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