Depressing and Bittersweet

House Silva, Training Facility

Sebastian, Acier, Nozel, and Dorothy stood in the center of the arena, dressed in loose-fitting House Silva training gear. They stretched lightly, waiting in silence.

After lunch, Acier had announced that she wanted to spar. No one had been surprised—until she went ahead and ordered Nozel and Dorothy to join her.

And if that wasn't enough, she also sent word for Mereoleona and Fuegoleon to tag along.

That earned her some curious looks, but everyone humored her.

The spectator stands were empty. Nebra, Solid, and Noelle were with their grandmother and Hilda. This sparring session would undoubtedly leave the arena in ruins—again. It wasn't a safe place for them.

And if there had been onlookers, no one would have gone all out, too wary of harming or implicating them by accident.

A moment later, the front doors slammed open, signaling the final arrivals.

Naturally, it was the Vermillion siblings.

Mereoleona strolled in, dressed in House Vermillion's signature training robes, giddy as always. That wasn't surprising. What was surprising, however, was Nozel and Dorothy's demeanor.

Sebastian's curiosity stirred.

Nozel wasn't the type to wear his emotions on his sleeve, no matter how much he enjoyed training with Acier. Yet today, his usual unflappable mask was gone. Fire burned in his eyes.

Dorothy, on the other hand, seemed unusually somber. Serious. A stark contrast to her usual playful nature.

Sebastian didn't ask.

Whatever was going through their heads, as long as it drove them to improve without recklessness, he wouldn't interrogate them over it. He trusted their judgment.

And if his hunch about what this was really about was correct… then Nozel and Dorothy were anything but fools.

Acier broke the silence, waving at the Vermillions with a light smile. "Finally, you two arrived. Took you a little longer than I expected—we almost started without you."

Mereoleona scoffed, displeasure flickering across her face. "Tch, blame this stiff next to me. Took some convincing to drag him here. Wasted my time like a fool."

Fuegoleon, unfazed, replied curtly, "Dear Sister, I have more pressing matters—squad duties, household responsibilities. If anyone is to blame for my workload, it's you, for abandoning everything like a wild beast and forcing me to shoulder it all."

For the briefest moment—almost imperceptible—a flicker of apology crossed Mereoleona's face. She winced slightly before shrugging it off. "That was your decision. I never asked you to take over. You could've ditched it too."

Fuegoleon's brow twitched in irritation, but he stepped forward with a polite nod. "Nozel, Ms. Unsworth, Lady Acier, Lord Silva. Always a pleasure."

Acier pouted. "What's with the formality, Fueggy? We're family. I've changed your diapers countless times."

Fuegoleon's stern posture shattered. His face turned crimson. He struggled to recollect himself—but fate was cruel.

Sebastian coughed into his fist. "I myself have done it a few times as well."

There was a quiet nostalgia in his tone. A hint of regret.

Before Nozel's birth, Sebastian had occasionally played babysitter for the two Vermillions, using it as training for fatherhood.

But life had taken its course.

And he had never gotten the chance to put those skills to real use—not for more than a day.

Nozel, who had been enjoying his cousin's suffering, suddenly frowned. A complicated emotion flickered across his face as he processed his father's words.

Fuegoleon, oblivious to the deeper undercurrents in the room, remained frozen, shattered like a broken statue. The humiliation was too much.

Dorothy patted his shoulder with a smile. "Mom's right, Fueggy. Call me Dorothy."

It was a small mercy that Fuegoleon was too stunned to react. Otherwise, he would have felt his last shred of dignity slip away.

Meanwhile, Nozel blinked.

A hint of jealousy stirred in his chest.

She's never called me anything like that.

His fists clenched before he forced himself to relax.

Then, silently, he began brainstorming nicknames.

For her.

Or for himself.

Only he would know.

Mereoleona sneered at her little brother, her voice thick with derision. "Pathetic. Falling apart at just some words—"

She froze.

Sebastian was smiling at her. Sly, mocking.

Never losing his grin, he cupped a hand behind his ear and mouthed four words. Let me hear it.

Mereoleona blinked, her face darkening as a flush crept up her neck. Grinding her teeth, she looked ready to gag, but in the end, she spat out hoarsely,

"Good afternoon, Uncle."

Acier, Nozel, Dorothy, and Fuegoleon snapped their heads toward her, eyes wide, expressions nothing short of incredulous.

Sebastian, utterly unfazed, smiled even brighter. "Good afternoon, my dear niece. How's your day going?"

A forehead vein popped. "Don't push your luck too much, you basta—"

She stopped again. Sebastian was still smiling, wagging a finger at her like she was a misbehaving child.

"Nuh-uh-uh, remember your manners."

