine, guiding the wand forward.
27:01We're not done.
27:02The fight's just starting.
27:04Stay with me.
27:05Nyx shifted into his massive serpent form.
27:07And launched his attack.
27:09I immediately wove my seals to cast a heavy shield over him.
27:12Every familiar has its own nature.
27:14And a mage must adapt to match.
27:16A leviathan is built for war.
27:18So the caster must master defense.
27:20A spirit fox is built for deception.
27:22Requiring mastery of illusions.
27:24A frost wing is built for speed.
27:26It needs a partner who can keep up.
27:28In my last life, my skills were wasted.
27:30I was a shield maiden trying to catch a bird that didn't want to be caught.
27:34But now, fighting alongside Nyx.
27:36I finally understood that a binder and their familiar, are more than just owner and servant.
27:41They are partners.
27:42Someone you can trust with your life.
27:44A traitorous beast who kills its own kin would never understand that.
27:48Nyx pressed forward with realer efficiency, herding the frost wing directly into the strike zone.
27:53Divine lightning coiled in the sky like a massive silver dragon.
27:56Ready to descend.
27:57At first, the frost wing relied on his pureblood arrogance.
28:01Assuming a mutt like Nyx could never defeat him.
28:03But a hundred strikes later.
28:05His face went pale.
28:06Nyx was hitting every vital point with lethal precision.
28:09While the bird couldn't even put a dent in Nyx's shield.
28:12He finally realized the truth.
28:13I wasn't going to die in a monster's jaws today like he'd planned.
28:17He completely snapped.
28:18No, this is wrong.
28:20You're supposed to die.
28:22We're supposed to die together.
28:23I stopped weaving my seals.
28:25Nyx splashed back to my side in a heartbeat.
28:28Looking down at the bird with a mocking grin.
28:30The frost wing froze.
28:31Realizing he was standing alone in the center of the array.
28:34I raised my hand and pointed to the heavens.
28:36I gave him one last smile.
28:38See you never.
28:39A pillar of lightning.
28:40Vic is a well.
28:41Lored down and struck him dead center.
28:43He didn't even have time to scream before he was erased from existence.
28:46Just like that, he was nothing but ash in the wind.
28:51With the frost wing gone, the real nightmare began.
28:54The monsters in the back mountain were on another level.
28:57They couldn't be killed, only seals.
28:59Especially the abyssal dragon.
29:01The previous headmaster gave his soul to anchor the seal.
29:04And even then, he barely managed to cage her.
29:06She's been stewing in her own rage for a century.
29:09The second she breaks free, she'll level this academy to the ground.
29:13The current headmaster and the professors were working frantically.
29:15But the seal was cracking faster than they could repair it.
29:18The freezing chill of the abyss was already crawling under my skin.
29:22Nyx was leaning against a tree.
29:23Teasing me about his reward for the fight.
29:26When he suddenly froze.
29:27He stared into the heart of the forbidden forest.
29:29His eyes sharp and predatory.
29:31What is that?
29:32He asked.
29:33The abyssal dragon.
29:35I replied, my voice trembling.
29:37His face turned grave.
29:38Wait for me out here.
29:39I have to go in.
29:40I caught his hand before he could move.
29:42I'm going with you.
29:43He frowned.
29:44Rowan.
29:45It's a death trap in there.
29:47I know.
29:47I said, looking him dead in the eye.
29:49In my last life, I died right here.
29:51I watched the frost wing shield Serafina and fly away, leaving me to be torn apart by the
29:56monsters.
29:57I tightened my grip on his hand.
29:59I'm not letting history repeat itself.
30:01I'm not leaving you.
30:05Nyx and I charged headlong into the shattered seal.
30:07The forbidden forest was a graveyard of toxic mist.
30:10Thousands of eyes tracked our every move from the shadows, hungry and cold.
30:13Nyx was no longer the little snake on my wrist.
30:16He had shifted into his true form.
30:18A massive, lethal serpent.
30:20The abyssal monsters had lost their minds to the darkness, but instinct still screamed
30:24at them to keep their distance from him.
30:26I clung to his back, whispering.
30:28What exactly are we looking for?
30:30His voice rumbled through his massive chest.
30:32The dragon.
30:34I nearly lost it.
30:36I followed him straight into the jaws of death without even asking for the itinerary.