Mereoleona bit down on her lip, eyes flashing red. It was an internal war—pride against honor. Honor won.

She forced a smile. Sweet. Bright. The kind nobles spent years perfecting. The kind she had never once shown, not even for her mother's sake. It was strained, visibly so, but it was a smile nonetheless.

With a slight nod, she spoke through gritted teeth.

"Apologies, Uncle. But please refrain from overstepping the terms of our agreement, alright?"

Sebastian's grin didn't waver. "Apology accepted, Mereoleona. And don't worry, it won't happen again."

It better not, she thought darkly, or I'll roast you alive.

She kept up the perfect, noble smile. "That's wonderful."

Fuegoleon gaped, speechless. Before he could even think of saying something, Mereoleona shot him a look—dark, venomous. He clamped his mouth shut immediately.

Neither Nozel nor Dorothy dared to test her patience either, both subtly lowering their heads, pretending to have seen nothing, heard nothing.

That made her feel a little better.

But only a little.

And it didn't last.

Acier, unlike the others, wasn't intimidated in the slightest. She blinked at the scene, then gasped. "Huh?! Mereoleona, you traitor! You've never called me 'Auntie' once! And I helped raise you! Changed your diapers just like Fueggy's!"

Mereoleona ground her teeth. "Acier, can we drop it?"

Had it been anyone else, she would have ripped into them like a street punk. But Acier was different. With her mentor, she had always been... meek.

Acier crossed her arms, tilting her head. "Absolutely not. Call me Auntie, or I'm not fighting you."

Silence.

Mereoleona twitched.

Acier had never pushed this before, despite her disappointment over Mereoleona calling Aurelia 'Aunt' so easily. But now? Now she was putting her foot down.

Mereoleona exhaled slowly.

More than pride, more than honor—her desire to fight the strong trumped all.

And right now, Acier was the strongest opponent here.

Memories of their last "spar" flashed through her mind. Acier had flicked her forehead. That was it. And she had blacked out.

Her shoulders sagged forward, posture slumping in rare, uncharacteristic defeat.

"…Auntie. Can we move on?"

Acier beamed. "Of course, my cute little Mereoleona."

She reached out and ruffled her hair.

Mereoleona stood still, face blank, looking absolutely done with life.

Sebastian wished he had a camera.

Then, he turned to Dorothy and smiled.

He didn't need one. She'd make sure that he could always replay this moment.

Acier, having had her fun, retracted her hand and clapped once, sharp and commanding.

"Alright. It's all of you versus me. Whether you cooperate or go solo, that's up to you. Are we good with that?"

Sebastian, Nozel, Dorothy, and Fuegoleon nodded without hesitation.

Mereoleona, a little disappointed—she wanted a one-on-one—crossed her arms and nodded anyway.

Acier smiled. "Great! To make sure this fight doesn't end instantly, I'll be putting some limitations on myself. Just to keep things interesting."

The five of them exchanged glances.

Acier lifted a finger. "First, I'll only use 20% of my mana. Any more, and I lose."

Her mana flared outward, for them to gage and measure-a sudden, suffocating pressure filled the space.

Everyone stayed calm.

Everyone except Fuegoleon, who stiffened, eyes wide, jaw slack.

Th-this is only 20%?! This is already stronger than Sister!

Acier, barely suppressing her amusement at his reaction, raised a second finger.

"Normally, royal spars end when someone admits defeat, gets knocked out of bounds, or is incapacitated. But for you guys, we'll tweak things a little."

She glanced around, making sure they were paying attention.

"As long as you don't give up, and at least one of your teammates is still standing, you can rejoin the fight—even if you were knocked out or incapacitated and manage to recover."

She smirked.

"My victory condition? Knocking all of you out before any of you can get back up."

Mereoleona grinned, cracking her knuckles, embers flickering from her fists. "Yeah, yeah, we got it! Can we start already?!"

Acier chuckled, shaking her head. "I was going to say a few more things, but... you'll figure them out during the fight. They're not really rules anyway."

She rolled her shoulders. "If everyone's ready, take your positions."

The second the words left her mouth, the five of them exchanged a look, backing away, forming a loose circle around her.

Acier stood at the center.

They were sizing her up. Tension crackled in the air. Muscles coiled. Eyes sharpened.

Acier grinned.

Then, with a snap of her fingers—

"Begin."

—

The moment Acier spoke, flames exploded beneath Mereoleona's feet like rocket boosters. She burst forward, a blazing missile locked onto her target.

Her right arm craned back, winding up, engulfed in a massive, roaring lion's paw of flame. She leapt, then swiped downward like a beast striking its prey.

Her claw tore through Acier's face.

But Mereoleona felt nothing.

No impact. No resistance.

Her pupils dilated.

An afterimage?!

A silver flicker darted outward from the center—too fast to track.

Fuegoleon barely registered the movement before Acier rematerialized right in front of him, smiling sweetly.

His instincts screamed. He jumped back—

Too slow.

Acier's arm was already winding up for a punch.

"Never stand flat on two feet, Fueggy. Always be on your toes!"

Just as her right hook was about to crash into his face—

Snap.

Fuegoleon vanished.

Acier's fist sailed through a swirling cloud of purple, pink, and coral mist. The air pressure alone blasted a crater into the stadium wall behind him.

She glanced over her shoulder—

Dorothy stood there, sweat beading on her forehead.

Just in time.

Another snap.

A second cloud appeared beside her, spitting out a bewildered Fuegoleon, who blinked in confusion.

Before he could say anything, Nozel stepped in front of him, his tone sharp and cold.

"Focus, Fuegoleon. This isn't like you. My mother isn't someone you can fight distracted."

Fuegoleon blanked for a second.

Mercury swirled around Nozel, fluid and twisting, before hardening into jagged rods and elongated pillars.

Then they launched toward Acier—some straight, some arcing, some looping unpredictably.

Fuegoleon's eyes narrowed.

His hands thrust forward, glowing orange.

Suddenly, the mercury ignited—encased in crimson flames, their speed and intensity surging.

Acier didn't so much as flinch.

She lifted a single finger, preparing a casual flick.

Ambient mana surged toward her fingertip, silver light gathering—

But—

Her finger froze.

Acier's eyes flicked right.

Sebastian stood there, arms outstretched, hands trembling, glowing blue.

A weak smile on his face.

He had frozen the blood in her fingertip.

Normally, he could freeze an entire person, even if only for a fraction of a second.

Right now?

It was taking everything he had just to stop a single finger.

But—

That was all he needed.

The combined attack of silver and crimson slammed into Acier.

BOOM.

A silvery-red explosion tore through the air, sending out a shockwave that cracked parts of the stadium. Dust and embers rushed outward, forcing them all back.

None of them smiled.

They waited.

As the smoke cleared—

Acier stood there.

Her veins pulsing silver for a slight moment.

Unharmed.

Not a hair out of place.

Her clothes? Pristine.

Nozel and Fuegoleon rubbed their eyes, disbelief setting in.

Dorothy, however, caught it.

A faint glimmer—silver flaking away from Acier's outfit.

You can reinforce clothes?!

Dorothy's mind reeled. The mana control necessary for that—

What kind of monster—

But before she could process it, Acier flickered—

Sebastian tensed.

He felt her presence—

Behind him.

Warm breath ghosted against his ear, as he felt a small nibble. 

"Not bad, Sebby," Acier whispered. "I look forward to the day you can dominate me completely."

His entire neck flushed red.

The dust from her movement obscured them enough that no one saw what just happened—

Thank god.

Acier's hand shot forward.

A casual flick aimed at the back of Sebastian's head.

His instincts screamed.

Blue mana flared around him—his body half-liquefied, ready to evade.

But—

His mana collapsed.

The space around them locked into place— as they were surrounded by a silver sphere.

A dense, high-pressure mana zone.

Sebastian froze.

Dorothy snapped in panic, trying to pull him out—

But her Glamour World cloud couldn't manifest in Acier's domain, where she controlled all external mana.

And then—

Flick.

For a split second, nothing happened.

Then—

CRACK.

The air itself seemed to shatter.

Sebastian rocketed forward.

No one had time to react.

He was seconds from slamming into the stadium wall—

At the last moment, his body flashed blue, bouncing back like liquid jelly before solidifying again.

He landed hard, dropping to his knees.

Sebastian clutched the back of his head, groaning. His skull felt numb. His brain—

Rupturing.

"Aghhh—!"

His water body could heal injuries.

It couldn't stop the pain.

Through the haze, one clear thought surfaced—

After I finish that auto-paperwork tool, I'm designing a trap spell specifically for aches and pain.

Dorothy bit her lip, her expression darkening as she thrust her arms toward Acier.

"Let's see you handle this, Mom!"

Acier smiled in anticipation.

Above Dorothy, a vortex of purple and pink hues swirled, then cleared—like a glass screen revealing another world.

Glamour World.

Inside, a blank, doll-like Dorothy with vacant eyes raised a hand and snapped her fingers.

A dragon manifested.

Strangely cute yet unmistakably vicious, it looked like something out of a child's drawing—light lavender scales, vertical coral irises in narrow slits, a mix of pink and purple armor, and a pair of feather-like wings.

Then—

It soared forward, bursting out of the Glamour World's gate into reality.

Fuegoleon's pupils dilated.