30:40Then, he added softly.
30:42Rowan.
30:42I can smell my mother here.
30:45I'd always assumed he was just a hybrid.
30:47Part sea serpent, part siren.
30:49He never spoke of his past, and I never pushed.
30:51Now I knew the truth.
30:53He had sea serpent blood, yes.
30:55But his mother was a literal ancient dragon.
30:57No wonder he fights like a god.
30:59And seems like a dying toad.
31:01He told me his mother wasn't always a monster.
31:04Two centuries ago, a dark mage ripped the magical essence from his father's chest.
31:08Consumed by grief and vengeance.
31:10She lost herself to the darkness and fell into the abyss.
31:13I didn't have the words to comfort him.
31:15All I could do was lean forward and press a hand to his scales.
31:18But there was no time for heart to hearts.
31:20The monsters around us were starting to close in.
31:22Their patience wearing thin.
31:24Nick set me down, shifting back into human form.
31:27We stood back to back, a circle of two against the dark.
31:30Rowan.
31:31He said, his voice tight.
31:32If things go south, I'm going to throw you out of here.
31:36Don't look back.
31:37Just run.
31:38In that moment, the fear vanished.
31:39I looked at the horde and felt a strange calm.
31:42If the frostwing was right, and I can just start my life after I die,
31:46maybe that wouldn't be so bad.
31:48I felt him stiffen.
31:49I leaned my head against his shoulder.
31:51But you told me, I can only ever have one family, Naxx.
31:54I took that seriously.
31:56If you don't want to watch me get eaten alive,
31:58then you'd better fight like hell to keep me standing.
32:03The abyssal monsters had been warped by the void for too long.
32:06They were barely recognizable anymore.
32:08Just walking piles of teeth and homicidal instinct.
32:11They swarmed us in a frenzy.
32:14Forcing us onto a desperate defense.
32:18Naxx batted away a spray of toxic venom, his voice thick with regret.
32:22This is on me.
32:24I let my heart get in the way.
32:27I just wanted to see her one last time.
32:29Suddenly, I went turdy.
32:31Naxx whipped around, his face pale with alarm, thinking I'd been hit.
32:36But then he saw it too.
32:38The monsters that had been clawing at us just seconds ago vanished in an instant.
32:42The silence was deafening.
32:44Through the shifting fog, two blood-red beacons ignited.
32:48She was a mountain of scales and rage.
32:51Every breath she exhaled it tore through the fog like a hurricane.
32:55Beneath the scales, a woman's face.
32:58A horrific mask.
32:59The second she caught our scent, she lunged.
33:02Her massive jaws opened to swallow the world.
33:05I wanted to scream.
33:06To run.
33:07But my limbs were lead.
33:09In two lifetimes, I had never stood before a true god.
33:13This wasn't just fear.
33:15It was a primal dread etched into my very soul.
33:18But the killing blow never came.
33:20Naxx stepped in front of me, shielding me with his body.
33:24Mother! Stop! Don't hurt her!
33:28It's me! It's Ness!
33:32N-Ness!
33:33The crimson in her eyes flickered.
33:35Little Nine, end this.
33:37Kill me!
33:37The dragon exhaled her magical essence.
33:40A shimmering, pulsing orb of pure power.
33:42And motioned for Nix to shatter it.
33:44He caught the crystal.
33:46Those hands, strong enough to crush mountains.
33:48Were now trembling, unable to break a single, fragile stone.
33:52He looked at his mother with pleading in his eyes.
33:54I...
33:56I can't.
33:57The dragon was fighting for every second of control.
34:00Her body jerking as the darkness tried to pull her back under dot.
34:04The core slipped from Nix's shaking hands and floated toward me.
34:07Good child.
34:10You do it.
34:11I caught the crystal, my heart racing.
34:13The core's power slammed into me.
34:15A bolt of pure lightning.
34:17Raw energy began tearing through my veins like wildfire.
34:20A warm hand covered mine.
34:21I looked up and saw tears streaming down Nix's face.
34:24The first time I had ever seen him cry.
34:26He looked at the dragon one last time.
34:28His grip on my hand tightening with resolve.
34:31Goodbye, mother.
34:33With a sharp, crystal and crack, the core shattered in my palm.
34:36The dragon let out a long, final breath.
34:39At last, I can sleep.
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