Nozel's expression wavered between pride and insecurity.

The dragon landed with a heavy thud, its body stretching a staggering thirty feet long.

It craned its head back, inhaling—

Then opened its mouth and—

"Meow!"

Everyone blinked.

Dorothy turned red.

Why does it sound like a cat?!

But she held her head high as the dragon spat a sundering lilac flame, the air shimmering from the heat. The arena beneath it melted slightly.

Acier didn't move.

She didn't defend.

Didn't dodge.

Dorothy's confidence wavered.

The flames rained down—

And then—

They crumbled apart, scattering into harmless embers before they could touch Acier.

Dorothy froze.

Acier's mana zone dominated the space around her, seizing control of all mana within its reach.

Unless an attack carried its own mana zone or was so overwhelming she couldn't suppress it in time, ranged attacks were useless against her.

Dorothy clenched her fists.

For all the strength they had, they couldn't hit Acier from afar. Not yet.

That left only one option.

Close combat.

Nozel and Dorothy grimaced.

Fuegoleon exhaled sharply, expression hardening.

Before they could regroup—

A crimson blur streaked past them.

Mereoleona charged, encased in a concentrated mana zone of her own, grinning feral.

"Have you forgotten about me, Acier?!"

Acier's lips curled into a matching grin.

She burst forward to meet her.

"It's Auntie, Mereoleona!"

Mereoleona snarled, flames surging around her fist. Acier's hand, now encased in a silver gauntlet, mirrored the motion.

Two spheres of mana zone clashed—

Both wound back their arms—

And swung.

Right hooks collided against left cheeks.

CRACK.

The arena beneath them shattered, a crater forming from the sheer force.

They hovered midair, fists dug into the other's face, neither willing to give an inch.

Then—

Acier's veins pulsed silver.

Mereoleona's eyes rolled back.

A bloody tooth flew from her mouth.

And then—

She was launched at a speed even greater than Sebastian before her.

Dorothy snapped her fingers just in time.

Mereoleona vanished—

Then reappeared beneath her feet, unconscious.

Another snap.

Both disappeared into Glamour World.

Acier clicked her tongue, shaking her head. Then—she burst forward.

Fuegoleon and Nozel tensed.

Nozel moved first, mercury swirling to form a protective dome. Fuegoleon shot a spiraling blast of fire, trying to buy him time.

It was useless.

Acier's mana zone moved with her, sweeping forward like an invisible tidal wave.

Spells unraveled before they could even manifest.

Their eyes widened.

And then—

Acier was already there, silver-gauntleted fists thrusting straight for their faces.

Just before impact—

Two balls of water splashed against Fuegoleon's and Nozel's backs.

A blue glow enveloped them—

And Acier's fists hit nothing.

Their bodies dissolved into streams of water, slipping past her strikes like slithering snakes before reforming behind her.

Acier's brow furrowed.

Fuegoleon and Nozel looked equally confused.

Before she could react—

Her instincts screamed.

She turned—

A rapier of water streaked toward her face.

Sebastian, recovered, charged forward, his weapon poised for a precise thrust.

Just as the tip was about to pierce her skin—

Acier smiled.

She ducked, graceful as a ballerina in a swan dive.

Sebastian rushed past her.

Sliding into a split, Acier sprang back up onto her toes—

Right behind him.

Sebastian spun, face impassive.

Acier beamed.

"Sebby, you can liquefy others? I never knew that!"

Fuegoleon and Nozel blinked.

Recognition dawned.

Sebastian's expression darkened. "I never said I couldn't."

Acier pouted. "Come on, Sebby. It was just a little finger-flick—no need to be such a sore sport—umph!"

She froze.

Water constricted around her, binding her in place.

When Sebastian charged over he, had left a piece of himself behind. While she had been focused on him, his clone had formed and crept behind her.

The liquid binding tightened, laced with mana zone.

Acier's own mana zone—

Collapsed.

Sebastian wasn't taking any chances.

Acier, utterly unfazed, smiled—cheeks slightly pink.

"Sebby, I didn't know you were into bondage."

Sebastian blinked.

Nozel and Fuegoleon turned red.

Acier let out a dramatic sigh.

"What is a poor little maiden like me supposed to do with such a lustful beast of a husband? The best I can do is satisfy his fetishes. Maybe then he'll be more gentle."

A single, imaginary tear slid down her cheek.

She meekly lowered her head.

"Go ahead, Sebby. Have your way with me. I won't resist."

Sebastian's forehead vein popped.

His face twisted in disgust.

"Why are you so weird?!"

With an annoyed thrust of his arms, Acier's body lifted, glowing blue, floating like a marionette on invisible strings.

Sebastian yelled out.

"Do you two need an invitation?! Hit her!"

Nozel and Fuegoleon snapped back into focus.

Grimoires floated before them.

Hands lifted.

"Mercury Magic: Silver Spear." Nozel's voice was curt.

"Fire Magic: Sol Linea!" Fuegoleon roared.

Four mercury spears—fluid yet deadly—curved toward Acier.

From Fuegoleon's floating sun-like orb, a blazing blue beam shot straight for her.

And then—

A swirling vortex of purple and pink ripped open above Acier.

Mereoleona erupted from it—fully healed, grinning manic.

Fist blazing, she plummeted toward Acier's head.

Acier's expression? A Smile.

Not a mocking one.

Not smug.

Pleased.

"Good job."

Sebastian's spine prickled.

Her voice came again, almost harmonic.

"This means, I can get a little serious."

Silver light flared around Acier.

His pupils dilated.

She can still use magic?!

Pain ripped through him.

His control over Acier's blood shattered, sending an inexplicable backlash through his body.

He coughed, spitting out blood.

His water clone—gone.

A piece of his soul—wiped from existence.

His vision blurred with agony—

Then—

A pop.

A crack.

A roar of pain.

Mereoleona's voice.

The light faded.

Sebastian blinked.

Mereoleona lay slumped against the arena wall, bloody and bruised.

Fuegoleon and Nozel panted beside him, drenched in sweat.

And Acier—

Acier stood above them all, poised midair, feet planted on an invisible platform.

Silver steel boots gleamed against the light.

In her right hand—

A spinning lance.

Its head whirred—

Like a drill.

Acier smiled, about to speak—

Then—

Her head snapped back toward Mereoleona's collapsed form.

Her eyes narrowed.

Purple and pink motes drifted through the air.

Acier grinned.

She hurled her lance like a javelin, laughing.

"Not again, Dorothy! Come out for Mama!"

The swirling colors condensed into a cloud, poised to whisk Mereoleona away—

But then—

It stopped.

Acier's lance had drilled straight through it, piercing Glamour World itself.

A scream echoed through the arena.

"Eeeeeek!"

Dorothy.

A second later, another cloud appeared—

This time, beside Sebastian.

It spat out Dorothy, who landed in a heap, trembling and drenched in cold sweat.

She looked up at Acier, tears welling in her eyes.

I'm supposed to be unbeatable in Glamour World… How can someone threaten me?!

She sniffled.

Sebastian sighed, rubbing his temples. "Get up, Dorothy. Now's not the time to cry. We need to—"

Before he could finish—

Dorothy jerked to her feet and snapped her fingers.

"Eat shit, Mom!"

Silence.

Acier blinked.

Sebastian blinked.

Nozel and Fuegoleon also blinked.

Then—

A vortex ripped open above Acier.

Something tumbled out—

Lots of something.

Cracked wooden planks. Shattered tiles. Splintered beams.

The revolting stench of urine and feces filled the air.

Sebastian's eye twitched.

She meant it literally.

Dorothy had physically yanked the warped remains of their old cottage out of Glamour World—

And hurled it at Acier.

Acier's face twisted.

Her nose scrunched.

She gagged.

Her hand snapped up.

A silver-steel eagle materialized in midair—

And dove.

It ripped through the debris, shredding everything into dust before vanishing.

Dorothy slumped.

"…Sorry, Dad. I'm out of tricks… and nearly out of mana."

If only I could pull her into Glamour World… But even then—she's too strong. This is way out of my league.

What am I even doing here?

Sebastian opened his mouth—

But Nozel moved first.

He crouched beside Dorothy, resting a firm hand on her shoulder.

"Come on, Dorothy. It's when we have nothing left that we reach new heights."

Dorothy's breath hitched.

Nozel's gaze hardened.

"How do we achieve our goal if we give up now?"

Acier and Sebastian narrowed their eyes.

Dorothy stilled.

Then—

Her eyes blazed.

She stood.

A hand lifted.

Fingers snapped.

In a blink—

Mereoleona vanished.

And reappeared—

Directly beneath Dorothy.

Sebastian barely reacted before lifting a hand and snapping his fingers as well.

A massive dome of water materialized around them, washing over their bodies with a soothing energy.

It healed.

It replenished.

Sebastian stepped out, watching Mereoleona stir.

Her wounds mended before his eyes.

He exhaled.

"This will restore your injuries… and some of your mana." His tone was calm, measured. "I'll hold her back while you come up with a plan. Alright?"

Nozel, Dorothy, and Fuegoleon exchanged a look—

Then nodded.

Sebastian sighed and stepped forward.

Step by step, he climbed the open air like an invisible staircase, until he was level with Acier.

Like her silver gauntlets and boots, his limbs gleamed—

But in place of steel, water.

Liquid reptilian armor coiled around his arms and legs, shifting like living serpents.

Acier grinned, cracking her knuckles.

Then—

She rushed forward.

Sebastian darted to meet her.

Their battle began anew.

Acier's Mana Zone surged forward, engulfing Sebastian's smaller one as they met—

Fist to fist.

The air cracked on impact.

Sebastian's arm cracked, splintered.

Pain seared through him.

But before Acier's fist could drive forward—

Sebastian's arm glowed blue, spinning like a whirlpool—

Then reformed.

The pain didn't vanish. It still burned.

But Sebastian bit down, pushing through—

And threw another punch.

Acier's smile widened.

She met his attack again.

This time—

Before their fists connected—

Sebastian's right arm surged forward, glowing, stretching—

Engulfing Acier's fist like a living tide.

Her brow furrowed.

Her arm was still there—

But it also felt… somewhere else.

Another space.

Another—

Her eyes narrowed.

She began to detonate her Mana Zone—

But froze.

Because—

Sebastian's left hand gripped the back of her head.

And then—

His lips crashed into hers.

Acier's eyes widened.

Her pupils dilated.

His tongue invaded her mouth, deep, passionate—

And she—

She melted.

Heat flooded her face as she kissed back hungrily.

Mid-air.

Mid-battle.

Shamelessly.

Below—

Dorothy, Fuegoleon, and Nozel lowered their heads, pretending not to see.

They kept brainstorming.

Kept not looking.

As for Acier—

She was in euphoria.

Floating on cloud nine.

Drunk on love.

Until—

Something felt off.

She blinked.

Looked down at her right arm—

Which had been swallowed by Sebastian's water.

Only—

It wasn't just her arm anymore.

Half her body was now encased in that slimy, jelly-like water.

Her eyes widened.

If she hadn't snapped out of it right then—

She would've been completely covered.

Acier's face darkened.

Her eyes blazed.

"Sebby," she growled, "how dare you use my love against m—mph!"

She didn't finish.

Sebastian tsked in annoyance—

And slammed his foot into her abdomen.

A sidekick.

A clean, brutal hit.

The impact freed her from his hold, sending her hurtling backward.

Acier twisted mid-air, flipping once, before she steadied herself.

Sebastian—

Glowed.

His entire body dissolved into thousands of water droplets.

Then—

They shot forward.

Like high-pressure beams.

A storm of blades aimed straight for her.

Acier grinned.

She expanded her Mana Zone, intending to collapse his water body—

But—

Nothing happened.

The droplets kept coming.

Just… slower.

Her pupils shrank.

Her mana senses flared.

She understood.

Every single droplet—

Had a Mana Skin.

A rudimentary pre-step to Mana Zone.

Meaning—

They wouldn't fall apart.

Acier's grin widened.

Her arms spread.

A thousand silver needles appeared, forming a spiked cocoon around her.

Then—

They shot out.

Every needle, a piercing blade—

Every droplet, a darting target—

Yet—

The needles hit nothing.

Because Sebastian's water was alive.

The droplets had minds of their own.

They dodged.

Weaving.

Dancing.

Acier's eyes narrowed.

She couldn't split her focus into thousands of directions.

She could only hit a few—

Before the droplets merged.

And formed—

A spear.

A sharp, long, deadly spear—

That lunged straight for her.

Acier's lance appeared in her grasp—

She thrust forward.

But—

At the last second—

The spear bent.

It curved.

It slithered around her lance—

Like a snake.

And—

In a flash—

It shot for her throat.

Acier's eyes flared.

She flickered—

And vanished.

A heartbeat later, she reappeared in the center of the arena.

Calm.

Unshaken.

Sebastian reformed above her, watching.

From the water dome, the kids—and a stirring Mereoleona—watched too.

Acier—

Expressionless—

Touched her throat.

She pulled her hand away.

Blood.

Her eyes narrowed.

Her mana flared.

A silver pulse spread across her skin, sealing the wound instantly.

She tilted her head up, smiling.

"Not bad, Sebby. You really are slippery."

Her fingers flexed.

"Got any more new tricks?"

Sebastian smirked.

"Actually," he said, rolling his shoulders,

"I do."

Sebastian's grimoire flipped as he took a slow, steady breath—

Then—

He spread both arms wide.

"Mana Zone: River of Heat."

"Mana Zone: River of Cold."

Two swirling rivers of crystal-blue water spiraled around him.

Acier's eyes narrowed.

At first glance, they looked like simple streams—

But one radiated an intense, blistering heat—

While the other exuded a piercing, bone-deep cold.

Just looking at them made her body react—

One side of her felt scalded, the other frozen.

She raised a brow.

"You can change the temperature of your water now?"

Sebastian nodded.

Then—

With a thrust of his arms, the twin rivers shot forward.

One—

A scalding inferno, just shy of turning to steam.

The other—

A freezing abyss, a breath away from solid ice.

On their own, they couldn't wound her like fire or ice magic—

But that wasn't the point.

Sebastian wasn't trying to hurt her.

He was trying to break her.

The rapid shifts between searing heat and freezing cold—

Were dangerous.

Unnatural.

Physically—

Mentally—

Even magically.

The rivers twisted together as they advanced—

Sometimes boiling.

Sometimes freezing.

Sometimes both.

Sometimes neither.

Acier moved.

She dodged with graceful ease.

But the rivers—

They followed.

Like living entities.

Like predators.

She soared—

They chased.

She twisted mid-air—

They curled after her.

She rose—

They ascended.

She fell—

They dived.

A rising and falling tide.

And then—

The rivers shifted.

A single, serpentine form took shape—

A snake.

Sleek.

Fast.

Flexible.

Its movements sharpened—

Its speed increased—

Its fangs snapped at her heels.

Yet—

No matter how fast it was—

It couldn't catch her.

Acier was simply too quick.

Too nimble.

Unless—

It had help.

A flicker of orange.

Acier's instincts flared.

She turned—

To find—

Mereoleona.

Healed.

Rejuvenated.

Standing in her path.

But—

There was no feral grin.

No wild excitement.

Only—

Cold, calm indifference.

Her fist ignited.

A Mana Zone-amped punch launched forward—

A black streak of flames streaked toward Acier.

Acier—

Didn't stop.

Didn't slow.

She tilted her body—

Just barely.

The flames missed.

She closed in—

But this time—

Mereoleona vanished before she could engage.

Acier raised a brow—

But she had bigger concerns.

The river snake was still chasing her.

And then—

A flash of blue.

Acier's eyes widened.

Another serpent appeared—

Identical.

Shooting straight for her from the opposite direction.

Now she was—

Trapped.

Sebby can cast two at once?

No.

He couldn't.

Something was off.

The mana felt similar, but not exactly the same.

She knew Sebastian's mana completely.

This wasn't just him.

And then—

She saw Dorothy.

Standing below.

Looking up at her.

Expressionless.

And then—

She snapped her fingers.

The two serpents—

Vanished.

A swirling vortex of purple and pink swallowed them—

Only for them to reappear.

Above her.

Below her.

Chomping down.

And that wasn't—

All.

A cage of mercury began to form around her—

Sealing off her escape.

While—

Two searing blasts of fire erupted from either side—

A cross of destruction.

Acier—

The centerpiece.

The water serpents—

Striking from above and below.

The spiraling flames—

Slicing from both sides.

The mercury cage—

Trapping her inside.

A perfect execution.

Acier blinked.

Then—

She sighed.

Her grimoire flipped.

A whisper—

Soft as a breath—

"Aegis of the Iron Maiden."

Then—

Boom.

The entire arena shook.

The stadium trembled.

The force of the impact—

Drilled a hole through the roof.

Outside—

The servants sighed.

They were—

Tired.

Of fixing this place.

Walls cracked.

Stone splintered.

Sebastian descended, regrouping with Mereoleona and the others.

They looked up—

Hopeful.

The smoke cleared—

And their hopes—

Were crushed.

Acier stood there—

Untouched.

Her clothes, slightly torn.

Her hair tie unraveled—

Letting silver strands cascade over her shoulders.

But other than that—

She was completely unscathed.

Acier gazed down at them, smiling softly.

"I won't lie. I'm a little disappointed. I expected more from all of you."

A pause.

Then—

She nodded.

"But that was a fine attempt."

Her voice was gentle, almost motherly.

"If none of you have anything else to try, we can call this a tie. It's getting late, and I'm sure we're all tired. Let's continue another time."

Mereoleona clicked her tongue in annoyance.

She leaned in, whispering into Sebastian's ear.

"Why don't you use that spell you used against me?"

Sebastian blinked.

Then—

He shrugged.

"It's too slow. I can't hit her. And you guys aren't exactly in the best shape to help me capture her."

Mereoleona snorted.

Nearby, Fuegoleon, Nozel, and Dorothy stood silent.

Their shoulders—

Slumped.

Their expressions—

Defeated.

Sebastian sighed.

Even 20% of Acier's strength—

Was still stronger than her full power before her awakening.

Maybe even more, with her new spells and heightened mana sensitivity.

They couldn't even force her to use—

Her Valkyrie Dress.

Or any of her grandest spells.

And what had they accomplished?

A single fleeting wound.

Some ruffled hair.

A few torn clothes.

Nothing more.

It was—

Depressing.

For him.

For Nozel.

For Dorothy.

They had set their sights on stronger enemies.

But if this was the gap—

How could they ever hope to reach them?

And Fuegoleon—

For him, it was even worse.

He hadn't known about Acier's power-up.

To him—

Even all of them together couldn't measure up to a fraction of her strength.

Losing was never fun—

But realizing just how far behind you are?

That was worse.

Sebastian clenched his jaw.

Then shook his head.

"Don't patronize us, Acier."

His voice was quiet, but firm.

"We know when we're beat. We admit defeat."

Mereoleona tsked, but nodded.

The others—

They followed.

None of them looked away.

None of them broke.

Acier—

Paused.

Then—

She landed before them.

Her expression—

Soft.

"That wasn't my intention," she said quietly.

"But I'm sorry if I came off as condescending."

She turned to Mereoleona and Fuegoleon.

Her voice—

Warm.

"Will the two of you join us for dinner? I'll have word sent to your parents to come along with Leo."

Mereoleona glanced at her brother.

Then shrugged.

"If this stiff is in, so am I."

Fuegoleon blinked.

Then—

A small, tired smile.

"That would be very much appreciated, Lady—"

He froze.

Acier's gaze darkened.

Fuegoleon gulped.

Then quickly corrected himself.

"I mean— we'd love to, Auntie."

Acier's smile returned in full.

She patted his head.

"That's great to hear, Fueggy!"

Fuegoleon—

Flushed red.

A groan of embarrassment.

The others chuckled.

It didn't erase the sting of defeat.

But—

It helped.

A little.

—

Noelle's Nursery

After a pleasant, quiet dinner, the Vermillions had returned home, and the Silvas had turned in for the night.

Yet—

Sebastian and Acier didn't go to their room.

Instead—

With Noelle in his arms, Sebastian, now dressed in soft pajamas, walked alongside his wife, who wore a sleek nightgown, towards Noelle's nursery.

Acier wanted to sleep there tonight.

With Noelle.

With him.

Sebastian didn't ask why.

He only nodded and followed.

And when he stepped inside—

He froze.

His eyes landed on—

The crib.

A memory surfaced.

He remembered it.

How could he not?

He built it.

Seventeen years ago.

For Nozel.

His voice came out quiet.

"You still have that?"

Acier smiled.

Nodded.

"Of course," she murmured.

"It's one of the most precious things you've ever given me. I've had it maintained and kept perfectly safe over the years by our carpenters and servants."

Sebastian bit his lip.

With Noelle snug in one arm, he reached out with the other—

Ran his fingers over the smooth, polished wood.

Acier watched him.

Her voice—

A whisper.

"You built this years ago so we could sleep together with our son."

A pause.

A breath.

Her eyes softened.

"We never got to live that memory."

Then—

A quiet offer.

"Want to try it now with our daughter?"

Sebastian's throat tightened.

His eyes stung.

Noelle peered up at him—

Curious.

Silent.

Sebastian bent down.

Pressed a soft kiss to her head.

She giggled.

And he—

Nodded.

"I'd love that."

Acier's smile was warm.

She stepped into the crib first—

Graceful.

Light.

Not a single creak in the frame.

Not a single indent in the mattress.

Sebastian followed.

Not nearly as elegant—

But still careful.

Still quiet.

They lay down—

Side by side.

Noelle nestled between them—

Belly-first on Sebastian's chest.

Tiny hands curled against his shirt.

She was—

Content.

Safe.

Acier pulled the covers up.

Shifted closer.

A soft whisper tickled his ear.

"Make sure you don't roll over in your sleep and crush our daughter."

Sebastian chuckled.

Low.

Gentle.

"I know."

Acier smiled.

One hand sank into his hair.

The other—

Rubbed slow, soothing circles against Noelle's back.

And then—

She began to hum.

A melody.

A lullaby.

"Close your eyes, little star,

In the night, you've come so far,

With magic shining bright above,

Feel the warmth and all our love.

In the forests, shadows play,

Lemiel's light will guide the way,

Tetia's winds will softly sing,

Underneath the moon's sweet wing."

Sebastian closed his eyes.

Her voice was—

The most beautiful sound he'd ever heard.

His chest ached.

Because he was—

At peace.

Because he was—

So content.

And because—

He never got to share a moment like this with his other children.

His dreams that night were deep.

And bittersweet.

—

Author's Notes:

[1] Some people have started asking me about Richita, we're going back to Hage, next chapter, but if you missed it in a previous note from before let me repeat, Sebastian sending her and the church transponders so she could talk to her son happened offscreen already. 

[2] Feel free to join the discord: https://discord.gg/s3MME8X8ar